The Great Character Migration: How to Find Your Favorites in Animal Kingdom’s New 2026 Layout

If you’ve walked into Disney’s Animal Kingdom this week, you might have noticed that the “heart” of the park is beating to a very different rhythm. As of February 6, 2026, the park’s physical landscape has officially entered a state of flux. With the permanent closure of DinoLand U.S.A. on February 1 and the high-energy debut of Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Late last year, the park’s residents were on the move.

The “Great Migration” isn’t just for the wildebeests on the savanna anymore. Following a massive character shakeup, almost every major meet-and-greet has shifted locations. If you’re looking for a hug, an autograph, or that perfect selfie, your old maps are officially obsolete. Here is your definitive guide to finding the “Fab Five,” the Zootopia crew, and the residents of the Discovery River in this new era of construction.

The Oasis: A New First Impression

The most startling change happens before you even see the Tree of Life. In an effort to pull crowds away from the construction walls surrounding the former DinoLand site, Disney has turned The Oasis (the park’s entrance gardens) into a central character hub.

Donald and Daisy Duck

The “Dino-Bash” is officially extinct. Donald and Daisy have traded their sequined dinosaur waistcoats for their classic safari khakis.

• New Location: You can now find them meeting together on the Oasis East Trail.
• Pro Tip: Look for them on the right-hand path immediately after passing through the turnstiles. Because this is a high-traffic area, they are most accessible during the first two hours of park operation.

Chip ‘n’ Dale: Outside the Gates

In one of the most radical moves of the 2026 shakeup, the mischievous chipmunks have vacated the park interior entirely.

• New Location: The Palm Courtyard, located just outside the main entrance near the security screening area and the Joffrey’s Coffee stand.
• Why the move? By placing Chip ‘n’ Dale outside the gates, Disney is providing entertainment for guests waiting in long security lines while simultaneously freeing up narrow interior pathways that are currently bottlenecked by construction walls.

Discovery Island: The Zootopia Epicenter

With the Zootopia: Better Zoogether! show now a certified hit in the Tree of Life Theater, Discovery Island has become the park’s most crowded neighborhood. This has led to a significant “re-shuffling” of the island’s permanent residents.

Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde

The stars of the show have taken over the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot (the location previously occupied by Dug and Russell).

• The Vibe: They are currently sporting their Zootopia 2 detective gear.
• The Wait: Expect wait times here to hover around 45–60 minutes. The high turnover from the adjacent theater means this area is almost always bustling.

Dug and Russell: Adventure is Elsewhere

Don’t panic—the Wilderness Explorers are still earning their badges. To make room for the Zootopia takeover, the duo has moved to the West Discovery Island Trail.

• How to find them: Take the path toward the left of the Tree of Life (heading toward Africa). They are tucked away in a lush, shaded alcove that offers a much more “wild” backdrop than their previous spot.

Africa: Bird-Watching and Bluey Prep

As the park prepares for the next phase of construction, even the village of Harambe is seeing a character shuffle.

Goofy: The Harambe Resident

Goofy has officially abandoned the carnival games of DinoLand and moved to the Harambe Train Station.

• The Look: He is still in his fan-favorite bird-watching gear, complete with binoculars and a vest full of “research” notes.
• The Catch: He is meeting guests near the platform of the Wildlife Express Train. However, take note: Rafiki’s Planet Watch is scheduled to close on February 23, 2026, to make way for the new Bluey and Bingo experience. Goofy is expected to remain in Harambe, but his exact location may shift once the train stops running for the Summer 2026 refurbishment.

The “Permanent” Staples: New Details Hidden in Plain Sight

Even the locations that haven’t moved have been updated to reflect the arrival of Tropical Americas (the new land replacing DinoLand in 2027).

Strategy: Navigating the 2026 “Character Squeeze”

With roughly 15% of the park’s walkable land currently behind construction walls for the Indiana Jones and Encanto projects, navigating meet-and-greets requires a tactical approach.

Note on Flotillas: Disney has increased the frequency of the Discovery River Flotillas. If you don’t want to stand in a 60-minute line, head to the bridge between Africa and Discovery Island. You can regularly see Timon, Rafiki, and the cast of The Lion King waving from the water.

How to Handle the Changes:

1. The “Welcome/Farewell” Strategy: Since Chip ‘n’ Dale are outside the gates, plan to meet them after you’ve finished your day. It’s a great way to kill time while waiting for a rideshare or bus.
2. The App is Your Lifeline: Because many characters (like Goofy and the Zootopia crew) are in high-demand areas, Disney is frequently using “Pop-up” times. Check the My Disney Experience “Characters map every hour.
3. The Mural Photo: Even if you’ve met Mickey and Minnie a hundred times, visit Adventurers Outpost specifically to see the new mural. It is the first permanent piece of “Tropical Americas” concept art to be installed as a physical set piece in the park.

Conclusion: A Park in Transition

Animal Kingdom in 2026 is a park caught between two worlds. While it’s bittersweet to see the kitschy DINOSAUR outfits retired and the Dino-Bash stage dismantled, the “Great Migration” is a necessary step toward the future.

By relocating favorites like Donald and Daisy to the entrance and elevating Nick and Judy to the center stage, Disney is clearing the path for the arrival of Indiana Jones, Mirabel, and Bluey. The “Character Shakeup” is more than just a logistical move—it’s the first chapter of the park’s next great adventure.