Walt Disney World visitors have a new reason to prioritize Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Disney says Bakso, the two-year-old Sumatran tiger, will leave the park for another accredited zoo later this fall. Disney has not announced an exact departure date, so guests hoping to see him should treat the opportunity as time-sensitive.
Bakso is preparing to leave Animal Kingdom
Disney announced Monday that Bakso will move to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo under a Species Survival Plan recommendation. The company says the move could eventually allow him to contribute to the managed population of critically endangered Sumatran tigers.
Bakso remains viewable for now at Maharajah Jungle Trek, although animal visibility is never guaranteed. Disney’s official trail page lists the self-guided attraction from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday. The resort’s separate tiger information page identifies the habitat as the park’s location for Sumatran tigers. Visitors who consider Bakso a priority should go earlier rather than leaving the trail for the final hour. That makes the trail a practical early stop for Animal Kingdom visitors.
Magic Kingdom closes at 6 p.m. tonight
Tuesday is another shortened day for regular Magic Kingdom guests. Disney’s official day calendar lists the park from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., ahead of tonight’s separately ticketed Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
The official 2026 party schedule includes September 29 and says party-ticket holders may enter Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m. before the event begins at 7 p.m. Day guests should finish priority attractions before the late-afternoon arrival wave and plan transportation before the 6 p.m. close. EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are each scheduled until 9 p.m., while Animal Kingdom closes at 6 p.m.
October 1 brings anniversary merchandise and new Halloween menus
Thursday marks 55 years since Walt Disney World opened on October 1, 1971. Disney’s new anniversary announcement says the 55th collection is already available at Magic Kingdom’s Emporium and EPCOT’s Creations Shop while supplies last.
October 1 also starts a new round of seasonal food at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Disney’s official Halloween food guide lists a Maleficent Funnel Cake at Epic Eats and a Ghost Cream Puff at ABC Commissary and Backlot Express. At Animal Kingdom, October offerings include the Boneyard Cookies and Scream Sundae at Terra Treats and a Candy Corn Pop at Flame Tree Barbecue. Disney presents these dates as scheduled availability, so individual items can still sell out or change.
Typhoon Lagoon is closed; Blizzard Beach is the water-park option
Disney’s water-parks page says Typhoon Lagoon is temporarily closed and directs guests to Blizzard Beach. The current official attraction listing shows Blizzard Beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday. Weather and capacity can still cause day-of changes, so recheck before traveling.
What to know before you go
Use TAQ’s Florida theme-park dashboard and select an individual Walt Disney World park for a shorter near-real-time view of posted waits and operating information. The Florida Theme Parks hub collects TAQ’s continuing regional coverage.
The American Quorum is independent and is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.
