Changes at AK- night water parade/night safari, etc.

[thinkerbell]

Just read this on another site. I looked all through the disboard and can't find anything about it on here. Is this all true?? Well, I know the Avatar land and the moving of the Lion King is true because I have read it on here, but all the rest is new to me. Anyone know anything about it??


http://www.****************.com/new...3-major-changes-coming-disneys-animal-kingdom

"2. A new nighttime show

Disney's Animal Kingdom has always closed earlier than Walt Disney World's other parks, partly because of the need to protect its animal residents from excessive noise. However, Disney is now working to install a new night-time show, and will begin opening the park until late.

Tree of Life show

The show will be hosted around and above the Discovery River and will feature live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. Rumored to be named "Rivers of Light", it is also expected to include the illumination of the iconic Tree of Life. That will involve replacing all 100,000+ artificial leaves on the tree with new ones that light up. The new version of the tree should fit well with Pandora, which will also feature glow-in-the-dark plants.

Although no opening date has been specified, barges containing props and equipment for the show have already been spied on the river. It's even reported that test runs for the show have taken place.
3. An evening safari

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris, one of the most popular attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom, is about to become two attractions in one. A new night-time version of the safari will be launched on an unspecified date, and is expected to feature an updated storyline and a focus on animals that are largely noctural.
Wrap-up

So there you have it, folks. The changes to Disney's Animal Kingdom will go well beyond merely adding two new rides in Pandora - The World of Avatar. Disney is aiming to transform what is often viewed as a "half-day park" into a full day (and night) experience."

 

[Robo]

Rumors.

These have been discussed on these boards awhile back.

Certainly interesting possibilities.

 

[CookieGVB]

When we road the Safari and an uncooperative giraffe blocked the way for about 45 minutes, the driver mentioned that the park was being considered to be an evening park for the future. One thing he mentioned was a World of Colors style show, rather than a fireworks show which wouldn't work because of the animals. I was also relieved when they seemed to have abandoned the "Simba 1/Big Red/poacher" storyline, and instead focused on factoids about the animals.

 

[LoveLoveLoveDisney]

Wow that sounds great for Animal Kingdom! Wonder if anything will happen by May...

 

[Robo]

Wow that sounds great for Animal Kingdom! Wonder if anything will happen by May...

Of what year?

 

[bcrook]

Just read this on another site. I looked all through the disboard and can't find anything about it on here. Is this all true?? Well, I know the Avatar land and the moving of the Lion King is true because I have read it on here, but all the rest is new to me. Anyone know anything about it??


http://www.****************.com/new...3-major-changes-coming-disneys-animal-kingdom

"2. A new nighttime show

Disney's Animal Kingdom has always closed earlier than Walt Disney World's other parks, partly because of the need to protect its animal residents from excessive noise. However, Disney is now working to install a new night-time show, and will begin opening the park until late.

Tree of Life show

The show will be hosted around and above the Discovery River and will feature live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. Rumored to be named "Rivers of Light", it is also expected to include the illumination of the iconic Tree of Life. That will involve replacing all 100,000+ artificial leaves on the tree with new ones that light up. The new version of the tree should fit well with Pandora, which will also feature glow-in-the-dark plants.

Although no opening date has been specified, barges containing props and equipment for the show have already been spied on the river. It's even reported that test runs for the show have taken place.
3. An evening safari

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris, one of the most popular attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom, is about to become two attractions in one. A new night-time version of the safari will be launched on an unspecified date, and is expected to feature an updated storyline and a focus on animals that are largely noctural.
Wrap-up

So there you have it, folks. The changes to Disney's Animal Kingdom will go well beyond merely adding two new rides in Pandora - The World of Avatar. Disney is aiming to transform what is often viewed as a "half-day park" into a full day (and night) experience."

Tom Staggs king exec of parks for Disney shared this on his blog in October. So it is a good source. I hope they pull it all off. It looks fantastic.

 

[bcrook]

Of what year?

 

[LoveLoveLoveDisney]

I think I'm delusional!

 

[Simba's Mom]

When we road the Safari and an uncooperative giraffe blocked the way for about 45 minutes, the driver mentioned that the park was being considered to be an evening park for the future.

