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Pluto and Goofy Just Made a Surprise Move Inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom

One of the best parts of any Disney vacation isn’t always the newest ride or the biggest attraction. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that end up becoming family favorites. A quick photo with a beloved Disney character, a funny interaction, or a spontaneous hug can become one of the memories guests talk about long after they return home.

That’s why character meet-and-greets continue to play such an important role throughout Walt Disney World. While attractions often receive the biggest headlines, character experiences remain among the most popular offerings in every park.

Crowds of people in front of the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Credit: Christopher Paulin, Flickr

Now, guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom will find Pluto and Goofy greeting visitors together in a new location.

The pair have recently been appearing in the Asia section of the park, giving fans a fresh place to meet two of Disney’s most recognizable characters. The location sits near the pathway behind Drinkwallah and Royal Anandapur Tea Company, an area many guests pass while heading toward Expedition Everest or exploring the Asia section.

The move may seem relatively minor, but it reflects the ongoing changes taking place throughout Animal Kingdom.

Over the past year, Disney has been adjusting character locations as the park prepares for its next major chapter. The closure of DinoLand U.S.A. has forced Disney to redistribute entertainment offerings across the park, and character meet-and-greets have been part of that transition.

Pluto previously appeared near the Oasis area after leaving DinoLand, while Goofy was relocated elsewhere in the park following similar operational adjustments. Bringing the two together gives guests a more convenient way to meet both characters during a single stop.

For families with younger children, that convenience matters. Character lines can take time, and Animal Kingdom covers a large amount of ground. Having two popular characters in the same area helps visitors maximize their day while still enjoying those classic Disney interactions.

The Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park during the day.
Credit: Chad Sparkes, Flickr

The Asia setting also offers a unique backdrop for photos. Animal Kingdom has always stood apart from the other Disney parks because of its detailed environments and natural beauty. The pathways, landscaping, and architecture surrounding the new location help create photos that feel immersive and distinctly Animal Kingdom.

Guests can generally find Pluto and Goofy appearing throughout much of the day, making it easier to fit a visit into almost any touring plan.

A child and an adult joyfully interact with a person dressed in a cartoon dog costume, who amusingly claims they were "banned from Disneyland," while seated at a restaurant table. They are surrounded by greenery, and plates of food and drinks are on the table. The atmosphere is lively and fun.
Credit: Disney

As Animal Kingdom continues evolving, more adjustments are likely on the horizon. New attractions, construction projects, and future expansions will inevitably reshape parts of the park. Character locations may continue to shift as Disney adapts to those changes.

For now, however, Pluto and Goofy seem to have found a new home. For guests hoping to add a little extra Disney magic to their Animal Kingdom visit, the duo’s new location may become one of the park’s most pleasant surprises.

Brittni Ward

Brittni is a Disney and Universal fan; one of her favorite things at both parks is collecting popcorn buckets. While at Disney World Resort, Brittni meets the princesses and rides Kilimanjaro Safaris. At Universal, Brittni enjoys the Minions and watching Animal Actors on Location! When not at Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando, Brittni spends time with her family and pets.

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