Ride: Wildlife Express Train

Ride the rails on this rustic locomotive that travels behind the scenes from Harambe, Africa to Rafiki's Planet Watch.

Ride Information

Composite Review (3.9 / 5)

The Wildlife Express Train is an attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom that serves the dual purpose of a scenic, themed ride and the sole means of transportation to the park's conservation-focused area, Rafiki's Planet Watch.

It is designed to evoke the feel of an African rail transport, featuring open-air cars with benches where guests sit facing outward to take in the scenery.

The 1.2-mile journey lasts approximately 7–10 minutes each way and is intended to transport guests from Harambe Station to Rafiki's Planet Watch.

What You See on the Ride

The ride offers a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on the inner workings of the park that most guests never see. As the train travels through lush greenery, a Cast Member provides narration, pointing out the backstage animal care facilities and nighttime enclosures for some of the larger animals, including the park's resident rhinos and elephants.

The Destination: Rafiki's Planet Watch

Upon arrival, guests disembark at Conservation Station, a facility dedicated to animal preservation, care, and education. This area is home to:

• Conservation Station: Where guests can observe a working veterinary clinic and a nutrition center where meals for the park animals are prepared.
• Affection Section: A hands-on petting zoo featuring domesticated animals like goats and sheep.
• The Animation Experience: A drawing class where guests learn to sketch popular Disney characters, often inspired by animals.

Guest Review and Sentiment

The general sentiment among guests is split: the train is often considered a mandatory but relaxing means of transportation, rather than a thrilling destination ride.

The Positives (A Nice Respite): Many guests, particularly those with small children or those needing a break, praise the train as a welcome, relaxing diversion and a great way to "get off your feet or out of the sun on a hot day." It is a slow, gentle ride that is perfect for children of all ages (with no height requirement). The high capacity of the trains (250 passengers per engine) means the wait time is rarely long, even during busy parts of the day. For dedicated Disney fans, the glimpse into the backstage areas and animal housing is a rare and fascinating treat.

The Negatives (More Transport than Attraction): Some reviews describe the train ride itself as "boring" or a "necessary trip" rather than an exciting attraction, noting that the backstage areas are not as scenic as the main park. Critics feel that the overall time investment—waiting for and riding the train both ways, plus exploring Rafiki's Planet Watch—may not be worth it unless they are specifically interested in the conservation exhibits or the petting zoo. If the destination does not appeal to a guest, the ride itself is unlikely to be a highlight of their day.

In summary: If you are visiting Rafiki's Planet Watch, the Wildlife Express Train is a mandatory and pleasant part of the experience. If you are not planning to visit the Conservation Station, you can skip the train, as its primary draw is the destination and the behind-the-scenes access it provides.

Reference

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/wildlife-express-train/