Theme Park Scope

Disney’s newest Bluey-inspired addition is finally open, but guests may be surprised by what Jumping Junction actually is.

As part of the Bluey-themed transformation of Conservation Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney has introduced Jumping Junction, a new Australian animal experience featuring kangaroos and wallabies. However, despite replacing the former Affection Section petting zoo, Jumping Junction is not a petting zoo itself. That said, guests may still find themselves closer to these animals than they expected.

With the arrival of Bluey’s Wild World at Conservation Station, Disney permanently retired the Affection Section petting zoo and replaced it with Jumping Junction, an Australian-themed animal habitat. The new experience celebrates Bluey’s Australian roots while introducing guests to kangaroos, wallabies, and other animals native to the Australian Outback.

For months, Disney remained relatively quiet about exactly how guests would interact with the animals in the new exhibit. Now, new details are providing a clearer picture of what visitors can expect.

Jumping Junction Is Not a Petting Zoo

First and foremost, Jumping Junction is not a petting zoo.

That confirms earlier reports that the traditional petting zoo experience offered at Affection Section has been permanently retired. Guests will not be permitted to approach kangaroos or wallabies to pet them.

However, there is an important distinction.

According to Cast Members, the long-term plan is for guests to eventually enter the habitat and walk along a pathway that winds through the enclosure itself. There are no planned barriers separating guests from the animals while inside the experience.

As a result, while guests will not be allowed to approach the animals, there is a possibility that a kangaroo or wallaby could approach a guest. If that happens, guests may be allowed to reach out and touch the animal. In other words, touching an animal isn’t guaranteed, but it is not completely off the table either.

The Habitat Is Currently Closed

At the moment, the Jumping Junction enclosure remains closed to guest entry while the animals continue acclimating to their new home.

Cast Members have said they can not confirm when guests will be allowed inside the habitat. The timeline depends largely on the animals themselves and how quickly they become comfortable in the new environment.

While Disney has not announced a reopening date for the walkthrough portion of the experience, the eventual goal remains to allow guests inside the habitat alongside the marsupials.

Disney’s Description of Jumping Junction

Disney describes the new offering as: “wild about wallabies and crazy for kangaroos! In this bouncy-ful experience, see some of the extraordinary animals you might find in the Australian Outback — and learn how to spot the differences between these marsupial pals.”

The experience is located at Conservation Station and can be accessed via the Wildlife Express Train. Guests currently need to join a virtual queue for Bluey’s Wild World experiences at Conservation Station.

A Different Kind of Animal Encounter

While longtime Animal Kingdom fans may miss the hands-on nature of Affection Section, Jumping Junction offers a unique experience that is more focused on observation, education, and animal-led interactions.

Rather than encouraging guests to pet animals, the new habitat is designed to allow kangaroos and wallabies to dictate the level of engagement, creating a more natural environment while still offering the possibility of memorable up-close encounters.

As Disney continues expanding Bluey’s presence at Animal Kingdom, Jumping Junction has quickly become one of the most intriguing additions to Conservation Station.

Be sure to keep checking back with Theme Park Scope for the latest Disney’s Animal Kingdom news, Bluey’s Wild World updates, conservation stories, and Walt Disney World coverage.