Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a new way to get close to some Australian wildlife, and the experience is set to grow over time. Jumping Junction, a walk-through habitat home to kangaroos and wallabies, is currently open in a limited capacity. Disney has now confirmed plans to eventually welcome all guests inside. Here is how the experience works today, what the team has said about the future, and a few facts about the animals you will meet.
What Disney Has Confirmed
Disney has stated that it plans to open the Jumping Junction habitat to every guest. The goal is to let all visitors walk the path and share space with the kangaroos and wallabies rather than view them from outside.
For now, the limited access guests see is an early step toward that plan, not the finished version. Disney has been clear that full walk-through access is the intended direction, even if the rollout is moving at a measured pace.
How Access Works Right Now
At this stage, keepers invite small groups inside the habitat to walk the path. Entry is currently capped at fewer than 100 guests per hour, which keeps the environment calm for the animals as they adjust.
An animal care Cast Member leads each group through the habitat after a quick rules briefing. The walk itself lasts about 5 to 10 minutes, giving guests time to observe the animals up close while staying on the designated path.
A couple of restrictions apply during this phase. Touching the animals is not permitted, and wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers are not yet allowed inside. Disney has indicated that the mobility device limitation is set to change as the experience develops.
What the Team Says About the Timeline
The pace of the rollout depends on the animals rather than a fixed calendar. Zoological Manager Maggie explained that the team is taking a gradual approach and following the animals’ lead.
Eventually, we’d like to invite all our guests to have their own adventure walking through our habitat and sharing space with these amazing animals. As we’re acclimating the kangaroos and wallabies to be comfortable with guests in their space, we’re doing it very slowly and allowing the animals to let us know when they’re ready.
Maggie, Zoological ManagerBecause the timeline hinges on how the animals settle in, Disney has not committed to a specific date for opening the walk-through to everyone.
Meet the Residents
The habitat is home to three species you can spot during the walk: Western Grey Kangaroos, Red Kangaroos, and Red-necked Wallabies. Each adds a slightly different look to the space.
Size is the easiest way to tell kangaroos and wallabies apart. Kangaroos are the larger of the two, while wallabies run closer to half that size. If you want a fun fact to share, a group of either animal is called a mob.
Both kangaroos and wallabies are marsupials. That means their babies, called joeys, continue developing inside the mother’s pouch after birth, so you may notice young ones tucked away as you walk through.
How It Connects to Bluey’s Wild World
Jumping Junction ties into Bluey’s Wild World, and the habitat nods to the show’s Australian roots. Pairing real kangaroos and wallabies with a setting inspired by an Australian series gives the area a clear sense of place.
For families already drawn to Bluey, the connection makes the habitat a natural addition to the day. It blends an animal encounter with theming that younger guests will recognize.
Conclusion
Jumping Junction gives Animal Kingdom guests a closer look at kangaroos and wallabies, and Disney’s plan to eventually open it to everyone points to a bigger role for the habitat down the line. For now, access is limited to keeper-led groups with capacity capped and a few restrictions in place. With the animals setting the pace, the full walk-through will arrive when they are ready, so it is worth watching for updates before your next trip.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
