Today is the final day to hop aboard the Wildlife Express Train for a trip to Rafiki’s Planet Watch in its current form. Starting tomorrow, February 23, the train, Conservation Station, and the Affection Section petting zoo will close for a major transformation. This update is part of the preparations for Bluey and Bingo to arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer.
For years, the Wildlife Express Train has taken guests behind the scenes of the park. Riders get a glimpse of the veterinary facilities and rhino housing before arriving at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Once there, many families head straight to the Affection Section to meet goats and donkeys. Inside the Conservation Station building, guests can watch animal experts prepare meals or perform medical procedures.
The Animation Experience is also having its final day today. This popular drawing class is closing permanently at this location. Fans of the activity can look forward to its return later this year at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We have always enjoyed our time learning to draw Disney characters. As you can see, the artists did a great job of leading us through drawing Terk from Disney’s Tarzan. Not bad for someone whois not artistic!
Disney has posted: Wildlife Express Train will temporarily close on February 23, 2026, to make way for a new Bluey adventure coming in Summer 2026. Conservation Station will temporarily close on February 23, 2026, to make way for a new Bluey adventure coming in Summer 2026.
When the area reopens as part of the Cool Kids’ Summer event, it will feature a brand new interactive experience. Disney has shared that guests can join Bluey and Bingo for games and dancing. You might recognize games like Keepy Uppy from the show, but Disney is adding an animal twist to the activities.
The transformation includes more than just character meets. Outside at the Affection Section, the space is being prepared for new residents. Animals native to Australia will move in to reflect the home country of the Heeler family. While the current goats and donkeys are being re-homed to other zoos, the new Australian animal encounters will keep the educational spirit of the area alive.
Work has already started behind the scenes. Recent construction permits show that Disney is installing new electrical panels and making general structural changes to the building. This suggests the Bluey experience will be a permanent fixture rather than a temporary pop-up.
While much is changing, core parts of the Conservation Station will remain. The Veterinary Treatment Room and the Nutrition Center will continue to operate. Guests will still be able to look through the windows to see how the park cares for its residents. The goal is to blend the popular world of Bluey with the park’s focus on nature and conservation
If you are in the park today, make sure to catch one of the last train rides. The final departure from Harambe Station typically happens at 4:30 PM. After today, the entire Rafiki’s Planet Watch area will be inaccessible until the refurbishment is complete.
Disney has not given a specific reopening date, but rehearsals for the new performers are set to begin in early May. This points toward a likely opening in late May or June 2026, with Cool Kids Summer returning for 2026, we expect it to open by then. Keep an eye on the Disney World app for updates as the summer season approaches.
Why Animal Kingdom Fans Are Rushing to Harambe Station One Last Time Today
