Last year, there was some uproar over the idea that Rafiki’s Planet Watch would be permanently closing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Then, Disney said it was only closing for refurbishment with a planned reopening in spring of 2019.
As with all refurbishments, dates aren’t always specific and can change some here and there, and such is the case as Rafiki’s Planet Watch is now set to reopen this summer.
Disney has revealed that Rafiki’s Planet Watch underwent an extensive refurbishment, but the favorites of guests are all coming back. Look for the return of the Affection Section as well as the Wildlife Express Train which would transport guests to the location.
Due to the 25th anniversary of The Lion King this year, there will be some additional elements from the film which are noticeable upon the reopening of Planet Watch. Hopefully, we will have an exact date soon, but summer is the time to be ready.
Please note that dates are subject to change and can without any notice. These dates are officially listed on Walt Disney World’s refurbishment schedule, but that does not mean they can’t possibly change.
Click this link for full Walt Disney World refurbishment schedule
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It’s probably not true, but I read a rumor they are making the 5th park Disney’s Beastly Kingdom (possibly Dominion) right next to Animal Kingdom. The lands would consist of a central Dragon section (Discovery Island), an Egypt section (Africa), Australia (Asia), a Stars Wars snow planet (Dinoland) and Fantasia (Pandora).
Beastly Kingdom was supposed to be an additional land built in DAK when the park opened. That’s the reason for the dragon heads on the entrance signs, but it was scrapped. There is nothing saying that it will be built now.
Yep, I know about the land that was replaced by Camp Minnie Mickey and then eventually Pandora.
The rumor I was referring to talks about a possible 5th park. The 3 known IP’s for Beastly Dominion would be Star Wars, Dragon Empire and Fantasia. Meanwhile some of the possible rides would consist of Roaring Rapids, a Fantasia boat ride and Bald Mountain.