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{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
| image= RafikisPlanetWatch.jpg
| caption='''The Rafiki's Planet Watch entrance sign. Photo by Lauren Javier'''
| theme= Educational Area
| park= Disney's Animal Kingdom
| opened=April 22, 1998 (as Conservation Station) <br> '''October 2000 (as Rafiki's Planet Watch)'''
| custom_label_1 = Number of Attractions
| custom_value_1 = Four
| custom_label_2= Formally Known As
| custom_value_2= Conservation Station (1998-2000)}}
Rafiki's Planet Watch is a land inside [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]]
==History==
The land that is today known as Rafiki's Planet Watch originally opened as "Conservation Station " on April 22, 1998. When Conservation Station opened, it featured Affection Section (a petting zoo) as well as interactive exhibits, and a behind the scenes look at how Disney cared for the animals within the park.
In October 2000, the name of Conservation Station was changed to Rafiki's Planet Watch <ref> https://d23.com/a-to-z/rafikis-planet-watch/ </ref>. At this time, the interactive exhibits located within the land were named Conservation Station <ref name= "map"/>. Furthermore, Habitat Habit!, and educational walking trail also began appearing on maps <ref name= "map"> http://www.florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/dak/disneys-animal-kingdom-guidemap-2000-may-v2-05.jpg </ref> at this time (despite being operational since 1998 <ref> https://www.mouseplanet.com/guide/686/Walt-Disney-World/Disneys-Animal-Kingdom/Rafikis-Planet-Watch/Habitat-Habit </ref>).
In October 2018, Rafiki's Planet Watch closed for refurbishment <ref name="magic"> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/rafikis-planet-watch/news/21sep2018-rafikis-planet-watch-permanently-closing-in-october.htm </ref>. The land reopened on July 11, 2019 <ref name="wdwmagic"> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/rafikis-planet-watch/news/11jul2019-photos---animation-experience-at-conservation-station-opens-at-disneys-animal-kingdom.htm </ref>. At this time, a new exhibit called The Animation Experience opened in Rafiki's Planet Watch. In this new attraction, guests learn how real life animals have inspired Disney characters, and even how to draw a character from Disney's The Lion King. In addition to the Animation Experience, Rafiki's Planet Watch was also given new Lion King enhancements, as well as new background music following its refurbishment <ref name="wdwmagic"/>.
==Current Attractions==
'''[[Wildlife Express Train]]'''- This seven minute train ride transports guests from the African village of [[Harambe ]] to Rafiki's Planet Watch and vice versa.
'''[[Habitat Habit!]]'''- This short walking trail features various exhibits that teach guests how they can help conserve the environment. The trail is also home to a small group of Cotton-top Tamarin monkeys.
'''[[Affection Section]]'''- This small petting zoo features domesticated animals from all over the world.
[[The Animation Experience]]- This 25 minute presentation teaches guests how real animals have influenced the creation of Disney characters. At the Aniamtion Experience, guests also learn how to draw a character from Disney's The Lion King.
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
* Rafiki's Planet Watch is the only land in [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]] not accessible from [[Discovery Island]]. It is only accessible by taking the [[Wildlife Express Train]] from [[Africa]].
==References==
