Rafiki's Planet Watch Reopening with New Additions at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Fans of Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom should mark their calendars for July 11 when the location, including Affection Section and the Wildlife Express, will reopen. And a brand-new additional experience drawing on Disney's rich heritage of wildlife animation, inspired by Walt Disney’s own passion for ensuring his animators could develop realistic characters and settings by spending time with animals, will join the lineup of offerings.

In honor of the parkwide celebration of Disney’s “The Lion King,” The Animation Experience at Conservation Station will launch with the reopening, offering Guests the opportunity to learn how live animals have inspired some of the most iconic characters from this beloved “tail.”

Guests will learn more about some of the animals who call the park home and then have the chance to create a personalized piece of Disney art through an instructor-led animation class. Visitors will learn how to draw Simba, Zazu, Pumbaa, Timon, and more. Each session will be different, and Disney FastPass+ Service will be offered for the experience.

For more than 60 years, animals have been a part of Disney storytelling, and these stories continue today alongside efforts to protect wildlife and habitats around the world, as well as provide immersive experiences that connect kids and families with the magic of nature.

In just a few weeks, Guests can enjoy this new way of connecting with the animals in the park in addition to the other unique opportunities that Rafiki’s Planet Watch offers.

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