We visited Rafiki’s Planet Watch to get a look at new health and safety measures. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is unique among Disney theme parks in that they need to guarantee the safety of both their guests and their animals.
Social distancing markers are placed on the side of the pathway leading up to the train station. This way a long line to board the train could remain socially distanced. The rest of the path is open for guests exiting the station.
Social distancing markers continue into the building, creating a queue on the floor.
In the boarding area, circles on the ground indicate where each party should stand.
On the Wildlife Express, some rows are closed, while others have sections of seating unavailable so guests will remain six feet apart.
Upon exiting the train at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, there is a hand sanitizer dispenser.
There are no social distancing markers inside the waiting area of this station.
The conservation kiosk and the Wilderness Explorers kiosk do have social distancing markers leading up to them.
When further entering the land, arrows indicate which way to go around the welcoming Rafiki. Always keep to the right.
The courtyard in front of Conservation Station still has benches and picnic tables available for resting.
Arrows continue to direct guests in one direction as they walk around the area.
The register in the gift shop has a plexiglass window, as well as social distancing markers on the ground.
Signs remind guests to maintain physical distancing while wandering around.
Inside Conservation Station, arrows ensure guests will go only one direction up and down steps. This way guests are less likely to run into each other.
Only one party at a time is allowed at the information desk.
We stopped by the Animation Experience, where seating has been limited and spread out into groups of four chairs. Parties with more than four people will need to split up.
Guests who want to participate are directed to one entrance.
You can pick up a lap desk with preset paper and a golf pencil. The paper with your final drawing is yours to take home at the end, and the lap desk and pencil will be returned for disinfecting.
There are markers in front of the observation windows so guests can better keep a distance from each other while still looking into the same room. This is where you can see Cast Members perform veterinary duties, prepare meals for the animals, and conduct various scientific studies.
We then headed outside to the Affection Section, where guests are usually able to go into a fenced area and interact with animals.
For now, the Affection Section is closed to guests, but you are still able to walk along the fence and get a good look at the animals.
We asked about Shelley, the baby porcupette born earlier this year, but she is still too young to appear in the yard.
As we were leaving, we got to see this clicker-trained goat going on a walk. According to the Cast Members, daily walks help with his arthritis.
Finally, the pathway leading back to the Wildlife Express also had social distancing markers for any lines that might form.
Thanks for joining us on our tour of the reopened Rafiki’s Planet Watch!