Is Rafiki's Planet Watch worth the time?

[BuckeyeBama]

When our boys were young, we did this every year. They are no longer interested so we haven't been in a while. I'll have to check it out again in January.

 

[WEDWDW]

Just an FYI-normally there aren't any Vet procedues at Rafiki's on Wednesdays.

Also,where else at WDW can you see a display like this!lol

 

[nkereina]

If you have plenty of time to kill, I'd do it. But otherwise, I'd skip it. We've only done it twice out of all our visits, and never feel like we're missing much. And when we have done it, we're not there for very long.

 

[nkereina]

double post - sorry!

 

[muenginerd]

DH and I loved it. It was one of the better parts of our AK day. We didn't have kids with us so I don't know how bored they would be.

I actually really like the train ride over. We went past some of the animal barns and learned a lot about how they bring the animals off the safari at night or during bad weather. I liked the little behind the scenes peak. We're also zoo nerds and were amazed at some of the tricks the caretakers have at moving the animals around.

The air conditioning was a very nice break during a hot day. We also really liked the vet area. We didn't get to see a live procedure. They were showing a video of a Girraffe knee surgery. That Girraffe had been moved to AKL for recovery. We were staying in a safari room at AKL so it was cool to see the Girraffe the rest of the trip and know alittle of his story.

They did tell us vets perform proceedures first thing in the morning. So, if it's something you're interested in, you might want to see if they can tell you upfront if anything is planned for that day and then head right out to Rafiki's Planet Watch.

 

[MasterGracey84]

I believe there is a rumor mulling around that this may be going away post Avatar opening OR under a refurb shortly after. The train ride over compounded with the destination of Rafiki's PW could make for an interesting new attraction. I believe Jim Hill has mentioned this on one of his podcasts or over at jimhillmedia.com I've never done this but certainly plan on giving it a whirl this time.

 

[ELSA711]

It is always our first stop after Breakfast at Tusker House and Safari ride. We spend a lot of the morning there.
Then we hit the FOTLK show on way back around 12noon or 1pm. My kids are animal junkies though, I think AK may be their bigger priority then MK or even EP most days.

 

[rastuso]

If you pay Disney park ticket prices, and are happy to spend an hour minimum riding a train, and walking about a quarter mile to see a basic petting zoo like every other petting zoo, and a few low budget science museum exhibits, go for it. If you prefer to pay local zoo admission prices for those things, skip it.

Most likely your local zoo doesn't have $100s of millions of dollars of thrill rides, and a safari ride. Which is why they don't cost the same.

Jason