Train in Animal Kingdom-affection station and vet?

[firstwdw]

Is this worth it? I read it's a 5-7min walk after you get off the train? Would an 8year old boy like this? We've never done it but I'm not too sure. Imagine it might be hot in the afternoon? Just looking to get opinions on others who have done it with children and what you all (and your children) thought of it.

 

[GigiDisneyfreak]

Is this worth it? I read it's a 5-7min walk after you get off the train? Would an 8year old boy like this? We've never done it but I'm not too sure. Imagine it might be hot in the afternoon? Just looking to get opinions on others who have done it with children and what you all (and your children) thought of it.

My daughter used to really enjoy coming here when she was that age. I enjoyed it for a nice little break in the cool air conditioned building. The petting zoo is small, some goats, donkeys, and pigs. If your child really likes animals I would take the time. We usually spend a half hour back here. In the past we have found characters back here. I have seen Rafiki, Timon, and Jiminy Cricket. I don't remember the walk from the train being 5-7 min. I would say it was a 2-3 minute walk. It could be longer because they usually have some kind of kids activities or animals to stop for. The train ride also takes you past the backstage area where they keep the animals.

 

[ZoZo]

I like Rafiki's Planet Watch a lot. Be aware that they do veterinary procedures mostly in the mornings. And I was told just this morning that they don't do them on Wednesdays any more - such a disappointment for me, since I went there specifically for that this morning!

One thing you can do is to have one of the cast members call on the radio (walkie talkie) and find out what the schedule is for the morning. I was asking a CM by the front gate if she knew what the schedule was, and she offered to call for me.

Other things to do at Planet watch are the petting area (you can brush a goat!); talk to a CM who is preparing food for the animals; watch a small stage presentation where the zookeepers bring out animals and talk about them (often things like reptiles and birds). It's quite a fun area, at least in my opinion!

 

[WEDWDW]

There are also a couple of the Wilderness Explorer "posts"-one on the walkway and one inside Planet Watch.

 

[dprincessmom]

I like Rafiki's Planet Watch a lot. Be aware that they do veterinary procedures mostly in the mornings. And I was told just this morning that they don't do them on Wednesdays any more - such a disappointment for me, since I went there specifically for that this morning!

One thing you can do is to have one of the cast members call on the radio (walkie talkie) and find out what the schedule is for the morning. I was asking a CM by the front gate if she knew what the schedule was, and she offered to call for me.

Other things to do at Planet watch are the petting area (you can brush a goat!); talk to a CM who is preparing food for the animals; watch a small stage presentation where the zookeepers bring out animals and talk about them (often things like reptiles and birds). It's quite a fun area, at least in my opinion!

All of this and did we say air conditioning

 

[Runnergal]

I really enjoy it. We were there last weekend and I brought my 2yo while dh took the older dc on big kid rides. My little guy loved the train and could have spent all day brushing the goats. I would have gone back with the others if we had more time because the veterinary facilities were very interesting. It is not a long walk at all. We did it with no stroller-it took maybe 5 minutes. And chip and dale were there.

 

[glvsav37]

There are also a couple of the Wilderness Explorer "posts"-one on the walkway and one inside Planet Watch.

This

we didnt notice the WE posts until we got there (much less people traffic once you get off the train). Once we got the education on what it was/what to do my DD 7 was hooked.

so in addition the AC, crowd break and some education, its a good place to knock off a few WE badges.

 

[3happydancers]

Does anyone know if Disney plans to close this section? I read somewhere (can' t remember where, that there were plans to do away with it. I sure hope not.

 

[magrudersmakes3]

We did this for the first time last June and all we kept saying is why didn't we make time for this before. We enjoyed it and would do it again.

 

[Geomom]

We enjoy it. Because it requires a train ride to get to it, you'll find it less crowded than the rest of the park. It's a good place to wind down a bit. After you get off the train, the walkways are mainly shaded, so it won't be too hot. The petting zoo part is in full sun. My kids always enjoyed the petting zoo. They like the air conditioned building--checking out the exhibits there. I think we've see Pocahontas, Timon, Rafiki there for meet and greets.

 

[rastuso]

If you are REALLY into "saving the planet", you'll like it I guess. Kids will like it like they like any petting zoo (but those are usually a little cheaper than your time at AK). But I think the comments of "it's air conditioned" are sorta crazy. So, you are waiting in a hot train station, to ride a hot train, to then walk about a quarter mile, to get some air conditioning. BEFORE you do all the hot stuff again?????

