Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom may notice that one of the park’s most familiar photo spots has gotten much more colorful.
The large banyan tree outside Yak & Yeti Restaurant in the Asia section has received a collection of new decorations. Bright fabric now wraps around parts of the trunk and roots, while additional strips hang from branches throughout the canopy.
Disney has also added bells, garlands, ribbons, and other smaller touches.
While the decorations give the area a fresh appearance, their arrival comes after a much bigger transformation for the tree. Earlier this year, damage from a deep freeze forced Disney’s horticulture team to heavily prune it.
Now, several months later, the tree has bounced back.
A Difficult Start to 2026
The banyan tree has long been part of the atmosphere surrounding Yak & Yeti. Its sprawling roots and thick canopy create a distinctive backdrop in Asia, and a Disney PhotoPass photographer is regularly positioned nearby.
But the tree faced an unusual challenge earlier in 2026.
Following a deep freeze, Disney began extensive pruning on April 30 as horticulture crews worked to address damage to the banyan and other trees in the surrounding area.
For guests accustomed to seeing its large canopy, the difference was immediately noticeable.
Fortunately, the situation improved as the year continued.
By July, the tree had developed a healthy-looking canopy again. The new growth helped restore the familiar appearance of the area, and Disney has now gone even further by introducing new decorative elements.
Bright Colors Take Over the Tree
The biggest change guests will probably notice is the fabric.
Orange, yellow, blue, red, and pink cloth has been wrapped around portions of the trunk. Bright orange fabric covers several of the tree’s thick roots as well.
Other strips are tied around branches, with loose pieces hanging through the leaves. Some of the longer pieces create a garland-like appearance across the canopy.
Not everything looks brand-new, either.
Some materials have deliberately weathered textures and faded colors, including pieces that resemble satin, mesh, and burlap. Mixing newer-looking fabric with older-looking materials helps the decorations fit the surrounding theme rather than appearing overly polished.
Guests who get closer will discover even more.
Brass-colored bells hang from rope and fabric in different areas of the canopy. Some feature small decorative designs, while another has a rusty appearance and wooden clapper.
Garlands resembling dried flowers and seed pods add even more color around the trunk. Ribbons and small ornaments have also been worked into the display.
A Much Different Sight Than This Spring
The transformation becomes more impressive when comparing the tree’s current appearance to where things stood earlier this year.
In April, Disney was cutting back large portions of the tree following freeze damage. By July, its canopy had filled back in. Now, in October, the tree is covered with colorful decorative details.
That means guests have watched the area go through several major visual changes in only a matter of months.
The tree’s recovery also speaks to the work Disney’s horticulture team puts into maintaining the living parts of its theme parks. Landscaping can face challenges that buildings and other permanent scenery do not, particularly when Central Florida experiences unusual weather.
In this case, the banyan survived its difficult start to the year and returned with a full canopy.
Now, it has a colorful new appearance to go with it.
For guests passing through Asia, it may simply look like another detailed piece of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Those who remember the extensive pruning earlier this year, however, will recognize just how far this popular tree has come.
