UPDATE: Rafiki’s Planet Watch is now expected to reopen with some changes in Spring 2019.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Previously, rumors suggested that Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom would only be open seasonally beginning at the end of September 2018. Now, new reports have emerged suggesting the area will be permanently closed beginning on October 21, 2018.
The latest report states that the area will be permanently closed, but some of the experiences from Conservation Station may find a new home elsewhere within Animal Kingdom. This may include up-close encounters with some of the animals that used to call Conservation Station home, but nothing has been confirmed at this time. The animal hospital will continue to be used, and it’s possible the main Conservation Station building itself may be used for future events, when needed.
Rumors have long suggested that the area currently occupied by Rafiki’s Planet Watch could become the new home to a major expansion within Animal Kingdom. However, it’s unclear if this new update is due to a future development or a cost-cutting measure.
(Thanks to WDWMagic for the updates)
