Credit: Trey Ratcliff, FlickrIf you’ve stepped into Disney’s Animal Kingdom lately, the “wild” side of the park feels a little more like a “moving” side. As of February 6, 2026, the park is undergoing a metamorphosis that is as much about the faces you meet as the lands you walk through. Following a series of “Character Shakeup” alerts, the roster of residents at Animal Kingdom is shifting faster than a cheetah on the hunt.
While the billion-dollar expansion into Tropical Americas is the long-term goal, the immediate impact on guests is a total reshuffling of character meet-and-greets. From the extinction of “dino-themed” favorites to the migration of Disney royalty, here is how the Animal Kingdom character landscape is being redefined during this massive construction era.
The Extinction of Donald’s Dino-Bash!
For years, the colorful heart of DinoLand U.S.A. was Donald’s Dino-Bash! This celebration, hosted by Donald Duck to celebrate his newly discovered DINOSAUR ancestors, was a staple for families. It was one of the few places in Walt Disney World where you could meet a high density of “Fab Five” characters in unique, land-specific costumes.
As of February 1, 2026, the party has officially been shut down.
With the permanent closure of the remaining areas of DinoLand U.S.A., the Dino-Bash has been dismantled. The kitschy, roadside-attraction era is over, and the characters have been forced to “evolve.” This has led to the most significant migration in the park’s history.
Donald and Daisy: The New Welcome Committee
No longer found near Restaurantosaurus or the Cretaceous Trail, Donald and Daisy have waddled all the way to the front of the park. You can now find them meeting together in The Oasis. Specifically, they are located on the pathway to the right as guests enter the park, just beyond Garden Gate Gifts.
The biggest change? Their dinosaur-inspired “onesies” and feathery sunglasses have been retired. They are now sporting their classic safari attire (the same costumes they wear for character dining at Tusker House). While they look dapper, many fans are already mourning the loss of the exclusive Dino-Bash threads.
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Outside the Gates
Perhaps the most surprising relocation involves the mischievous chipmunks. Chip and Dale have moved completely out of the park. You will now find them in the Palm Courtyard, the large area between security and the park entrance near the Joffrey’s stand. Like their duck friends, they have traded their Stegosaurus and Triceratops outfits for standard looks. This move effectively turns them into a “welcome” or “farewell” greeting for guests entering or leaving the park.
The Zootopia Takeover of Discovery Island
While DinoLand is shrinking, the center of the park is embracing the hustle and bustle of the mammal metropolis. Following the successful opening of the Zootopia: Better Zoogether! 4D show in the Tree of Life Theater late last year, the characters have followed suit.
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde
The “Zoogether Day Gathering Spot” on Discovery Island is the new home for the stars of Zootopia. This location, which formerly hosted Dug and Russell, is now themed to the “Zoogether Day” festivities. Judy and Nick are meeting in their brand-new outfits from Zootopia 2, complete with high-energy interactions. Because this spot is directly next to the theater, wait times have been consistently high as guests exit the new show.
Dug and Russell: Adventure is Elsewhere
Don’t worry, the Wilderness Explorers haven’t left! To make room for the Zootopia crew, Dug and Russell have moved to the West Discovery Island Trail (the path that winds behind the Tree of Life toward Africa). This location is much more serene and offers a beautiful, “hidden” backdrop for photos, though it can be a bit harder to find if you aren’t checking the My Disney Experience app.
Africa and the High-Speed Migration
The construction walls in DinoLand have pushed characters into unexpected corners of the park. If you’re looking for a certain “Goof,” you’ll need to head for the train.
Goofy at the Harambe Train Station
Goofy has officially vacated his spot at the DinoLand carnival and relocated to the Harambe Train Station in Africa. He is still dressed in his iconic bird-watching outfit, but the African savanna serves as a much more “realistic” backdrop for his nature-loving hobby. However, note that Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the Wildlife Express Train are scheduled to close for refurbishment on February 23, 2026. Goofy is expected to continue meeting in the station area during this downtime, but his accessibility may change as construction for the new Bluey experience begins.
The “Untouchables” and the Subtle Signs of Progress
Amidst all the movement, a few staples remain—though even they aren’t immune to a little “Tropical Americas” influence.
- Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost: The iconic duo is still meeting in their safari gear on Discovery Island. However, keen-eyed fans have noticed a significant update to the mural in the greeting room. The old DinoLand U.S.A. U.S.A. artwork has been replaced with a lush painting of Pueblo Esperanza, featuring a subtle nod to the Encanto Casita.
- Moana at Character Landing: The wayfinder still meets guests near the bridge to DinoLand U.S.A. Her tropical backdrop is a perfect teaser for the upcoming land that will eventually rise behind her.
- Pocahontas: She can still be found along the Oasis East Trail, offering one of the most peaceful, nature-focused meetups in the park.
- Kevin: The giant bird from Up still roams Discovery Island, though her “migration path” is now strictly limited to avoid the heavy construction machinery near the old DinoLand U.S.A. bridge.
The Future: Bluey and the Tropical Americas
The current “Character Shakeup” is only Phase One. As construction ramps up for the Tropical Americas land (scheduled to open in 2027), we expect even more changes.
The biggest news on the horizon is the arrival of Bluey and Bingo. With Rafiki’s Planet Watch closing on February 23, Disney is preparing to transform the Conservation Station into an interactive Bluey “Play Pavilion” opening in Summer 2026. This will likely mark the end of permanent meet-and-greets for Timon and Rafiki in that area, though Disney has teased they may move to roaming “pop-up” appearances near the Festival of the Lion King.
Navigating the 2026 Character Squeeze
If you are visiting this month, navigating these changes requires a bit of pre-planning. Here are three tips to ensure you don’t miss your favorite friends:
- Check the “Characters” Filter: In the My Disney Experience app, use the map filter for “Characters” rather than “Attractions.” Many of the new locations (like Chip ‘n’ Dale outside the gates) aren’t immediately apparent on the main map.
- Meet Early: With DINOSAUR closed, crowds are concentrating in Discovery Island and Africa. Meet characters like Donald and Daisy in the Oasis the moment the park opens to avoid the midday heat and longer lines.
- The Mural Photo: Even if you’ve met Mickey and Minnie a dozen times, visit Adventurers Outpost just to see the new mural. It’s the first official “permanent” piece of Tropical Americas to be installed in the park!
Conclusion
Animal Kingdom in 2026 is a park in transition. While it’s bittersweet to see Donald’s Dino-Bash disappear and wait times climb at the Discovery Island hubs, these moves are clearing the stage for a massive future. By 2027, we won’t just be meeting ducks in safari hats; we’ll be stepping into the world of the Madrigals and embarking on adventures with Indiana Jones. For now, the “Character Migration” is a sign that progress is happening, and the great big beautiful tomorrow is just on the other side of those green walls.
Are you ready for Bluey to take over the Conservation Station, or are you still mourning the loss of the Stegosaurus-hatted chipmunks?