Heads up, Disney World fans, today’s the day that a whole section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is temporarily closed, as of today.

Conservation Station

Today, February 23rd, Disney has temporarily closed Rafiki’s Planet Watch as a whole to make way for a new Bluey experience coming for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER. What does that mean for you? Well, a park that’s missing about four of its attractions, and in a park that’s already riddled with construction, that’s not a great addition.

If we’re being extra technical, Disney has temporarily closed the Wildlife Express, the train that takes you from the main section of the park to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and it’s the ONLY way to get over there. Additionally, the Affection Section has been temporarily closed to make way for the new experience, but since the train is out of commission and no one can get there, the whole area is inaccessible.

The signs are covered up!

However, this area isn’t completely without entertainment! There’s now a sign that directs guests to head one way to check out the Wilderness Explorers station, or another way to check out the character meet and greets that are now in the area.

Which way to go?

We spotted Goofy, Daisy, and Donald meeting with guests at the train station, which is pretty special. We’re really happy that this is being offered, so guests still have something to experience over in this area.

Hey Goofy!

This also means that the Animation Experience, where you can learn to draw your favorite Disney characters, will also be unavailable, and if you were hoping to step into the Conservation Station to get a look at who may be working in the vet area, you’ll be out of luck for a few months. While there’s no official reopening date, we do know that Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is supposed to start on May 26th, so that’s our current guess for when they’ll become available again.

Affection Section at Conservation Station

That’s not all, though — it’s expected that this area may have to close AGAIN when the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER event ends on September 8th (though not confirmed by Disney), which will mean that ANOTHER closure will be enacted in a park that’s already severely lacking in attractions due to the construction on the new Tropical Americas land. That land isn’t expected to open until 2027, so we’ll still be missing some entertainment for a while.

Tropical Americas construction

If you’re heading to Disney World this summer, you won’t want to miss out on all the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER offerings all over the resort! You’ll be able to find Goofy’s Game Machine at GoofyCore over at CommuniCore Hall in EPCOT, experience beloved Toy Story characters take over The Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom, visit BOTH Disney World water parks throughout the summer (and get complimentary admission on the day of your check-in if you’re staying at a Disney hotel), and so much more!

Blizzard Beach

Looking for more recent Animal Kingdom news? Check out our posts below!

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB!

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