There’s a BIG event going on at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but it won’t last long!

April 22nd is this park’s 25th anniversary, and it’s also Earth Day. That means special snacks, character meet-and-greets, and new merchandise are all taking over the park! Those aren’t the only changes, though, so come along with us to find out what’s NEW in Animal Kingdom since our last visit.

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Animal Kingdom Food Updates

Dawa Bar

Dawa Bar is a boozy haven in the middle of a very busy part of Animal Kingdom. For a limited time, there’s a new drink at this spot to celebrate Earth Day and the park’s 25th anniversary.

We found the Bahari Breeze drink here, which is made with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Bols Blue Curacao Liqueur, Sour Mix, and Pineapple Juice, garnished with a Pineapple Wedge for $13.50.

More unique treats are coming to Animal Kingdom! See them all here.

Animal Kingdom Attraction Updates

Rare Characters for Earth Day

As part of the big celebrations, there are lots of rare characters throughout Animal Kingdom. We spotted Tinker Bell with Fawn…

…Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book…

…Kenai and Koda from Brother Bear on a flotilla…

…Princess Atta from A Bug’s Life…

…and Jane and Terk from Tarzan.

DiVine is a character that you can find in Animal Kingdom year-round, but she was dressed up in tons of flowers for the occasion.

These characters will likely only be around through April 22nd, which is Earth Day.

Find out which new character is coming SOON to Animal Kingdom!

Animal Kingdom Construction Updates

Oasis Exhibit Construction

This animal exhibit near the front of the park has finally finished its lengthy refurbishment!

The spoonbills have returned to their habitat, so you can visit them here.

Disney100 Sign

Near the front of the park, you can find this Disney100 sign, which celebrates The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary.

Similar signs can be found at the front of all the Disney World theme parks.

Click here to learn more about Disney’s 100th anniversary.

Animal Kingdom Merchandise Updates

Discovery Trading Company

At this gift shop, we found a Sword in the Stone shirt for $29.99…

…a Mickey Mouse tank top for $34.99…

…and an Alien Toy Story shirt for $39.99.

There were also a couple of Disney Junior toys, including a Mickey vet play set for $39.99…

…and a Minnie Mouse pet salon, also for $39.99.

Let’s check out some other shops!

Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures

This shop had a new Lion King hat.

The hat costs $29.99.

Mombasa Marketplace

There were lots of new Lion King souvenirs here, including an embroidered hoodie for kids for $39.99…

…a kids’ embroidered shirt for $29.99…

…and a Simba onesie for $34.99.

We also found a Black Panther Wakanda shirt for $49.99…

…and matching shorts.

The shorts were $44.99.

Island Mercantile

At our last stop, we spotted a Pixar t-shirt for $39.99…

…some Mickey Mouse Crocs for kids for $49.99…

…and an Encanto t-shirt featuring Bruno that glows in the dark. This tee is $26.99.

There was also a VERY expensive pin set, which featured four “awkward moments” pins from Olaf Presents. The set costs $125!

That’s all for our updates from Animal Kingdom! Stay tuned to DFB for more news from Disney World.

Click here to learn more about Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

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What’s your favorite thing to do in Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments.

The post What’s New at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: RARE Character Meet-and-Greets first appeared on the disney food blog.