Animal Kingdom-Vet Procedures at Rafiki. .

[lovetoscrap]

The friends we are going with watched the Animal Kingdom special on the Travel Channel last week to help build the excitement (their first trip). DD8 saw the part on Rafiki's Planet Watch Area where they were doing surgery on an animal. Because she wants to be a Vet, she really wants to see them doing some medical procedure while we are there.

I have never been up to that section of the park because I don't do petting areas and didn't want the fight with the kids. But I am assuming that actually getting to see some medical procedure is probably pretty rare???? Like less than a 50% chance????

She also doesn't do petting areas (her other DD had a severe case of salmonella last year) so we will probably avoid the whole area if there is a more than likely chance we won't see anything. Also, we need to prepare the dd for the fact that we will be skipping that area.

ALSO--if we do go up there, where is the building where they do the medical stuff in relation to the petting area? Can we go, go to that building, and leave (back to the train), without our younger ones realizing there is a petting area?

 

[Robo]

The friends we are going with watched the Animal Kingdom special on the Travel Channel last week to help build the excitement (their first trip). DD8 saw the part on Rafiki's Planet Watch Area where they were doing surgery on an animal. Because she wants to be a Vet, she really wants to see them doing some medical procedure while we are there.

I have never been up to that section of the park because I don't do petting areas and didn't want the fight with the kids. But I am assuming that actually getting to see some medical procedure is probably pretty rare???? Like less than a 50% chance????

She also doesn't do petting areas (her other DD had a severe case of salmonella last year) so we will probably avoid the whole area if there is a more than likely chance we won't see anything. Also, we need to prepare the dd for the fact that we will be skipping that area.

ALSO--if we do go up there, where is the building where they do the medical stuff in relation to the petting area? Can we go, go to that building, and leave (back to the train), without our younger ones realizing there is a petting area?

Petting area ("Affection Section") is outside, right next to the "Vet Building's" side doors, and unless you can create a distraction, its not exactly "hidden" although the main FRONT doors of this building are not facing the actual "petting area" (but there are lots of glass doors that don't hide much).

IF they are performing any procedures on animals, you can usually view it from the large windows in the public areas (TV monitors, too.)

You might try contacting DAK directly by phone and see what kind of info they have on the timing and viewing of vet procedures.

 

[CastMemberDWA]

I actually work in this area on Fri/Sat. All procedures/exams are scheduled in the mornings between roughly 9:30-11:00 or so.
Each day is different of course...and they have to be fairly flexible with the schedule depending on any emergencies etc. Best way to find out what procedures are "scheduled" is to contact Guest services when you enter the park. They should be able to call back for you.

Even when procedures aren't being done you can still view the area, and some looping video of past events and speak to the cast members there with any questions you have.

The "Vet Hallway" is located inside the Conservation Station....enter the red doors in front...snake through the muraled hall of animals.....and then look for the glass walls once inside.... You can't miss it really.
A good strategy is to go to safari...grab a fast pass...then jump on the train to come see us......then head back for your safari time! Perfect.


If you have specific questions you can email me.....I am NOT a vet or vet tech...but more of an education/information CM there.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Thanks for the tip about going in the morning.

We've been there a few times and have never seen a procedure. The picture of the snake with the golf ball in his stomach is cool at any age.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Also, if you forget to stop at Guest Relations as you enter the park, the greeter at the Train Station in Harambe can call Conservation Station and find out if any procedures are scheduled for that day.

 

[lovetoscrap]

That is exactly what I needed to know. Since it is Disney, the kids tend to think they will be doing everything, all the time! It will be easier to explain to her beforehand that the vet procedures are more "as needed" and she may be disappointed. And with a group of 9 (at least 3 of whom that are very squeamish!) it would really be easiest to not go up there if there is not much to see. We may go ahead and talk to Guest Services and play it by ear.

Thanks! I love the DIS and the fact that we can get info directly from the wonderful cast members!