Disney World has been seeing LOTS of closures throughout the past few months, mostly to make way for new additions, lands, and more, but if we’re being real, that doesn’t make the closures any less ideal when they’re happening.
This is especially true over in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where DinoLand U.S.A. just closed for good to make way for the new Tropical Americas expansion, and now, there are TWO more closures happening in this park tomorrow — here’s why you need to be prepared.
Starting tomorrow, February 23rd, an entire other section of Animal Kingdom will be closing to make way for a new experience coming this summer for Disney’s Cool KIDS’ SUMMER experience.
Right now, you can take the Wildlife Express train over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch to experience the numerous different experiences there, such as the Affection Section (where you can pet the animals), the Animation Experience (draw your favorite Disney characters!), and even windows to look into Disney’s vet section, where sometimes you’re lucky enough to see the team working on an animal right there in front of you.
However, starting tomorrow, this ENTIRE area will be closed to make way for the new “Bluey” experience coming this summer. Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is expected to begin on May 26th, 2026, which is when we’re expecting this to be back open for guests. However, it’s likely that it’ll close AGAIN at the end of the experience on September 8th to go back to normal. With so many closures in this park already, losing all of these attractions for about three months is NOT great.
We’ll admit — there are lots of people who don’t even know that Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the Wildlife Express to get over there even exist (and they’re really missing out!), but for those who do, they’ll know that there’s a whole other section closed, meaning there’s even fewer attractions to visit in this already construction-ridden park. Again, we know that this is so something new and thrilling can be on the way, but with so many other projects ongoing, it’s not great timing.
More Recent Animal Kingdom News!
- REVIEW: Part 345 Of Us Begging You To Visit This Popular Disney World Restaurant
- NEW Look at Pueblo Esperanza in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Say What? Over 30 NEW Foods and Drinks Came To Disney World This Week!
- Don’t Forget! 2 NEW Closures Begin in Disney World This Week
- Why Am I Irrationally Angry In A Disney World Souvenir Shop
Need some help planning your Disney World vacation with all this construction going on? Check out our friends at Small World Vacations!
We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Animal Kingdom news, beginning with this closure and well beyond, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB!
6 Big Reasons EPCOT Will Be More Crowded in 2026
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!
How do you feel about this construction? Tell us 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
The Disney Dining Plan is back for 2027 -- with a NEW tier!
Disney finally released the opening date for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets.
Thinking of staying at a Disney World hotel in 2027 but don't know if it's...
This new look at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets makes us want to...
Disney's Animal Kingdom might see huge crowds in May and it could have a big...
HUGE supports have just gone up for Hollywood Studios' new Monsters, Inc. coaster!
It's officially time to start planning your 2027 Disney World vacation!
We're obsessed with these limited-edition Springtime Surprise Weekend exclusive shoes!
Disney World just announced a NEW Dining Plan deal for 2027 vacations!
This limited-time Guinness Gelato was… interesting!
There are new Disney jerseys online, and we've got a feeling they're going to be...
We've been raving about this Magic Kingdom snack for years, and it still holds up!
Hurry over to Amazon to get these MASSIVELY discounted Disney souvenirs!
You need to check out this new Dooney & Bourke bag!
Become an EPCOT PRO and learn about these 50 amazing things to do in EPCOT.
Disney just dropped a first look on Han Solo at Disneyland!
Check out this NEW Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Muppets update!!
Disney just dropped the FULL track list for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets...
An exclusive NEW Disney World hotel deal just dropped!
New Winnie the Pooh Loungefly bags just dropped, and yes, they are dangerously cute. Honey...