Another shake-up is on the horizon at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but this time, it’s not an attraction making way for an IP-driven replacement—it’s an animal exhibit getting a little TLC.
Starting February 17, the bats exhibit at Maharajah Jungle Trek will temporarily close for refurbishment, with a scheduled reopening in early March 2025. That means guests have just two more days to see the Malayan flying foxes—some of the world’s largest bats, boasting an impressive six-foot wingspan—before the habitat undergoes a refresh.
This isn’t the first time Disney has put its animal-focused experiences on pause for maintenance. In 2023, the Maharajah Jungle Trek aviary received a refurbishment, and in 2021, sections of the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail were shuttered for a month-long revamp. Even the lions on Kilimanjaro Safaris were temporarily relocated while their habitat got an upgrade.
The closure comes at a time of major transformation for Animal Kingdom. With DinoLand U.S.A. officially extinct—its carnival-style Dino-Rama section closed permanently in January—the park is preparing to welcome the highly anticipated Tropical Americas land. The new area will bring attractions inspired by Encanto (2021) and the Indiana Jones franchise, with the latter replacing the fan-favorite DINOSAUR ride.
That’s not the only shift happening in the park. The Tree of Life’s iconic 3D show, It’s Tough to Be a Bug!, is crawling toward its final performance in March, making way for the upcoming Zootopia: Better Zoogether!
Since opening in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has carved out a niche as the most nature-driven park in Walt Disney World, with lush environments and a focus on real-life conservation. But as the resort leans further into IP-centric attractions—an approach that kicked off in earnest with Pandora: The World of Avatar in 2017—fans are left wondering what the future holds for the park’s signature blend of nature and storytelling.
For now, though, Animal Kingdom remains home to over 5,000 animals spanning 300 species, from gorillas and elephants to hippos and gibbons. One of its biggest stars, baby tiger Bakso, recently made headlines for drawing two-hour-long waits just for a glimpse—outpacing every other attraction in the park.
With the bats exhibit set for a lengthy refurbishment, the clock is ticking for guests to catch a final look before the winged residents go on a year-long hiatus. In the meantime, Animal Kingdom’s other animal encounters, like the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail and Kilimanjaro Safaris, will keep the park’s wilder side alive.
What’s your favorite animal experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
