Hello friends! It’s a new year, we’ve got some new merchandise, new food offerings, and more in store for 2022. Come with us as we take a look around and explore what’s new at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Hello & Happy New Year!
The days following Christmas in Disney World can look a little unpredictable. Some days have been very crowded, while other days surprised us! Our visit to Animal Kingdom proved that the crowd level may not be what you’d expect, so always be prepared. Now let’s get going and take a look at what’s new!
Animal Kingdom Merchandise Updates
Snack Carts
The shiny Christmas Tree Popcorn Buckets and the 50th Anniversary Minnie Mouse Sippers were back in stock during our most recent visits to Animal Kingdom. The gold tree popcorn buckets are $25, while the Minnie sippers are $15.99. For our collector friends, this is your chance to grab that bucket and sipper!
Restock alert!
We found these reusable snack items at various popcorn stands throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom, so keep an eye out or ask a Cast Member.
Check out more 50th Anniversary popcorn buckets here!
Riverside Depot
Riverside Depot has a few new Disney pins, including the limited edition 50th Anniversary Vault Collection pin for $24.99 and some of the Magical Comics pins. We’ve seen most of these pins around at the other Disney parks, but we’re happy to see that they made their way to Animal Kingdom.
Look at all these new pins!
There are also some new infant/toddler t-shirts available for $19.99 each. You can get this white and red ringer tee with Mickey…
Classic but CUTE!
…or this gray and blue version instead! We can’t decide which is our favorite. What do you think?
Which is your favorite?
Some of the holiday merchandise previously discovered at the Emporium in Magic Kingdom is now available at Riverside Depot. We found this salt and pepper shaker set for $29.99.
Even your salt and pepper can get in on the holiday action!
This fun cookie jar is $54.99, but keep your eyes out because it could go on sale soon now that Christmas is over!
Cookies for Santa? no, these cookies are for US!
That about covers all the new merchandise we found in Animal Kingdom. Let’s see what there is to EAT!
Animal Kingdom Food Updates
Most of the new things in Animal Kingdom are food-related. We found snacks, treats, and drinks for days in the park! We’ll break it down by restaurant so that it’s easier to show you what’s new.
Warung Outpost
A few months ago we noticed that Warung Outpost started selling popcorn, but now the menu has expanded to include muffins, hot dogs, and a breakfast sandwich!
New options…again!
This is certainly a random assortment of food — especially for a location that used to mostly sell frozen margaritas and other drinks. If you’re looking for a little 50th Anniversary treat to hold you over, try the Birthday muffin next time you’re in Asia!
Flame Tree Barbecue/Restaurantosaurus
Next, we visited Flame Tree Barbecue, where we usually get some tasty barbecue or smoked meat, like the Smoked Meatloaf Platter. This time, though, we found a New Year 2022 Cupcake, which looks JUST like last year’s cupcake; talk about déjà vu!
Look familiar?
Both Flametree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus have the 2022 cupcake. If you’re looking for a NEW 2022 cupcake, check out the one sold at the Boardwalk instead!
Click here to see the Boardwalk Bakery’s 2022 New Year Cupcake
Animal Kingdom Various Updates
During our trip to Animal Kingdom, the crowds were big in some areas, but not as bad in other places. The line for Kilimanjaro Safaris got pretty long by mid-afternoon, but you can check the average wait times for most attractions using Disney Genie!
Crowds were moderate
Keep in mind that Expedition Everest is getting ready to close, and it will be unavailable for three months!
Expedition Everest
With that, we’ve covered all that’s new at Animal Kingdom! Do you have a trip to Disney World anytime soon? Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news and updates.
The BEST (and WORST) Things We Ate at Disney World in December!
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Do you know what’s up with Yak & Yeti, at my 60 day window and nothing is available. I tried going through Disney, Landry’s and Open table. Are they open?
Rock, it’s possible they’re already booked up, but I would recommend you keep checking. Hopefully something will open up.