Fresh cloth and theming now drape the banyan tree in front of Yak & Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Colorful fabric hangs from the branches and wraps the trunk and roots of a tree that bounced back from the deep freeze this summer. We spotted the additions during a recent visit to the park. Here’s the latest.
Yak & Yeti Banyan Tree Receives New Cloth Theming at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- New cloth wraps, hanging strips, and garlands now decorate the Yak & Yeti banyan tree.
- Bells and other small details appear throughout the trunk and canopy.
- The tree has a full canopy again after its pruning following the deep freeze.
The banyan tree outside Yak & Yeti is one of the more photographed spots in Animal Kingdom. Disney’s horticulture team pruned the tree heavily in April following the deep freeze earlier this year. Thankfully, the canopy had filled back in substantially by July. Now the tree has picked up spots of new color in the branches, which adds a cheerful chapter to the recovery story.
Colorful Cloth Wraps the Trunk and Branches
The most noticeable change is the amount of fabric on the tree. Orange, yellow, light blue, red, and pink cloth wraps the main trunk in layered bands. Bright orange also wraps several thick roots, while similar strips tie around the larger limbs and leave loose ends hanging through the leaves.
Longer strips hang in rows from the branches, with some strung together like garlands. Many of these look more weathered, in faded blue satin, mesh, and burlap-style textures. The mix of crisp and faded fabric gives the tree a layered look. It suits the lived-in feel of the Asia section of Walt Disney World’s most detailed theme park.
A wide view shows how the cloth looks against the green canopy and the stone at the base. The stone is a toppled carved creature with claws and a toothy head, and roots from the banyan wrap around it. A Disney PhotoPass photographer is stationed at the base of the tree for the popular photo spot. The new cloth gives those photos a more colorful backdrop.
Bells, Garlands, and Small Details Up Close
Looking closer at the tree reveals plenty of small touches. Brass-colored bells hang from rope and fabric throughout the canopy. One pair of nested bells has an animal figure etched into the metal, and another bell is rusty with a wooden clapper. Their weathered finish adds age to the bright new cloth.
Garlands of what look like dried flowers and seed pods wrap around the trunk and hang from wire in yellow, pink, red, and green. A pale blue ribbon threads through one cluster, and a small silver ornament sits in another. These details reward a slower pace and give guests another reason to linger under the tree.
The tree continues to look better and better each visit, a testament to the work and expertise of the Disney Horticulture team as they managed an unprecedented amount of damage following the deep freeze.
Story So Far
- April 30, 2026: Disney’s horticulture team began extensive pruning of the Yak & Yeti banyan tree and other nearby trees, as we reported when Disney World continued its efforts to save trees following the deep freeze.
- July 2026: The tree filled back in with a healthy canopy, showing strong signs of recovery months after pruning.
- October 2026: New cloth and theming now cover the trunk, roots, and branches of the tree.
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!