A new rumor circulating among Walt Disney World fans is raising questions about the future of Affection Section at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With Disney already confirming that a Bluey experience is coming to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, some guests are wondering whether behind-the-scenes changes could affect the nearby animal encounter.
Affection Section is part of Rafiki’s Planet Watch, accessible only by the Wildlife Express Train. The area is currently home to Conservation Station, animation-related activities, and the walk-through petting zoo that allows guests to interact with goats, pigs, sheep, and other domesticated animals. Over the years, Affection Section has been a quieter, more educational offering, especially popular with families looking for a break from the park’s larger attractions.
The rumor centers on space and logistics. Disney has confirmed that a Bluey-themed experience will be added to Conservation Station, but has not shared details about its footprint or how much of the existing area it will use. Because Rafiki’s Planet Watch is relatively compact and already fully programmed, some fans speculate that Disney may need to repurpose or remove something to make room.
Affection Section occupies a large outdoor footprint and requires dedicated animal care staffing. From an operational standpoint, it would not be surprising if Disney evaluated whether the space still fits long-term plans, especially as Animal Kingdom continues to evolve and shift focus toward IP–driven experiences. With Cool Kid’s Summer kicking off in just a few months, it doesn’t seem feasible to discontinue the petting zoo experience for a limited-time summer offering. Unless Bluey is sticking around after the summer?
That said, there is currently no official confirmation that Affection Section is closing. Disney has not announced any changes to the petting zoo, and it remains open as of now with posted hours as far out as the official calendar goes (March 14, 2026 as of today). It is also worth noting that Animal Kingdom places a strong emphasis on conservation and animal education, and Affection Section has long supported that mission.
If a closure were to happen, it would likely come with advance notice, and possibly as part of a broader refresh to Rafiki’s Planet Watch rather than a quiet removal. For now, this remains speculation based on limited information and fan observation, not confirmed plans.
As always, rumors should be taken with caution. Until Disney shares more details regarding the Bluey experience and any upcoming changes to the area, Affection Section’s future remains to be seen. We’ll continue to watch closely and update as more information becomes available.
