Discovery Island Trails Partially Closed as Refurbishment Begins on Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life

Over the weekend, we stopped into Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a few updates and found that the Tree of Life Garden Trail was closed for refurbishment. The sign pictured below was posted at the entrance of the Garden Trail. This is the trail that starts on the front, left side of Discovery Island, past the Otter Grotto and over the bridge where the Paroon Shark Catfish resides. (If you know, you know.)

On our visit, you could continue past the sign.

But the trail was completely walled off a short distance ahead.

A framework for safety netting was installed under the base of the Tree of Life. Hopefully, the trail will reopen when the netting is completed. At the time of publication, Disney hasn’t posted a refurbishment notice for the trails or the tree.

Netting had already been completely installed on the back side of the Tree of Life.

That trail was partially open, and guests could continue down it as far as the Galapagos Turtle exhibit. With the netting already in place, this entire side of the trail might reopen after the opening of Zootopia: Better Zoogether later this week. For reference, guests exit the Tree of Life Theater, where the attraction is held, in the area that’s currently closed. We assume this side was closed so guests couldn’t try to sneak into the Tree of Life theater while media and cast member previews were taking place ahead of the attraction’s official opening. Guests who were part of the previews were exiting through the closed area to the Asia side of the bridge, where the trail normally exits.

Here is a look at where the framework begins. This side of the trail was only blocked by a partial rolling planter that’s typically used around grand openings.

If you would like to learn more, we have an overview of the Discovery Island Trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They are one of our favorite pastimes in the park. For more from our visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you might enjoy the following:

• First Look: Zootopia Better Zoogether Attraction Signage
• New Disney World Home Collection Debuts at Disney World
• 2025 Disney Starbucks Tumblers and Accessories Arrive at Disney World

For more attraction closures, see our Disney World Ride Refurbishments List, or you can check out ResortsGal.com for all of our latest news, reviews, and updates.

In the Comments

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