While taking a stroll around Animal Kingdom this afternoon, we noticed that construction has wrapped up on an expanded, covered seating area in Harambe Market. Unfortunately, it comes at the loss of some wonderful theming elements.

First, here’s a look back at the area and theming elements of an outdoor market as it was when Harambe Market opened back in 2015.

Here’s a look at the area today during the lunch rush. The entire themed marketplace has been replaced for more covered seating. It doesn’t look like there have been more tables added, but rather rearranged to improve walking space and put under the new structure.

While it’s certainly true that this area has (rightfully) maintained a high popularity, it’s also true that more covered seating was needed. We’re sad to see that it comes at the loss of the marketplace theming elements that Imagineers used to add depth to the whole Harambe Market storytelling.

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