Today, June 10th is a BIG day in Disney World, friends!
Animal Kingdom
Not only is it the official opening day of CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza in EPCOT, but today, Disney’s Animal Kingdom starts celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Lion King! Part of this massive celebration is two new meet-and-greets — come check them out with us!
Over at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which is only accessible by taking the Wildlife Express Train over in Africa, you can now meet Rafiki himself, as well as Timon!
We’ve got NEW meet and greet locations in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Rafiki is now home at Rafiki’s Planet Watch! 👋 pic.twitter.com/y6qHmMMUzI
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) June 10, 2024
Currently, Timon and Rafiki are on alternating schedules, so if you’re in line to meet one and they walk away to take a little break, stay in line so you can meet the other character in just a few minutes! Currently, their meet-and-greet is expected to be available until September 6th, 2024.
And of course Rafiki needs a pal, and who other than Timon? We were so excited to see him today!
Find the times for these meet and greets in the My Disney Experience app! pic.twitter.com/9diyAnd4DY
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) June 10, 2024
But that’s not all you can do over in Rafiki’s Planet Watch — you can also take part in their Animation Experience, where you’ll learn to draw a character from one of Disney’s animated films and be able to take that drawing home with you completely for free!
Animation Experience
You can also pet tons of different animals at the Affection Section! This is a super special experience, especially in Animal Kingdom, because most of the park allows you to LOOK at animals as long as you’d like, but here, you can pet them as much as you’d like!
Affection Section
Just as a heads up — Rafiki’s Planet Watch often closes earlier than other parts of the park, so be sure to check the times for the last train before you head over, or check the My Disney Experience App!
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Looking for other ways you can celebrate the 30th Anniversary of The Lion King in the park? There are 11 (!!!) new snacks that have just arrived in the park, and our team is there RIGHT NOW trying all of them to tell you what’s worth your money and what isn’t!
Animal Kingdom
Not to mention that Disney has just announced The Lion King is coming BACK to movie theaters for a limited time to celebrate the anniversary, starting on July 12th! There has been no official list released on where the film will be showing, or for how long, so be sure to check the listings of your local movie theater closer to July 12th to see if it’s playing near you.
©Disney
We’re always here to help you plan for your next Disney World trip by keeping you updated with what’s happening in the parks, so stay tuned to DFB!
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I really hope this meet and greet ends up being permanent! I love meet and greets with Timon! 💛