Disney donates $100,000 to three gorilla conservation organizations in honor of World Gorilla Day and silverback Bakari's arrival at Animal Kingdom. — Park-wide
Single Rider line discontinued starting September 21st due to new loading process reducing standby wait times. — Expedition Everest
Temple ruins installed for Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent at Tropical Americas. — Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
Joe Rohde discusses his National Geographic book 'Floating Mountains' and lessons from his Disney career in an interview. — Park-wide
Animal Kingdom 'Fun for Families with Kids' map replaces 'Cool Kids Summer' with updated character art and game; lemur training removed from advertisement. — Park-wide
Joe Rohde confirms no live animals planned for Tropical Americas at launch in 2027 due to budget constraints from remodel scope. — Tropical Americas
Solar-powered trash cans with compactors installed in Asia, Discovery Island Trails, and park entrances. — Animal Kingdom
Original Yeti animator Ethan Reed comments on Disney's announcement to restore the Expedition Everest Yeti animatronic. — Expedition Everest
New concept art reveals queue details for Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent, showing cave-like setting with scaffolding, Mayan glyphs, and Indiana Jones video projection. — Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto announced to not have a height requirement. — Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto
The Disco Yeti animatronic announced to be fixed. — Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Disney announced at D23 2026 that the Yeti audio-animatronic at Expedition Everest will be restored to full motion after over a decade in stationary B-Mode. — Expedition Everest
Harrison Ford to be used as model for Indiana Jones animatronic in new Animal Kingdom attraction. — Animal Kingdom
Encanto ride models revealed at D23 showing Casita kitchen scene, furniture-based vehicles, and animal animatronics; area opens 2027. — Tropical Americas
Solar-powered trash cans with tiger-triangle theming expanded throughout Asia, including along Maharajah Jungle Trek. — Asia
Construction progresses on Tropical Americas, featuring future Encanto and Indiana Jones themed attractions. — Tropical Americas
Solar-powered trash cans with tiger logo and foot-pedal lids installed along the walkway. — Maharajah Jungle Trek
Main entrance archway assembly and vertical steel installation underway at Encanto Casita; hand-carved rockwork progressing at side entrance. — Tropical Americas
Zootopia: Better Zoogether adds new Mayor Winddancer scene featuring Patrick Warburton. — Tree of Life Theater
Single Rider line closed; entrance sign returned but marked 'not available'. — Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Bakari, a 21-year-old male silverback gorilla from Saint Louis Zoo, now appears on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. — Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Single Rider line signage reinstalled at Expedition Everest. — Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Single Rider entrance sign removed; dedicated queue closing soon, though Cast Members can still process requests upon inquiry. — Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Rope drop procedure overhauled; guest holding areas moved from Oasis to Discovery Island with new checkpoint system. — Park Entrance
Pavement work underway at the park entrance, possibly the start of a larger project. — Animal Kingdom park entrance
Steel structures and mesh netting installed atop the show building for mountainous rockwork theming. — Encanto Ride
Solar-powered trash cans with Tree of Life theming installed at Animal Kingdom entrance and select locations. — Park-wide
Kianga the elephant celebrated her 22nd birthday with a specially-made cake at Disney's Animal Kingdom. — Kilimanjaro Safaris
D23 2026 panel announced for Joe Rohde's memoir 'Floating Mountains,' covering his work on Animal Kingdom and Aulani. — D23 Expo
Tropical Americas Construction Update: Woodcarver Carousel Theming, First New Landscaping, Faux Mountain Prep, and More — Tropical Americas Carousel
Gorilla enclosure reopened after new male gorilla Bakari arrived June 30; he remains backstage during guest hours during acclimation. — Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
New male African bullfrog introduced; Cairo spiny mouse retired to Rafiki's Planet Watch, spider tortoise relocated. — Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Festival of the Lion King performer Veryl E. Jones, who portrayed Kiume and sang 'Be Prepared' for over 20 years, is retiring. — Harambe Theater
Set installation permit for Indiana Jones Adventure extended into summer 2027. — Indiana Jones Adventure
Indiana Jones Adventure ride permit extended to July 2027; reimagining of DINOSAUR with new Maya temple story. — Indiana Jones Adventure
Steel construction permit filed for Encanto ride at former DinoLand U.S.A.; opening with Tropical Americas in 2027. — Encanto Ride
Cairo Spiny Mouse retired; spider tortoise now occupies its habitat exhibit. — Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Enclosure temporarily closed as 21-year-old male gorilla, Bakari, from the St. Louis zoo acclimates to the troop. — Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Video released of voice actress Adassa recording music for upcoming Encanto ride. — Encanto Attraction
New props added outside the okapi habitat including hiking backpack, information board, wood carving, magnifying glass, and red lantern to resemble a safari research site. — Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Banyan tree in front of Yak & Yeti trimmed back in April after deep-freeze damage; now healthy and strong. — Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Merry Menagerie returns holiday season 2026 with artisan puppets of arctic animals, live musicians, and wintry decorations; Tree of Life Awakenings Holiday Edition also featured. — Discovery Island
Cinnamon, an Ankole calf born in spring 2026, debuted on Kilimanjaro Safaris for guests to see during the attraction. — Kilimanjaro Safaris
Jumping Junction featuring kangaroos and wallabies now officially open at Conservation Station. — Jumping Junction at Conservation Station
Concrete columns revealed at northern entry/exit point to Tropical Americas under construction. — Tropical Americas
Structures and buildings continue taking shape in Tropical Americas, including Casita and carousel area. — Tropical Americas
Dr. Mark Penning's social media account transitioning to @AnimalsAtDisney following his retirement. — Park-wide
That's every change on the record at Animal Kingdom since 2026.
The spotters in our Discord catch the next one first — and the record only grows when someone notices.