We’ve heard a lot of huge news over the last few days as the D23 Expo took place in Anaheim, California. One of the announcements was that some major changes could be coming to DinoLand U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Moana– and Zootopia-themed lands were mentioned as possible updates for this section of the park.
However, those changes are probably still several years away — Disney said that the concepts were in the early development stage for now. So what kinds of things are changing right now? Let’s go find out!
We’re visiting Animal Kingdom to see what’s changed in this park since the last time we were here. Come along with us to see some new merchandise and an update on a construction project.
Animal Kingdom Food Updates
At the Joffrey’s Coffee kiosk just outside the entrance to Animal Kingdom, we spotted a new treat!
It was called “Dessert in a Jar,” and it was made up of different s’mores ingredients. We’ve seen this available at a couple of different Joffrey’s locations in Disney World, so keep an eye out at whichever park you’re visiting — there’s a Joffrey’s location at all 4 parks!
Animal Kingdom Construction Updates
Near the entrance to Animal Kingdom, there are several animal exhibits along the walkway to Discovery Island. One of these exhibits is currently closed, with green construction walls covering the front.
This exhibit has been closed for a while now, and Disney hasn’t announced yet what kinds of changes are coming to this spot. We’ll keep an eye out and let you know if the situation changes.
Animal Kingdom Merchandise Updates
Buckle up, because we found a lot of new merchandise this time!
Discovery Trading
At Discovery Trading, There was a new Starbucks cup that had Mickey Mouse on the front, along with several Disney World park icons and attractions.
You can also buy this cup online if you’re not at Disney World right now! It’s $27.99.
Click here to buy the Disney World Starbucks Cup.
We also spotted a new shirt with a design inspired by Disney’s Coco. It said, “Fly High Pepita” with a picture of Miguel riding on an Alebrije from the movie.
You can get this tee online as well! It costs $36.99 in the park, but online it’s just $29.99.
Click here to buy the Coco shirt online.
The next item we found seemed to be a little bit lost. It was a Pandora-themed hat with a spaceship on the bill and the words “Explore Pandora” on the front. However, we spotted it on Discovery Island instead of in the Pandora land in Animal Kingdom!
You can get this hat online or in Disney World for $29.99.
Click here to buy the Pandora hat.
If you’re not a Pandora fan, you might prefer this 50th Anniversary Walt Disney World visor instead! It’s white with pink trim and the Disney World logo embroidered on the front.
You can also get the hat online if you’re not in the parks. However, it’s a little bit cheaper if you can buy it in Animal Kingdom — we spotted it for $24.99, but it’s $27.99 online.
Click here to buy the Walt Disney World visor.
The last 2 items we spotted at Discovery Trading were only available in the parks. They’re also both themed to the Silly Symphony short, The Skeleton Dance, which Disney released in 1929. First, there’s an hourglass for $39.99.
You can also get a lantern for $34.99.
The lantern lights up and creates a pattern of dancing skeletons.
That’s it for Discovery Trading! Let’s take a look at some other shops.
Island Mercantile
At Island Mercantile, we found a set of headphones that are themed to Disney Pixar’s Turning Red.
You can get them online or in Disney World for $29.99.
Click here to buy the Turning Red headphones.
We also found a Buzz Lightyear desk light, which lights up different colors and shows a silhouette of Buzz.
You can find this one online or in Disney World for $39.99.
Click here to buy the Lightyear desk light.
And we also spotted part of the Mickey Mouse: The Main Attraction collection — a Mickey plush in the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel series.
Mickey is looking very royal indeed as Prince Charming. You can buy the plush online or in Disney World for $34.99.
Click here to buy the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Mickey plush.
Windtraders
Windtraders is the gift shop in Pandora that guests walk through after riding the Avatar: Flight of Passage ride. At this shop, we found a new pen that comes with a pen holder as well. On the lid, it says “Sivako!” which is a Na’vi word meaning “Rise to the Challenge” (you learn that in the Flight of Passage ride!). You can get it for $34.99.
We also spotted a Flight of Passage mug, which has a couple of banshees flying on one side and the ride’s name on the other.
You can get this mug for $24.99.
Zuri’s Sweets Shop
Our last stop on our shopping spree was Zuri’s Sweets Shop, which has all kinds of delicious treats to try. Instead of going for the bakery case, we took a look at the merchandise section of this shop. There, we found a Wakanda throw blanket, which has a design on it that’s inspired by Marvel’s Black Panther.
You can get this new blanket for $59.99. Although we didn’t spot the blanket online, we did find a LOT of other Black Panther merchandise.
Click here to shop for Black Panther merchandise.
That’s it for our tour around the park! If you’re looking for more Disney World updates, be sure to check out what’s new over at the Disney World hotels — here’s a hint: we waited over an HOUR for a mug! 😮
Keep following DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news.
Click here to find out how you should spend your money in Animal Kingdom.
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