We're Getting Anxious About the Changes at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Bluey is finally coming to Disney World, but we are incredibly worried about what it might mean for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. At the beginning of December, Disney announced that a new Bluey experience would open at Animal Kingdom in summer 2026.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The new experience will take place at the Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which you can reach by taking the Wildlife Express Train. Disney hasn’t made an official announcement about the fate of Rafiki’s Planet Watch; however, we have spoken to Cast Members in the area about the announcement, and we are getting very worried.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch has been a popular area for guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The area features the Affection Section, where you can interact with goats, pigs, cows, and more. Plus, the area also features the Conservation Station, where you can learn more about conservation, watch veterinary staff perform procedures on animals, and even take a drawing class at The Animation Experience. Adults and kids alike can find plenty of fun things to do, and this area is accessible only by the Wildlife Express Train.

Conservation Station

We recently visited Rafiki’s Planet Watch and spoke with Cast Members about the announcement. While Disney has not officially announced what will happen to the existing activities, Cast Members we spoke with were under the impression that the Bluey experience would be an entire takeover.

Animation Experience at Rafiki’s Planet Watch

An Animal Care Specialist stated that they would be moving away from the area, and an education Cast Member also said that they would not be included in the Bluey takeover. As well, a Cast Member involved with The Animation Experience also told us that they would be done as early as February. It also sounds like the Affection Section — the petting zoo area — might no longer be available.

Animal Hospital at Rafiki’s Planet Watch

We are devastated to learn that Bluey might completely take over Rafiki’s Planet Watch. While we know Bluey will be popular with kids, we will also greatly miss the petting zoo, animal hospital, and animation experience. We are really hoping that Bluey will be an addition, and not a complete takeover. We have lots of fond memories drawing Disney characters, learning about the medical procedures, and, of course, petting the goats!

Goats at The Affection Section

Again, Disney has not officially confirmed that Bluey will be completely taking over the area and these attractions will close, but based on our conversations with Cast Members, that could be the case. We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more and when Disney officially announces its plans for the current area.