We’ve got some pretty rough news coming out of Disney’s Animal Kingdom right now, unfortunately, and a lot of people are NOT going to be happy about it.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Disney just closed the remainder of DinoLand U.S.A. on February 2nd to make way for the new Tropical Americas land, and while we’re looking forward to it, it means there’s a WHOLE park of the park that won’t be available for the foreseeable future. However, now things are about to get WORSE, because Disney has just announced two MORE temporary closures for the park that close ANOTHER section.

Disney has just announced that beginning on February 23rd, the Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom will be temporarily closing to make way for the new Bluey experience coming to the park for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER.

Affection Section

However, there are other opportunities over in this area, like the Animation Academy, and checking out what the vet techs are doing that you can still check out, right? WRONG. Disney also announced that this temporary closure will also affect the Wildlife Express Train, which is the ONLY way to get from the main part of Animal Kingdom over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Therefore, this ENTIRE section of the park will also be closed until summer.

The train will be entirely closed!

While we’re relieved to see that these are temporary closures, and we’re hoping they’ll reopen for guests as soon as Cool KIDS’ SUMMER begins on May 26th, that still means we’re going to basically have three whole months where yet another land is closed in Animal Kingdom. As this park is already the one lots of people thought of as a “half-day park,” even before these closures (and we used to argue against that), now this park has REALLY become a half-day park while all this construction goes on. We’re looking forward to seeing this new Bluey experience this summer, don’t get us wrong, especially since we know kids will love it, but for the time being? It’s gonna be tough.

Gabby the cow

However, if you’re heading to Animal Kingdom during this closure, there are LOTS of fantastic experiences you can check out in the park! We love the rides, of course, but we also recommend making time to see Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big, Blue…and Beyond! These shows are great for all ages, and they’re truly spectacular. Don’t forget to also keep you eyes out for DeVine, who blends in with her surroundings, so spotting her feels extra special.

DeVine!

Looking for more recent Animal Kingdom news? Check out our posts below!

We’ll be sure to keep an eye on all the latest news and closures around Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB!

Disney Dropped 3 MAJOR Announcements Including A NEW Menu And Reopening Date

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How do you feel about these closures? Tell us in the comments!