News Bluey To Join Disney Experiences at its U.S. Theme Parks and Cruise Line Beginning in 2025

[DCBaker]

Walt Disney World has announced the Wildlife Express Train and Conservation Station will temporarily close on February 23, 2026, to make way for the new Bluey adventure coming Summer 2026.

 

[Gusey]

And for those worried that the Affection Section is leaving, it seems to be remaining and they're just temporary closing Rafiki's Planet Watch whilst they get ready for Bluey


The only thing I haven't seen yet is if Animation Academy is temporary or permanently closing, especially with Magic of Animation returning in the Summer to HS?

 

[wdwmagic]

And for those worried that the Affection Section is leaving, it seems to be remaining and they're just temporary closing Rafiki's Planet Watch whilst they get ready for Bluey

I don't expect to see it return in its current form.

 

[Gusey]

I don't expect to see it return in its current form.

Do we think it's getting smaller and keeping the goats or its where the Australian animals are going? Just thinking about the kangaroo experience at Busch Gardens and if it'll be similar to that?

 

[Gusey]

THIS is yet another closing that’s REALLY depressing…we as a family spent a lot of time at the petting zoo & vet center as my youngest daughter wanted to be a veterinarian…yes it almost seemed like it was temporary but between the relaxing train ride to & from CS, the relaxed atmosphere there and what just seemed like a secret, hidden oasis in AK, I, as the dad always trying to make my girls happy, this one HURTS…
Between Splash, RoA, TSI, Dinosaur & now CS, I’m almost glad it’ll be a long time before we make it back…

You do realise that this is a temporary closure whilst they add Bluey. The train is definitely coming back and Conservation Station will likely be adapted but at least familiar

 

[Biff215]

You do realise that this is a temporary closure whilst they add Bluey. The train is definitely coming back and Conservation Station will likely be adapted but at least familiar

Temporary is a tough term to use with Disney. As WDWMAGIC posted and commented here, this is expected to be a significant change. There’s no reason to believe anything that is leaving will come back.

 

[Smiley/OCD]

You do realise that this is a temporary closure whilst they add Bluey. The train is definitely coming back and Conservation Station will likely be adapted but at least familiar

Yes, I understand that, but Animal Kingdom is supposed to be about ANIMALS…hell, it’s in the name, NOT fictional IP…at this rate, it’s only a matter of time that Josh introduces IP and animatronics to KS…

ETA: Upon further reading and investigation, while I don’t necessarily agree with the proliferation of IP in an animal based park, the veterinarian center, train & petting zoo will remain…I deleted the original post & I’m cautiously optimistic that TWDC gets it right…we’ll see…

 

[Gusey]

Temporary is a tough term to use with Disney. As WDWMAGIC posted and commented here, this is expected to be a significant change. There’s no reason to believe anything that is leaving will come back.

But like I said, the train is coming back (which the person said they were upset was being removed) and it was announced that Bluey was going to Conservation Station, so not sure how that means that Conservation Station is being closed completely. It will see changes but until it opens, we don't know what.

Yes, I understand that, but Animal Kingdom is supposed to be about ANIMALS…hell, it’s in the name, NOT fictional IP…at this rate, it’s only a matter of time that Josh introduces IP and animatronics to KS…

Good job they're adding Australian based animals.

In case anyone missed it, here is the officialy press release from the Bluey website with slightly different wording than the Park Blog:

Beginning in summer 2026 at Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll be able to take a fun excursion to Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where you can play and dance with Bluey and Bingo! Play some of your favorite games from Bluey episodes with a fun animal twist, like butterfly keepy uppy.

Grab the whole family and snap some pictures alongside your Blue Heeler pals to remember this one-of-a-kind adventure. Plus, as part of your wild excursion, step outside to discover an experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia!

 

[drew81]

They have all that room back there and chose to remove Affection Section. There’s plenty of space to have kept the petting zoo AND add Bluey.

I wouldn’t be shocked if there’s some internal memo to get rid of animal spaces throughout the park.

#KetanWhatAreYouDoing

 

[Purduevian]

Welp... this hurts AK for the 3 and under crowd...

We are down to Na'vi, FotLK, Zootopia, Safari, Bird show, Nemo, and Animal Trails

We have lost:
Rafiki and Triceratops Spin

 

[threvester]

While im not happy about this change, my Grandson is absolutely thrilled.

 

[WorldExplorer]

Welp... this hurts AK for the 3 and under crowd...

We are down to Na'vi, FotLK, Zootopia, Safari, Bird show, Nemo, and Animal Trails

We have lost:
Rafiki and Triceratops Spin

Boneyard. Don't forget the Boneyard.

 

[Purduevian]

Boneyard. Don't forget the Boneyard.

Yes. I wasn't counting ITTBAB either because zootopia is actually more toddler friendly.

 

[DisneyDodo]

My kids love Bluey, but this won’t open until after our trip in late April/early May. And now we also won’t have the train and petting zoo during our trip

 

[Biff215]

But like I said, the train is coming back (which the person said they were upset was being removed) and it was announced that Bluey was going to Conservation Station, so not sure how that means that Conservation Station is being closed completely. It will see changes but until it opens, we don't know what.

Good job they're adding Australian based animals.

In case anyone missed it, here is the officialy press release from the Bluey website with slightly different wording than the Park Blog:

The train has to come back, otherwise you’re not getting back there in the first place. Everything else will potentially be changed. Perhaps this will be better attended, but the fit is questionable at best.

 

[Moth]

Affection Section is getting Australian animals with its current ones being rehomed.


I for one am excited for my blue ring octopus and coastal taipan petting zoo.

 

[Gusey]

So, Conservation Station is remaining as is. Affection Section is going to Australian animals instead of the goats/pigs already there and Bluey going inside, likely replacing Animation Academy

 

[electric]

With this, I assume the character drawing that is there is going away?

 

[EagleScout610]

With this, I assume the character drawing that is there is going away?

Isn't it moving to Animation Courtyard when that reopens?

 

[Timothy_Q]

Would be great if this was a first step in getting an Oceania expansion greenlit