It has been a HUGE week for Disney World news, with information on Disney Genie, restaurant reopenings, and things coming soon to the parks.
But there have also been quite a few exciting things to notice in the parks themselves! Today we’re taking you along on a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see what’s new over there.
Animal Kingdom Food Update
Creature Comforts
At Animal Kingdom’s Starbucks location, there’s a new limited-time treat for World Princess Week. Say hello to the Pocahontas Mousse!
You can pick it up for $5.99 and it’s made with pineapple-banana cake topped with cream cheese-coconut mousse. We’ll warn you — only try this one if you’re a big fan of coconut. (But if that’s your favorite flavor, then this was MADE for you!)
Click Here to See Our Review of the Mousse!
Animal Kingdom Construction Update
Front Entrance
Starting things out at the front gate, the biometric finger scan is back. Since spotting it at Animal Kingdom, we’ve seen this feature return to other parks as well.
For those who aren’t familiar, prior to the closure, guests were required to scan a finger after scanning their park ticket for security reasons. The procedure was stopped when the parks reopened and Disney tried testing out other options (like facial recognition), but it looks like we’re going back to the classic.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
In Africa, we noticed that the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail has a new sponsor! The entrance to the attraction had a sign noting that some features are available thanks to the company famous for its bug spray, OFF.
This sponsorship didn’t really affect the flow of the trail or any of the offerings that we noticed, but we’ll keep you updated if anything changes.
Click Here to Check Out Construction Updates In Other Spots Around Disney World!
Animal Kingdom Merchandise Update
Discovery Trading Co.
In one of the main gift shops, Discovery Trading Company, we spotted the new Stitch Crashes Disney Sleeping Beauty collection. These items had appeared in other parks as well, but here there were plenty of plushes and other souvenirs still in stock!
This collection has been particularly popular this year, with items flying off the shelves, so it’s no guarantee that these things will still be in stock on your next visit.
Windtraders Shop
In the gift shop in Pandora, we noticed something particularly unusual. The popular banshee toys that sit on guests’ shoulders and can be controlled with the wired remote were completely sold out.
Instead, the wall that usually housed the electronic banshees was home to several plush versions. Disney hasn’t shared if this is a temporary shortage or if they will return in the future, but we’ll keep a lookout.
Click Here to Check Out New Halloween Merchandise!
That’s all for Animal Kingdom right now, but stay tuned to DFB for the latest updates from the parks and resorts! We’ll keep you covered on all the important news!
Click Here to See What’s New at EPCOT!
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!
When was your last visit to Animal Kingdom? Let us know 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
Disney Parks around the world are changing up Christmas for 2026, with brand-new parades, holiday...
This Dash Disney collection is about to add a bunch of Disney magic to waffle-making!
We've got the numbers and know which Disney World hotels are your BEST options with...
A new shoe store just opened in Disney Springs!
Is it possible to DoorDash food from a Disney World restaurant?
Disney just partnered with Columbia to create the most incredible new collection!
You can bring home a bunch of fantastic Disney souvenirs from Amazon without making your...
We tried two new breakfasts at Coronado Springs!
Our baby Bakso is all grown up, and not only does he celebrate his second...
I followed expert Disney World dining advice, and it totally backfired for my trip.
Jennifer Lawrence just posted about her recent trip to Disneyland Paris, and we are OBSESSED!
Reservations are already filling up for the Diamond Horseshoe Lounge opening in Magic Kingdom!
We're predicting prices for Lightning Lane this November in Disney World!
Getting into Disneyland is about to get a little trickier.
Flight prices are going to remain high, even if fuel costs drop!
Six popular airlines are adding new routes and making air travel a lot easier!
Here's what we know about the six new restaurants that are scheduled to open in...
It's already time to start your holiday shopping, and these are the ornaments you'll want...
We have a new look at Lakeshore Lodge!
Disney World just announced the Celebrity Narrators for the EPCOT Festival of the Holiday!