Our next adventure in the parks took us to Animal Kingdom on the search for new food, new merchandise and any updates for you!

We were excited to see and say “welcome back” to a cupcake friend featuring Lion King‘s Simba as our day in the park started at Creature Comforts.

What’s New on Animal Kingdom’s Discovery Island

Creature Comforts

is pretty much our first stop on every visit for some coffee, and to see what’s new as far as mugs and tumblers. But on this visit we were happy to see Simba in cupcake form here. Of course, we’ve enjoyed this cupcake before (5 years ago!), but this version of the cupcake has a new filling — “yummy” white chocolate mousse instead of passion fruit.

We spotted this guy at Creature Comforts, Pizzafari, and Isle of Java. How cute is he with his orange and yellow buttercream mane? I do wish he looked a little more polished, but… .

There’s some new construction going on outside Island Mercantile, we don’t know what this is yet, but will be sure to let you know when we find out! Be sure to follow us for all the latest updates!

What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Africa

If you’re a Monsters, Inc. fan then be on the lookout for a new popcorn bucket in the shape of Sulley!! (Yep, the same one that made waves in Disneyland during Pixar Fest!) You’ll find Sulley at Mahindi, The Feeding Ground, and Cornivores.

While you’re at Mahindi and some other snack locations and stands around the park you’ll also find Santa Mickey Sugar Cookies. We took a closer look and instantly recognized these as the cookies handed out at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in the Magic Kingdom in 2018!

What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Asia

Since its re-opening Upcountry Landing has kept us busy with updates. This week we found a new pop-up bar in the location. The cast member we talked to was not certain if this would be permanent or just during busy times and seasons.

In addition to some time to sit and relax you can enjoy beer, wine, a “Jolly Lemonade”, or bottles soft drinks and water here.

What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Dinoland

The Lotus Blossom Cupcake has migrated over to Restaurantosaurus. This yellow cupcake was introduced at Creature Comforts when Rivers of Light debuted, and is filled with strawberry mousse and topped with that oh-so-pretty lotus flower. Is this too pretty to eat?

If savory is more to your liking, the Jalapeno Poppers are still available here that were added in December.

Over at Dino Bite Snacks we spotted some pastries and coffee on the menu. We asked a cast member about these and they said they’ve been opening earlier during the busy holiday season (the day we were there they opened at 8:30am) and recently added the pastries. We will keep you updated on if these stay or they were just here for the holidays.

What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora

As Disney moves to reduce plastic bags, we’ve spotted re-usable bags at the refurbished World of Disney store, and now we spotted some very artistic ones in Pandora. Take a look at these!

These will surely make a splash when you use them at Publix!

What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Stores and Shops — New Merchandise

Pins, Pins, and more Pins! This Kilimanjaro Safaris hat includes 4 pins.

And we see some Jungle Cruise humor going on here — look at the red pin — “Safari so Good and I ain’t Lion” ????

The 2019 Collectible and Trading Pins are all around the parks and resorts.

Which is your favorite? We’re leaning towards Minnie and “it’s a small world” — how about you? Although Chip and Dale are pretty darn cute too as they run away with someone’s popcorn.

There are also some 2019 lanyard pouches.

“Get Yeti ‘Cuz” Expedition Everest’s Yeti got some of his own pins as well!

After we took in all of the pins we went back to the hats, which started us on this pin adventure to begin with! If you prefer your hats without pins there’s a new Everest hat in addition to the Kilimanjaro hat.

Jack Skellington and Nightmare Before Christmas fans can pick up this new hat which features two of Jack’s faces. How? you wonder…Jack’s face changes depending on which way you move the sequins!

If you don’t like one expression, just run your palm over the sequins and you’ll change Jack’s expression.

We saw a couple of pairs of the Disney Cat leggings in the shops here, but the Disney Dog leggings were sold out in the park on the day we were there (you can see them in our What’s New in Magic Kingdom update!).

And that’s all the new merchandise, popcorn buckets, cupcakes, construction, pop-up bars, cookies, and even more that we found this week in the park! Be sure to follow us so you stay up-to-date on the changes and additions to the parks every week!

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