Entertainment Changes at Animal Kingdom: Cuts & Additions
Walt Disney World has revealed new entertainment will be coming to Animal Kingdom on January 18, 2019, which follows rumors of cuts to offerings that will occur by this October. In this post, we’ll give you a rundown of the additions and subtractions, and dispel the “rumors” of Zootopia or Wakanda replacing Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
Let’s start with the news. As announced by the Disney Parks Blog, Animal Kingdom will celebrate the Lion King‘s 25th Anniversary with “Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” on Discovery Island, which will feature Timon and Rafiki. This Lion King 25th Anniversary celebration will also feature three-dimensional photo opportunities re-creating scenes from the animated classic.
Normally, I’d write off a dance party as being “not for me” but after the pleasant surprise of Donald’s Dino-Bash, which features lots of clever details and cute costuming, coupled with my love of the Lion King, I’m somewhat intrigued. Entertainment has been honing the quality of these dance parties, and I’m optimistic that trend will continue here. That’s the good news; now let’s take a look at the latest rumors about Animal Kingdom cuts…
First up is Rivers of Light, which WDWNT is reporting will eliminate its live actors. We’ve been unable to confirm this with anyone in entertainment, but given the flurry of budget cuts ahead of the new fiscal year (and the buzz from Cast Members about them), we have no reason to doubt that this will occur.
As we wrote in our Rivers of Light Review, it has been a polarizing show since debuting, and its “different” style coupled with planned effects being scrapped and runtime being cut likely hasn’t helped Rivers of Light find an audience. While we enjoy Rivers of Light, it’s very much a niche product, appealing to a small minority of Walt Disney World fans and disappointing pretty much everyone else.
Cutting the four shaman characters certainly won’t help matters, but I’m honestly not sure how much it really hurts. Yes, the boats will be a bit awkward without them, but there’s a lot that’s disjointed and awkward about Rivers of Light. I’m not sure many first-time viewers will leave the show and say, “I was totally on board with the floating turtle, indiscernible mist screens, and whatever was going on for 174 seconds in the middle, but they lost me with the unguided boats.”
To us, this change feels like Walt Disney World scaling back on a show that was doomed when it had to be altered from its original form. Rivers of Light should still receive a significant overhaul if it’s intended to run for the long-term. Walt Disney World cutting anything without a corresponding replacement is never good news, and as with other start-of-fiscal budgetary reductions, this is a more a matter of insult than actual injury for guests.
Another update: we previously reported that Rafiki’s Planet Watch would be going seasonal at the end of September. This came from reports from entertainment Cast Members working the area who were advised of that. It turns out that all Cast Members at Rafiki’s Planet Watch have since been advised that the entire area is closing permanently on October 21, 2018.
We have mixed feelings about this. While we’ve enjoyed our visits to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which is a refreshing change of pace from the frenetic pace of much of Walt Disney World, we seldom go. Taking the Wildlife Express Train there and back is a hassle, so we usually just skip it. I can’t even remember the last time we were back there.
In talking to others, this is common sentiment. With that said, so too is the disappointment of parents who take their small children there for the petting zoo and educational components of the area. It seems that areas offering hands-on activities for kids at Walt Disney World are decreasing in popularity, which is unfortunate. (At the same time, we get it: parents spend a lot of money on these vacations, and with that comes pressure to “get your money’s worth” and not “waste time” at playgrounds and the like.)
If this cut were occurring with a corresponding addition, we’d take zero issue. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is difficult to access, and has always been relatively unpopular. Wildlife Express has been pejoratively referred to as a “train to nowhere” for years, and we’re guessing it’s guest satisfaction scores aren’t the highest. Still, something doesn’t sit right about Walt Disney World making cuts while profits are at recommend highs and prices continue to increase.
One thing that surprises me about the Rafiki’s Planet Watch closure, and I guess it shouldn’t, is the enthusiasm for the closure. Many people seem to think this means Disney is preparing to build a Zootopia or Wakanda-themed land in Animal Kingdom. To the extent that I can, I want to put this speculation to rest.
There are zero credible rumors that Rafiki’s Planet Watch–or any of the real estate in its area–will be replaced by Zootopia, Wakanda, or anything whatsoever. To the contrary, I have heard from credible sources that there are no immediate plans for the area; in the long term, nothing has been greenlit.
Supposed “rumors” (air quotes) about Zootopia and Wakanda are nothing more than wishful thinking by Walt Disney World fans who don’t want to accept the reality of the closure. From a logical perspective, it doesn’t even make sense. Animal Kingdom is keeping the back-of-house animal facilities and zoological operations here; there just won’t be a guest-facing experience offered.
