Animal Kingdom is quickly rising in popularity by Disney guests as a must-see park. Part of recent appeal has been Disney’s intentional addition of evening attractions that allow guests to experience the park in a new and unique perspective. Rivers of Light is one of Disney’s evening shows that is spectacular like none other.
Held each evening (weather permitting), Rivers of Light is performed on Discovery River between Dinoland USA and Asia. Guests will be drawn into the story of nature that has existed from long ago, revealing the beauty that surrounds us each and every day.
Glowing lotus flowers and riverboats light up the river and slowly perform a dance all on their own. Floats depicting the tiger, turtle, elephant, and owl soon welcome you to the start of the show, turning and twisting as they play together in rhythm and harmony. The water ballet begins with light and color, revealing the beauty found in Asia, Africa, and North America. Watch as the deer scamper across the field, the lion chase its prey, the eagle soar high above the ground, and feel the grandeur of the world we live in. Fountains shoot beautiful displays of water throughout the show and culminates in the commissioned song “We Are One”.
Guests wishing to view Rivers of Light have multiple viewing options. My favorite way to experience Rivers of Light is with a dining package. Dining packages can be combined with a reservation at Tusker House or Tiffins. At the end of the meal, vouchers are given for your reserved seating section which is located across from the Finding Nemo building. FastPasses are also available for this show with its entrance across from the Expedition Everest. Finally, guests wishing to standby for the show have their seating entrance located by Dinoland USA, near the Finding Nemo building. Seating opens approximately an hour before each show; however, on extremely busy nights, seating may open 90 minutes before the show. Seats located on the lower far right of the FastPass section or the lower far left of the standby section can be considered “splash zones” as the water sprayed for the water screen can easily be blown onto guests seated in those areas.
Rivers of Light is not your typical evening show at Walt Disney World. Instead of the great displays of fireworks, it warms your heart with a subtlety of thankfulness for the world we live in, the beauty that we are surrounded by, and the sense of unity that we all belong to. Be sure to check out Rivers of Light on your next Walt Disney World vacation and talk with your Me and the Mouse travel specialist about reserving your dining package or FastPass so you don’t miss out!
Michelle Browne
Travel Specialist
