Conservation Station is now open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and one aspect of the Conservation Station complex is Jumping Junction. At Jumping Junction, guests can interact with Kangaroos and other Australian animals in celebration of Bluey’s arrival to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Jumping Junction replaced the Affection Section petting zoo, and Disney has been pretty silent on what level of interaction guests will have with the animals when Jumping Junction opens. Now, we know what it will be.
Jumping Junction Is Not A Petting Zoo
In This Article
- What Jumping Junction is (and isn’t)
- How guests will interact with Kangaroos and Wallabies
- When the enclosure will open to guests
- How Disney describes the experience
- What we saw during our visit
Jumping Junction Is Not a Petting Zoo
First and foremost, Jumping Junction is not a petting zoo. That confirms our earlier reporting that the Affection Section petting zoo would be permanently retired.
But there’s a nuance worth knowing: there is a non-zero chance guests may be able to touch a Kangaroo or Wallaby.
Right now, the Jumping Junction enclosure is closed as the animals acclimate to their new home. Cast Members we spoke with could not confirm when it will open. That said, the plan is to eventually allow guests to walk inside the enclosure alongside the marsupials.
Jumping Junction: Interact with Kangaroos & More
So, what is Jumping Junction? Here’s how Disney describes Jumping Junction:
At Jumping Junction, go wild about wallabies and crazy for kangaroos! In this bouncy-ful experience, see some of the extraordinary animals you might find in the Australian Outback—and learn how to spot the differences between these marsupial pals.
When the enclosure does open, guests will follow a pathway that winds around its perimeter. There are no barriers between guests and the animals. Guests will not be permitted to approach the Kangaroos or Wallabies to pet them, but if an animal approaches a guest, that guest may be able to reach out and touch it.
Cast Members told us the animals need time to acclimate before the enclosure opens to guests. How long that takes depends on the animals themselves. We expect it could be a while, but the goal is to get guests inside at some point.
What We Saw During Our Visit
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
Another piece of info that may be interesting to readers. The species present are both Western Grey and Red Kangaroos, as well as Red-necked (or Bennett’s) Wallabies.