The Disney World parks change often, which is why we go to the parks (almost) every day so we can bring you the latest news!

Today, we’re bringing you what’s new in Animal Kingdom, so let’s jump right into it!

Traditional character meet-and-greets returned to the parks this week, and, thanks to Earth Day, we saw some pretty unique characters out in Animal Kingdom! We saw Kenai and Koda from Brother Bear…

…and Gypsy, the gypsy moth from A Bug’s Life!

Also, in celebration of Earth Week at Animal Kingdom, there’s a new Wilderness Explorer activity over at Rafiki’s Planet Watch!

Individuals who complete the special Earth Day activity will receive a special sticker.

Animal Kingdom Food Updates

The Thirsty River Bar near Expedition Everest was missing one of its drink options when we were there recently.

The Bumblebee Blonde Ale was missing from the menu.

Animal Kingdom Construction Updates

There’s a new photo opportunity out in front of the park! Next to the sand sculpture promoting the new Disney+ documentary Polar Bear, you’ll find a National Geographic photo spot! In this spot, you can take a picture inside of National Geographic‘s iconic yellow box logo. 

Also at the entrance to the park are some new banners promoting Disney Planet Possible, a new initiative set forth to become more sustainable. There’s a banner that says “Inspire Future Conservation Heroes…”

…and one that welcomes three threatened rhinos!

Mammoth Marathon, one of the carnival games located in Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama was closed.

The other carnival games were still open.

Animal Kingdom Merchandise Updates

Riverside Depot

First and foremost, Mobile Checkout is now available at Riverside Depot! Now, you can check out through the My Disney Experience app instead of having to wait in line to check out with a cashier. Alright, now let’s get on with the new merchandise.

First up, the Mickey Mouse: The Main Attraction Pirates of the Caribbean collection (which has been spotted in other stores in the parks) can also be found here! You can get the ears…

…plush…

…pin…

…and Loungefly backpack!

Any fans of Toy Story out there? We found this Reach For The Sky coffee mug that you might love for $14.99!

We also saw this Earth Day pin that we had previously seen in EPCOT for $17.

This plush is perfect for ice cream lovers. It’s an ice cream truck with three different types of ice cream on top (is that a Dole Whip I spy?) and Mickey Mouse enjoying some ice cream inside!

It is $19.99.

Island Mercantile

Island Mercantile had some of the new Disney World 50th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke collection in stock. You can grab the wristlet wallet for $168…

…or the satchel bag for $268.

We’ve seen this collection both online and in other stores around Disney World.

Windtraders

There were lots of things to see over at Windtraders in Pandora! There were a couple of new water bottles like this one that spins and glows in the dark! It is $14.99.

We also saw this bottle that has a picture of Pandora during the day on one side…

…and Pandora during nighttime on the other side. It is $22.99.

We also saw this blue graphic print shirt for kids for $24.99. It has drawings of some of the different things you can find on Pandora.

We also spotted two new magnets! The first magnet is this Na’vi River magnet for $9.99.

The second is this black magnet with a banshee from Flight of Passage on it. It is also $9.99.

In addition to two new magnets, we saw two new keychains in Windtraders, as well! The first is this Pandora Na’vi River keychain for $9.99. It has a similar design as the Na’vi River magnet we saw. 

The other keychain we saw was this Pandora keychain. It is black and says “Experience Pandora a world like no other.”

This keychain lights up, as well! It is $14.99.

And that’s what’s new in Animal Kingdom! Make sure to keep reading DFB for the latest news from all of the Disney parks, hotels, plus Disney Springs!

NEWS: Connections Cafe is Now Open in EPCOT!

What’s your favorite thing to do in Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!