All aboard the Wildlife Express Train as we journey back to Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
Wildlife Express
We’re excited to head back to the location, but fair warning…things look a little different this time around.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch closed back in October of 2018 and for a while; and while we knew it would reopen eventually, we weren’t too sure what the location’s fate was going to be. Disney later announced that they had BIG plans for Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the Conservation Station!
And today we can officially explore those big plans as the the Conservation Station has reopened with a new and fun activity. ANIMATION CLASSES!!
Animation Experience
We have seen variations of this animation activity at the resorts and long ago at Hollywood Studios (and animation classes are still going strong at Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort). But the classes at Studios, to lots of guests’ dismay, were replaced when Star Wars Launch Bay was created.
But now, the fun and FREE Animation Experience is back, folks.
Animation Experience
So, let’s explore changes that have been made to Rafiki’s Planet Watch Conservation Station and the Animal Kingdom’s version of the Animation Experience together!
First, we hopped on the Wildlife Express Train. The trip was the same as it was before, and we saw a few backstage areas at Animal Kingdom.
Backstage at Animal Kingdom
But, the spiel was different as the announcement mentioned the new animation experience and Walt Disney himself!
Wildlife Express Train Service
Now, this IS a FastPass+ option and luckily we were able to snag one! But don’t fret if you aren’t able to get one. There are quite a few class times throughout the day.
Animation Experience Showtimes
If you do have a FastPass though, you can check in at this kiosk as you’ll have a guaranteed seat.
FastPass+ Check-In
FastPass+ Check-In
Guests without FastPasses will be welcomed in afterward to fill in the empty spaces.
Animation Experience
Our animation experience began with us watching a movie of a Meerkat. (Hmm…I wonder if this is a clue… . ;-D)
Meerkat Movie
Then, the class began! Now, the biggest difference between this animation class and the ones that were offered at Hollywood Studios is that you’ll now only be drawing Disney animals.
Animation Experience
And currently, the class will focus on Lion King characters as a part of Animal Kingdom’s Celebration of The Lion King that is taking place! So, we had the opportunity to draw our favorite Meerkat, of course! Timon!
The Making of Timon
Like the Meerkat video we watched at the beginning of the class, there is a little video for each animal that will be offered. The videos were actually filmed right in the park with Animal Kingdom’s residents.
AND fun fact!! Thee animators for the new live-action Lion King film actually came to Animal Kingdom and did 3D imagining of many of the animals. So….the Simba you see in the live-action was likely designed after the Lion seen on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Pretty cool, right?
Lions on Kilimanjaro Safaris
The class lasted about 20-minutes and was instructor-led, just like the other animation classes have been.
Animation Experience
We were able to see and follow along as the animator gave us steps, and the animator’s drawing was displayed on a screen.
Animation Experience
This is the paper, pencil, and clip board were provided.
Animation Experience
AND here is our final project!
Timon
To motivate you even further, there were also pictures around the Conservation Station of Walt and other Disney animators using live animals as inspiration for their own drawings!
Walt Disney Animating
The rest of Rafiki’s Planet Watch looks about the same as it used to be. Including the petting zoo opportunity! So there’s plenty to do here, and it’s still the perfect place for a parent-and-toddler getaway, or to escape the crowds for a bit. And now — you can try your hand at animation as well!
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What do you think about the return of the Animation Experience? Let us know in the comments below!
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Do they post a schedule of which animal you will be drawing ahead of time?
Super excited! Did you by chance notice how many guests the room can accommodate per drawing session?
Kim, we didn’t count, but we’d estimate 75-100 capacity.
Lori, we asked, and they wouldn’t give us a list. We know that Ed was the class after ours, and we’ve seen Scar, too. Right now the characters seem to be from The Lion King.
Hello, is there much of a chance to talk to the animators before/after the class? As an animator myself I’d love to have a quick natter 🙂
Do you remember whether there were any llamas at Affection Section? My 5 year old is a big fan!
Are the Sounds of the Rainforest booths still there?? One of my favorite experiences!
Suzanne, we spotted one female llama in a fenced in area — so you can’t get in there and walk around with her. But she can come up to the fence for a closer look.
Is there any offering of them delivering your drawing to your resort like you can do with packages? I’d hate to carry my drawing around all day and ruin it!
We were able to draw Pumba and Zazu yesterday
Is this something younger kids can do/enjoy? I’ll be traveling with a (perfectionist) 1st grader and preschooler. From your photos, it looks like the seats are set up in rows- Do they give closer seats to smaller guests, or would they potentially have trouble seeing if they ended up with someone bigger sitting in front of them? Thanks!
Michele, it’s definitely something younger kids can enjoy. I think my perfectionist third grader would probably do okay, although the drawing might get shoved into the bottom of the backpack if she didn’t like it. As for sightlines: the artist’s work is shown on large TV screens, so you could request to be closer to one of those if you were concerned. 🙂 Have fun!
Does anyone have any idea how big the piece of paper is? We did this animation experience in August and by the end of the day our drawings were smashed in our backpack. We are going by to Animal Kingdom in 2 weeks and I want to bring a mini poster tube with us but I can’t remember how big the paper size is…..DFB fan for life!