They say it’s a jungle out there and we’re headed to Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World to take a look at the many changes and projects happening in this lush Disney park. Let’s go!

Outside the park, you can see the cranes for Avatar, very visible.
Outside the park, you can see the cranes for Avatar, very visible.
Welcome to the park!
Welcome to the park!
The area in front of the Tree of Life is now without walls, and there is a lot more concrete. The 'roots' of the Tree have also been extended with new animal carvings.
The area in front of the Tree of Life is now without walls, and there is a lot more concrete. The ‘roots’ of the Tree have also been extended with new animal carvings.

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Beautiful.
Beautiful.

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I really love the work Disney did here. Big improvement.
I really love the work Disney did here. It may have taken years too long, but it’s a big improvement.
Details on the new directional signage.
Details on the new directional signage.

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On this trail by the Tree of Life, all these poles are brand new, perhaps to reopen the path soon.
On this trail by the Tree of Life, all these poles are brand new, perhaps to reopen the path soon.
Sadly, this path is still closed and the tarps still up.
Sadly, this path is still closed and the tarps still up.
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Some overhead netting remains.

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At the future Starbucks location, there is nothing new from the outside.
At the future Starbucks location, there is nothing new from the outside.

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Work continues on the new Harambe marketplace.
Work continues on the new Harambe marketplace.

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Kali River Rapids is closed for refurbishment and looks to be having new pathways made.
Kali River Rapids is closed for refurbishment and looks to be having new pathways built.

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The gibbons are still out during the refurbishment.
The gibbons are still out during the refurbishment.

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Boats were running, but no passengers.
Boats were running, but no passengers.
The ride is closed, but don't worry, you can play sidewalk games! Not a fan of this.
The ride is closed, but don’t worry, you can play sidewalk games! Not a fan of this.
Work continues on the Rivers of Light installation.
Work continues on the Rivers of Light installation.

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The construction walls got some nice touches, probably because they will be up for some time.
The construction walls got some nice touches, probably because they will be up for some time.

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Beautiful Everest.
Beautiful Everest.

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Walls looping all the way around past the Finding Nemo theater.
Walls looping all the way around past the Finding Nemo theater.

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You can now get the Flame Tree Pulled Pork at this food cart near Dinoland.
You can now get the Flame Tree Pulled Pork at this food cart near Dinoland.
Another view on the Rivers of Light work.
Another view on the Rivers of Light work.
The park got pretty busy, as It's Tough to be a Bug got a 20 minute wait!
The park got pretty busy,  It’s Tough to be a Bug had a 20 minute wait!
More Flame Tree menu items available at food carts with the location closed.
More Flame Tree menu items available at area food carts.

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Couple more shots of the redesigned entrance area to Discovery Island.
Couple more shots of the redesigned entrance area to Discovery Island.

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Back through the construction walls to head out.
Back through the construction walls to head out.
That's it!
That’s it!

That’s going to do it for this week’s column. How do you all feel about the many changes happening at this park? Do you think it will become a full day park with the addition of Avatar and new nighttime offerings? Let us know in the comments!

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Cory Disbrow
Cory likes Walt Disney World so much, he recently packed his bags and moved to Orlando. Cory is a photographer and writes MiceChat's Dateline Disney World columns every Friday.