Moreover, there are expansion pads at Animal Kingdom that don’t require touching Rafiki’s Planet Watch. I would think that particular plot would be fairly undesirable for expansion as it would mean relocating backstage facilities…and it requires a train to access. Seriously, all of the same accessibility ‘problems’ that have plagued Rafiki’s Planet Watch would be an issue with anything that replaces it. Can you imagine the lines for the train compounded by a land that’s actually popular and only accessible via train?!
This is not to say Zootopia or Wakanda will never happen at Animal Kingdom. I think the latter is highly unlikely for a number of reasons and I’m not convinced Zootopia is an appropriate fit for DAK (but when has that mattered?). Nevertheless, my commentary here only concerns a new land replacing Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It isn’t happening.
In terms of the near to mid-term, I wouldn’t expect a ton at Animal Kingdom. Pandora has been a solid driver of attendance, and smaller-scale additions will continue to keep things fresh through Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in 2021. Three other parks are higher priorities in the immediate future, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see something happen in Dinoland/Dino-Rama at some point towards the end of the next 5 years. Before that, I wouldn’t hold my breath about any substantial development occurring in Animal Kingdom.
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Your Thoughts
What do you think about these cuts and additions at Animal Kingdom? Do you buy our reasoning that Zootopia and Wakanda are not replacing Rafiki’s Planet Watch, or do you refuse to accept reality? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment of these changes? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Have been to Rafikis several times. Last time we paid to adopt a sea turtle nest. They did so much good exposing kids to info about ecology and wildlife. What a shame they have decided to close it. They needed to make it more accessible. In general the parks have become too crowded. Cant book a hotel. No discounts. Gone are the real AAA discounts and deals. No longer any slow or bargain season. They have priced themselves out of the market for the average family. What a sin.
What a shame to close Rafiki’s! We go everytime we are at DAK. It is a great experience for us as an older couple who do not do big coasters, etc.
I am saddened to hear Rafiki’s Planet Watch is closing. My family had a wonderful experience in the petting zoo and meandering about with our two year old this past spring. Disney really needs to pay more attention to the quiet sweet spots that allow the little ones down time and create some of the most magical moments for families. I want to see an innovative future world, a world showcase with culture and an educational conservation station. Disappointed.
Rivers of Light was just about the only disappointing thing of our last WDW trip. I didn’t get the plot (something to do with water/fire but beyond that I have no idea) or what the actors were supposed to be doing on the boats (it’s news to me that they were “shamans”), and the water screens were all just a blur (which I didn’t understand, since clearly they know how to make water screens work from fantasmic). That said, the stadium was definitely full when we went (in August) so either the whole stadium was first timers who will probably never see it again (very possible) or I am missing something about its appeal. Either way, it was so boring, dropping the actors would hardly make a difference.
I never really understood the whole train ride aspect to get to rafiki anyway. I always assume that they would eventualy build something that stretched backnto it eliminating the need for that train. Guess not. Its sad that they dont have more petting areas, but honestly, we have been back there twice in 20 years..
Sadly I skipped Rafiki’s most trips because there is too much to do at AK now plus the hassle of the train.
I hope an AK does not build Zootopia and Wakanda. Neither belongs there. If they really have to build either one, shoehorn them somewhere into DHS.
In your recent rumor write ups you have confessed that your opinion about Dance Parties is softening up … in my opinion the Dance Parties are simply the “Street Party” parade without wheels. Make it loud and make it cause congestion where ever it is put seems to be the only reason for these things. At least Donald’s Dino gave us the chance to meet the characters early in the day (which I truly enjoyed). I would rather see more meet & greets – Disney would save money not needing a DJ or a sound system ….
So glad we got to see Planet Watch this last trip 2 weeks ago…didn’t know it was closing or even going seasonal at the time. Met a great vet there and had an outstanding conversation. Our biggest disappointment was that the place was jammed packed (especially since it was the week AFTER Labor Day) and has always been traditionally slow that time of year – very disappointing. The strollers and motorized carts were ridiculous in sheer number and rudeness. However, the thing that irked us the most was the horrible quality of the new “UP” bird show. It was almost unwatchable and nearly became the first time we walked out of an attraction.
Rafiki’s planet watch will be missed. I loved the train ride there too. It should remain open and reworked a bit to be an even bigger promotion of Disney’s Wildlife Conservation Fund with more and newer updated interactive exhibits to highlight what the fund is doing and will do and how we can all help in the conservation. Take it back to the original name of Conservation Station. Plus, stop closing things! This only puts more pressure upon those things left!
We’re arriving right after the closure, and I’m wondering about Wilderness Explorers- I know several of the badges came from that area. Will there just be less to earn now, or will they replace those badges with other ones?
Based in our experience with going to AK about 8 months apart (pre and post Pandora), there will probably be new badges added to replace those at Rafiki’s. My daughter has two books, the one she completed on our second journey to AK, and the one she was given that had the “new” badges. We only learned of there being two books when we asked a cast member where to stop for a certain activity and badge, and the cast member said “Oh, you have the old book.”
AK is my favorite park by FAR. But the main reason I’ve ever taken the train is to see Doc. My daughter is a huge Doc fan. Have you heard if Doc will be relocated? Pleeeeeze don’t say I’ve got go to Hollywood Studios to see her now!
The zoo and the windows to watch Vets work on wild animals were really cool too. But I ageee the train is a huge choke point. Having it only running mid morning til 4 pm made it really hard to get there!
Oh, no! We really loved Rafiki’s Planet Watch – the animal murals are stunning, the petting zoo is delightful, and the ‘It All Started With A Mouse’ show is one of our very favourites! A really sad loss.
That is too bad. Our young family enjoyed those train rides and a bit of down time in that area. In the dead heat of the summer months, it was perfect as we always find AK a very hot park. With Disney lately it is such a mixed bag. Constant price increases, close this, close that re-build this re-build that. Hard to justify some of their pricing. For example, Hollywood Studios is so broken at the moment while all the building is happening that Disney should reduce the cost to visit that park. Just feels like Disney has become a playground for the rich. The more money you have to spend, the more “VIP” experiences you can have. Who wouldn’t take a VIP tour at $600 US per hour for a family up to 10 to walk on and walk off every attraction..
I was a firm believer in the kamakazi style of park touring, maximizing fp+, having a crowd-based touring plan, hitting as much as possible, because we can only get to wdw every 2-3 years and want to make sure we do “everything”. But, when we had our daughter and took her for the first time at 18 months old, we knew things would have to change. I still built touring plans, but they specifically scheduled “downtime” at places like the dinoland playground and Tom Sawyer island, neither of which we had ever visited as adults. And I have to say, some of our favorite memories of the trip are from those two locations and rafiki’s planet watch. It was so much fun to take a break from the ride-to-ride routine and have time/space for our daughter to explore on her own and make some new friends and actually interact meaningfully with cast members. I like to think we’ll be more balanced now, even when we do adults-only trips to take time to relax and explore and enjoy the Disney details and excellent cast members. So it does make me sad when things like rafiki go away, and I hope disney will continue to offer slower-paced options too.
The most common rumor for the AK expansion pad is Australia. But, development of that area is very long term. I think people often forget, Disney will continue to update and add experiences in the parks over time, for as long as Disney parks exist. They may develop the area in 2025, or 2030, or 2035…I’m always confused why there is so much discussion about what Disney will or won’t green lit. For example, maybe they will add a Mary Poppins spinner in Epcot’s UK pavilion. They may still add a full-blown dark ride. They might do in 5-years or in 25-years. After all, they just added a new Seven Dwarfs roller coaster in recent years…that’s a ride that’s been waiting for decades. Time will tell.
I had planned to take my four year old there for the first time in November. Now we are going right after the cuts but before the additions. I may need to reconsider this trip!
I never really “got” Rivers of Light and it never seemed to fit with AK. We haven’t bothered to watch it since the first time and we didn’t complete it then… we just decided to leave somewhere in the middle.
As for Rafiki’s… we will miss it. Every trip, we spent hours there watching the critters you don’t see elsewhere in the park and learning about how Disney, (and many other agencies) is helping to save the animal kingdom. The petting zoo has always been loved by us, and my son is now 18 but still got in there with the goats, pigs, etc.
This is too bad and I share similar feelings, like it, but rarely go. One thing they could do is run the train to Animal Kingdom Longe which is about 1/2 mile away as the crow flies. At least this would be a unique transportation option to and from AKL and enhance the stay at the lodge.
My kids are so upset about this. WE spend several hours there on the last trip. They loved the animal hospital and getting to watch the procedures. We were already planning on how to structure our Animal Kingdom days in the future, to include time to watch procedures. It was crowded and so was the train when we were there in September.
This. We never miss it. Our kids love it. Everything about it is a positive imho.
Your thoughts echo my own exactly. I really like Rafiki’s Planet Watch… but we rarely go. I think it’s just the difficulty/time with the train ride to get there. But at the same time, I’m very sad to see cuts with no replacements at a park that is making record profits.
I also agree that cutting the shamans won’t have a huge affect on RoL, but it’s still sad. I really enjoy the music to the show, but the whole effect falls a little short.