We got to spend a wonderful day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom yesterday.
But it was also CROWDED! Still, we took a look at alllll the latest updates so we could let you know everything new in food, construction, and merchandise!
Before we jump in, though, we want to mention how crowded it was yesterday! Spring Break crowds have certainly arrived in Disney World and Animal Kingdom is no exception.
We spotted high wait times and larger groups of people than are typical in this park. Be aware this may be the norm for the next few weeks!
Click here to see more Spring Break crowds!
Animal Kingdom Food Updates
Flame Tree Barbecue
Let’s start with a food update! Over at Flame Tree Barbecue, we got to try out the Loggerhead Turtle drink. Bonus! It’s got a glow cube!
This sip is Sprite with Granny Smith apple syrup, a sugar lime rim, and one solitary gummy worm. 😂 You can snag it for $9.99!
Want to see our FULL REVIEW of Flame Tree Barbecue? Click here!
Animal Kingdom Construction Updates
Pandora
Over in Pandora, we spotted that the Na’vi River Journey queue was being routed through backstage areas.
Doing so helps to keep guests distanced in the queue and in the nearby pathways.
Pandora also had more bioluminescence painting in progress near the floating mountains.
Discovery Island
A tentpole attraction of Animal Kingdom has officially closed for refurbishment. No more “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” for now!
But, this attraction won’t be gone for long. The closure is only supposed to extend through tomorrow!
To learn more about the refurb on this attraction, click here!
Animal Kingdom Merchandise Updates
Riverside Depot
Finally, let’s talk about merchandise. We spotted a few new items at Riverside Depot including this neat Pocahontas Terrarium Pin for $19.99.
There’s also this fun new Reversible Rainbow Lanyard for $12.99. This option is a good choice for hanging on to important cards while you’re in the park.
We’ve been seeing the Jerrod Maruyama Kingdom of Cute collection all over Disney World and now we’ve spotted Kingdom of Cute Coasters for $24.99.
Discovery Trading Co.
Fans of Expedition Everest might want to head on over to Discovery Trading Company to snag the Yeti Mini Backpack by Loungefly for $80.
Yak & Yeti Market
Yak & Yeti Market was having a mask sale where you can snag (non-Disney) masks buy-2-get-1-free!
Dino Institute Shop
Finally, the Dino Institute Shop at the exit of Dinosaur had this wild new Minnie Magnet for $14.99.
That’s all the updates we have from Animal Kingdom today! We’ll check in again soon!
Click here to see more of the latest updates from Animal Kingdom!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Headed to Animal Kingdom soon? Tell us in the comments!














Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
Here's how you could win a stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite!
Everything MISSING from Disney's latest major announcements.
Disney just made some MAJOR announcements at D23!
Disney just dropped a TON of movie news, and we've rounded it all up right...
The Yeti is coming back!
You may want to sidestep these restaurants on your 2027 Disney trip.
This classic EPCOT character is returning to the park!
Disney just gave us the name of one of the new rides coming to the...
Here's when the live-action 'Tangled' is coming to theaters!
We've got details about the dark ride coming to Villains Land.
We have a NEW look at the rally racer attraction coming to Piston Peak!
FOUR new Disney+ perks just dropped!
Disney just revealed even MORE Piston Peak news!
Disney just announced NEW information about Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom!
Disney just shared some new details about the coaster coming to Monstropolis in Disney's Hollywood...
This EPCOT Food & Wine Festival tradition is a cheese lover's DREAM!
So how do you get a stay in Disney World's most exclusive room?
You can pre-order NEW Loungeflys right now!
EPCOT's Spaceship Earth is getting new magic added soon!
We know more about the rides coming to Magic Kingdom's Villains Land!