Thank you to Disney for providing park passes to facilitate the post. All opinions are completely my own.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom presents Rivers of Light
What a spectacular display at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The Rivers of Light show began it’s full display of color on February 17th and what a beautiful display it was. Lights and water have never been seen like this because Disney knows how to put on a fantastic show.
The new 15-minute show is the latest addition to the lineup of nighttime experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Celebrating the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world, the performance combines live performers, beautiful floating lanterns, glistening fountains, special effects and authentic animal imagery projected on giant water screens.
As the sun sets, guests gather along the picturesque edge of the Discovery River at the site of a fabled age-old ritual. A new 5,000-seat amphitheater welcomes guests to two distinct “villages” separated by a bridge and the river. Sounds of animals are heard from a nearby forest, and magical fireflies descend from the Tree of Life toward the lagoon, creating a sense of wonder as four beautifully illuminated Lotus flowers float across the water.
The ceremony begins with a stirring musical overture signaling the arrival of a pair of mystical Storytellers, two complementary forces who come to the river bearing gifts of light. They set out from the shore aboard elaborate lantern vessels. Adorned in intricately designed costumes, the hosts engage in a dramatic dance of the water and light to summon the animal spirits – an Asian tiger, Tropical turtle, African elephant, and Great Horned Owl – and take guests on a wondrous journey across Asian jungles and African savannah’s.
Just take a look at a small portion of this 15 minute light show. From the music to the use of lights and water to show the majesty of nature, it really is a beautiful way to end your night at Animal Kingdom.
Technology and attention to detail play starring roles in the new show. The 11 floats are independent of each other and programmed to follow a choreographed “dance” across the lagoon. More than 50,000 programmable, color-changing LED lights are found in the four Animal Spirit Guide floats alone. Each Lotus float produces it’s own water screen. Costumes for the storytellers and their acolytes include fabrics using 5,000-year-old dye and weaving techniques.
The result is absolutely breathtaking. My children were mesmerized during the entire 15-minute show, as was I. It was simply incredible and I don’t believe I’ve seen a show this spectacular since Walt Disney World’s “Wishes” show.
Special dining packages are available to park guests that include reserved seating at the new show. Packages are offered at the buffet-style Tusker House or the new signature restaurant Tiffins. Reservations can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dining or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Rivers of Light is just one of the new nighttime experiences and family adventures! We caught another of the new nighttime experiences as we were leaving Animal Kingdom. The Tree of Life awakening after dark. Through projections and special effects, the animal spirits of the Tree are brought to life like never before, revealing moments of wonder and enchantment. On the night we were there, we watched as Bambi and Thumper made an appearance. The children were delighted and it was fantastic.
What a wonderful, magical evening for the family. You should check it out soon!
Rivers of Light now showing on select nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Visit the Walt Disney World Website for more details.
