Harambe Market at Disney's Animal Kingdom has officially closed its doors for a temporary refurbishment. This closure is a strategic move as the park prepares for its upcoming Tropical Americas expansion, leading to various adjustments across its dining landscape. While the food counters are currently inactive, the outdoor seating area remains accessible to guests for the time being.
Visitors looking for dining options near Harambe Market will find clear signage directing them to alternative locations. These include popular spots like Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari, and Restaurantosaurus, all within easy reach.
Key Takeaways
- Harambe Market is closed for refurbishment until early 2026.
- The closure supports the new Tropical Americas expansion.
- Its menu will shift to quick-service items like burgers and chicken strips.
- Kusafiri Coffee & Bakery now offers expanded lunch options.
- Restaurantosaurus is slated for permanent closure in February 2026.
Future Dining Plans for Animal Kingdom
Disney has outlined plans for Harambe Market's return, anticipating an early 2026 reopening. The refreshed market will feature a new menu, moving towards quick-service staples. This will include items such as burgers and chicken strips, catering to a broader range of guest preferences.
This menu shift comes ahead of another significant change: the permanent closure of Restaurantosaurus. This popular dining spot is scheduled to cease operations on February 2, 2026. The move will direct more fast-casual dining demand towards the renovated Harambe Market.
Did You Know?
The upcoming Tropical Americas expansion will transform a significant portion of Disney's Animal Kingdom, introducing new attractions and experiences inspired by the rich biodiversity of Central and South America. This project is a major investment in the park's future.
Temporary Dining Adjustments
To offset the temporary loss of Harambe Market's dining options, Kusafiri Coffee & Bakery is expanding its service. Located nearby in the Africa section of the park, Kusafiri will now offer lunch choices. This ensures guests still have convenient access to quick meals during the refurbishment period.
The park is proactively managing guest flow and dining availability. The goal is to minimize disruption while major renovations are underway. These temporary changes are part of a larger strategy to enhance the overall guest experience at Animal Kingdom.
"Our aim is to provide diverse and accessible dining options for all our guests, even as we make exciting improvements to the park," a Disney representative stated, emphasizing the commitment to guest satisfaction during the transition.
Impact of the Tropical Americas Expansion
The Tropical Americas expansion represents a significant undertaking for Disney's Animal Kingdom. It aims to introduce new immersive experiences that will redefine sections of the park. Such large-scale projects often require strategic adjustments to existing infrastructure, including dining facilities.
The refurbishment of Harambe Market is a direct consequence of this broader vision. It ensures that dining offerings align with the new thematic elements and increased visitor numbers expected from the expansion. This forward-looking approach positions the park for future growth.
Background on Disney's Animal Kingdom
Opened in 1998, Disney's Animal Kingdom is the largest theme park in the world, covering 580 acres. It focuses on the natural environment and animal conservation, featuring diverse themed lands such as Africa, Asia, and Pandora ā The World of Avatar. Dining options range from quick-service kiosks to full-service restaurants.
What to Expect for Guests
Guests visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom in the coming months should be aware of these dining changes. Planning ahead for meals is always a good idea, especially during periods of refurbishment. Utilizing the My Disney Experience app can help locate open restaurants and view menus.
The expanded offerings at Kusafiri Coffee & Bakery provide a convenient alternative. Furthermore, the continued operation of Flame Tree Barbecue and Pizzafari ensures that popular quick-service choices remain available throughout the park's Africa and Discovery Island areas.
- Check park maps for current dining locations.
- Use the My Disney Experience app for real-time updates.
- Consider mobile ordering for quicker service at available locations.
The temporary closure of Harambe Market is a stepping stone towards a more vibrant and updated Animal Kingdom. Guests can anticipate a refreshed dining experience and exciting new attractions in the future, enhancing their visit to this unique theme park.
