Rafiki’s Planet Watch: Animal Kingdom’s Best Kept Secret

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.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Mural

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What is Rafiki’s Planet Watch?

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.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom train leaving for harambe village

Activities such as learning how the animals are cared for and what we can do to help protect our planet for all creatures living here are just a few offerings in this area 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.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Harambe Station

Located in the Africa section of this Disney Park is 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.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Harambe Station Train Interior

During the journey, you will be able to see various buildings such as the animal holding areas for the rhinos, elephants and more!

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Harambe Train

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!

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Entrance

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 a standard petting zoo, which is an absolute delight to guests of all ages.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom petting goats

Here you will actually find a wide variety of exotic wildlife like goats, pigs, sheep and so much more. Guests really enjoy being able to interact and speak to the Cast Members who get to spend time with these animals and care for them daily.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom petting zoo area

Hand washing at the fountains is encouraged as you pet, brush, feed and get to know these fantastic creatures.

2. Animal Care Viewing Areas

Inside the first building you will see upon your arrival to Rafiki’s Planet Watch is specialty viewing areas. These viewing areas are for curious minds who would like to see animal exams and surgical procedures.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Green and Black Poison Dart Frog

Disney takes pride in showcasing to guests the great lengths and care they take to make sure the animals that call this park home are given the best care available.

3. Meet Your Favorite Disney Characters at Rafiki’s Planet Watch

This building is also where you can meet several characters like Rafiki himself and Doc Mcstuffins of Disney Junior fame.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Train Station Sign and Animation Experience

4. Chat with Animal Care Experts

Experts are also available in the building 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.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Zoologist preparing animal food

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.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Pollination Garden

It is also a peaceful trail and a great way to see and learn about smaller, exotic animals and ways to help with protecting them through the various signs as you walk through.

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.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Animation Experience with artist

Fortunately, you can have that experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and be able to see inside the animator’s chair.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Animation Experience

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.”

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom Animation Experience Hours and Times

As of late, Disney Guests are learning how to draw Tuk Tuk from “Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon.”

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!”

Rafiki's Planet Watch Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom National Parks Map

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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 Conservation Station at Disney Animal Kingdom train leaving for harambe

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!

Rafiki's Planet Watch at Disney Animal Kingdom
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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 Wade Disney Writer at ThemeParkHipster

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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