Home Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Dateline Disney World: Nighttime Fun Approaches at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Dateline Disney World: Nighttime Fun Approaches at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

March 16, 2016

Hello, and welcome to Dateline Disney World. We’re very close to a huge change in the daily operation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom as the park begins offering regular nighttime hours to accommodate the new Rivers of Light show. With all that additional time to spend in the park Disney is adding all sorts of new things. Let’s see what they’ve got going on!

Welcome to the park! — Welcome to Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Soon to be a full day park!

Avatar view from outside the park.

Beautiful trees in bloom around the Tree of Life.

This stage seems complete, and will probably house some of the new nighttime entertainment in the park.

They've done an admirable job making the Rivers of Light seating area blend right in. — They’ve done an admirable job making the Rivers of Light seating area blend right in. Not an easy task. What do you think of the new look?

Rivers of Light will take place on Discovery River between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest. According to notes released by Disney “A pair of mystical hosts come to the river bearing gifts of light. During the show, the hosts set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon animal spirits. With the storytellers as your guides, the wonders of “Rivers of Light” builds to a stunning crescendo.”

Riversoflight-fountains — Disney Rivers of Light concept art

Riversoflight-tree — Disney concept art for Rivers of Light – on the Tree of Life

This tower for Rivers of Light is covered in go away green.

I love the detail and styling on all these necessary additions to accommodate the new nighttime show. Look how well that light tower blends in!

Popcorn lights installed for nighttime lighting.

Rivers of Light opens on April 22, and we'll be there to cover it! — Rivers of Light opens on April 22, and we’ll be there to cover it!

Tarp walls up near where the old FP location was converted to a snack bar.

Kali River Rapids is still closed for its annual winter refurbishment.

The Caravan Stage is still getting its new roof.

Curious to see what all this work is on the Harambe side of Discovery Island.

The new Lion Guard experience is a fun way for families to spend some time finding animal statues in the park.

Shouldn't be too long until the Safari is offered in the evenings to go along with the new identity of Animal Kingdom. — Shouldn’t be too long until the Safari is offered in the evenings to go along with the new identity of Animal Kingdom.

Tree of Life Gardens still closed off. It’s time this gets fixed. The gardens are such a beautiful part of the park.

New lattes at Starbucks. Have you tried the Smoked Butterscotch Latte? Some say it tastes a bit like Butter Beer. Yummy.

Work continues on Tiffin's the new signature restaurant being installed behind Pizzafari. — Work continues on Tiffin’s, the new signature restaurant being installed behind Pizzafari.

What Else is going on in the Disney World:

With all of Walt Disney World resort celebrating St Patrick’s Day this Thursday, we wanted to share all the special Irish themed activities and events. There are many ways you can celebrate the lucky day on Thursday and all weekend:

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs, is celebrating St Patrick’s day with authentic Irish dishes and drinks. Leading the St Patrick’s Day festivities will be special musicians and wonderful dancers, showcasing an authentic Irish experience all day.
Epcot will be hosting a wonderful celebration at Rose and Crown Pub in the World Showcase.
New this year is the Cider House in the United Kingdom at World Showcase.
Though part of the Epcot International Flower and Garden festival, this outdoor kitchen is a perfect spot to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with a Hard Cider or Lager.
The America Gardens Theater, located at the American Adventure in World Showcase, will be hosting Little River band this weekend as part of the 2016 Garden Rocks Series.
As you enjoy the celebrations Thursday and this weekend, be on the lookout resort wide for special St Patrick’s Day themed meals, desserts and merchandise.

That does it for this week! Are you excited for Animal Kingdom to fully transform into a nighttime park? Ready to see Rivers of Light next month? Let us know in the comments below!

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