very specific AK rafiki planet watch question

[memakwed]

I have a child who will be turning 13on our next trip. He is very involved in animal science and vet science as in gives subq, IM shots, vaccination shots, meds, for multiple species. I thought we would go out to rafikis planet watch specifically to see a medical procedure. Does anyone have contact info or a link to who I would contact to find out upcoming procedures. I know they post it day of but they must schedule procedures in advance. The idea is to plan our AK day around a procedure that he would have a particular interest in. I know very specific and odd but would be very special for his bday. TIA

 

[RafikiTiki21]

I don't have a contact, but wanted you to know that the procedures are typically first thing in the morning. So definitely plan on rope drop or breakfast in AK and take the first train back to planet watch.

If you are able to find a POC they can give you more schedules or details of course.

Exciting stuff-- good luck!

 

[memakwed]

Thank you. Yes I am aware of the morning time frame. I am type A and more of the planning is what day to go so he can observe something significant to him. Thanks for replying and trying to help.

 

[yulilin3]

Don't go on weekends as the staff does more procedures on week days. No way to know ahead of time.
I world email guest relations and see if they can give you more specific answers

 

[disnut8]

Don't go on weekends as the staff does more procedures on week days. No way to know ahead of time.
I world email guest relations and see if they can give you more specific answers

I agree and am also a planner so I understand you wanting to know a specific procedure so your son can see something that is of interest to him. However, please realize that Disney will perform procedures that might take priority over what was scheduled for that day. It's not just the animals that live in Animal Kingdom, it's animals that are also brought in from any where on Disney property. So, if in the case of one procedure we observed, a turtle was run over on property and a passing Cast Member saw it happen and rescued the turtle and brought it in, then the turtle with the broken shell goes first. It can be sort of like an emergency room if that happens so all schedules get moved aside.

We've been back there during procedures and quite honestly, if your son is that much into animal science, any procedure would be something he should watch. Not only will he see but he will be able to learn and ask questions of the Cast Member outside the operating area. Any day is a good day and if your son can say in the future that he saw a pig get his teeth cleaned, I'll bet that's something he wouldn't be able to say today.

 

[DWillowBay]

My son and I watched them do surgery on a little sparrow. Amazing! This is not even my "thing", but I was fascinated. I hope the little fellow 'made it' because they worked so hard on him (her). I can't imagine what was wrong, but the procedure was really intense!

 

[RobinEJ]

I just am reiterating what the others said about the morning, I was told if they were to do the larger animals tigers etc. that they do them first thing.

 

[memakwed]

I guess guest relations it is then too contact. Hopefully they would have more contact info. Yes I would say an emergency takes precedent to a schedule, just trying to provide him with something of interest. He sen animals birthed, shod, wing repairs, fishing hook removal from turtles, water therapy, xray, ultrasound and he even knows how to suture in a couple different stitches. Not the typical kid for sure and that's why I was trying to find a procedure schedule to make it special for his bday. Thanks for everyone's in put so far.love hearing about the procedures you saw.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I'm sorry I can't help you with the schedule, but just wanted to add our story. We were in AK last August when a CM mentioned they were doing exploratory surgery on a Cheetah who was having stomach issues, so we high tailed it over to Rafiki's Planet Watch to see what was going on. My DS8 also loves animals and has expressed interest in pursuing zoology, but certainly does not have the experience your DS has!! It was such an amazing experience. They had a monitor up so you could see what they were seeing inside the cheetah's stomach. They also had a CM outside of the procedure room with the guests. She had a microphone, so could field questions from guests and relay them to the surgical team who would answer the questions while we watched. They were also handing out sheets of paper with the cheetah's name, picture and paw print so we could all have a souvenir from the experience. I certainly hope you are able to find the schedule and watch a procedure for your son's birthday. We have been to AK many times and this definitely tops our list of things we have experienced there. Best of luck and a happy birthday to your son!

 

[geek+nerd]

I would recommend doing the Backstage Tales tour of your son is really into veterinary care: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/backstage-tales/

You aren't guaranteed to see a procedure, but DH and I found this tour fascinating.