The Disney World parks can change fast, so we’re always looking out for what’s new and different when we’re there.
Sometimes we’ll find new merchandise, progress on construction projects, or unusual crowds along the way. Today, we’re heading to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see what we can find so that you’re most prepared for your visit.
We’ll start out with some new merchandise that we found inside the park recently.
Animal Kingdom Merchandise Update
Over in the Discovery Trading gift shop, we found a new Apple Watch band for sale, featuring the one and only: Donald Duck.
The band has the many different facial expressions of Donal Duck all over it, and it’s available for $34.99.
Also in Discovery Trading, we saw that the new Ahsoka Mickey ears were fully stocked.
We first spotted these ears a few days ago, and they’ve been very popular since then. Did you know that they were designed by Ashley Eckstein, who voiced Ahsoka in Star Wars: The Clone Wars?
You can buy the ears here (or in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Tatooine Traders) for $39.99.
That was all in terms of new merchandise in the Animal Kingdom!
Click Here to Learn More About the New Ahsoka Ears
Animal Kingdom Construction Update
We stopped by Primeval Whirl in DinoLand U.S.A. today as well. This ride is permanently closed, and construction crews are currently dissembling it.
Over on Discovery Island, we spotted some signs that Christmas is coming to the Animal Kingdom soon! (Don’t @ us, we know Halloween hasn’t happened yet — but you’ve got to be prepared for the holiday season that’s following right on its heels.) There were new Christmas decorations up, like these artistic bird sculptures…
…and new speakers and light fixtures up as well.
We’ll definitely start to see more decor and preparations as the holiday season begins in full force after Halloween.
Click Here to See ALL the Holiday Treats Coming to Disney World
Animal Kingdom Crowds Update
Finally, we took a look at the crowds around Animal Kingdom while we were there this week.
The park wasn’t super busy, and when we passed by late in the morning, the Avatar Flight of Passage ride only had a 40-minute wait.
Over in the Asia section of the park, Expedition Everest had a 10-minute wait…
…and DINOSAUR in DinoLand U.S.A. was just at 5 minutes.
That’s it for our Animal Kingdom updates this week! Keep following DFB for more advice and updates as you plan your Disney World vacation.
Click Here to Find Out What’s New in EPCOT This Week
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What’s your favorite area in Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!
TRENDING NOW
Disney and Starbucks have once again joined forces to launch new mugs to their Discovery...
Check out this brand-new Bluey collection at H&M!
A favorite Disney World perk is returning to Disney's Animal Kingdom soon and we're bringing...
A NEW entertainment offering is coming to Disney Springs soon!
If you break this rule, you could be temporarily BANNED from Disneyland.
How to join Indy on stage!
Disney revealed the name and story details of the new pirates-themed lounge coming to Adventureland...
A new Disney Loungefly collection inspired by Sleeping Beauty just debuted online, and you're NOT gonna...
Disney adults -- you have to see these items on sale on Amazon!
Looking for a great spot to eat in Magic Kingdom? These are the three restaurants...
A recent project was just completed on Interstate 4 in Orlando that could make getting...
Fans of the Disney Dining Plan will want to sit down for this EPCOT news...
We tried TWO new items at Everything POP at Disney's Pop Century Resort, and while...
If you've been eying a new Loungefly bag, this sale is perfect for you!
Watch out, these Minnie ears may disappear faster than the speed of light!
Mother's Day is quickly approaching! Need a last-minute gift? We've got you covered!
Make sure you follow these rules if you ever visit Disneyland's Club 33!
These perks make staying at a Disney Hotel extra worth it.
Some of the popular styles of up to 1/2 OFF!
New Aldi stores are coming to the Central Florida area this year!