If you’re heading to Animal Kingdom this July, there are some major changes you need to be prepared for. From new perks, a new ticket option, and BLUEY, Disney World’s newest theme park has a lot going on this summer.

Bluey has arrived!

Of course, the biggest thing to hit Animal Kingdom in 2026 is Bluey! The mega-popular pup and her family arrived in May as part of Bluey’s Wild World, a show at the park’s Conservation Station. The characters have drawn large crowds since they arrived and will likely continue to do so throughout the summer, including July.

Construction Progress

The major Animal Kingdom story for guests visiting in July remains the latest construction progress on the upcoming Tropical Americas land.

Animal Kingdom construction

The village of Pueblo Esperanza – and its headline attractions based on Indiana Jones and Encanto – are coming together quickly, though having such a large portion of the park shut down has lessened the number of available attractions considerably for now.

Disney Files NEW Permit For Tropical Americas Land in Animal Kingdom

Have a Lovely Afternoon

Disney is currently offering specially priced 2 or 3-day tickets that provide admission to one theme park each day, after 2:00 PM. The 2-day ticket must be used within 4 days of the selected start date; the 3-day ticket must be used within 5 days of the selected start date. The ticket can be used for any of Disney World’s 4 theme parks. These tickets can be especially useful in Animal Kingdom, as the park often empties out in the early morning since so much of it is currently closed for refurbishment.

Animal Kingdom

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Baby Ivy!

Earlier this spring, Animal Kingdom welcomed its newest giraffe calf, Ivy! Each animal in the giraffe heard is named after a tree (see Ivy’s mother Willow), and the team came up with a list of 12 names to vote on, with Ivy being the winner. The calf joined the Kilimanjaro Safaris savanna in June, making her a must-see for July visitors.

Ivy the baby giraffe!

NEW BABY ANIMAL ALERT! See the Latest Addition to Animal Kingdom

V.I.Passholder Perks

V.I.Passholder Summer Days, a “summer celebration brimming with limited-time offerings and exciting perks just for Passholders!” extends through the month, ending on July 31st. Annual Passholders (APs) who visit Animal Kingdom during the month can purchase new exclusive merchandise, including a Zip-Up Hoodie, a Tee, a Loungefly Crossbody Bag, a Baseball Hat, and even a Corkcicle Canteen at Discovery Trading Company.

Discovery Trading Company

APs can also head over to Chakranadi for an exclusive Popcorn Bucket featuring a design from illustrator Ashley Taylor.

Disney World Annual Passholder Popcorn Bucket

Passholders can even save big on dining, with 40% off at both Tiffins Restaurant (dinner only) and Tusker House Restaurant (lunch and dinner), on Mondays to Thursdays from May 1st through July 31st.

Tiffins Restaurant

Guests heading to Disney World in July will find a lot going on at Animal Kingdom. Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World’s 2026 offerings.

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Are you heading to Animal Kingdom in July? Let us know in the comments below.