Rivers of Light, the all-new nighttime show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, will finally debut Feb. 17 after a 10 month delay.
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.
The 11 show 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 its own water screen. Costumes for the storytellers and their acolytes include fabrics using 5,000-year-old dye and weaving techniques.
“At the show’s finale, we hope guests will feel like they have been on a tremendous ceremonial and visual journey,” said Michael Jung, Walt Disney Imagineering creative director. “Rivers of Light really provides an affirmation of life and reminds us of the beauty and fragility of the natural world we all share – with animals and one another.”
Following its Feb. 17 premiere, Rivers of Light will be performed on select nights.
The show was originally planned to debut on April 22, 2016 but dealt with rumored story and technical issues. During the delay, Disney would premiere “Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” in the new 5,000 amphitheater – a show using some technical elements from Rivers of Light.
