Jambo friends! It’s time for another roundup of What’s New in Animal Kingdom!

This is where we take you on a fun safari around Disney World’s wildest theme park!

There’s been a bunch of new food, construction, and merch happenings at Animal Kingdom this week, so it’s best we get truckin’!

Food Update in Animal Kingdom

Multiple Locations

Remember the insanely adorable Mickey Light-Up Tree Popcorn Bucket we spotted this Christmas season at both Disney World and Disneyland? Even though its been wildly-popular on both coasts, we saw Animal Kingdom still had plenty in stock at various popcorn carts throughout the park. Whew!

Find out more about the Mickey Light-Up Tree Popcorn Bucket here!

Eight Spoon Cafe

Here’s something completely random — over at Eight Spoon Cafe they’ve added photos of their baked mac and cheese items to their sign! Maybe they thought having pictures on the menu would help sell ’em better, but we already know how delicious their mac and cheesy delights taste!

Read our review of Eight Spoon Cafe’s baked mac and cheeses here!

Dawa Bar

Over at Dawa Bar, African Spiced Nuts are now available for $5.99! We tasted a lot of cinnamon and nutmeg in the nut blend and they’ve got a good kick of spice to them too.

Read our review of the African Spiced Nuts here!

You can also check out their Harambe Iced Tea made with Don Q Rum, Snow Leopard Vodka, New Amsterdam Gin, Vanderheum Orange Liqueur, orange juice, and Sprite. The Harambe Iced Tea used to have limited availability, but it’s finally made its way onto Dawa Bar’s permanent menu!

Royal Anandapur Tea Company

Meanwhile, the Frozen Matcha Green Tea has returned to Royal Anandapur Tea Company. It’s been missing for the last few weeks, but is finally back on the menu!

Check out our review of the Royal Anandapur Frozen Matcha here!

Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks

Feeling lucky after spotting the Frozen Matcha, we made a trek over to Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks to see if the Pumpkin Pretzel had also returned — and he had! While this seasonal treat doesn’t appear very appetizing — it’s SERIOUSLY good!

Find out more about the Pumpkin Pretzel in Animal Kingdom here!

Construction Update in Animal Kingdom

Construction on the structure rumored to be the new Animal Kingdom Club 33 location is progressing as we noticed several workers on scaffolding working on the building’s facade.

We’ll keep you updated with any Animal Kingdom Club 33 news as soon as we know more!

Entertainment Update in Animal Kingdom

Can we take a moment to enjoy the new holiday decorations in Pandora: The World of Avatar for just a sec? If you haven’t visited the land of the Na’vi this Christmas season yet, it’s pretty special. Although most of Pandora isn’t decorated, Pongu Pongu (which is run by humans, or so we’re told) has decked its halls thoroughly!

They’ve strung Christmas lights all over the roof and even have some little Christmas artifacts from Earth!

Peeking in the windows, we could see some vintage pieces of Christmastime nostalgia including this jolly-looking Santa toy…

…and even Mickey Mouse makes a guest appearance in his little scarf and sweater!

There were also lots of paper Christmas decorations haphazardly taped to the windows like this adorable one of ol’ Saint Nick!

But our favorite homage to the guy in the big red suit was the bio mech suit Santa Claus! His hat and beard appear to have been fashioned out of whatever was lying around, but the impact it has is a truly holiday-inspired stroke of genius!

While you’re visiting Pandora this holiday season, be sure to swing by Satu’li Canteen to try their rare seasonal treat, the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Mousse!

Merchandise Update in Animal Kingdom

Riverside Depot

Over in the land of merch, we saw this “Made in the 70s” Shirt for $24.99 at Riverside Depot. We love the yellow background with the striking red, blue, and orange lettering!

Meanwhile, this “Happy New Year 2020” Shirt for $24.99 is putting off some major retro vibes! We think it should be required attire to ring in the New Year!

Read all about the New Year 2020 Shirt here!

Well friends, that’s all for this edition of what’s new in Animal Kingdom — until next time! We’ll be back soon with more food, merch, and construction updates as soon as we spot them! ‘Til then, we wish you a Merry Christmas — annnd a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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MORE Disney World Holiday INFO!

• Check Out ALL the Holiday Treats in Disney World Last Year (With Reviews!)




• Look Back at the 2020 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays BEST of the FEST!




• How Much Will a Disney world Hotel Room Cost You to Visit During the 2021 Holidays?

Are you planning a trip to Animal Kingdom this holiday season? Let us know which things you’re excited about doing in the comments section below!