Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been going through it lately, and the pain isn’t over just yet!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom
We’re sure that you remember that DINOSAUR and the rest of DinoLand U.S.A. permanently closed on February 2nd to make way for the new Tropical Americas land. Unfortunately, things are about to get worse at the beloved park, because more closures are just around the corner!
In just four days, starting on February 23rd, the Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom will be temporarily closing. The Affection Section is where you encounter a variety of adorable animals at Disney World’s one and only petting zoo.

Affection Section
The Affection Section will be closing to make way for a new Bluey experience coming to the park for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. Actually, this will be the first Bluey experience at Disney World. So it will be interesting when the beloved Blue Heeler comes to the park!

Rafiki’s Planet Watch
We wish we could say that’s the only closure, but that is not the case. Disney also announced that this temporary closure will affect the Wildlife Express Train, which is the ONLY way to get from the main part of Animal Kingdom over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. So, that means this entire section of the park will also be closed until summer. Ok, that actually is a massive bummer!

Rafiki’s Planet Watch
The one thing we can breathe about is that these closures are only temporary! There is no indication of when they will reopen, but Cool KIDS’ SUMMER officially kicks off on May 26th and runs through September 8th. We’ll be on the lookout for more details!

The train will be entirely closed!
Another experience that will be closing is The Animation Experience at Conservation Station. The experience will no longer be available on the same day, February 23rd. That too is closing to make way for the new Bluey adventure coming in the Summer. Disney hasn’t clarified if they will bring this back in a new location. We’ll keep an eye out for any announcements!

The Animation Experience
With everything happening at Animal Kingdom, maybe the park has really become a half-day park (at least for now). Yes, we’re looking forward to seeing this new Bluey experience this summer. We know that the kids will love it, but for the time being…it’s going to be tough.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom
There’s still lots to do at Animal Kingdom, but with all the construction and closures, it’s going to look a lot different for guests traveling to Disney World right now. Hey, you still need to go to the park for Pandora, Flight of Passage, and Expedition Everest alone! Plus, they still have the Safari and Nomad Lounge churros cure-all. So, there are still lots of must-sees to check out!

Pandora
We’re always keeping an eye out for the latest Disney news, so make sure to follow us at the Disney Food Blog to not miss a thing! We’re here to make your Disney vacation THAT much easier.
60% of Disney Adults Don’t Want to Permanently Close This Magic Kingdom Attraction
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What are your thoughts on the closures? Let us know in the comments!

Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
We just got brand-new details about the NEW 'Monsters Inc.' land coming to Hollywood Studios!
These popular Disneyland shows are staying a little longer than expected!
Amazon has just announced the dates for the upcoming Amazon Prime Day!
We have a tasty NEW Pixar recipe to share! Pixar's latest Instagram post has gifted...
These 5 big changes will impact your summer vacation at Disney World.
Disney World resorts have six new perks for Cool KIDS' SUMMER!
Disney World Annual Passes are expensive… but the perks can add up FAST. We’re breaking...
Brand new blind boxes are all the rage these days and these are going to...
A new restaurant is coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, and we've got all the details!
Something NEW is coming to Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure this year!
Here's a full overview of the 2026 Flower & Garden entertainment offerings so you don't...
Understand the basics of Lightning Lane Multi Pass but want to be sure you're mastering...
Changes are coming to Disney's Art of Animation!
We just got a new look at the Treehouse Villas at Disney World!
There's been a big change at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind!
Room service resorts are few and far between at Disney World.
A new scavenger hunt debuts at Disneyland Park and we've got a first look at...
Let's tour a room at the Swan Reserve at Disney World!