If you navigated Disney’s Animal Kingdom by memory on your last trip, you might want to toss that old map into the nearest trash can (the ones with the swinging lids, naturally). As of February 6, 2026, the park is officially in the “Era of the Great Migration.”
With DinoLand U.S.A. officially 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.
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 (located across from Flame Tree Barbecue).
- The Look: They are currently meeting in their sleek Zootopia 2 detective outfits.
- The Crowd Factor: This is currently the most popular meet-and-greet in the park. If you aren't there within the first hour of park opening, expect a “Better Zoogether” wait time of 50 minutes or more.
Dug and Russell: Adventure is Elsewhere
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. It’s a much more quiet, shaded spot—perfect for a squirrel-spotting photo op.
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 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.
- Location: Look for them on the pathway immediately to the right after you pass through the park entrance.
- The Change: Their dinosaur-themed outfits have been permanently retired. They are back in their classic safari khakis. It’s a bit of a “back to basics” move that coordinates perfectly with the park's original 1998 aesthetic.
Chip ‘n’ Dale: Outside the Gates
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.
Witty Tip: This is arguably the best “waiting for the bus” entertainment in Orlando. It’s also a clever way for Disney to pull “meet-and-greet” crowds out of the congested park interior.
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 the carnival games for bird-watching. He is now stationed at the Harambe Train Station. He’s still in his safari vest and binoculars, though his proximity to the Wildlife Express Train is temporary.
- Important Date: Rafiki’s Planet Watch closes on February 23, 2026. While the train will stop running, Goofy is expected to remain in the station area through the spring to help anchor the land while construction begins on the Bluey “Play Pavilion.”
The 2026 Character Cheat Sheet
To help you plan your day, here is a quick-reference table of the current permanent locations as of February 2026:
| Character | New 2026 Location | Costume Status |
| Donald & Daisy | The Oasis (Right Path) | Safari Classics (Dino-Bash Retired) |
| Chip ‘n’ Dale | Palm Courtyard (Outside Gates) | Classic (Dino-Bash Retired) |
| Nick & Judy | Discovery Island Hub | Zootopia 2 Gear |
| Dug & Russell | West Discovery Island Trail | Wilderness Explorers |
| Goofy | Harambe Train Station | Bird-Watcher Safari |
| Mickey & Minnie | Adventurers Outpost | Safari (New Mural Alert!) |
| Moana | Character Landing (Asia Bridge) | Wayfinder |
A Peek into the Future: The Tropical Americas Mural
Even if you aren’t a “character person,” there is one reason to visit Adventurers Outpost to see Mickey and Minnie. Inside the greeting room, Disney has quietly swapped out the old DinoLand-themed background for a stunning new mural.
The artwork features a lush, sunset-drenched view of Pueblo Esperanza, the upcoming 2027 land. If you look closely at the background, you can see the silhouette of the Indiana Jones temple and the flickering lights of the Encanto Casita. It’s the first piece of “permanent” concept art to be integrated into the park’s physical world.
Conclusion: Change is the Only Constant
Animal Kingdom in 2026 is a park in transition. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the kitschy charm of the Dino-Bash, the “Great Migration” has actually made several characters easier to find—if you know where to look. By moving favorites to the entrance and the waterways (don't forget the flotillas!), Disney is clearing the stage for the next decade of adventure.
