Dr. Mark Penning Retires From Disney to Take Over as North Carolina Zoo Director

Dr. Mark Penning has been named the new director of the North Carolina Zoo, retiring from his position as vice president of animals, sciences, and environment for Disney Experiences. Dr. Mark Penning Moving to North Carolina Zoo Dr. Penning oversaw animal care at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Seas With Nemo and … Read more

Take Home Your Favorite Disney's Animal Kingdom Resident With An Animal Portrait

You can now take home a professional photo of your favorite Disney’s Animal Kingdom resident. Animal Portraits – $49.99 Each These are available in the Mombasa Marketplace. Each photo comes in a beige matte frame with green trim and Disney’s Animal Kingdom logo. An info sheet about the featured animal is included. There are currently … Read more

Disney Shares Updated Description for Upcoming 'Encanto' Ride

In Disney’s latest update about the new Tropical Americas area being added to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we learned more information about the Encanto ride. Tropical Americas Encanto Ride Disney shared the following updated description regarding the new Encanto ride: “Guests will be invited to celebrate Antonio’s new gift: the ability to talk to animals. And … Read more

Disney Shares Insights Into the Creation of Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Upcoming Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom concept art.

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) has shared concept art and insights into the creation of Animal Kingdom’s new Tropical Americas area. These insights were shared by Joan Hartwig, executive creative director for the Tropical Americas Project. Creation of Tropical Americas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom When the land opens in 2027, Tropical Americas will represent one of … Read more

Expedition Everest Photo Op Refreshed at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Decorative fabric at a popular Expedition Everest photo spot in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been replaced. Expedition Everest Photo Op The strips of fabric hang from poles framing an altar and Mt. Everest in the distance. We can tell the fabric is new because it’s much cleaner and fluffier than before. There is often a … Read more

Punch Monkey Merchandise Now Available at Walt Disney World

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has new third-party merchandise themed to the viral monkey sensation. Punch and Friend Wigglitz Figures – $7.99 There are two figures in the package, one themed to Punch and the other themed to his plush orangutan friend. The figures are plastic and have articulated joints to make them “wiggle.” According to the … Read more

Clock Tower Goes Vertical in Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Tropical Americas continues to take shape at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World, as more structures go vertical and former DinoLand, U.S.A. buildings are refurbished. Tropical Americas’ Pueblo Esperanza Progress Tropical Americas will include the village of Pueblo Esperanza, the entrance to which will be flanked by a clock tower and a carousel of … Read more

Imagineering Files Permits for Indiana Jones Ride Sets at Disney's Animal Kingdom

A person with a torch approaches an ancient, glowing artifact inside a cave. Nearby, people in a vehicle point flashlights towards the artifact. The scene is filled with mystery and ancient symbols, reminiscent of an Indiana Jones adventure through the hidden wonders of the animal kingdom.

Walt Disney Imagineering filed two set installation permits for the new Indiana Jones ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The ride will be part of the new Tropical Americas land replacing DinoLand U.S.A. Indiana Jones Ride Permits The permits contract scenic companies Adirondack Scenic and Scenario to “install set elements” at 501 Restaurantosaurus Rd, the address … Read more

'Finding Nemo' Seagulls Headband Now Available at Walt Disney World

The iconic seagulls from Finding Nemo are now featured on their own headband. It was previously released online at Disney Store along with several ear headbands. ‘Finding Nemo’ Seagulls Headband – $36.99 The ear headband features three plush versions of the seagulls from Finding Nemo. The birds are white with gray wings, orange beaks, and … Read more

No Earth Day 2026 Meet and Greets at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Two women dressed as fairies, inspired by Tinker Bell, smile with crossed arms in Disney's Animal Kingdom.

After reducing Earth Day meet and greets in 2025, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has cut them entirely in 2026. Earth Day at Animal Kingdom In previous years, limited-time character meet and greets have been available for the full week of Earth Day (April 22). These have included Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and Rabbit; Goofy and Max; … Read more

Talking Dug From 'Up' Returns to Disney's Animal Kingdom

The talking Dug meet and greet character has returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. After debuting at Disneyland Resort in spring 2024, the talking Dug began roaming Discovery Island in Animal Kingdom that May. Talking Dug from Up He sometimes appeared at the Wilderness Explorers meet and greet space until it closed last year to make … Read more

Disney Park Themed Hats Now Available at Walt Disney World

New trucker hats, ball caps, and visors now available at various stores across Walt Disney World.

Several stores across Walt Disney World have released new Disney Park-themed hats in various styles, from trucker hats to visors. Disney World Icons Pink Trucker Hat – $32.99 The front of this pink trucker hat is decorated with various Disney World icons, like the “D” logo and the castle, as well as embroidered flowers, balloons, … Read more