Have you ever heard of Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
I find that when guests visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom, most people are so focused on getting to the Avatar: World of Pandora, Expedition Everest or any of the other bigger attractions.
What people fail to remember is the purpose of the park, which is to educate about nature, creatures and how to help with conservation.
Guests also fail to take some time to slow their roll. And so, Disney decided to resolve that problem with Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
It’s so hidden that most guests do not even realize what or where it is despite it being on a park map or asking questions to Cast Members.
And yes, Rafiki’s Planet Watch is still open at Animal Kingdom.
Now if you prefer certain attractions or shows, that’s understandable.
However, allow me to gather your attention as we dive into what makes Rafiki’s Planet Watch worth a visit.
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What is Rafiki’s Planet Watch?
The Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a section in Disney’s Animal Kingdom dedicated to giving you an up-close and personal experience with some of the wildlife at this theme park.
Exploring how animals are cared for and discovering ways to protect our planet for all creatures living here are just a few of the activities available in this section of Animal Kingdom.
Where is Rafiki’s Planet Watch and How Do I Get There?
While Disney is usually very particular about making sure no backstage areas are seen by guests, with Animal Kingdom’s Rafiki’s Planet Watch, this is not the case. This destination is located in the Africa section of this Disney Park via the Wildlife Express Train.
Once you arrive, you will board the train at Harambe Railway Station to make the seven-minute journey to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. As far as the story goes, it is a part of the Eastern Star Railways for the land.
Throughout the excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of buildings and animal backstage, including the animal enclosures for rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife!
Overall, the entire roundtrip journey to and from Rafiki’s Planet Watch is 1.2 miles in total.
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What is There to Do at Rafiki’s Planet Watch?
This hidden gem in Walt Disney World offers some fun and unique things for you to do on your visit. Let’s go through a few of my favorites!
1. Affection Section
One of the highlights and favorites for visitors coming to Rafiki’s Planet Watch is “Affection Section.”
At first glance, it looks like your typical petting zoo, which is still an absolute delight to Disney guests of all ages.
At this location, you will discover a diverse range of both exotic and domestic wildlife such as goats, pigs, sheep, and many other animals.
Plus you can interact and speak to the Cast Members who get to spend time with these animals and care for them daily.
I recommend washing your hands at the fountains before you pet, brush, feed and get to know these fantastic creatures.
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2. Animal Care Viewing Areas
Inside the first building you will see upon your arrival to Rafiki’s Planet Watch are the specialty viewing areas.
These viewing areas are for us with curious minds who love seeing things such as animal examinations and surgical procedures.
I love how Disney takes pride in showcasing to great lengths, the care they take to make sure the animals that call this park home are given the best treatment available.
3. Meet Your Favorite Disney Characters at Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Occasionally, this building is also where you can meet several characters like Rafiki himself and Doc Mcstuffins of Disney Junior fame.
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4. Chat with Animal Care Experts
You will find experts in the building who are there to educate you regarding the care given to the animals like food prep, medicinal care and anything you could think of regarding vet care for the animals.
5. Watch the Animals Across the Park
Not to mention, there are cameras in the building that will allow you to take a peek at what some of the animals are doing around Disney’s Animal Kingdom or even find conservation efforts near your hometown, so you can help after you learn from the park.
6. Visit Habitat Habit
You can check out “Habitat Habit!” while you are exploring. I personally came across this exhibit during my last visit back in 2019.
This is a small animal trail which boasts a small group of Cottontop Tamarin Monkeys.
It is also a tranquil pathway and an excellent opportunity to observe and gain knowledge about smaller, unique animals and methods to support their conservation through the informative signs along the route.
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7. Enjoy a FREE Art Class
Lastly, we have the “Animation Experience at Conservation Station.” Back in the day, you could take a small animation drawing class in Animation Courtyard, which was located where Star Wars Launch Bay currently stands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Fortunately, you can have that experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and be able to see inside the animator’s chair.
You can do this while learning how to draw the real animals that inspired some the most beloved Disney Characters like Simba, Timon or Pumbaa from “Disney’s The Lion King.”
As of late, Disney Guests are learning how to draw Tuk Tuk from “Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon.”
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Is There Any Shopping or Dining Options at Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom?
While there are not any dining options at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, there is a gift shop called “Out of the Wild!”
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Wrapping Up…
It may seem like there isn’t much to do at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, but trust me when I say that you could spend at least an hour exploring this area.
It is a very enjoyable, peaceful and educational area that is the only land not connected to Discovery Island.
At times, you forget that you are at Animal Kingdom as you are learning about the animals through all your senses.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an excellent physical example of Disney’s “Edutainment.” There is something for everyone here and I assure you that Rafiki would love to have you come pay a visit!
Until you are able to make it up there, share your thoughts about Disney’s Animal Kingdom and how you feel they are doing with its conservation efforts in our Facebook Group.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.
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(Original Article Date: April 22, 2022/Updated by Editor on May 18, 2024)