Wow, the giraffe blocked your way for 45 minutes? A giraffe blocked our way once, but after 10-15 minutes, the animal team came out and gently shooed him/her away by "herding" her to the side.
Animal Kingdom is my favorite park, and I'd love to see it open after dark, especially with the nighttime safari. But I don't see it ready to go for a few more years.

 

[SomDayMyPrnceWillCom]

I love AK and excited about the changes. I hope that FOTLK is open again by first week of June when we plan to go again. My DD18 is VERY excited about Pandora -- Avatar Land and can't wait to visit once it's complete. Of course, her little brother will be here any day now, and by the time it's open, he will also be old enough to enjoy it.

 

[kapoof]

Wow, the giraffe blocked your way for 45 minutes? A giraffe blocked our way once, but after 10-15 minutes, the animal team came out and gently shooed him/her away by "herding" her to the side.
Animal Kingdom is my favorite park, and I'd love to see it open after dark, especially with the nighttime safari. But I don't see it ready to go for a few more years.

In September we had a baby giraffe block our path and walked up to the truck and started eating part of the hood!!! Our guide instantly called for help and a cm got the giraffes attention with some browse. It was quite memorable and our guide talked about it through out the trip!

 

[surferdave]

What made them decide the animals can tolerate the late hours all of a sudden?

 

[KYMickey]

The entire concept about opening AK in the evenings is the result of AvatarLand come into AK and the timing is not definitive at this time. It could be before or when AvatarLand opens. The point is with that much of an investment going into the park they need to maximize its utilization to get better return for their investment dollars. Also, having longer hours at AK would help the evening crowds in the other parks.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

What made them decide the animals can tolerate the late hours all of a sudden?

It will not necessarily have a negative impact and I am sure it has been studied. The animals on the safari do not stay on the safari, they go to housing and are cared for, therefore they could place different animals out for different parts of the day.

Also, we do not know yet that all animals currently in the park would be out at night. Possibly the entertainment and attractions would be open but some of the animal areas may not be open. We don't know yet.

There are a number of other ways to accommodate the animals.

Don't worry, I am sure Disney has done and will do extensive evaluation to make sure animals are not over stressed. Disney's animal care is second to none in the world. And that has been reported by those in the field.

 

[rteetz]

Rumors. These have been discussed on these boards awhile back. Certainly interesting possibilities.

The night time show has been confirmed by disney just no one knows what it will consist of.

 

[rteetz]

What made them decide the animals can tolerate the late hours all of a sudden?

They can tolerate night time they live in it in the wild. The rumors are they will put some more night time animals so there will be some activity in the night instead of a bunch of sleeping animals everywhere.

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

If all of the things the OP listed actually become a reality, AK will become a blockbuster park.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

What made them decide the animals can tolerate the late hours all of a sudden?

Probably because the hours never had anything to do with the animals...

After all...they are just as much "employees" of the park as old Tillikum is over at sea world.

They Were never open because the park was shorted and the demand was never close to being there...

The elephant in the room here... Pun intended.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The entire concept about opening AK in the evenings is the result of AvatarLand come into AK and the timing is not definitive at this time. It could be before or when AvatarLand opens. The point is with that much of an investment going into the park they need to maximize its utilization to get better return for their investment dollars. Also, having longer hours at AK would help the evening crowds in the other parks.

But what effect on evening will it really have?

EPCOT used to be the place to be at night...and the appeal of that has seemed to wane.

Is animal kingdom really gonna take people from the other spots?

And let's not forget downtown. Nobody for a second is gonna convince me that that's not where they REALLY want you. Because it is. Merchandise without the annoyance of rides and characters.

 

[bcrook]

But what effect on evening will it really have?

EPCOT used to be the place to be at night...and the appeal of that has seemed to wane.

Is animal kingdom really gonna take people from the other spots?

And let's not forget downtown. Nobody for a second is gonna convince me that that's not where they REALLY want you. Because it is. Merchandise without the annoyance of rides and characters.

That evening show will keep or bring people in don't you think?

But do they have enough dinner options? I know they are adding some more food choices in Africa but I don't think there is enough.

One of the problems I always have with DAK is staying until close 7:00-8:00 in the summer and then finding a place to hop to for the evening. If MK isn't open late, we were kind of out if luck. If DAK stays open until 10:00 that helps. I probably won't show up until 3:00, that park is a challenge for all day. It wears me out more than the other parks.