This month, the beloved Rafiki’s Planet Watch reopened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a brand new attraction called the Animation Experience. The Animation Experience is a 25 minute show/demonstration, teaching guests how to draw some of their favorite animal characters from Disney movies. Of course, in honor of “The Lion King,” featured characters will include Simba, Zazu, Pumbaa, and Timon.
Upon entering the demonstration area, guests will receive a clipboard, drawing utensil, and paper (with printed guide “or graph”). An instructor will explain how Disney animators have been influenced by animals and nature before leading guests in a step-by-step process to drawing the featured character. After completing their creation, guests will have the opportunity to purchase a frame to display it at home.
See the video below for a very short taste of the Animation Experience.
Besides the new show, many of our old favorites about Rafiki’s Planet Watch have returned. The Affection Station petting area is back with its friendly goats. Through the interior glass windows, you can once again watch insects, reptiles, and their caregiving Cast Members in action. If you happen to be visiting in an opportune moment, you’ll watch Disney’s veterinarians at work as they care for the health and wellbeing of Animal Kingdom’s varied population.
The drawback to this addition is the amount of space necessary for the new demonstration area. No new structures were created, so the show has taken over the “Sounds of the Rainforest” and central area of the building. Not only does this replace those attractions, but it means that guests not participating in the experience are sequestered to the “window” area within the building. It doesn’t take long for this area to feel crowded with so much less room to spread out.
If you miss the old Magic of Disney Animation experience from Hollywood Studios, love to draw, or are looking for a break from the heat, I recommend the Animation Experience. It’s interesting to learn more about Disney animation, and it’s one of the few Disney experiences with a free souvenir.
Special Tips:
- Remember you’ll need to take the Wildlife Express to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, so make sure to plan for this when picking a showtime! Disney recommends you start boarding the train 40 minutes before your chosen show.
- Grab a FastPass for this experience to ensure that you get the showtime that works for you!
- Plan to spend some time enjoying the rest of Rafiki’s Planet Watch before returning to the park.
