Let’s place the past on the back burner and put the future on hold for this mini-quiz about what’s going on these days at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I had not been to the theme park since waving goodbye to the now-closed Dinosaur attraction, so it was time for a stroll.
Answer, if you will:
1. What’s the newest animatronic in the park?
2. What’s the buzziest new dessert there?
3. What’s going on behind the Dinoland construction wall?
4. What time does this place close?
Answers
Benjamin Clawhauser, a character from the “Zootopia” movie franchise, appears in animatronic form at the “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” show. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)
1. Benjamin Clawhauser, a chunky cheetah character, is seen in animatronic form in “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” 3D show inside the Tree of Life theater.
I’ve seen this production a handful of times since its debut in November. This was the first time I sat on the Clawhauser side of the room, and now I more fully appreciate subtle movements of the figure, especially when Clawhauser recoils from the 4D effect of walrus slobber or reacts to other on-screen actions. He also swivels in the office chair I had not noticed before.
In addition, when Benjamin reads from the teleprompter, words scroll on his monitor. When he’s talking with other characters, the screen is blank. This is a detail that maybe 20 people in the theater have the right angle to see.
“Zoogether” replaced the “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” show, prompting this comparison: “Zootopia 2,” also debuting in November, has made more than $1.8 billion. “A Bug’s Life” (1998) made $363 million.
The cookie-dough brownie ice cream sandwich is for sale at the Terra Treats kiosk. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)
2. Internet enthusiasm steered me to a new dessert offering: the cookie-dough brownie ice cream sandwich sold at Terra Treats.
You can guess from the title that it’s sweet. The top layer has sprinkles in the dough, making it colorful, topping the layer of vanilla ice cream that’s atop a brownie. It’s firm, but I ate it without utensils, you know, like a sandwich. It’s about as long as a dollar bill, and all these factors make it a strong shareable option. It sells for $8.29.
It’s pretty tasty as internet sensations go, and though it’s no purple wall or Figment popcorn bucket, there were lines for it every time I passed. Terra Treats, near the park’s Starbucks outlet, also sells a carrot cake sundae for $8.99.
A visitor at Disney’s Animal Kingdom looks at a large rendering of the under-construction Tropical Americas section of the theme park. (Dewayne Bevil/Orlando Sentinel)
3. A lot is going up at DAK, particularly in the former Dinoland area that will become Tropical Americas one day. Right now, even with the benefit of the elevated bridge from Discovery Island, pedestrians mostly see cranes and other machinery. A large building in the back half of the lot is visible.
The construction wall gets a fair share of attention from visitors because of a jumbo rendering of the space. Reaction from slow-and-go passers-by has been in the “pretty” and “awesome” camp. Many people seemed to know what was going on, but give a gold star to the woman who identified the House of Madrigal from the “Encanto” area. One younger person erroneously exclaimed that “Nemo” was going there (forgivable) and that “Emperor’s New Groove” (fanciful) was getting an attraction, but he was looking at the “Indiana Jones” temple, which will be an overhauled Dinosaur.
On the other side of the park, the Harambe train station to Conservation Station currently is hosting Wilderness Explorers activities for kids, plus character meet-ups, while the area adds “Bluey” touches scheduled to open this summer.
4. Closing time varies day to day, but count on Animal Kingdom closing at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., earlier than the other Walt Disney World parks. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it could affect visitors’ start times. A 6 p.m. close is good if you have dinner plans elsewhere or if you want to park hop to Epcot or Magic Kingdom for fireworks. You might guess DAK is open later in summer, but times posted for June – just the first 13 days so far – are all 6 p.m. closes. Of course, these are subject to change and worth a day-before glance.
Peter Pan and Wendy now take flight during Magic Kingdom’s “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” parade, which debuted last summer. (Steven Diaz/Walt Disney Co.)
News, notes, nuggets
• The addition of a “flying” Peter Pan and Wendy above a float during Magic Kingdom’s “Disney Starlight” parade is a spectacle, earning oohs and ahhs from land-bound watchers. The characters are in the air for about 15 seconds at a time, making short landings, then starting over. There’s clearly training and rehearsals for these parts, and the performers manage to establish eye contact with spectators below. Downside: You’re even less likely to notice Tinker Bell, who walks in front of the unit. More info: disneyworld.com
• Universal Orlando has introduced Universal Express Now to its pass lineup. What to know: It may be available for individual rides within a specific time window based on capacity and wait times. It’s on the official app, but can only be activated once users are in a theme park. As Express goes, prices vary. More info: universalorlando.com
• Gatorland again will hold Gatorpalooza Weekend on May 30-31. The event features artisans, vendors, live music, giveaways, appearances by the Gatorland Vlog team and the sixth annual Florida Man Challenge. More info: gatorland.com
• Amazing Animals Wild Nights, an after-hours event at the Kissimmee attraction, is set for Saturday. The $100 admission includes food, beverages, live music, encounters with animals such as sloths and capybaras, and a silent auction. More info: amazinganimalsinc.org
Best Theme Park Restaurant: 2026 Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards
• Orlando Science Center’s $15 Day is this Sunday. The cut-rate admission includes all exhibits, including “Mission: Astronaut,” which is set to leave the museum May 3. More info: OSC.org
• Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is offering half-price admission to folks ages 55 and up on weekdays through May 22. Tickets must be purchased at the Sanford attraction. More info: centralfloridazoo.org
• Fun Spot is selling single-day passes to Florida residents for weekday use for $39.95. The usual price is $69.95. More info: fun-spot.com
• Legoland Florida is including gold annual passes for overnight guests within its resort hotels in Winter Haven. This level pass includes Legoland theme park and its water park, Peppa Pig Theme Park and Sea Life Florida Aquarium, which opened last year. More info: legolandforida.com
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