Unexpected Refurbishment Now Affecting Animal Kingdom Guests

Don’t let this unexpected refurbishment affect your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Check out which areas are affected and how you can best enjoy your day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Refurbishments

It seems like every day something at Walt Disney World is either closing or reopening from a scheduled refurbishment. Typically, Disney provides advanced warnings for these refurbishments and at other times they pop up without warning.

Whatever the reason, Disney refurbishments are necessary. After all, it’s a great way to ensure everything is up to date or in good working condition! However, they will affect your day if you are visiting while it is happening. It is good to be aware of what might be closed ahead of your trip so you can adjust plans accordingly.

See our master list of refurbishments HERE.

Animal Kingdom Refurbishment

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is such a beautiful park. Not only can guests enjoy great entertainment and amazing attractions, but guests can also enjoy gorgeous trails and spot many rare animals along the way.

At the center of this park is the Tree of Life. In January 2023, this icon received a huge refurbishment and this closed many of the walking trails around it. Without much warning, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has erected walls along Discovery Trail that is closest to Pizzafari.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has erected walls along the Discovery Trail that is closest to Pizzafari.

Both the entrance and exit are blocked for guests. This walkway allows guests to view a vibrant flamboyance of flamingos (try saying that 3 times fast).

What You Need To Know

This new refurbishment affects both the walkway and the Wilderness Explorer Outpost. The Wilderness Explorer Program is FREE for all Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are over 20 badge locations scattered throughout the Park.

At each location, Wilderness Explorers will use their handbook to learn about animals, conservation, plant life, and animal nutrition. Be sure to check out the full details for this program HERE.

During this refurbishment, the Wilderness Explorer Cast Member is located just outside the construction walls. Although the viewing location for these animals is unavailable, Wilderness Explorers may still earn their badge.

Guests can also enjoy several other paths along the Discovery Island Trails to enjoy animal habitats and explore the Tree of Life. At this time, an end date has not been announced for this unofficial refurbishment.

What do you think of this refurbishment? Will this affect your next trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Which is your favorite trail to enjoy at this park? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.