Read into the comments. Lots of people like it because of so few others there.

It takes a good hour to do it, it includes a half mile of walking, and everyone is saying AC is the big payoff.

Make your decision from that.

My family personally thought it was a complete waste of time, especially on a hot day.

-Jason

 

[KelleyK75]

We really liked it and plan on doing it again in a few weeks. The train ride is fun for the kids, and the building once you get over there has really cool paintings of all of the animals. We met Jiminy Cricket over there, and from everything I had heard he was extremely hard to meet. Rafiki was over there too of course. The kids liked the petting zoo part of it, and like everyone has said the building is air conditioned, so a nice spot to take a little break.

 

[wiigirl]

We did this for the first time last June and all we kept saying is why didn't we make time for this before. We enjoyed it and would do it again.

We would too.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Is this worth it? I read it's a 5-7min walk after you get off the train? Would an 8year old boy like this? We've never done it but I'm not too sure. Imagine it might be hot in the afternoon? Just looking to get opinions on others who have done it with children and what you all (and your children) thought of it.

we found it completely by accident.. "hey where does this train go to?!"

turned out to be one of my favoritist bits. it was QUIET.. as in VERY relaxing. we got there about halfway through a talk and the Keeper hung around with the sheep afterward for a more personal chat. the sheep kept doing it's trick despite not being prompted.

when one of the kids asked why, the keeper replied that it was how she got treats but they had to NOT give her one every time she did it or she'd get fat; plus she was only supposed to do it when prompted.

i found it rather cooler as well. definitely had some covered areas.

 

[nemodeb]

I don't have kids, but I enjoy it. In addition to what others have mentioned, I like looking for hidden mickeys in the mural as you go in. There are films about various animal research around the world, views of the lab and vet clinic, displays on animal diets, bugs and reptiles, Grandmother Willow's rainforest sound booths, animal and Character meet and greets. Another thing that makes me smile is the fun "bathroom" facts about animals posted on the stall doors in the restroom.

One day we met the people from the Operation Migration project, with their ultralight aircraft (which has now become a permanent exhibit at RPW). It was quite by surprise and very neat! On another trip, we met a CM with a vulture sharing information. If you look for various "animal holiday" type of things on a calender (migratory bird day, turtle day, Earth Day, etc.), chances are they will have a special exhibit or guest at CS/RPW.

We also saw a show about owls out next to the petting yard.

I think your degree of enjoyment will be related to how "into" animals and conservation you are.

 

[Zeebs]

This is why I like this site, just when you want to know something someone else asks the question for you.

We never visited on our last two trips, and I was wondering if it would be worth a look. I think my youngest would enjoy the petting zoo.

Kirsten

 

[john398]

Are you talking about WildLife express?
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/wildlife-express-train/

I didn't even know it existed

 

[disnut8]

Is this worth it? I read it's a 5-7min walk after you get off the train? Would an 8year old boy like this? We've never done it but I'm not too sure. Imagine it might be hot in the afternoon? Just looking to get opinions on others who have done it with children and what you all (and your children) thought of it.

My husband and I avoided this for years (we've had almost 60 trips) because I heard it was a waste of time. We are animal lovers and had time once so we caved in and rode the train.

Now it's a can't miss for us. We are in our early 50s so can't help with the kids but that walk actually has exhibits along it so please take your time, let the others walk around you and enjoy it. Also, inside the building, again, take your time. Read the signs that tell you about the animals displayed (live ones). That is the real joy here - learning about things you probably will never see in your normal life.

The petting area is nice and they do a great job with providing areas to wash your hands before and after.

Is it a place if you are on a commando pace and need to be other places and have a schedule? Probably not. But if you want an hour or so away from things and maybe looking at stuff you will never see again, then yes.

 

[Networth]

I did this once with my father a few years ago. Found it pretty dull to be honest. I remember a petting farm and zoo house type environment. My favorite part was the train ride. Have not and doubt will do again anytime soon.

 

[nemodeb]

Are you talking about WildLife express?
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/wildlife-express-train/

I didn't even know it existed

Yep, that's it. The picture there is of the backside of the cars. The front side is half open, so you can see out. I remember when they used to say, "No eating, drinking, smoking, or cooking on the train."