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Disney World: Animal Kingdom Location Confirms Operating Status Amid Change

A summer offering that launched alongside Bluey's Wild World at Disney's Animal Kingdom is finally available as originally intended.

disney family wears new bluey merch at animal kingdom
Credit: Disney

Although much of the attention at Animal Kingdom remains focused on the ongoing transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into Tropical Americas, Disney has also been quietly introducing smaller additions throughout the park. One of those projects, Jumping Junction, experienced an unexpected delay before welcoming guests.

Now, that wait has come to an end. Disney has officially moved Jumping Junction into regular operation, allowing guests to experience the new Australian wildlife habitat at Conservation Station without relying on limited preview opportunities.

The new exhibit occupies a location that may feel familiar to longtime visitors. For years, the space was home to Affection Section, Animal Kingdom's petting zoo experience. Instead of simply updating that attraction, Disney completely reworked the area into a habitat showcasing Australian wildlife.

Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Credit: Trey Ratcliff, Flickr

Guests visiting Jumping Junction can observe kangaroos and wallabies in an environment specifically created for them.

The experience is designed around viewing and learning rather than direct interaction. Visitors follow designated pathways while observing the animals and learning more about wildlife conservation, reflecting the educational mission that has been part of Animal Kingdom since the park opened.

Its Australian theme also connects directly to Bluey's Wild World. The new offering debuted May 26 as part of Disney's Cool KIDS' Summer promotion and features activities inspired by Bluey and Bingo from the popular Australian animated series. Jumping Junction effectively extends that theme into the real world through living animal exhibits.

When Bluey's Wild World opened, Jumping Junction remained closed. Disney did not immediately announce when the attraction would be available, creating questions among guests who expected the entire experience to launch together.

The reported reason was simple: the animals needed more time to adjust. Moving kangaroos and wallabies into a newly developed habitat involves more than opening gates to guests. Animal care teams needed to ensure the residents were comfortable with new surroundings, different guest traffic patterns, and an entirely different operating environment.

The entrance to Disney World's Animal Kingdom theme park.
Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), Flickr

As a result, Disney held off on opening the area while the acclimation process continued. Because Bluey's Wild World was already operating, the absence of Jumping Junction stood out to many visitors, particularly those hoping to experience every element of the Australian-themed offering.

The first sign of progress arrived in early June. Disney quietly began allowing limited groups of guests into Jumping Junction during select periods. Additional soft openings followed over the next several weeks.

Visitors who entered during these previews reported positive experiences and noted that the animals appeared comfortable in their new home. Those test periods ultimately signaled that Disney was preparing for a broader rollout.

According to Kenny the Pirate, Jumping Junction has now transitioned into normal daily operations. Disney has published operating hours for the attraction on its website, confirming that guests can now access the experience on a regular schedule.

Guests walking in front of the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Credit: Steven Miller, Flickr

That update carries significance beyond guest convenience. It indicates Disney is satisfied with both the habitat's operation and the successful adjustment of its animal residents. The result is the completion of Bluey's Wild World as originally promoted, giving guests access to every major component of the experience.

While Tropical Americas remains the headline project at Animal Kingdom, Jumping Junction highlights Disney's efforts to keep introducing new experiences before the expansion arrives.

The future land is expected to bring an Indiana Jones attraction, an Encanto-themed family adventure, new dining locations, entertainment offerings, and experiences inspired by the cultures and wildlife of Central and South America.

Yet Animal Kingdom's current lineup continues to grow as well. Between Bluey's Wild World, Cool KIDS' Summer activities, and the addition of Jumping Junction, Conservation Station has become a much more active destination than many guests may remember from previous visits.

Bluey (L) and Bingo (R) for Disney theme parks
Credit: Disney

Families with younger children are likely to find particular appeal in the combination of character experiences and real-world wildlife encounters, creating an experience that blends entertainment with Animal Kingdom's conservation-focused mission.

The experience is included with admission to Disney's Animal Kingdom. No reservation, virtual queue, or Lightning Lane purchase is required.

Have you had the chance to experience Jumping Junction yet? Let us know whether the new Australian habitat lived up to your expectations.

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his favorite TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer except when it's One Tree Hill. He loves sandy beach walks, forest hikes, and foodie days out in the Big City. Thomas lives in England, UK, with his fiancée, baby, and their dog, a Border Collie called Luna.

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