The Wildlife Express Train and Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close on 23rd February 2026 to make way for a new Bluey experience opening this summer.
Disney announced the closure on the Wildlife Express Train and Affection Section webpages. The train is the only transport to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which includes Conservation Station and Affection Section petting zoo.
The Bluey experience will feature dances and games with Bluey and Bingo, meet-and-greets, and animals from the Heeler family’s home country of Australia. Disney has not announced a reopening date but confirmed the experience will debut in summer 2026.
What’s Closing
Whilst Disney’s announcement describes the closure as temporary, rumours suggest Affection Section petting zoo may close permanently. The Animation Experience at Conservation Station is also expected to relocate to The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which opens this summer.
Disney announced in October 2025 that Bluey and Bingo would come to its parks in 2026, with experiences planned for Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and select Disney Cruise Line sailings.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch opened in 1998 as part of Animal Kingdom’s original lineup, serving as an educational hub focused on animal care and conservation.
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