Extended evening hours and a change to a popular ride’s hours are just a couple of the things changing in Animal Kingdom next month.
Animal Kingdom
We want to make sure you have a smooth and worry-free vacation without any surprises, so here are FOUR changes coming to Animal Kingdom next month!
Extended Evening Hours
This is a treat for Deluxe Resort guests since Animal Kingdom isn’t (usually) a part of the Extended Evening Hours crew! On Tuesday, October 20th, and Monday, October 26th, Animal Kingdom will be open for Deluxe Resort guests from 6 PM and 8 PM! This is especially great if you’ve ever wanted to see Pandora at night, since it’ll be dark enough to see the bioluminescent lights! We will say, Animal Kingdom is rarely ever open this late, so this really is a big deal!
Pandora at night
The attractions available at Animal Kingdom during Extended Evening Hours are:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
- Na’vi River Journey
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Expedition Everest
Guests from the following hotels are eligible for Extended Evening Hours:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vacation Club Resort (Please be aware that the extended evening hours benefit applies to Disney Vacation Club Cabins only.)
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Construction Progress
One section of the park is fully closed for the preparation of Pueblo Esperanza, a land inspired by the Tropical Americas set to open in 2027. Since Disney is quickly preparing for its opening, there will be work during the daytime, which means guests may hear (and definitely see) construction.
Pueblo Esperanza construction
The new land will pull inspiration from the Tropical Americas and include three new attractions! The first is an Encanto attraction — Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto! The ride will take place INSIDE the Madrigal Casita and follow Antonio’s new gift of communicating with animals! There will be over 50 animals featured, and the attraction will have NO height requirement, so the whole family can enjoy!
©Disney
The second attraction will be in the former DINOSAUR ride building and will be called Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. The ride will feature an Animatronic inspired by the actor of Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford! The attraction will follow Indiana Jones as he explores a Mayan Temple, but of course, there’s trouble along the way. He’ll face all kinds of dangers, including bats, scorpions, flames, and the (very) large serpent! Guests will follow him through an all-out race to escape!
Temple model
The final attraction is El Carrusel de los Animalitos, which translates to “The Little Animals Carousel.” The classic carousel ride will feature 22 uniquely carved characters that will act as the seats guests will ride on! Some of the featured characters include Pua from Moana, Kevin from Up, Heimlich from A Bug’s Life, and Timon from The Lion King!
We recognize these friends! ©Disney
Specialty Hot Chocolates
As we turn toward the cooler months of the year, some of the dining locations introduce new items! While Disney hasn’t announced when (or if) it’s coming back, Isle of Java has served specialty hot chocolates in the past when the temperatures start to cool down. We’ll be sure to keep an eye out for the menu change and keep you updated with any announcements, but it’s possible that it could happen in October!
Isle of Java Hot Cocoa
Double Check Safari Hours
Because the animals need their rest as much as we do, Kilimanjaro Safaris often closes before the park fully does. The operating hours can be found on both the Disney World website and posted outside of the attraction. Starting October 4th, the attraction will close at 4:45 PM each day as opposed to 6 PM when the park officially closes.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
If you’re headed to Animal Kingdom this October, remember this list so you can be prepared for your upcoming vacation! Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for more Disney news, updates, tips, and tricks!
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