Another Animal Attraction Closing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – What To Know
A last-minute refurbishment has been announced for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with work set to begin on February 17.
A New Era for Animal Kingdom
Some huge changes are afoot at Animal Kingdom right now, with the most significant coming to the former site (dare we say grave) of DinoLand U.S.A.
As was announced at D23 Expo, Tropical Americas will replace the wonderfully wacky land. The transformation is already underway, with the closure of Dino-Rama earlier this year. Once complete, the new land will feature attractions inspired by Encanto (2021) and Indiana Jones, with the latter taking over the existing DINOSAUR ride.
Elsewhere in the park, It’s Tough to Be a Bug! at the Tree of Life is set to close in March. Later this year, it will be replaced by Zootopia: Better Zoogether!, a new immersive show based on the 2016 animated hit.
Since its opening in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has distinguished itself from the other Walt Disney World parks by focusing on conservation and immersive environments rather than traditional thrill rides. However, as the resort increasingly leans into more IP-driven experiences, Animal Kingdom is undergoing a shift that could redefine its identity.
While these changes spark debate among fans, one thing remains constant—Disney’s commitment to its animal exhibits. That dedication is evident in an upcoming refurbishment.
Bat Exhibit Closing for Renovation
According to an official notice from Walt Disney World, the bat exhibit at Maharajah Jungle Trek will close for refurbishment starting February 17.
This closure is the latest in a series of refurbishments aimed at maintaining and improving Animal Kingdom’s wildlife attractions. In 2023, the Maharajah Jungle Trek aviary underwent maintenance, and in 2021, the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail saw temporary closures for upgrades. That same year, work on Kilimanjaro Safaris prompted a brief removal of the lions from their habitat.
Currently, Animal Kingdom is home to 5,000 animals across 300 species, including elephants, hippos, gorillas, and gibbons. One of the park’s biggest recent attractions has been its newest resident—Bakso, a baby tiger whose public debut earlier this month drew wait times exceeding two hours, surpassing every ride in the park (and proving that Animal Kingdom still has major pull, IP or not).
Do you think Animal Kingdom is changing for the better?
