Park Hopping Is Gonna Get COMPLICATED in Disney World Next Month

For anyone who loves squeezing every ounce out of a Disney World day, park hopping is a great avenue to do that!

You will need a park hopper ticket or an annual pass in order to hop between multiple parks a day at Disney World. It is a great way to see and do a lot on your Disney vacation, but in February, one big change will affect the way you do Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The Big Change

The last day for Disney guests to visit DinoLand U.S.A is February 1st; after that, it is officially extinct. Dinosaur is the last ride remaining in this land, and when it closes, it could have big implications for how you plan out your Disney day. The land will be closed until it reopens as Pueblo Esperanza in 2027 with new attractions featuring Indiana Jones and characters from Encanto. This leaves a huge gap in what guests can do in Animal Kingdom in 2026.

We believe that this closure will make Disney’s Animal Kingdom a half-day park, for now. So instead of guests spending a full day at this park, most will want to hop to and from it on their vacation. Let’s talk about what might be the best fit for your travel party this year.

Rope Drop and Then Hop

Despite the closure, Animal Kingdom still has plenty of reasons to arrive early. It opens earlier than the other parks, making it perfect for early risers hoping to grab popular rides before the crowds hit.

Lightning Lane Multi Pass prices are often lower here, too, which can save both time and money if you are looking to hop to another park afterwards and book Lightning Lanes there. While we don’t think it’s a great use of Lightning Lane Multi Pass, we do think that buying a Single Pass for Flight of Passage could help you park hop after your morning. For many guests, rope dropping Animal Kingdom first allows them to hit headliners quickly before hopping to another park.

Our tip is to purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass for the park you will be hopping to after you spend your morning at Animal Kingdom. You can book your first three selections to start in the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to knock out those wild rides like Kilamanjaro Safari and Expedition Everest.

Start Elsewhere and Then End at Animal Kingdom

While Animal Kingdom closes earlier than other parks and late-night hopping has its limits, there’s a silver lining. Evening visits often mean lower waits for rides still operating, and Pandora’s glowing pathways make nighttime a unique experience.

If you time it right, you can knock out a few attractions and soak in the magical nighttime ambiance without the usual crowds. Plus, riding Expedition Everest at night is an experience in itself. If you don’t want your night to end, you can either hop back over to another park that’s open later or head to Disney Springs for some fun.

Is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Still Worth the Trek in 2026?

Pros: Early access, lower Lightning Lane costs, and unforgettable nighttime experiences in Pandora.

Cons: Limited ride availability due to closures and shorter park hours may make hopping less efficient.

For some, Animal Kingdom is still a must-see stop even with these changes, while others may choose to skip it in favor of parks with more attractions open later in the day. If you are short on time and prioritize other parks, then it’s likely a skip. However, there are still so many reasons to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, from the food to the animals to the incredible entertainment here.

Navigating Disney World park hopping starting next month might shake things up, but the right strategy can still make for a magical day. For the latest updates, ride closures, and expert tips to make the most of your visit, be sure to follow AllEars.net.

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Would you skip Animal Kingdom in 2026, or are you still making time for it? Tell us in the comments!

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