Disney’s Animal Kingdom is unlike any other theme park, blending thrilling attractions with real animals, lush landscapes, and a deep commitment to conservation. This is The Main Street Mouse home for everything Animal Kingdom: the latest news, attraction updates, animal stories, dining, and what is coming next.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998, Earth Day. The park is centered on the Tree of Life on Discovery Island and includes Pandora, The World of Avatar, Africa, Asia, and Rafiki’s Planet Watch, with the new Tropical Americas opening in 2027. This page updates automatically as we publish new Animal Kingdom stories.
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Latest Animal Kingdom News
- Disney World Holiday Food 2026 Guide: The Festive Treats We Can’t Wait to Try October 26, 2026
- Joe Rohde Says Disney Will Replace the Expedition Everest Yeti, Not Fix It October 7, 2026
- Mickey Mouse Souvenir Plates Arrive at Walt Disney World, and They’re Only $3 October 6, 2026
- Animal Kingdom Holidays 2026: Santa’s Holiday Grove, Merry Menagerie and More October 6, 2026
- Disney Is Bringing the Yeti Audio-Animatronic Back to Life Inside Expedition Everest August 20, 2026
- How Kendi the White Rhino Regained Her Sight at Disney’s Animal Kingdom June 8, 2026
- Bluey’s Wild World Virtual Queue Ending Already at Disney’s Animal Kingdom May 29, 2026
- Review- Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station May 27, 2026
What’s Coming to Animal Kingdom
DinoLand U.S.A. has closed to make way for Tropical Americas, opening in 2027 with attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.
- Updates on Tropical Americas Coming to Animal Kingdom
- Original Encanto Cast Confirmed to Return for the New Attraction
- Disney Is Bringing the Yeti Back to Life Inside Expedition Everest
- Joe Rohde Says Disney Will Replace the Expedition Everest Yeti, Not Fix It
Animal Kingdom Lands and Attractions
Pandora, The World of Avatar
Floating mountains, glowing plants at night, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Na’vi River Journey. Do not miss the interactive shoulder banshees.
Africa
Kilimanjaro Safaris, the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, and Festival of the Lion King. Read our Savor the Savanna review.
Asia
Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, and the Maharajah Jungle Trek, home to the park’s tigers.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Conservation Station is now home to Bluey’s Wild World. Read our Bluey’s Wild World review and first look.
Animal Stories
The animals are the heart of this park, and the Disney animal care teams always have good news to share.
- How Kendi the White Rhino Regained Her Sight
- Happy Birthday, Bakso! A Very Special Tiger Turns 2
- Meet the New Baby Giraffe at Animal Kingdom
- Disney’s Hippo Viviana Turns 50
Animal Kingdom Dining and Treats
- Best Food and Snacks to Try at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- New Flavors Debut as Tiffins Celebrates 10 Years
- Something New Is Coming to Pizzafari
Plan Your Animal Kingdom Day
Animal Kingdom often opens and closes earlier than the other parks, and many animals are most active in the morning, so plan to arrive early. Visiting this holiday season? See Animal Kingdom Holidays 2026: Santa’s Holiday Grove, Merry Menagerie and More. Start with Michele’s Top Ten Tips for Walt Disney World. Ready to book? Our trusted travel partner, MEI Travel and Mouse Fan Travel, can help with tickets, resorts, and dining reservations.
Animal Kingdom FAQ
When did Disney’s Animal Kingdom open?
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998, which was Earth Day.
Are the animals at Animal Kingdom real?
Yes. The park is home to hundreds of animals cared for by Disney’s animal care and conservation teams, including giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers, gorillas, and hippos.
What is coming next to Animal Kingdom?
Tropical Americas is being built where DinoLand U.S.A. once stood and is set to open in 2027, with new attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones. Follow our Animal Kingdom news for the latest updates.
What is your favorite part of Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments or on our social channels, and explore the rest of our Walt Disney World News and Guide.