Everything You Need to Know to Meet Rafiki and Timon

“It is time” to finally meet with these two great characters. We were hoping that this meet and greet would be a bit different, but we are just glad they are finally greeting guests again. Find out all you need to know to meet them.

The Lion King’s 30th Anniversary

Can you believe that The Lion King celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year? In honor of this great milestone, The Lion King will head to the movie theaters.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, special Lion King offerings will be available starting today, June 10th, through September 6, 2024.

This will include a warthog-sized popcorn bucket, special treats, and special merchandise. The Animation Academy will also feature Lion King characters during this time.

Big Character Changes

In the infamous words of Rafiki, “It is Time!” Previously Rafiki and Timon interacted with guests from flotillas. This was the ingenious distanced character meet and greet that Disney introduced once it reopened back in 2020.

Some flotilla characters changed over the 4 years, but Disney’s Animal Kingdom made a big change by removing character flotillas back in May. This did make some pretty big changes to character meet and greets. Check out these changes HERE.

Now guests have more Disney pals to actually meet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and we love it! Here is everything you need to know for the returning Timon and Rafiki meet and greet.

Timon and Rafiki Return

At times, guests could meet both Timon and Rafiki together. I (Donna) remember this experience back in 2019 and when Disney announced their return, I hoped that they would once again greet guests together. Unfortunately, that is not the case now.

Rafiki and Timon will greet guests seperately for their big return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

They will greet guests at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. To reach this location, you must board the Wildlife Express Train. While at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you can meet Timon and Rafiki, participate in Animation Academy, pet some animals, and earn your Wilderness Explorer badges!

At this time Rafiki starts greeting guests at 9:40 am, and then he and Timon alternate throughout the day with Timon’s final greet at 4:20 pm. For full character meet and greet times be sure to watch Character Locator.

What do you think of Timon and Rafiki’s return? Will you stop by and visit them? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.