News Rafiki's Planet Watch is closing Oct. 21st will reopen in Summer 2019

[zakattack99]

I’m planning on spending a full day there next month and was thinking that RPW would add something to do if my friends and I had some down time. Not anymore, I guess.

Same. Has been on the "to do list" last 2 trips. Figured we would finally check it out this November. Seemed like something our 2 year old would enjoy... guess not this trip.

 

[wdwfan22]

Never was a fan of Rafikis planet watch. It felt to much like a zoo to me and not a theme park.

 

[Rteetz]

Never was a fan of Rafikis planet watch. It felt to much like a zoo to me and not a theme park.

The petting zoo part sure but they needed the animal care facilities and still do. It gave guests a look into procedures to learn more about the animals.

 

[AndyS2992]

Shame, though it’s only good if you want to pet some goats and get a picture with Rafiki. The train ride was nice though. I would go in the peak of summer and the place was always deserted. I don’t mind it closing as long as they have a better replacement in the works.

 

[monothingie]

Wonder what Epcot’s cut is going to be?

You know that thing you bought at F&W you thought was beef? Well about that....

 

[wdwfan22]

The petting zoo part sure but they needed the animal care facilities and still do. It gave guests a look into procedures to learn more about the animals.

I understand they need them but it’s still more of a zoo exhibit the anything else. This is just my opinion but I think the majority of Guests going to Disney don’t want the feel of a zoo and zoo like exhibits, they want attractions.

 

[Rteetz]

I understand they need them but it’s still more of a zoo exhibit the anything else. This is just my opinion but I think the majority of Guests going to Disney don’t want the feel of a zoo and zoo like exhibits, they want attractions.

The train to get there was an attraction. I get what you’re saying though.

 

[wdwfan22]

Wonder what Epcot’s cut is going to be?

The seas with Nemo and friends moving to a 7 pm close would be my guess.

 

[peter11435]

There was once a time when they went to 12pm opening for World Showcase and 6pm closure for Future World.

I wouldn’t put it past them.

 

[Gitson Shiggles]

I understand they need them but it’s still more of a zoo exhibit the anything else. This is just my opinion but I think the majority of Guests going to Disney don’t want the feel of a zoo and zoo like exhibits, they want attractions.

The majority of guests are special individuals and I’m straight sick of their Mickey-Mouse-at-Six-Flags expectations.

 

[Sonconato]

That gives me another good reason to buy a SeaWorld pass. I know that Blackfish was a misstep, but at least someone cares about the animals. The possibility that they are favoring IP and rides over conservation and endangered animals makes me sick. They don't learn from their mistakes, going down the same path as Epcot.

 

[MotherOfBirds]

I'm sure we won't be seeing another land in AK, especially any with major IP tie-ins, for a long time. I can see a lot of additions/improvements to existing lands, especially Dinoland, and there are some ideas in consideration, as per our forum insiders. I still think it's a shame that South America or Australia were never built, especially pre-Pandora. I hope they are reconsidered for the RPW plot when the time comes.

 

[Princess Leia]

I'm sure we won't be seeing another land in AK, especially any with major IP tie-ins, for a long time. I can see a lot of additions/improvements to existing lands, especially Dinoland, and there are some ideas in consideration, as per our forum insiders. I still think it's a shame that South America or Australia were never built, especially pre-Pandora. I hope they are reconsidered for the RPW plot when the time comes.

I’d really like to see Asia get a Jungle Book ride one of these days. The park could really benefit from having another dark ride.

Dinoland needs the replacements/additions the most though.

 

[Disney Maddux]

I'm sure we won't be seeing another land in AK, especially any with major IP tie-ins, for a long time. I can see a lot of additions/improvements to existing lands, especially Dinoland, and there are some ideas in consideration, as per our forum insiders. I still think it's a shame that South America or Australia were never built, especially pre-Pandora. I hope they are reconsidered for the RPW plot when the time comes.

(Or maybe the return of Beastly Kingdom? Pretty please???)

 

[monothingie]

There was once a time when they went to 12pm opening for World Showcase and 6pm closure for Future World.

I wouldn’t put it past them.

Not during festival time anyway.

 

[DreamfinderGuy]

WAKANDA FOREVER

 

[peter11435]

Not during festival time anyway.

True.

 

[Gitson Shiggles]

(Or maybe the return of Beastly Kingdom? Pretty please???)

Well, Disney could grow weary if Cameron continues to delay the Avatar sequels and attendance at AK starts trending downward.

AND

Cameron has already expressed displeasure in how much Disney promotes the Avengers. Considering there is at least a decade’s worth of other tentpole films in Disney’s pocket (and that’s before the 20th C. Fox deal), how will the Avatar franchise fit in to the release schedule? Cameron/Lightstorm, AFAIK, owns the Avatar IP. Maybe the parties could do humanity a favor and make a mutual split?*

*Folks, this is a complete fantasy. I don’t expect it to come to pass.

 

[Disney Maddux]

Well, Disney could grow weary if Cameron continues to delay the Avatar sequels and attendance at AK starts trending downward.

AND

Cameron has already expressed displeasure in how much Disney promotes the Avengers. Considering there is at least a decade’s worth of other tentpole films in Disney’s pocket (and that’s before the 20th C. Fox deal), how will the Avatar franchise fit in to the release schedule? Cameron/Lightstorm, AFAIK, owns the Avatar IP. Maybe the parties could do humanity a favor and make a mutual split?*

*Folks, this is a complete fantasy. I don’t expect it to come to pass.

Uh...

*backs away slowly*

 

[TikiTorch]

Will this be operating for the holiday season?

I would like to know this myself. Family trip planned for Christmas-New Years Day. Anybody have any info?