Animal Kingdom Hit with New Multi-Month Closure

After just closing DinoLand, USA, Animal Kingdom will soon close another HUGE land. Find how long this closure will affect this Park.

Animal Kingdom Closures

There are many changes taking place at Disney's Animal Kingdom, in particular with the phased closure of DinoLand USA. This closure created several ripples of change throughout the Park.

First, this changed locations and costumes for a few of our favorite Animal Kingdom characters. Secondly, came a new badge and the sad retirement of two badges as part of the Wilderness Explorer program.

Thirdly, this brought a brand new menu to Harambe Market that reopened earlier than expected yesterday. Check out this new menu HERE.

Rafiki's Planet Watch Closing

As if Disney's Animal Kingdom does not have enough closures, now a new closure was just announced.

On February 23, 2026, the Affection Section at Rafiki's Planet Watch in Animal Kingdom will temporarily close. When the Affection Section reopens, it will feature animals native to Australia (to connect with the new Bluey experience). Current animals at the Affection Section will be rehomed at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

This will also affect the Wildlife Express Train, which is the only transportation to reach Rafiki's Planet Watch. Along with these closures, this will affect the Animation Academy, the indoor animal habitats, and the ability to view real vet procedures taking place.

Reason for the Closure

The reason for this closure is to prepare the space for Guests to "play and dance with Bluey and Bingo. Get the wiggles out with fun animal twists to some of your favorite games from Bluey episodes."

Starting this month only 5 rides will be offered at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

The Wildlife Express Train and Rafiki's Planet Watch will be unavailable until the summer. This closure means that only 5 rides will be open at Disney's Animal Kingdom until the summer.

Kenny the Pirate shares that this will mark the number of rides open at Walt Disney World down to 45 rides. This is the first time since the fall of 2019 that there have been 45 rides open at Walt Disney World.

What do you think about this closure? Will you skip Disney's Animal Kingdom with so many closures? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna loved Disney from an early age. As a child, her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land." As an adult, she enjoys planning and creating magical vacations for her family. She always brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust!