RUMOR: Affection Section Petting Zoo in Animal Kingdom to Close

There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when you step off the Wildlife Express Train at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. It’s a bit quieter back there, tucked away from the high-octane thrills of Expedition Everest. For years, the heart of that "oasis of calm" has been the Affection Section—the only place in all of Walt Disney World where you could just sit on a bench and have a goat wander up for a head scratch.

But if the latest whispers around the park are true, that gentle era might be coming to an end.

Image Courtesy of Michael Gray

The Writing on the Wall

For a few weeks now, the "rumor mill" has been churning with some pretty convincing evidence that the Affection Section is closing its gates for good. While Disney hasn’t put out a formal press release just yet, the operating calendar is telling a story of its own. Right now, operating hours for the petting zoo completely vanish after mid-March 2026.

Even more telling are the conversations happening on the ground. Cast Members at the station have reportedly been telling guests that a permanent closure is imminent, rather than just a quick refurbishment. It’s a tough pill to swallow for those of us who viewed that 0.66-acre yard as a "secret happy place" to decompress.

Why We’re Reaching for the Tissues

It feels like a heavy loss because the Affection Section offered something so rare: unscripted, tactile connection. It wasn't about a show or a screen; it was about the simple joy of brushing a sheep or meeting a Kunekune pig. For families with neurodivergent children or toddlers who just needed a break from the sensory overload of the main park, this was a sanctuary.

Losing this experience means losing the only spot in the entire resort where kids can have that hands-on interaction with domestic animals.⁴With DinoLand U.S.A. also closing its final phase on February 2, 2026, to make way for the Tropical Americas, the park is losing a lot of its "low-stakes" play areas all at once.

Image Courtesy of HarshLight

The Silver Lining: A G'day from Bluey and Bingo

While it’s sad to see the goats go, the reason behind the move is undeniably exciting. Disney has confirmed that a massive Bluey and Bingo experience is coming to Conservation Station in Summer 2026. For anyone with kids (or anyone who just loves the Heeler family), this is a huge win.

The new experience sounds like it’s going to be a total blast. We’re looking at interactive games led by a new "P.A.C.K." team (Playful Animal Crew for Kids) that will bring episodes of the show to life with animal-themed twists—think "butterfly Keepy Uppy" and plenty of dancing.

The most interesting part? Disney mentioned that as part of this "excursion," guests will step outside to see animals native to Bluey’s home country of Australia. This is likely why the Affection Section is closing; that outdoor space is the perfect footprint for a new exhibit featuring species like kangaroos or wallabies that tie directly into the Bluey theme.

A Park in Transition

It’s a bittersweet time to be an Animal Kingdom fan. We’re watching the "bones" of the park change as DinoLand transforms into Pueblo Esperanza, bringing Encanto and Indiana Jones to life by 2027. The shift toward more intellectual property (IP) like Bluey is a big change from the park’s original "living museum" feel, but it’s hard not to be hyped about the energy it will bring to a corner of the park that often went overlooked.

If you have a trip planned before mid-March, make sure to hop on that train one last time. Give a goat a final scratch and say your goodbyes. Then, let’s get ready to "get the wiggles out" with Bluey this summer. Animal Kingdom is growing up, and while we’ll miss the quiet corners, the new adventures are just around the riverbend.