Rafiki's Planet Watch/Conservation Station - yes or no

[ellenmiele]

HELP -- I recently subscribed to Tour Guide Mike since I am now planning our park days for our Easter week trip. I am very excited about taking our kids (9 yr olds) to Animal Kingdom because we haven't been there since 2003 and I was definitely planning on taking the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch/Conservation Station. But Tour Guide Mike calls it a "mistake" and for anyone who's been to a petting zoo, that's all it is. Agree or disagree? And let me also say that my kids are TOTAL animal lovers and HUGE fans of all those vet shows and nature series on Animal Planet Channel.

 

[makinorlando]

We went to Rafiki's for the first time a in February, just never seemed to catch the train.

I enjoyed the train ride - the seats are sideways not forward facing...

The petting zoo was fun - mostly goats, running free, and they have a cow (not a domestic Moo cow), but a foreign breed, and some llamas, and I forget what else. My DD loves animals, and she enjoyed wandering around with them, brushing them and petting them. They also brought a snake out for the kids to touch. DD had great fun with the talking trash can (I forget his name) but he was in Love with DD because he is green and she had on a green shirt. We also saw Rafiki and Pochahontas for autographs and pictures.

I found it a great way to spend "killing" time until our Safari Fast Pass return time.

Is it a Must Do? Maybe not, but I am glad we did it once!

 

[gizfish]

The train ride to and from at the very least is amusing. We always do this even if we don't plan on spending much time at Conservation Station. Besides the petting zoo, there is the indoor exhibit and sometimes the vets at AK are actually doing a procedure on one of the animals, so that may be something to see. Also, the talking recycling bin is pretty cool. If you have the time (or like the above poster said need to kill time before your fast pass) take the train ride and look around.

 

[Vickie46]

its been years since I did this.. but last time we saw Stanley and other characters there ... is this still the case?

 

[kaabost]

I've been to AK 4 times and have never even seen the place where you get on the train. Guess I wasn't looking for it. Where is it? Sounds like it's close to the safari.

 

[McKelly]

We were there last August and saw Stanley, and Rafiki and I want to say there were a couple more characters that came out for autographs/pictures, but can't recall which ones exactly. They came out for a meet and greet in the building where the animal procedures are done.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

If your kids love the vet shows this place is a must for them. There a large windows that look into the rooms of the vetrinary clinic at AK. There is a schedual listed there of all the procedures for the day, they even do them on larger animals such as the cats, etc. I would head there early to see whats planned and then come back when it's time, very cool IMO. They also have Stanley and some other characters there and it's a good way to get a break from the heat. The train ride is also nice. If you have time check it out... =o)

 

[jann1033]

we went late one day and got to see a cm preparing some of the animal's meals and had a good chat with her about it( like they use Purina fill in the blank chow for lots of the particular animals, who knew?) .

i think the vets are usually only there in the am thought and not sure if you can find out if they have something scheduled or not ( my daughter works at an equine hospital and wanted to see the vets in action if possible when we go but i haven't checked that out yet)if your kids are really into animals i would go . i thought it was really interesting although they could use more activites there also.

and there is a talk now and lunch with some of the AK people , the vet i know is one of the speakers , it's something like $65 per person..you might be interested in.it..( some one mentioned it here and there is also something about it on allearsnet.com)

 

[wdwguide]

I strongly disagree with TGM on this one, unless you are a commando-style vacationer. Rafiki's Planet Watch is something you won't want to do on every visit, especially if you are pressed for time, but it is perfect for a very enjoyable, relaxing break when the temperatures are at their daily peak and the rest of the park is crowded.

Why?

• It's not usually crowded (except the petting zoo during peak/holiday season)
• Free backstage views on the train ride - often you see elephants, rhinos and others in their quarters when they are not on duty at Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Smithsonian-style exhibits of cool reptiles and butterflies
• Access to characters with very little wait - including Rafiki, Stanley (from Playhouse Disney) and Pocahontas.
• Occasionally, you can see them do veterinary procedures on their animals there

Again, if you are rushed, don't go. If you expect thrills or cutting-edge entertainment, don't go. Otherwise, try to see it if you can - at least once.

 

[jann1033]

[*]Occasionally, you can see them do veterinary procedures on their animals there
[/list]

Again, if you are rushed, don't go. If you expect thrills or cutting-edge entertainment, don't go. Otherwise, try to see it if you can - at least once.

uhh was that pun intended ( surgery= cutting edge )

 

[wdwguide]

uhh was that pun intended ( surgery= cutting edge )

Lol, no - kinda funny though

 

[laughinplace199]

My kids loved it! We didn't do the petting zoo (rainy day), but they got to see Stanley and Rafiki inside. We also got to see the vets giving a duck a check-up! The kids loved that and still talk about it.

 

[makinorlando]

I've been to AK 4 times and have never even seen the place where you get on the train. Guess I wasn't looking for it. Where is it? Sounds like it's close to the safari.

It's on the far "edge of Africa" - if you are facing the Safari entrance it is too the right, first you would come to the Pangani Forest Expedition trail entrance, and then the Wildlife Express train to Rafiki's Planet Watch.

 

[GoofyGirlnPrincessV]

but that was a mistake for us. My DD absolutely is in love with Stanley Griff and that is the only place you can find him. She also loves learning about different animals.

On our October trip I scheduled a 1/2 day there and right after the Lion King show we went over to Rafiki's Planet watch. She loved it. She had the most magical time meeting Stanley. She still talks about meeting him. Then walking around checking out the animals.

I definitely will NOT skip it again.

 

[lewdyan1]

I went for the first time last month and I can't wait to go back and share it with my children. It is very educational, but in a fun way!
I fell in love with Poppy this goat!

 

[patsal]

We enjoyed the train ride, more amusing than most, I didn't know there was a petting zoo--something to look for next time--we spent all of our time indoors watching them prepare meals for the animals, watching the camera on the then elephant nursery, and DD spent a ton of time talking with the vets. We also saw Pocahontas and Stanley. If you have time I'd say do it, but if you are on a tight touring schedule you might want to skip it this time in favor of a must do.

 

[ellenmiele]

I am sooooo glad I asked!!!!!!!!!!

Now I know we do not want to miss this - I'm sure my kids will LOVE it!

Thanks everybody!

 

[MINNIEBOWSER]

I am sooooo glad I asked!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks everybody!

I am glad you asked too!!! I have never even thought about going there but I will definately give it a try on my next trip. Thanks!!!

 

[disneyaggie]

HELP -- I recently subscribed to Tour Guide Mike since I am now planning our park days for our Easter week trip. I am very excited about taking our kids (9 yr olds) to Animal Kingdom because we haven't been there since 2003 and I was definitely planning on taking the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch/Conservation Station. But Tour Guide Mike calls it a "mistake" and for anyone who's been to a petting zoo, that's all it is. Agree or disagree? And let me also say that my kids are TOTAL animal lovers and HUGE fans of all those vet shows and nature series on Animal Planet Channel.

Mike's confused.

I love this part of Animal Kingdom. It is very informative and fun. I love the petting zoo and the really cool stations inside to further learn about animals. I truly believe your kids would love this.

 

[huey578]

You should take the time to enjoy the train ride and at least see the site. Especially if this is your first time going there. Tour Guide Mike is wrong on this one.