Credit: Inside the MagicDisney’s Animal Kingdom has bid farewell—for now—to one of its beloved dining spots as Harambe Market officially closes its doors for scheduled refurbishment. This temporary closure is a key piece of the expansive Tropical Americas project that promises to revitalize and expand the park’s offerings, bringing new experiences to guests in 2026 and beyond.
Harambe Market’s Closure: What Guests Need to Know
As of late 2025, Harambe Market, known for its vibrant African street food vibe, has ceased its food service operations. While the food counters are shuttered, the outdoor seating area remains accessible for guests, at least temporarily, providing a spot to rest and enjoy the park atmosphere.
Visitors entering the former Harambe Market area will notice clear signage directing them to nearby dining alternatives including Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari, and Restaurantosaurus—three of Animal Kingdom’s other popular quick-service locations. This guidance helps guests navigate the park’s shifting dining landscape during this period of transition.
What’s Next for Harambe Market?
Disney has officially confirmed that Harambe Market will return in early 2026 with a refreshed menu designed to meet the evolving tastes and preferences of park visitors. The updated menu will emphasize classic quick-service favorites such as burgers and chicken strips, positioning Harambe Market as a key dining hub once Restaurantosaurus closes permanently on February 2, 2026.
Until then, nearby Kusafiri Coffee & Bakery has expanded its operations to offer lunch options to accommodate the increased demand. Some highlighted menu items now available at Kusafiri include:
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Harambe Chicken Rice Bowl
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Plant-based Picadillo Rice Bowl
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Harissa Chicken Wrap
This temporary menu expansion provides a taste of what’s to come and helps ease the transition while Harambe Market undergoes its transformation.
Tropical Americas Expansion
Harambe Market’s refurbishment is just one component of the larger Tropical Americas expansion underway at Animal Kingdom. This ambitious project aims to replace the current DinoLand U.S.A. area with an immersive new land celebrating the cultures, landscapes, and stories of Central and South America.
A standout feature of this new land will be the highly anticipated Encanto-themed attraction, inspired by Disney’s 2021 hit film. This ride promises to be a groundbreaking experience, featuring new dialogue and storytelling crafted in collaboration with Jared Bush, the co-director and writer of Encanto. Rather than simply retelling the movie’s story, the attraction will dive deeper into the Madrigal family’s world with fresh, original content.
Signs of Progress: Construction and Reveals
The Tropical Americas project has visibly advanced in recent months. Construction walls have gone up around much of the former DinoLand U.S.A., and a crane towers above the site. Walkways have been redirected, and beloved spots like the Boneyard playground closed on September 1, 2025, marking a new chapter for the park. Although the DINOSAUR ride remains open for now, it is scheduled to close on February 1, 2026, making way for an Indiana Jones-themed adventure that will reuse its ride system.
Aerial photos captured by Disney enthusiasts reveal significant vertical construction, including steel frameworks and deep excavations. These details hint at the complexity and scale of the upcoming Encanto attraction and other elements planned for Tropical Americas.
A Sneak Peek Inside Walt Disney Presents
For those curious about what’s to come, the Walt Disney Presents gallery now features a detailed preview model of Tropical Americas alongside other upcoming projects like the new Monsters, Inc. coaster at Hollywood Studios and an expanded Cars-themed area at Magic Kingdom.
The model showcases the planned Pueblo Esperanza plaza with a hand-carved animal carousel inspired by Disney’s classic animal characters. It also reveals pathways, lush landscaping, and a quick-service dining location, providing a tangible glimpse of the immersive experience Disney aims to deliver.
A New Era for Animal Kingdom
The transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into Tropical Americas signals a bold new direction for Animal Kingdom, a park sometimes viewed as a “half-day” visit compared to its counterparts. Past expansions, such as Pandora – The World of Avatar, began shifting that perception, and this new project aims to complete the park’s evolution into a full-day immersive experience with cultural richness and storytelling at its core.
While some guests may feel nostalgic about losing familiar attractions and spaces, the excitement around Tropical Americas is palpable. The new land’s vibrant themes, captivating attractions, and fresh dining options, including the revamped Harambe Market, promise to attract visitors eager to explore this reimagined corner of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Harambe Market’s closure marks an important milestone in Animal Kingdom’s ongoing transformation. While guests will miss its unique flavors during the refurbishment, the promise of a refreshed menu and the broader Tropical Americas project offer plenty to look forward to. As Disney continues to build this new chapter, fans can anticipate a richer, more dynamic park experience that honors the spirit and diversity of the Americas.
For now, plan accordingly and explore other dining options around the park while keeping an eye on the horizon — Animal Kingdom’s future is taking shape, and it’s shaping up to be spectacular.