BAY LAKE, Fla. – Disney’s Animal Kingdom has announced the temporary closure of two Rafiki’s Planet Watch attractions.
According to the Walt Disney World attraction webpages, Affection Section, Wildlife Express Train will close temporarily on Feb. 23 “to make way for a new Bluey adventure coming Summer 2026.” Also closing permanently on the same date, The Animal Experience at Conservation Station.
Inspired by the hit children’s show “Bluey,” the new interactive experience will bring Bluey and Bingo to life.
As part of the new Bluey-themed adventure, the Affection Section will transform to showcase animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia. Guests will also be able to snap pictures alongside their Blue Heeler pals.
Affection Section has long been a favorite spot where visitors can interact with farm animals like goats, sheep, and pigs. The Wildlife Express Train connects guests to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, a conservation-focused area of the park. Animals currently at the petting zoo will be rehomed.
Disney has not announced when the Affection Section and Wildlife Express Train will reopen.
The temporary closures follow the permanent shutdown of DinoLand U.S.A., which closed on Feb. 2. The area, home to DINOSAUR and Restaurantosaurus, is being replaced by a new “Tropical Americas” land called Pueblo Esperanza.
Scheduled to open in 2027, the new land will feature attractions inspired by Disney’s Encanto and Indiana Jones franchises.