Animal Kingdom has always been the place at Walt Disney World where you get up close with wildlife from around the globe. Now there is a fresh reason to make time for Conservation Station. Jumping Junction has opened its gates, and it brings a piece of Australia to the heart of the park. Here is what you can expect when you stop by.
From Affection Section to Jumping Junction
Jumping Junction takes over the space that once held the Affection Section, using the same footprint that longtime guests will recognize. If you look closely, you can still spot the old handwashing stations left over from the petting days. The transformation focuses on new theming tied to Bluey’s Wild World and the Heeler family’s home country of Australia, giving the area a distinct personality that fits right in with the rest of Conservation Station.
Meet the Kangaroos and Wallabies
The headline attraction here is the animals themselves. Jumping Junction is home to kangaroos and wallabies, and you get to walk alongside them rather than viewing from a distance. It is a chance to see marsupials that are not native to the United States, which makes the experience feel a little different from other animal encounters at the park.
How the Experience Works
You do not wander through on your own. A Cast Member leads small groups along a paved walkway that winds through the enclosure. The guides share facts about the kangaroos and wallabies as you go, and they keep the group engaged from start to finish.
An animal expert is also on hand to answer deeper questions and talk about the health and care programs that run at Conservation Station.
One important change from the old Affection Section is the no-touching policy. Guests are asked not to touch the animals and to stay on the paved path throughout the visit. This approach keeps both the animals and the guests comfortable while still allowing you to get close.
The Best Time to Visit
Timing matters if you want to catch the animals in motion. Kangaroos and wallabies tend to be more active in the mornings, and early groups sometimes have to pause on the path to let the animals hop by.
Afternoons are quieter, since that is when the animals settle in for their naps. Either way you will enjoy the visit, but mornings give you the best shot at seeing the junction living up to its name.
Planning Your Visit
Jumping Junction sits at the exit of Bluey’s Wild World, so it draws a crowd right after a show lets out. Expect a short line at busy moments. The walk-through itself runs about 20 minutes from start to finish. If you plan to combine Jumping Junction with Bluey’s Wild World and a ride on the Wildlife Express Train, set aside around an hour for the full outing at Conservation Station.
Jumping Junction adds a welcome new stop for animal lovers heading to Conservation Station. Between the guided walk, the friendly guides, and the chance to stroll alongside kangaroos and wallabies, it pairs naturally with a visit to Bluey’s Wild World. Next time you find yourself in Animal Kingdom, put it on your list.
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.
