AK Rivers of Light

[KSR0330]

I'm planning a trip towards the end of August 2016. I have a day put aside for AK (this will be our first time there). I'm not sure how to organize it. My initial thought was to hit the park early, at RD, and leave in the earlier afternoon since it will be really hot. But now I have learned about Rivers of Light! I really want to see it! Does anyone know what time it may be in August? I know AK typically closes earlier than the other parks. Does this mean they will be open past dark for the show? Would doing an afternoon/evening visit be much different than an early morning/early afternoon visit? I feel at a loss because I've never been there! TIA!

 

[Travis B]

Maybe you could do RD, leave for a break and then return in the afternoon/evening? It remains to be seen what time ROL will be so you'll probably have to wait until the show opens this spring to do any concrete planning. I'm sure you could find out when sunset in August is, and assume the show will occur a bit after that.

 

[CAS239]

Once the night time activities are available (there's also a dark safari) they'll be extending the hours of AK. It's all speculation so far, but I'd guess the show would be around 8pm.

I'd also recommend going in the morning, then returning later in the afternoon. It's hot in every park during the 10 month summer we have, but AK will feel a lot hotter. There's far less buildings and areas to duck into to cool off from the heat.

 

[cgattis]

It will still be daylight at 8pm in August. I'm guessing 9.

 

[JZCubed]

I'm planning a trip towards the end of August 2016. I have a day put aside for AK (this will be our first time there). I'm not sure how to organize it. My initial thought was to hit the park early, at RD, and leave in the earlier afternoon since it will be really hot. But now I have learned about Rivers of Light! I really want to see it! Does anyone know what time it may be in August? I know AK typically closes earlier than the other parks. Does this mean they will be open past dark for the show? Would doing an afternoon/evening visit be much different than an early morning/early afternoon visit? I feel at a loss because I've never been there! TIA!

You've asked the type of questions that will help you make a 'best guess'.

If it's 1st day after we're arriving at a Park from awaking in our hotel - we have enjoyed both mornings without the hassle of popping out of bed for a Rope Drop in order to focus on nighttime events and also have experienced mornings where it was all about getting to a Park.

Touring plans with weather in mind can make all the difference. Planning for summer is different than other times of the year. You seem to know that.

We tend to avoid as many outside things in order to avoid as much heat as we can. We tend to include a bit more indoor things to capture a bit of air conditioning when traveling in summer.

What also matters are some of the particulars about what it is you wish to accomplish - i.e., some of us have long 'to-do' lists, while others traveling with young child (etc.) have other needs that must be addressed.

Pool time is a much a part of a resort vacation for some people/families as are Parks; food too.

If you share some of those needs, folks lurking on the DisBoard will gladly offer more pointed advice.

Look through here:
http://www.easywdw.com/cheatsheets/ak_cheatsheet_v4.pdf
http://www.easywdw.com/easy/

and read what Josh has to say (about that day at Animal Kingdom).

 

[kimmar067]

...will it be available in April/May?

 

[WEDWDW]

FYI-There will be multiple shows each night.

 

[rteetz]

...will it be available in April/May?

Rumor is Earth Day 2016

 

[rteetz]

FYI-There will be multiple shows each night.

That is not confirmed yet.

 

[NJRutgersFan]

Rumor is Earth Day 2016

Park hours are posted for well past Earth Day, and they all still show AK closing at 5:00pm. Would Disney go back and revise park hours to that degree? I've been watching closely as we're going in May...

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

Park hours are posted for well past Earth Day, and they all still show AK closing at 5:00pm. Would Disney go back and revise park hours to that degree? I've been watching closely as we're going in May...

Disney definitely revises park hours as they see fit. I would say that if they can get the show ready by then, currently posted park hours would have basically no effect on whether they would start it.

 

[jmkjr72]

Park hours are posted for well past Earth Day, and they all still show AK closing at 5:00pm. Would Disney go back and revise park hours to that degree? I've been watching closely as we're going in May...

Disney won't list park hours for this until it's ready to run and when it's ready to run Then they will add park hours for this

 

[KSR0330]

Thanks for all of the great information! I think we will do a rope drop morning, and then on another day go for the evening so we can see Rivers of Light. I've never been to this park and I'm really looking forward to it!

 

[DisneySOS]

I know Earth day is just a rumor at this point, but I'm wondering if that's when it will open or soft open? Due to the spring discounts my family was given an extra park day. I know we will be tired from the long drive but I'm seriously considering hopping a bus from ASMu to AK that evening.

 

[KSR0330]

I know Earth day is just a rumor at this point, but I'm wondering if that's when it will open or soft open? Due to the spring discounts my family was given an extra park day. I know we will be tired from the long drive but I'm seriously considering hopping a bus from ASMu to AK that evening.

That sounds like a lot of fun. I would love going to AK on the first night!

 

[kimmar067]

Disney won't list park hours for this until it's ready to run and when it's ready to run Then they will add park hours for this

I. feel. DIZZY.

 

[DizDaD7]

Thanks for all of the great information! I think we will do a rope drop morning, and then on another day go for the evening so we can see Rivers of Light. I've never been to this park and I'm really looking forward to it!

Why Leave?

This park never gets any love......If you take the time & see the hidden gems here, and do all the things that are meant to do here, this is easily a full day park.... With the shows and attractions/ parade there is still plenty to see and do.

Also the time it takes you to leave the park, wait for a bus, take a bus ride to whatever park, do something for a short period, then head back to the bus stop, WAIT some more, take another bus ride back to AK, then wait on line to get in, and walk back ....To me it seems like wasted time, but obviously to eac his/her own..

If staying at AKL/V, or CSR, or AS , it makes better sense IMHO, to take a short trip back to those resorts, respectfully then a short trip back....

 

[DizDaD7]

I. feel. DIZZY.

I wish I were going in APRIL, but there isn't too much different than what was there this past summer to warrant it...ALONG w/ Plane tix prices this makes it a no brainer for us. Come Jersey week though , they will have a few more things to see n do.

Also new Frozen ride may not be ready in April either.... Just an FYI.

 

[KSR0330]

Why Leave?

This park never gets any love......If you take the time & see the hidden gems here, and do all the things that are meant to do here, this is easily a full day park.... With the shows and attractions/ parade there is still plenty to see and do.

Also the time it takes you to leave the park, wait for a bus, take a bus ride to whatever park, do something for a short period, then head back to the bus stop, WAIT some more, take another bus ride back to AK, then wait on line to get in, and walk back ....To me it seems like wasted time, but obviously to eac his/her own..

If staying at AKL/V, or CSR, or AS , it makes better sense IMHO, to take a short trip back to those resorts, respectfully then a short trip back....

It will be the end of August and I think rope drop to close will be a bit too much in that heat.

 

[kimmar067]

It will be the end of August and I think rope drop to close will be a bit too much in that heat.

...good point.