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Major Entertainment Updates Are Headed to Animal Kingdom!

Since its opening in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort has skyrocketed from what many considered a “half-day Park” to a Guest favorite theme park. There is so much to see and do at Animal Kingdom — Guests can be transported to the African savanna and see elephants, journey up a forbidden mountain and encounter a Yeti, and even fly on the back of a banshee at Pandora – The World of Avatar. The attractions, food, and entertainment are all top-notch and make Animal Kingdom a one-of-a-kind theme park.

Giraffes Kilimanjaro Safaris
Credit: Disney

When Animal Kingdom reopened after a months-long closure, it was not the same Park Guests had known and loved. Dining experiences were limited and modified, shows were not open yet, and Guests were told to maintain a safe distance from each other. The pandemic had changed the way people experienced the Parks, and they waited anxiously for things to get back to the way they once were.

Animal Kingdom Social Distance
Credit: Disney

Well, it has been nearly two years, but things are nearly back to normal at Animal Kingdom! Disney’s 50th Anniversary celebration has also breathed a refreshing air into the Park. Disney introduced a new show to the Park for the 50th — Disney KiteTails. KiteTails celebrates the magic of Disney storytelling as large kites fly above the Discovery River Amphitheater.

Disney KiteTails
Credit: Disney

Disney has also shared big updates coming to some of the Park’s most popular entertainment! Not only are Mickey and Minnie meet and greets set to make their return to Adventurers Outpost, but the ballet birds are returning to Celebration of Festival of the Lion King, and a brand-new reimagined Finding Nemo stage show will be coming soon as well!

Disney Parks Blog shared more information on the return of some favorite Guest experiences.

Speaking of guest favorites, you may have seen a teaser recently about a certain group of high-flying primates making their return to “Festival of the Lion King.” It’s true! Not only will the delightful Tumble Monkeys be back to their acrobatic hijinks this summer, but the show’s iconic birds will once again soar above the stage. That’s sure to have our guests feeling the love!

That’s not the only excitement on the horizon. Guests visiting the park will soon be able to share a high-five with Mickey & Minnie at Adventurers Outpost and take in the newly updated “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond” – both opening in the coming months as we continue to add even more magic to The World’s Most Magical Celebration!

Tumble Monkeys
Credit: Disney

Prior to the pandemic shutdown, Finding Nemo: The Musical had been a staple at Animal Kingdom. However, Disney decided to use the closure to reimagine the show and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… And Beyond” was created. Here is more information on the new show:

Based on Disney and Pixar’s film Finding Nemo, this exciting stage show invites you to discover the familiar tale of Nemo and friends from a whole new point of view, as well as fan favorite songs such as “In the Big Blue World” and “Go with the Flow.”

The adventure begins by catching up with the fish from Dr. P. Sherman’s office in Finding Nemo who made their way across the ocean to the Marine Life Institute.

With live performers, animated backdrops and a theater decked out with innovative lighting, sound and special effects to create Nemo’s undersea environment, this newly updated show takes you back to the extraordinary underwater world—all over again!

Finding Nemo Show Animal Kingdom
Credit: Disney

While Disney has not given official return and opening dates for the above entertainment, summer is just a few months away, so the new and returning experiences will be here before we know it!

What are you most excited to experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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