According to rumors, a slew of animals may be departing the Disney Animal Kingdom park soon, as a long-enjoyed experience is facing a permanent closure.
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Animals To Be Removed From Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park Soon, New Rumor Suggests
If rumors are to be believed, then this new one suggests that a slew of animals will soon be removed from the Animal Kingdom park inside Disney World, with news of a permanent closure looming.
Let’s get into it.
The Rumor Circulating Around the Disney Fanbase
A long-running guest favorite at Disney’s Animal Kingdom may be on the verge of disappearing, according to a new rumor circulating among Cast Members and frequent parkgoers. Multiple sources suggest that the Affection Section, Walt Disney World’s only petting zoo, could be closing permanently as early as this spring.
If the rumor proves true, it would mark a quiet but meaningful shift at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, removing one of the park’s most hands-on, family-friendly experiences just as Disney prepares to introduce a major new IP to the area.
What Is the Affection Section at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?
The Affection Section is located inside Rafiki’s Planet Watch, accessible via the Wildlife Express Train from Harambe. Unlike the park’s large savanna habitats, this area allows guests—especially children—to interact directly with domesticated animals like goats, sheep, pigs, and cows while speaking with animal care experts.
It’s also a rare experience within Walt Disney World overall. The Affection Section is currently the only petting zoo on property, occupying roughly two-thirds of an acre within Conservation Station.
From a guest-flow perspective, the area functions as a calm counterbalance to the rest of the park. Crowds tend to be lighter, noise levels lower, and Cast Members often take extra time to answer questions—making it a quiet favorite for families needing a break from attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage or Kilimanjaro Safaris.
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Why Are Guests Hearing the Affection Section May Close?
According to multiple reports, Cast Members stationed at the Affection Section have been telling guests for several weeks that the area will be closing soon. While no official announcement has been made, operating hours for the Affection Section are currently only listed through mid-March, which aligns with the furthest date currently posted on Walt Disney World’s calendar.
That alone doesn’t confirm a closure—but in past cases, limited calendar visibility has preceded permanent changes, especially when paired with Cast Member messaging.
Walt Disney World has not responded to requests for comment, and no permit filings or construction notices have been made public as of this writing.
Is Bluey the Reason the Affection Section Could Be Removed?
The timing of this rumor has raised eyebrows, largely because Disney has already confirmed that Bluey and Bingo—from the massively popular children’s series Bluey—will begin appearing at Conservation Station this summer.
According to Disney, the experience will allow guests to play, dance, and interact with Bluey and Bingo, incorporating “animal twists” on games from the show, such as Keepy Uppy. Disney has also teased that guests will be able to explore experiences featuring animals native to Australia, Bluey’s home country.
That’s where speculation intensifies.
From a logistical standpoint, the Affection Section occupies a sizable footprint directly adjacent to where Bluey’s presence is expected. Removing the petting zoo could free up space for:
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A redesigned Australian animal exhibit
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A more immersive Bluey-themed environment
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Expanded guest capacity to handle summer crowds
It’s worth noting that Australian species already exist in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including kangaroos near the Tree of Life, making this shift thematically plausible.
What This Would Mean for Disney’s Animal Kingdom
While the Affection Section isn’t a headliner attraction, its removal would be emotionally significant for many families. It’s often a child’s first close-up animal interaction at Walt Disney World—and one of the few places where learning feels unhurried and personal.
From firsthand observation, the vibe here is different than the rest of the park. Guests linger longer, Cast Members share deeper stories, and the experience feels less transactional than many modern meet-and-greets.
Replacing it with Bluey, however, makes strategic sense.
Bluey is currently one of the most recognizable preschool properties in the world, and Disney has been steadily expanding IP-driven offerings across Walt Disney World. A Bluey presence at Animal Kingdom would likely draw younger families deeper into the park—and potentially increase demand for the Wildlife Express Train, which often runs below capacity.
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When Could the Affection Section Close?
According to additional Cast Member reports, if a closure does occur, Disney would provide enough advance notice for guests to visit one last time. Current indications suggest any closure would happen before summer, potentially aligning with Bluey’s arrival window.
As with any rumor, plans could change—or the Affection Section could return in a reimagined form.
Should Guests Be Concerned Right Now?
For now, the Affection Section remains open and operating normally. Guests visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the coming weeks should consider prioritizing the experience if it holds sentimental value—especially families with young children.
Until Walt Disney World makes an official announcement, this story should be treated as unconfirmed. Still, the consistency of Cast Member messaging and the strategic timing surrounding Bluey make this rumor worth watching closely.
Source: BlogMickey
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