Rafiki’s Planet Watch Area

©Disney Image Makers

All aboard The Wildlife Express for a 1.2 mile trek to Rafiki’s Planet Watch Area, Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s very own research and education center.  Once you arrive at Rafiki’s Planet Watch Area, guest meander through lush vegetation to Conservation Station, the center of Disney’s efforts to animal conservation. Adorned with large spectacular animal murals, Conservation Station is where you will be able to view veterinary facilities including exam and surgical rooms.

Resident experts are always on hand to educate guests about animal habitats from around the globe, nutrition and the care the animals at the park receive.  

Habitat Habit! offers a self-guided, picturesque stroll down a wildlife path that educates guests on what the animals need to survive both in the wild and in captivity.  This wonderful and education experience is a favorite with kids and it shows how everyone can help with animal conservation.   Kids also delight in the Affection Section, the only petting zoo in the Animal Kingdom park.  Kids are able to pet, brush and feed adorable animals like goats, sheep, cows, donkeys and pigs.

Guests are encouraged to become a Conservation Hero by donating to the Disney Worldwide Conservation fund to further Disney’s vast conservation efforts.

Of course, several of Disney’s own character creatures are often on hand for a meet and greet at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

We recommend allowing a lot of time to explore this area.

Attractions in Rafiki’s Planet Watch Area

Affection Section – Kids can get up-close-and-personal with several domesticated and loving animals such as goats, pigs, cows, sheep and even donkeys at this themed petting zoo.  Brush, feed and love on your favorite critters.

• Interest:  Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults.
• Height Requirements: No height requirements
• Accessibility:  Guests must transfer from Wheelchair/ECV
• Thrill Level:  Animal encounters
• FASTPASS+ is not offered 
• Snow White’s Rating:  

©Disney Image Makers

Conservation Station – Enter a world of discovery as you experience and learn about Disney’s animal conservation.  Designed for animal lovers of every age, guests can explore and learn from more than 10 care areas including an Animal encounters Stage, Veterinary Treatment Rooms, a Backstage Tour, nutrition centers, amphibian and reptile windows and a wildlife tracking center.

• Interest:  Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults.
• Height Requirements: No height requirements
• Accessibility:  Guests may remain in Wheelchair/ECV
• Thrill Level:  Animal encounters, hands-on learning
• FASTPASS+ is not offered 
• Snow White’s Rating:  

Habitat Habit! –  A self-guided, picturesque stroll don a wildlife path that educates guests on what the animals need to survive both in the wild and in captivity. Learn how you can play a part in the conservation of animals.

• Interest:  Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults.
• Height Requirements: No height requirements
• Accessibility:  Guests may remain in Wheelchair/ECV
• Thrill Level:  Animal encounters, hands-on learning
• FASTPASS+ is not offered 
• Snow White’s Rating:  

Wildlife Express Train – All aboard the Wildlife Express from Africa to Conservation Station and back again. Along the way, travel past several animal housing and veterinary facilities, where rhinos, elephants and other creatures obtain the care they need.

• Interest:  Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults.
• Height Requirements: No height requirements
• Accessibility:  Guests may remain in Wheelchair/ECV
• Thrill Level: Animal Encounters
• FASTPASS+ is not offered. 
• Snow White’s Rating:  

Shopping in Rafiki’s Planet Watch Area 

Out of the Wild – No safari is complete without a souvenir to commemorate your adventure.  This wildlife themed shop offers wildlife and nature themed gifts, home and garden decor, apparel and accessories.  It is also a place to make a donation to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.