As we first reported back in September, Rafiki’s Planet Watch is closing today. At the time of the announcement, the closure was permanent. After we first broke the story of the permanent closure, Disney reversed their decision and announced that Rafiki’s Planet Watch would become “seasonal”, reopening in Spring 2019. Either way, today is the last day of daily operation for the edutainment section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and we have a photo tour of the location. Enjoy!

Perhaps a victim of its own location, Rafiki’s Planet Watch wasn’t accessible by foot. It required a quick trip on the Wildlife Express train out to the venue.

On the way out to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, guests passed a variety of backstage animal housing buildings.

Upon arriving at Conservation Station, guests still have a 5-10 minute walk before they arrive at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Rafiki guided you along your walk, and there were some small pavilions that had some informational facts and Cast Members were on hand to answer any questions a guest might have.

We’ve finally arrived at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Inside, guests are surrounded by animals in the entrance room.

The building had a variety of interactive spaces and areas where guests could get closer to some animals than anywhere else in the park.

Perhaps the most exciting area of Rafiki’s Planet Watch was the Animal Health & Care section where guests got a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney cares for their animals; including a surgery room!

The Song of the Rainforest allowed guests to hear various sounds that might be found out in a rainforest by entering enclosed booths.

A Disney Conservation Fund area highlights quotes by famous figures throughout history and the need for conservation in our daily lives.

Doc McStuffins had a meet and greet area.

Some more photos from inside Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Outdoors, the Affection Section allows guests to interact directly with goats and other livestock.

Other outdoor areas include a merchandise area and a stage where Animal Encounters: It All Started with a Mouse brings Disney animal care experts on stage with some of the animals they work with.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch closes at the end of the day today and there is no announced reopening date.