Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
If you navigated Disney’s Animal Kingdom by memory on your last trip, you might want to toss that old map into the nearest recycling bin. As of February 6, 2026, the park is officially in the “Era of the Great Migration.”
With DinoLand U.S.A. meeting its permanent extinction on February 1 and the Tropical Americas construction project moving into high gear, the park’s character residents have been forced to find new territories. From the “Fab Five” trading in their sequins for safari gear to characters literally moving outside the park gates, the shakeup is real. Here is exactly where to find your favorite friends in this new 2026 layout.
The Oasis: Welcome (and Farewell) Meet-and-Greets
In an effort to manage the bottlenecks caused by construction walls near the old DinoLand bridge, Disney has moved several heavy hitters to the very front of the park.
- Donald and Daisy Duck: The “Dino-Bash” may be dead, but the ducks are thriving. Donald and Daisy have officially waddled to The Oasis. You can find them on the right-hand pathway immediately after you pass through the park entrance. Their DINOSAUR outfits are permanently retired; they are back in their classic safari khakis.
- Chip ‘n’ Dale: In the most shocking move of the 2026 shakeup, the chipmunks have literally left the building. You can now find Chip and Dale in the Palm Courtyard, located just outside the touchpoints near the Joffrey’s Coffee stand. It’s arguably the best “waiting for the bus” entertainment in Orlando.
Discovery Island: The Zootopia Takeover
The center of the park is currently buzzing with more energy than a Gazelle concert. Since the debut of Zootopia: Better Zoogether! in the Tree of Life Theater late last year, the area has been completely reimagined as a mammal metropolis hub.
- Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps: The stars of the show have officially evicted Dug and Russell from the Zoogether Day Gathering Spot (across from Flame Tree Barbecue). They are meeting in their sleek Zootopia 2 gear. This is the most popular meet in the park—expect wait times of 50+ minutes.
- Dug and Russell: Don’t worry, the Wilderness Explorers haven’t left the island; they’ve just moved to a more secluded “base camp.” You can now find them on the West Discovery Island Trail, the winding path that leads toward Africa.
Africa: Safari Goofy and the Bluey Countdown
As the back half of the park prepares for the arrival of Tropical Americas and the new Bluey experience at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Africa has become a sanctuary for relocated favorites.
- Goofy at Harambe Station: Goofy has traded carnival games for bird-watching. He is now stationed at the Harambe Train Station in his safari vest and binoculars.
- The Bluey Factor: Note that Rafiki’s Planet Watch is scheduled to close on February 23, 2026, to make way for the new Bluey “Play Pavilion.” Goofy is expected to remain in the station area through the spring to help anchor the land during construction.
The 2026 Quick-Reference Guide
| Character | New 2026 Location | Costume |
| Donald & Daisy | The Oasis (Right Path) | Safari Classics |
| Chip ‘n’ Dale | Palm Courtyard (Outside Gates) | Classic |
| Nick & Judy | Discovery Island Hub | Zootopia 2 Detective Gear |
| Dug & Russell | West Discovery Island Trail | Wilderness Explorers |
| Goofy | Harambe Train Station | Bird-Watcher Safari |
Pro Tip: Even if you aren’t a “character person,” visit Adventurers Outpost to see Mickey and Minnie. Disney has swapped out the old background for a stunning new mural of Pueblo Esperanza, the upcoming 2027 land!
Conclusion
Animal Kingdom in 2026 is a park in transition. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the DINOSAUR “onesies,” the “Great Migration” has actually made several characters easier to find—if you know where to look.
Are you ready for Bluey to take over the Conservation Station this summer, or are you still mourning the loss of the Dino-Bash?
