Disney Releases New Rivers of Light Details, Opening Date

Earlier today, Disney shared more information about Animal Kingdom’s first-ever night-time show, “Rivers of Light,” which will officially debut on April 22.
The show, set on Discovery River in the Asia section of the park, will depict an ancient festival guided by two storytellers who call forth four animal guides: a tiger, a turtle, an elephant and an owl, all of which will return at different points during the show to lead Guests on their journey through the "Rivers of Light."

Here are additional details about the show and other new nighttime experiences that will debut soon:

RIVERS OF LIGHT

Be enchanted by a brilliant spectacle of glowing lanterns, magical fireflies, dancing fountains and animal spirits. As sunlight fades and the stars begin their twinkle, remember the instinctual feeling that we are all bound together. Listen as the lagoon responds to the whispers of the world, cradling creatures with a symphony that swells with wild murmurs and shimmering secrets of the universe.

So begins a new light—a vibrant awakening of flitting fireflies leading a legion of lanterns cascading in a ceremonious procession across the water. With a single chime, there falls a hush—and in its place steps Shamans bearing benevolent gifts of light. These storytellers promise to paint the night with visual wonders, enticing you to join them on a marvelous journey.

Before your eyes, clusters of lantern light shift and shape into animal forms—the Tiger, Turtle, Elephant and Owl. The Shamans call upon the lotus flower who materializes along with her 4 sisters, each bursting forth with dazzling fountains of water and light. These mystic hosts work in harmony to captivate your senses, conjuring stunning imagery of animals from across the world in a musical performance that can only be described as dreamlike. Spellbound, you are transported across Asian jungles and tropical oceans to African savannas and North American mountains.

Your journey culminates in a triumphant blend of music, light, color and earthly elements. The Aurora Borealis, in its magical splendor, springs with unbridled joy as a menagerie of animals transcend above the cosmos, becoming glittering star constellations in the heavens. Immersed within a grand celestial finale, you are bestowed with an inspirational message of peace and oneness with nature.

NIGHTTIME KILIMANJARO SAFARIS EXPEDITIONS
After the sun sets, venture out onto the savanna for a nighttime safari tour—and see the animals in a whole new light. Experience a different breed of discovery when you explore the wilds of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve at night. Previously off limits to visitors after sundown, this unforgettable journey aboard a rugged, all-terrain caravan takes you deep into the wilds of Africa, where creatures both big and small await your arrival amid the tranquil shadows of the lush brush.

During your adventure, witness the rarely seen nocturnal habits of the reserve’s many animal residents, including lions, elephants, hippopotamuses and hyena. Spy a careless crocodile slumped upon a rocky plot. Behold spirited zebras galloping silently across a vast plain. Catch sight of a curious cheetah, lazily reclining in the brush. Strategically placed lighting evoking both the setting sun and rising moon, plus side-sweeping headlamps attached to your safari vehicle, ensure you won’t miss a moment. And as always, your friendly safari guide is on hand to share expert knowledge about the animals and their unique nocturnal habits.

So climb aboard, lean back and take in the sights of Africa by night; it’s sure to be one drive you won’t soon forget!

OTHER NIGHTTIME OFFERINGS

On the lookout for a night you won’t forget? Head to Harambe where “party animals” have taken over the streets. Harambe, the African village within Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, is a popular daytime destination known for its excellent street musicians, stunningly beautiful theater district, vibrant marketplace, diverse eateries and lively daytime street parties. But after the sun sets, Harambe’s excitement soars even higher with the Harambe Wildlife Parti.

Be a part of this lively street festival that kicks off in late afternoon when Afro-Pop musicians the Burudika Band take to the stage in Harambe’s Old Square and perform music popular in Africa. Clap your hands and kick up your heels to the blissful beats—it’s almost impossible to resist dancing in the streets!

Wander past the main stage and into the bustling marketplace to discover even more exotic entertainment just around the corner, including:

• Muziki - Located in Harambe’s drum circle, this delightfully unusual goodwill shaman perched high atop regal stilts invites children to join him as he plays his own instruments, dances and makes them official drummers of the day.
• Karibu Sisters - Resembling regal African cranes, these 3 women add to the rhythm of Harambe Marketplace through elegant dance, acapella songs and acoustic renditions of African party music.
• Harambe Soccer Meerkats - Cheer on the village’s finest soccer players as they ramble through the streets rallying anyone within sight for a quick pick-up game—entertaining with comic soccer moves inspired by African animals and delighting with skillful acrobatic teamwork and dancing.
• Harambe Village Acrobats - Wearing costumes of grass, beads, bells and feathers set against a mosaic of African prints, this troupe of skilled performers move with the synchronicity of circus performers as they drum, dance, tumble and climb into man-made pyramids and break away into spinning, tumbling towers.
• Harambe’s Wildlife Parti - Boasting music, dance and an ever-changing landscape of performances and things to see and do, Harambe’s Wildlife Parti offers the excitement of an African village bursting with non-stop entertainment and surprises for all who visit.

ARTWORK: © 2016 Walt Disney World Resort. All Rights Reserved.