Affection Section at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is being renamed “Jumping Junction” as part of a new Bluey-themed experience coming to Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Summer 2026.
Disney confirmed the name change as part of the transformation of the longtime petting zoo area.
Big changes are on the way for a quiet corner of Disney’s Animal Kingdom as Walt Disney World prepares to introduce a brand-new experience inspired by the hit children’s series Bluey.
Disney has confirmed that the longtime Affection Section petting zoo at Rafiki’s Planet Watch will reopen with a new name: “Jumping Junction.” The change is part of a larger transformation of the area tied to the upcoming Bluey-themed experience expected to debut in Summer 2026.
Affection Section Becoming “Jumping Junction”
For years, Affection Section allowed guests to interact with goats, sheep, and other friendly farm animals in a hands-on petting zoo environment. However, that experience officially came to an end earlier this year as Disney began preparing the area for its next chapter.
When the location reopens, Jumping Junction will feature animals native to Australia, tying directly into the setting of Bluey, which follows the adventures of Bluey and her family in Brisbane.
The existing animals that previously lived at Affection Section have already been rehomed to other facilities, marking the end of the original petting zoo lineup that many families have enjoyed for years.
While Disney has not yet revealed the full animal roster for the new exhibit, reports suggest the area may include Australian species such as kangaroos or wallabies, giving the space a more thematic connection to the world of Bluey.
A Larger Bluey Experience at Animal Kingdom
The renaming of Affection Section is just one piece of a larger refresh happening at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
The upcoming Bluey experience will also introduce opportunities for guests to meet Bluey and Bingo, take photos with the beloved characters, and participate in interactive games inspired by episodes of the show.
Disney has indicated that the experience will blend play, character interactions, and real animal encounters, reinforcing Animal Kingdom’s focus on nature and conservation while incorporating a globally popular family franchise.
Conservation Station Changes and Closures
To prepare for the transformation, several offerings in the area temporarily closed earlier this year.
Both Affection Section and Conservation Station closed on February 23, 2026, allowing Walt Disney Imagineering to begin work on the new experience scheduled to open later this summer.
While some offerings are changing, Disney has indicated that the veterinary treatment room and small animal exhibits inside Conservation Station will remain part of the location when it reopens.
What We Still Don’t Know
Although Disney has confirmed the new name and overall direction for the area, several details remain under wraps. Among the biggest unknowns are the full list of animals that will live in Jumping Junction, whether the hands-on petting zoo element will return, or if the exhibit will be more observational, and any additional theming updates tied to the Bluey story and characters.
As construction continues, more details are expected to be revealed ahead of the Summer 2026 debut of the Bluey experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
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