Welcome back, DFB friends! We’re here with another What’s New at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

And, we’ve got plenty of updates to share with you! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right on in!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Food Update

The Smiling Crocodile

If you’re on the hunt for some great tacos or maybe just a quick bite, then you’ll be thrilled to know that the Smiling Crocodile has reopened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Guests can pop by the quick-service spot for Chips and Salsa, as well as all kinds of Street Tacos! You can chow down on the Pulled Pork version…

…Street Corn version…

…Chicken version, or maybe all three as an extra savory treat!

The Smiling Crocodile even has its own specialty Island Sunrise Cocktail on the menu, mixed up with Jose Cuervo Tequila, Pineapple-Orange-Guava Juice, a hint of Watermelon, and a gummy worm garnish. (It is Animal Kingdom, after all!)

Instead of having to stop by a table-service location or wait around in long lines for lunch, the Smiling Crocodile is a great option for a quick AND tasty meal that will satisfy your cravings!

Read our review of the reopened Smiling Crocodile here!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Merchandise Update

Riverside Depot

As we were browsing the stores for a few souvenirs to take back to our family and friends, we spotted a whole new line-up of mugs on the shelves at the Riverside Depot! You can find mugs inspired by Pizza Planet, beauty sleep (we definitely need it after a park day)…

…good ole’ Donald Duck…

…and FastPasses for the weekend!

You never know… we might even see FastPasses in the parks sometime soon too! 😉

Serka Zong

As you make your way around Asia, you might notice the prayer flags hanging around the area near Expedition Everest. These decorations are an important aspect of Tibetan culture that are used to bless the area. While they had previously disappeared for a short time from the Serka Zong gift shop…

…the Tibetan Prayer Flags have now been restocked for guests to feature around their own homes for $16.99!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Entertainment Update

Disney PhotoPass

After you’ve done your shopping, you can also pop by the Ticket Center now that you can snag the Capture Your Moment PhotoPass feature.

A Cast Member will take pictures that will last for a lifetime of memories…

…including the Tiny World Magic Shot that has also been spotted in EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Pandora

While many interactive features have been suspended for a period of time, they have finally started to return to Disney World once again! Over in Pandora, guests are able to play the drums with entertaining noises once again.

What song are you going to jam out to when you visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom?

Asia

Speaking of interactive areas, the Vista of the Himalayas has also welcomed guests to take a close-up look at Expedition Everest through the binoculars once again! You never know…you might find Disco Yeti waving to everyone!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Construction Update

Discovery River Amphitheater

As we were passing by the lagoon area near Expedition Everest, we spotted construction barges on the water. While Rivers of Light used to take place in this area, it has been on the quieter side since the show’s closure.

But, with Disney World’s 50th anniversary just around the corner, the park will feature the brand new daytime Disney KiteTails show at the Discovery River Amphitheater on October 1st.

There hasn’t been too much progress on the show just yet, but we’ll have to keep you updated on any other clues we spot about the Disney KiteTails soon!

Windtraders

Since the Valley of Mo’ara is so special, it’s no surprise that you’d want to take home something special from the World of Avatar! And, you have more space to shop as the Windtraders has removed a few of its displays to accommodate extra room for visitors. 

Along with the people who are wanting to shop in the store, the open area also makes it easier for riders to exit from the Flight of Passage as well.

Well, that’s all for this What’s New at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! We’ll catch you next time for more updates. And, if you have any questions about your upcoming Disney vacation, let us know so we can help you find the answers! Stay tuned with DFB for the latest Disney entertainment and news coming soon!

What are you looking forward to seeing the most in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!