The Animation Experience at Conservation Station begins July 11

At Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, a brand-new additional experience is coming, drawing on Disney’s rich heritage of wildlife animation, inspired by Walt Disney’s own passion for ensuring his animators could develop realistic characters and settings by spending time with animals.

In celebration of Disney’s “The Lion King,” Disney will be launching The Animation Experience at Conservation Station, offering you the opportunity to learn how live animals have inspired some of the most iconic characters from this beloved “tail.” You will learn more about some of the animals who call Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park home and then have the chance to create a personalized piece of Disney art through an instructor-led animation class. Some of you favorite characters from “The Lion King” will be the stars of The Animation Experience, which will start when Rafiki’s Planet Watch reopens on July 11. You can learn how to draw Simba, Zazu, Pumbaa, Timon and more. Each session will be different so you should visit often to complete the collection. Disney FastPass+ Service will be offered for the experience, and you can make those selections starting later today.

For more than 60 years, animals have been a part of Disney storytelling, and these stories continue today alongside efforts to protect wildlife and habitats around the world, as well as provide immersive experiences that connect kids and families with the magic of nature. Disney looks forward to offering you this new way of connecting with the animals in the park in addition to the other unique opportunities that Rafiki’s Planet Watch offers. Disney is excited to welcome you back to greet and hug the animals at Affection Section, catch a glimpse of medical procedures at the veterinary treatment window, learn how the animal care experts prepare meals for and care for the park’s animal residents and more.