There are always new things to discover in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! This week we wandered through the newly re-opened Tree of Life Garden, enjoyed cupcakes as well as some Tasting Sampler treats that are sticking around, found a spot serving Irish Coffee, and spotted new Lion King Family Pride shirts for the whole family!
Now that the Otter Grotto is open, the Tree of Life Garden paths are completely open again, too; they were blocked during the refurbishment of the Otter Grotto. We enjoyed a walk along the garden path on our visit.
What’s New on Animal Kingdom’s Discovery Island
After watching the otters in their new grotto we walked along the Tree of Life Garden path to take in the views of the animals on Discovery Island and the details on the Tree of Life.
After our walk on the path, we needed a snack and drink! The Earth Day cupcake was still available at Creature Comforts (Starbucks) and Dinoland’s Restaurantosaurus, and it paired well with the new Irish Coffee at Isle of Java!
Head’s up — that Irish Coffee was on a temporary sign, so keep your eyes peeled for its hopeful return!
What’s New with Animal Kingdom’s Tasting Sampler?
Animal Kingdom’s Tasting Sampler program ended on April 22
, but we found some of the menu items from the Sampler sticking around for a bit! Mr. Kamal’s menu still includes the updated Fries with dipping sauces and Chicken Dumplings.
Dino Diner is keeping the Corn Chip Pie on their menu as well.
Kusafiri has removed the Tasting Sampler Curry from their menu.
Dino Bite Snacks took the Tasting Sampler Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwich off their menu as well as the regular Ice Cream Floats.
The Scrooge McDuck Bacon Caramel Sundae is no longer available at TriloBites. While updating their menu they also removed their Ice Cream Floats and Waffle Cones, too.
Terra Treats, Smiling Crocodile, and Caravan Road are also closed now that the Tasting Sampler program is over… for now, anyway. These seasonal spots will reopen for busy park days.
What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Shops and Stores — New Merchandise!
If you are looking for Disney shirts for the whole family, we found the perfect ones! Take a look at this Lion King-themed Family Pride shirt available in adult and kids’ sizes!
Will you be getting these for your family?
For fans of Simba there’s a new Simba-inspired sleeveless hoodie.
We love this new Mickey Tree of Life shirt, because just like the real Tree of Life there are hidden animals in the design.
We found these unique animal key chains — the fur is faux fur.
This is the first time we’ve seen this beautiful large display of jewelry in Africa. During our visit, a bead artist was there as well. We found this next to the area where the woodcarvers work and display their art. (See Joe Rohde’s Instagram for some cool insights about this jewelry!)
Have you seen this display before? Let us know in the comments.
What is your favorite part of visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!
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Guest says
Pssst. That’s a leopard, not a tiger.
DFB Sarah says
Guest, thanks! 😉
Christine says
Kusifiri has the best Mickey cinnamon roll ever. A must at animal kingdom
Katie says
How very earthy. There is a big on the cupcake!
Jane says
Katie, a big what?