Mark your calendars because it’s official. Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s first-ever night-time show, “Rivers of Light,” will officially debut at the park on Earth Day April 22. The long awaited show has been an intergral part of the plan to help make Animal Kingdom and all day park, along with other night events that will begin happening at the park.
“Disney’s Animal Kingdom is such a majestic and beautiful park,” said George A. Kalogridis, President of Walt Disney World Resort, “and to now show our guests original stories that reveal the magic of nature and bring this special park to life like never before — makes nighttime at Disney’s Animal Kingdom a can’t miss experience for Walt Disney World guests this summer.”
If you’ve been to the park lately you have seen lots of construction on the Discovery River in the Asia section of the park which will be the main seating area for the show. The main premise of the “Rivers of Light” will depict an ancient lantern festival that is guided by two storytellers who call forth four animal Spirit Guides: an Asian Tiger, Tropical Turtle, African Elephant and Great Horned Owl. These Spirit Guides return at different points during the show to lead the audience through their journey through the Rivers of Light.
“Rivers of Light” will feature illuminated lanterns, water screens, moving fountains, light projections and other amazing elements.
To create “Rivers of Light,” Imagineers and Disney Creative Entertainment partnered with experts including award-winning master designer Michael Curry, whose Disney Parks contributions include “Finding Nemo: The Musical” and “Disney Festival of Fantasy parade.” Film composer Don L. Harper created the soaring musical score for the nighttime show which also includes an original song by noted composer Mark Mancina. Disney also collaborated with the award-winning filmmakers at Disneynature to bring never-before-seen footage, telling dramatic and compelling stories from the animal world to the show.
The Tree of Life Awakens
Nearby on Discovery Island the area will come alive each night with a celebration filled with music and
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the park’s iconic Tree of Life has grown new roots. Featuring new animals that make up the circle of life, from tiny bugs to large crocodiles, the expanded roots also offer a widened walkway for guests visiting Discovery Island. The 145-foot tall structure is covered in more than 103,000 leaves and debuted as the park’s icon at the park’s opening in 1998. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Todd Anderson, photographer)
dance. The theme park’s iconic Tree of Life will undergo extraordinary “awakenings” throughout the evening as the animal spirits are brought to life by magical fireflies that open a window into the body of the tree, revealing colorful stories of wonder and enchantment.
Kilimanjaro Safaris after Dark
Each evening, the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris daytime experience is artfully bathed in the look of sunset with special lighting allowing guests to explore and enjoy this attraction well into the night. During the expedition guests can now enjoy the wildlife at night, and may discover two new species: African wild dogs and hyenas.
Harambe Wildlife Parti/Discovery Island Carnivale
When the sun sets, the popular Village of Harambe will become a hot spot with the new Harambe Wildlife Parti. Here, “party animals” can dance alongside local street musicians and entertainers, partake in exotic foods and libations and explore the diverse wares of village artisans and merchants. And the new Discovery Island Carnivale will captivate guests with lively music, spirited dance, vibrant costumes, and tasty culinary creations, spreading from one end of the island to the other.
Tiffins Signature Restaurant
In addition to the masterful new entertainment offerings beginning this summer, guests will enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest eatery, Tiffins. Open for both lunch and dinner, this new signature dining experience will celebrate the art of traveling and include waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas. “Tiffin” is an Indian English word meaning midday meal or type of container used to carry food while traveling.