Jumping Junction has begun a limited soft opening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and we went inside the enclosure for the extremely limited test this morning. Entry is strictly capped, and small groups walk the enclosure, guided by animal care experts. There is one firm rule for the experience: no petting or touching the animals. Here are the details on access, the marsupials inside, and what is still unknown about a full opening.
Jumping Junction Now Open With Strictly Limited Test
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- How the limited test works
- What the guided walkthrough with animal care experts is actually like
- Which kangaroo and wallaby species you will see inside
- What is still unknown about a full opening
A LIMITED TEST, CAPPED AT UNDER 100 GUESTS PER HOUR
The soft opening is small by design. Disney is strictly capping entry to fewer than 100 guests per hour. Guests line up, then enter in small groups alongside animal care experts who guide the walkthrough. The full experience lasts about 5 to 10 minutes.
Accessibility is limited during this test. Wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers are not permitted inside right now. Cast Members told us that it will change, and the plan is to eventually allow those devices once the experience is fully open. If you rely on mobility assistance, hold off until Disney expands access.
INSIDE THE ENCLOSURE WITH KANGAROOS AND WALLABIES
We walked the pathway this morning. The enclosure holds Western Grey Kangaroos, Red Kangaroos, and Red-necked Wallabies, also known as Bennett’s Wallabies.
Before entering, an animal care Cast Member ran us through the rules. “The grass is lava,” the Cast Member told us, so guests stay on the concrete pathway while the kangaroos and wallabies roam the grass freely. The animals can cross the pathway in front of you or behind you, and the Cast Members step in to help guests navigate if a kangaroo decides to plant itself in the way. Expect to start and stop. The Cast Member may ask the group to hold or keep moving, all of it driven by what the animals are doing rather than the guests.
The team also asked guests to keep voices to a low chatter, since a sudden yell could spook the animals. Our group was split into two smaller clusters before heading in. The goal, the Cast Members explained, is to get the animals used to as much guest activity as possible, which means today’s visitors are effectively helping Disney test and adjust the experience. Every group is observed, as is the animal’s behavior and reaction to the groups.
The guided format is temporary. Cast Members told us the goal is to eventually make Jumping Junction an unguided experience that guests walk at their own pace. For now, the small-group walks with animal care experts are part of getting the animals ready for that.
STRICTLY NO TOUCHING THE ANIMALS
Here is the firm rule. There is strictly no petting or touching the animals during this limited test. When it was the Affection Section, it used to be a contact yard, and it is not one anymore. The experience still gets you close, but the line between guests and animals stays clear.
THE STORY SO FAR
Jumping Junction replaced the Affection Section petting zoo, which we reported would close permanently back in January.
We confirmed Jumping Junction is not a petting zoo in May, when the enclosure remained closed for the animals to acclimate.
WHAT WE STILL DON’T KNOW
Disney has not announced a full opening date for Jumping Junction. The animal care experts leading today’s groups did not confirm when the experience moves beyond this limited test, when it shifts from guided walks to an unguided pace, or when mobility devices will be allowed inside. We will keep visiting and update you as access expands.
You can find Jumping Junction at Conservation Station inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you want to try the limited test, expect a short window each hour as the animals get comfortable with humans inside the enclosure.
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!