We’re just a few short weeks away from seeing Disney’s newest animated film — Raya and the Last Dragon!

Animal Kingdom

The movie will be released in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access in early March. We’ve already been checking out all the latest trailers and merchandise for the movie. But, now you can celebrate the arrival of this film with a brand new experience in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Just a few days ago, Disney shared that 2 NEW experiences themed to Raya and the Last Dragon would be coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom soon. And today, we spotted one of them already up and action. If you’re headed to Animal Kingdom soon, be sure to stop by the Discovery Island Stage. Starting today and lasting through February 21st, you’ll be able to see some talented artists creating a Raya-themed display made entirely out of…SAND!

Raya and the Last Dragon Sand Sculpture in Progress

When we first stopped by today, the artists were just getting started.

Raya and the Last Dragon Sand Sculpture in Progress

A little later in the day, they had already made some progress! They’d started forming some of the shapes and outlining certain designs that will be part of the display.

Raya and the Last Dragon Sand Sculpture in Progress

The artists will be working on the design this weekend and will put a special coating on it once they’re done so that it doesn’t fall apart.

Raya and the Last Dragon Sand Sculpture in Progress

Once it’s done, this 40-ton sand sculpture will feature Raya, Tuk Tuk, Sisu the last dragon, and the Ongi, all in the fantasy world of Kumandra.

Raya and the Last Dragon Sand Sculpture in Progress

So, if you’ll be in Animal Kingdom this weekend, be sure to stop by and see these artists at work. Once the sculpture is done, it’ll be on display in Animal Kingdom for a limited time through the end of March.

Raya and the Last Dragon Sand Sculpture in Progress

In addition to the the sand sculpture, some Raya and the Last Dragon merchandise will be available at the park soon. We didn’t find any new items when we were there today, but one Cast Member said it may be available on Monday, February 22nd. We’ll keep an eye out for more updates on that. Right now, you can get some Raya-themed merchandise online though, and we have seen a special MagicBand themed to the movie too.

Raya and the Last Dragon Sand Sculpture in Progress

And there’s another new experience coming soon to Animal Kingdom too. Starting on February 22nd, 2021, you’ll be able to draw new characters from Raya at The Animation Experience at Conservation Station. When we stopped by today, we didn’t see any of the Raya characters available at The Animation Experience yet, but they should be available starting Monday.

Conservation Station

One of the characters you’ll get the chance to draw is Raya’s faithful companion Tuk Tuk. What is Tuk Tuk exactly? Well, Disney says he’s part-pill bug, part-pug, and part-high speed off-road vehicle. Also, as part of the Animation Experience, you’ll get to see a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration for Tuk Tuk, shared by Kelly Marie Tran (voice of Raya) and Awkwafina (voice of Sisu).

©Disney

So, if you’re going to visit Animal Kingdom soon, consider checking out these new activities. We’ll keep an eye out for more Raya and the Last Dragon news and let you know what we see. You can get ready for its release right now by pre-ordering the movie.

Click here to see a new Raya and the Last Dragon trailer!

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