A rumor is circulating that the Affection Section at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close permanently as the park prepares for the arrival of Bluey this summer.
Current Status
Cast members working at the Affection Section have been informing guests for several weeks that the petting zoo area will be closing soon. The facility currently shows operating hours only through mid-March on the Walt Disney World calendar.
Disney has not officially confirmed any closure plans or provided comment on the rumor.
What Is the Affection Section?
The Affection Section is Walt Disney World’s only petting zoo. Located at Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Conservation Station, the area allows guests to interact directly with domesticated animals.
Key Features:
- Hands-on animal interactions
- Educational programming about animal care
- Expert guidance from Cast Members
- Approximately 2/3 acre footprint
According to the Walt Disney World website, guests can “meet a variety of unique, domesticated animals and interact with our animal care experts at this expansive, outdoor space.”
The Bluey Connection
Disney has announced that Bluey and Bingo will arrive at Conservation Station this summer. The new experience will allow guests to:
- Play and dance with the Australian Cattle Dog characters
- Participate in games inspired by Bluey episodes
- Experience “butterfly Keepy Uppy” and other activities with animal themes
Importantly, Disney stated that guests will be able to “step outside to discover an experience with animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia.”
This outdoor animal component suggests Disney will need dedicated space at Conservation Station beyond just indoor character interactions.
Why the Affection Section May Close
The Affection Section’s location and existing infrastructure could provide the space Disney needs for Australian animal exhibits connected to the Bluey experience.
Space Considerations:
- The petting zoo occupies roughly 2/3 acre
- Infrastructure already supports animal care and guest interaction
- Outdoor location fits Disney’s description of the Australian animal experience
Animal Kingdom already features kangaroos near the Tree of Life. Additional Australian species could include wallabies, various birds, or other animals fitting Conservation Station’s educational mission.
Impact on Young Guests
The timing of this rumored closure is particularly significant because DinoLand USA is currently closed for transformation into the Tropical Americas.
Attractions Unavailable:
- Affection Section petting zoo (rumored)
- TriceraTop Spin (DinoLand USA closed)
- The Boneyard playground (DinoLand USA closed)
- Other DinoLand family attractions (closed)
With both areas potentially unavailable, Animal Kingdom would have limited hands-on, interactive experiences for young children.
Remaining Family Options:
- Festival of the Lion King
- Character meet-and-greets
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether
These are primarily passive experiences where children watch shows or wait in line for photos, rather than engaging in physical, interactive play.
What Makes Petting Zoos Important
Petting zoos provide developmental benefits for young children:
- Tactile learning through touching animals
- Close observation of animal behaviors
- Direct interaction under expert supervision
- Educational questions and answers with Cast Members
These experiences differ significantly from traditional zoo exhibits where guests observe animals from a distance.
Guest Concerns
The lack of official confirmation creates uncertainty for families planning Animal Kingdom visits:
Current Planners: Guests visiting in late spring or summer cannot confirm whether the Affection Section will be available during their trip.
Regular Visitors: Families who include the petting zoo as part of their Animal Kingdom routine may lose access to a valued experience.
Final Visits: Cast Members reportedly hope Disney will announce any closure with advance notice, allowing guests to visit one last time.
Unanswered Questions
Several questions remain without official answers:
- Will the closure be permanent or temporary?
- What will happen to the animals currently at the Affection Section?
- Will any petting zoo experience return elsewhere at Walt Disney World?
- Will the Australian animal experience include interactive elements?
- When will Disney officially confirm or deny the closure?
Looking Ahead
The Australian animal experience Disney described for Bluey’s arrival could potentially include some interactive components. However, interactions with native Australian wildlife would likely be more limited than the domesticated animal encounters currently available at the Affection Section.
Animal Kingdom continues to evolve as Disney makes changes throughout the park. The Affection Section rumor represents one potential shift as the park balances character experiences, education, conservation, and family-friendly offerings.
Until Disney provides official confirmation, guests interested in the Affection Section should consider visiting sooner rather than later. The operating calendar currently shows availability through mid-March, providing a definite window when the petting zoo remains accessible.
