Disney’s Animal Kingdom is entering a period of transformation, and one of its favorite dining spots, Harambe Market, is closing temporarily to make way for exciting changes. As part of the massive Tropical Americas expansion, Harambe Market has ceased food service operations for refurbishment, signaling a new chapter for this popular quick-service location.
What Guests Should Expect
Since late 2025, Harambe Market’s vibrant food counters—known for their African-inspired street eats—have been closed for renovation. Although the kitchens have gone quiet, the outdoor seating remains open for now, giving guests a place to relax while planning their next bite.
If you’re heading into the Harambe Market area, you’ll spot clear signage guiding you toward other quick-service options like Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari, and Restaurantosaurus. These alternatives ensure that no guest goes hungry during this interim period.
What’s Next for Harambe Market?
Disney has confirmed that Harambe Market will reopen in early 2026 with a fresh new menu. The revamped lineup will highlight familiar fan favorites such as burgers and chicken strips, setting the stage for Harambe Market to become a key dining destination, especially with Restaurantosaurus slated to close permanently on February 2, 2026.
In the meantime, nearby Kusafiri Coffee & Bakery is stepping up to meet guest needs, expanding their lunch offerings to include tasty dishes like:
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Harambe Chicken Rice Bowl
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Plant-based Picadillo Rice Bowl
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Harissa Chicken Wrap
These new menu options at Kusafiri are a thoughtful stopgap, giving visitors a taste of the flavors coming to the area.
Tropical Americas: A Bold New Vision for Animal Kingdom
Harambe Market’s makeover is part of the broader Tropical Americas project, a sweeping reimagining of the DinoLand U.S.A. area. This ambitious expansion celebrates the rich cultures and natural beauty of Central and South America and will feature an immersive new Encanto-themed attraction based on Disney’s 2021 hit film.
What sets this ride apart? Disney’s Imagineers have partnered with Jared Bush, co-director and writer of Encanto, to craft original dialogue and storytelling, promising a unique experience that goes beyond simply retelling the movie’s story.
Construction Update: Visible Signs of Progress
Construction walls now dominate the former DinoLand U.S.A., cranes tower above the site, and pathways have been rerouted to accommodate the work. The beloved Boneyard playground closed its doors on September 1, 2025, marking the start of a new era. Meanwhile, the DINOSAUR ride remains operational for now but will close on February 1, 2026, to make way for a brand-new Indiana Jones adventure that will reuse its ride system.
Recent aerial shots reveal that the project has entered a vertical construction phase, with steel framing and deep excavation work in full swing. These developments indicate the scale and complexity of the new Encanto attraction and other planned elements.
A Glimpse Into the Future at Walt Disney Presents
For guests eager to see what’s next, the Walt Disney Presents gallery now features a detailed model of Tropical Americas alongside upcoming projects like the new Monsters, Inc. coaster at Hollywood Studios and an expanded Cars area at Magic Kingdom.
This model highlights the planned Pueblo Esperanza plaza, complete with a beautifully hand-carved animal carousel inspired by Disney’s classic animated creatures, lush landscaping, pathways, and a quick-service dining venue. It offers a tangible preview of the immersive storytelling and cultural richness Disney aims to deliver.
What This Means for Animal Kingdom’s Future
The transition from DinoLand U.S.A. to Tropical Americas represents a major step forward for Animal Kingdom. Historically considered a “half-day” park, recent additions like Pandora – The World of Avatar have helped boost its status. Now, with Tropical Americas, Disney is poised to complete the transformation by offering a full-day immersive experience rooted in authentic storytelling and vibrant culture.
While some longtime fans may feel nostalgic for the old DinoLand, the buzz around Tropical Americas is strong. With its exciting new rides, fresh dining options—including the revamped Harambe Market—and beautiful thematic design, this new land promises to be a standout addition.
The temporary closure of Harambe Market is a clear signal that Animal Kingdom is evolving, and the park’s future looks bright. While guests will miss the current flavors during the refurbishment, the promise of a refreshed menu and the broader Tropical Americas expansion bring much to be excited about.
For now, guests should explore other nearby dining options but keep an eye on the horizon: Animal Kingdom’s next chapter is unfolding, and it’s gearing up to be an unforgettable adventure.
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