Rafiki’s Planet Watch is Closing, Begin to Panic.

By. Andrew

Note: this was written before the news that it was opening after refurbishments. For my thoughts on it’s eventual reopening, refer to the end of this article!

As was recently announced by WDWNT, it seems Rafiki’s Planet Watch (Conservation Station) in Animal Kingdom will be closing in late October for unannounced reasons and it is not clear whether it is for renovations or permanent closure. Since there have been many budget cuts announced recently for the Disney parks, I can’t help but think that this is one of them, since the area never had huge attendance levels and it required a train ride to get to. If this is being closed for budget cuts, or even for replacement, we should be upset.

For those who do not know what Rafiki’s Planet Watch is, you’re not alone. I went to Animal Kingdom about 8 times in my life before I finally realized it existed this past summer. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an animal hospital/discovery center that you take a train to. It’s isolated in the middle of a forest, making it very tranquil and it’s a great escape from the bustling crowds of the Disney parks, and and it had some great offerings. Firstly, you could meet Rafiki there, as well as Doc McStuffins. Also, there were a number of educational plaques and even a sound room where you could listen to the noises of different animals. The most impressive part, however, was the back of the center. The back wall was lined with windows looking into operating rooms, where the actual animals of Animal Kingdom would be operated on and checked. If you went early in the morning, you were almost guaranteed a chance to see an animal, whether that be as small as a frog, or even a lion. As someone who loves animals, seeing something like this up close and personal was very intriguing, and something you really can’t get anywhere else. It was truly amazing, and I’m extremely upset that it is ending.

Since we do not know the details of its closure, I am going to go down a list of possibilities and why they may or may not be good ideas, in my opinion.

1. Closed for Refurbishment

The most ideal case is that the area is being temporarily closed for refurbishment. The area itself is fairly empty, with a long winding trail of basically nothing aside from some Lion King references on the ground. The center itself is very small, and can only offer so much. If the area is being closed for a renovation, not a reimagining, I would be very happy.

2. Closed for Replacement

Let’s say, just as an idea, that they are replacing this fairly empty, and arguably wasted, space with a new land. Perhaps the long theorized Zootopia land? While I’m sure this would be amazing, and I would love to see it, I can’t help but be a little bummed that one of the most educational aspect of the land would be replaced with entertainment. Animal Kingdom is a perfect blend of fun and education, making it one of the best parks for teaching kids, and even adults, about the natural world around them. Disney has always made an effort to teach something from many of their rides and attractions, but that seems to be taking a back seat to IP’s and thrills. I would rather them use IP’s, or even thrills, to continue teaching something. If they were to make a Zootopia land, perhaps they could move the animal hospital somewhere else, so that we don’t lose that aspect of the park?

3. Closed for Budget Cuts

This one is the most upsetting, but likely the accurate, reason for its closure. Rafiki’s Planet Watch was never hugely popular, and never drew in the crowds it could have. The train could carry about three times the amount of people that it ended up transporting when I visited over the summer. With the expenses of operating the building itself, as well as the train to bring guest to it, it doesn’t make much financial sense to keep it operating. While I understand this from a business perspective, I would rather they try and improve the area, rather than give up on it. If a ride will draw in crowds, maybe they could put a small ride or two in that area? Or, perhaps they could introduce more rare character meets there, such as the Zootopia characters, or Tarzan. They could also make the train ride more entertaining, since the only cool part of the ride was seeing the back of the Kilimanjaro Safari ride, with all the pens for the animals at night.

So, in the end, I think it’s pretty upsetting that I will no longer be able to visit Rafiki’s Planet Watch when I got to Animal Kingdom. While I know that I was never the most popular area in the park, I always thought it was a very important element, since it gave you some incredible knowledge that you could carry with you after of your vacation. I can’t help but think that if even one child was inspired to become a vet, or a zoologist, after seeing the animals in the hospital rooms, then Rafiki’s Planet Watch served its purpose, and then some. So, if you’re visiting Walt Disney World before October 21st, I highly recommend you take the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, because it just may be your last chance to experience something amazing.

Update [9/25/18]: Disney has confirmed that RPW is closing permanently as of October 20, 2018. This basically rules out any chance of it being renovated, but it is unclear whether it will be left to rot, or if it will be replaced with a new attraction. We do know that the vet rooms will be operational, just without guest viewing capability.

Update [9/27/2018] : It has just been confirmed that Rafiki’s Planet Watch WILL reopen in 2019!! According to WDWNT and Disney, the area will receive “extensive refurbishment,” and will reopen once that is complete. Only time will tell if this is true, as Disney has had indefinite refurbishments before (Rocket Rods). Hopefully, this means we will get some really cool new additions to the area, making it better than ever!

Thank you so much for checking out my article. I hope you really enjoyed it! If you did, please check out some of my other Disney articles, or some of my movie reviews! Thank!!

Picture credits to BlogMickey.com and Disney