Rafiki’s Planet Watch Being Renamed Conservation Station at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is going away, but only in name. The Animal Kingdom outpost that includes Conservation Station, the Affection Section, and the Wildlife Express Train is being renamed as simply Conservation Station, according to a report from Laughing Place.

The change is part of a broader refresh of the area. A new Bluey and Bingo character experience is headed to Conservation Station, replacing The Animation Experience. The building will continue to house the Veterinary Treatment Room along with its small animal exhibits.

Fans of Animal Kingdom’s drawing classes can still learn how to draw Disney icons at The Magic of Disney Animation in Hollywood Studios. The format is changing, however. Instead of being taught by live Cast Members, Olaf will host the sessions alongside prerecorded Disney animators.

Outside, the Affection Section is also evolving. The attraction will keep its name, but current animals are being relocated to make way for kangaroos and wallabies. The area is foregoing its petting zoo roots in favor of a walk-through habitat. I’d have liked to pet a wallaby.

“Rafiki’s Planet Watch” is the more charming name, but the update makes practical sense. Having a Lion King character anchor an area focused on Australian wildlife (both real and animated) wouldn’t make sense. Also, Conservation Station was the area’s opening day name in 1998, so fans of OG Animal Kingdom should be happy.

Now we wait for the permits that tell us Imagineering is ready to swap out the name on that aging corrugated metal entrance sign.