Rafiki's Planet Watch is Now OPEN - See Post #296

[rteetz]

So is it going to be closed or just refurbished or open seasonally?

It is supposed to reopen at some point this year according to Disney.

 

[tnolan]

I heard it was being refurbished and is set to reopen in spring of this year.

 

[rteetz]

I heard it was being refurbished and is set to reopen in spring of this year.

Not much can be seen in the images but it looks very much the same. I know it is still used for private events and of course the animal hospital portion is used on a daily basis for animal care.

 

[TammyLynn33]

So this is still closed??

 

[rteetz]

So this is still closed??

Right now yes.

 

[TammyLynn33]

Uggh hopefully it opens before Easter I had no idea it was closed . Was planning on spending time there with the littles while the big kids wandered

Right now yes.

 

[jenhelgren]

Has there been any updates from Disney at all? I did some searching online and couldn't find anything on what was being changed or when the opening date would be. We visit in early May and my DD is so upset that it is still closed!

 

[gharter]

Haven't read anything since it closed.
Lots of rumors going around. Its not clear if it is being refurbished or just closed during quieter times.
the big rumors without any substance (that I've read) is maybe transformed to Zootopia in the future. (that would be cool).

 

[rteetz]

Haven't read anything since it closed.
Lots of rumors going around. Its not clear if it is being refurbished or just closed during quieter times.
the big rumors without any substance (that I've read) is maybe transformed to Zootopia in the future. (that would be cool).

Whether Zootopia is added or not the animal care facilities are still needed as long as AK is an accredited zoo.

 

[MamaJessie]

Haven't read anything since it closed.
Lots of rumors going around. Its not clear if it is being refurbished or just closed during quieter times.
the big rumors without any substance (that I've read) is maybe transformed to Zootopia in the future. (that would be cool).

I don't know if it is a rumor or a wish but I like that idea, especially with new Zootopia films being worked on.

 

[yulilin3]

I think it will reopen, when? who knows. But they have left all the plaac holders on the site and MDE, Wildlife Express, It All Started by a Mouse show, Raafiki's Planet Watch . The message

Wildlife Express Train and the experiences at Rafiki’s Planet Watch are currently unavailable to Guests. In the meantime, our world-class animal care continues behind-the-scenes. Please check back for updates.

Rafiki's Planet Watch and Wildlife Express are currently unavailable to Guests. However, our world-class animal care will still continue behind the scenes. Please check back for updates.

 

[yorkieteacher]

What about the Wilderness Explorer activities that were available here?

 

[hiroMYhero]

What about the Wilderness Explorer activities that were available here?

They were to have updated the activity.

 

[rteetz]

Rafikis is opening this summer!

Rafiki’s Planet Watch Reopens this Summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

 

[soccermom54]

Rafikis is opening this summer!

Rafiki’s Planet Watch Reopens this Summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

This is wonderful news! As older Disney lovers, we have watched many of the "tame" attractions we enjoy disappear over the last 26 years. DH and I always enjoy our time in Rafiki's Planet Watch and it does not make us dizzy, hurt our backs or run up our blood pressure. For us "oldies" it's great

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Of course, the next question is, what does Disney mean by "summer?"

 

[rteetz]

Of course, the next question is, what does Disney mean by "summer?"

I am guessing around Memorial Day if they are doing Lion King activities to coincide with the anniversary.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Our original plan for AK called for us to skip Rafiki's.

With it being closed, well, that wasn't a hard decision.

Hopefully they'll have more updates what these enhancements are before our FP day so we can decide whether or not to put it back into the schedule.

 

[BebopBaloo]

Yay!

 

[720L]

I am guessing around Memorial Day if they are doing Lion King activities to coincide with the anniversary.

I hope so, we will be there Memorial Day which isn't technically summer.