
Photo by Disney (Todd Anderson)
For quite some time now, Disney’s Animal Kingdom seemed like it had been taken over by construction walls. Magical DIStractions can now report that a portion of those walls have been removed and something new has been revealed.
On Saturday, February 7th, guests entering the Animal Kingdom park were greeted by a “new” Tree of Life! With the construction walls gone from around the tree’s base, we can now see what was going on behind those walls and I’m liking what I’ve seen so far.

Photo by Todd Anderson
The DisneyParks Blog site posted pictures of the “new” Tree of Life and not only has it grown more roots, but there are new animal carvings as well. Among the animals that were added to the already existing 325 carvings are tiny bugs, a giant crocodile and a ram and they look magnificent! The new roots also made way for a wider walkway for guests to visit Discovery Island.
The Tree of Life originally debuted as the park’s icon at the park’s opening in 1998, after 12 months of construction. The 145-foot tall structure is covered in more than 103,000 leaves and originally featured more than 325 animal carvings (excerpt from the DisneyParks Blog). Guests can follow the pathways around the Tree of Life and enter the theater to see a showing of It’s Tough to be a Bug, a 3D show that gives guests a glimpse into the life of a bug.
While I know that it can be a bit of a bummer to arrive at the parks and see the construction walls, it’s nice to know that Walt Disney World is constantly making improvements to the parks and attractions. I can’t wait to see the additions to the Tree of Life when we visit in May!
can’t wait to check it out Lisa! I’ll share photos!
any idea when the tree will start to be lit for the nighttime activity? Or any news on the night safari? Well be there in Augusttttt.
Thanks