Credit: Animal KingdomAnimal Kingdom is in the middle of one of its biggest transitions in years. Dinoland U.S.A. permanently closed on February 2, 2026, removing an entire land from the park’s footprint. Not long after, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and several of its offerings also went dark as Disney prepares for a new Bluey experience later this year.
That means the Wildlife Express Train, Conservation Station, the Affection Section petting zoo, and The Animation Experience are currently unavailable. Three of those are expected to return. The animation class will not.
With entire sections now closed, it’s fair for guests to wonder what Animal Kingdom looks like right now — and what’s still available.
The good news? There’s still quite a bit to do. But the balance of the park has shifted.
What’s Currently Closed
With Dinoland gone and Rafiki’s Planet Watch inaccessible, Animal Kingdom has lost both a full land and a quieter, educational corner of the park.
The Wildlife Express Train is not operating, which means guests cannot access Conservation Station or Affection Section. The Animation Experience has ended entirely. These closures remove some of the hands-on and behind-the-scenes offerings that helped round out a day at the park.
For families with small children, especially those who enjoyed petting animals or learning how to draw Disney characters, the absence is noticeable.
But that doesn’t mean the park is empty.
The Thrill Rides Still Standing
If you’re looking for bigger attractions, Animal Kingdom’s headliners are still very much in place.
Expedition Everest continues to roar through Asia, offering one of the most intense coasters at Walt Disney World. It remains a must-do for thrill seekers.
Over in Pandora – The World of Avatar, Avatar Flight of Passage is still one of the most popular rides in all four parks. Its immersive simulator experience regularly draws some of the longest wait times in Central Florida. Right next door, Na’vi River Journey offers a calmer boat ride through a bioluminescent rainforest.
Kali River Rapids is also operating, giving guests a soaking adventure through the jungles of Asia — especially appealing during warmer months.
And then there’s Kilimanjaro Safaris. This attraction continues to be the heart of Animal Kingdom. Each ride is slightly different depending on animal activity, making it one of the most unique experiences at Walt Disney World. Watching elephants roam or spotting cheetahs in the distance reminds guests what this park is truly about.
Shows and Live Entertainment
Animal Kingdom still shines when it comes to stage productions and live performances.
Festival of the Lion King remains one of the strongest live shows on Disney property. Its music, acrobatics, and high-energy performances consistently draw full audiences.
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! also continues to run throughout the day, bringing colorful puppetry and familiar songs to an indoor theater setting.
For guests who prefer outdoor entertainment, Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight showcases macaws soaring across the sky near the Tree of Life. Feathered Friends in Flight! offers a closer look at bird behavior and training inside Asia.
Street performers like the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe and Viva Gaia Street Band! add bursts of music and movement throughout the park. These performances often surprise guests as they move between attractions.
Animal Trails and Exhibits
Animal Kingdom still delivers when it comes to animal encounters — even without Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in Africa allows guests to observe gorillas, hippos, and exotic birds up close. Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia features tigers, bats, and other species in detailed environments.
Discovery Island Trails wind around the Tree of Life and offer quiet viewing areas for smaller animals.
Throughout the park, guests can also spot flamingos, kangaroos, zebras, rhinos, giraffes, and more within various habitats. These exhibits remain a core part of the Animal Kingdom experience.
For kids, Wilderness Explorers is still available. Children can complete activities around the park and earn badges while learning about animals and conservation.
Character meet-and-greets also continue, including the Adventurers Outpost where guests can meet Mickey and Minnie in their safari outfits.
A Park in Transition
With Dinoland gone and Rafiki’s Planet Watch temporarily closed, Animal Kingdom feels more concentrated.
Africa, Asia, Pandora, and Discovery Island now carry most of the activity. Crowds may feel heavier around major attractions simply because there are fewer total offerings open at the moment.
That said, the park still provides a full day’s worth of entertainment — especially if you lean into its slower pace. Animal Kingdom was never designed to be rushed. It rewards guests who wander the trails, watch animal behaviors, and pause to enjoy the atmosphere.
The upcoming Bluey experience, expected to debut in summer 2026, will introduce a new interactive space geared toward families with young children. That addition may help restore some of the play-focused energy lost with the recent closures.
But for now, Animal Kingdom sits in a transitional chapter.
The Tree of Life still anchors the park. Safari trucks still head out into the savanna. The floating mountains of Pandora still glow at dusk. The music of Festival of the Lion King still fills its theater.
Some corners are quiet. Some gates are closed. But the core of Animal Kingdom — its animals, its storytelling, and its immersive environments — remains very much alive.
Guests planning a visit should adjust expectations, prioritize key attractions early, and embrace the park’s unique rhythm.
Animal Kingdom isn’t shrinking. It’s shifting. And like it always has, it’s preparing for what comes next.