Walt Disney World has restricted access to part of Discovery River Amphitheater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as preparations begin for Santa’s Holiday Grove, a new holiday offering planned for the surrounding area.
The southern portion of the amphitheater, across from Finding Nemo: The Big Blue... and Beyond!, was blocked off as of November 5, 2026. Movable planters limit access to that side of the waterfront seating area, while the northeastern seating area near Expedition Everest remains open.
The amphitheater is not hosting a regular entertainment offering, but its seating has given visitors a place to take a break and view work across Discovery River connected to the Tropical Americas project. That viewing area is now more limited. Disney has not announced a reopening date for the restricted section.
According to Disney Parks Blog’s 2026 holiday announcement, Santa’s Holiday Grove will include a festive trail, intermittent snow flurries, themed food and drinks, seasonal music and a visit with Santa Claus. Santa was previously located at Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A., an area being transformed for the Tropical Americas expansion.
Planning Your Trip
Undercover Tourist is an authorized seller of Walt Disney World tickets, often at a discount off gate price.
The Animal Kingdom change comes amid several separate Walt Disney World refurbishments and closures. At Magic Kingdom, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure closed November 2 for routine refurbishment and is expected to return in December; Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is closed for a reimagining expected to last until late spring 2027.
Other scheduled changes include Typhoon Lagoon’s seasonal refurbishment, a January 24-30, 2027, Disney Skyliner maintenance closure, and resort projects at several hotels. The various work periods have different schedules and do not represent a resort-wide shutdown. Visitors planning a stay can check individual attraction, resort and transportation updates for their travel dates.
