NEW Harambe Nights event Summer 2014 Animal Kingdom

[AmyB2006]

Premium seats were ridiculous. They should give you your money back...

How so? We paid for premium on July 5th.

 

[erij11]

I paid for premium seats for July 5th as well and don't like what I've heard so far about the view. I'm hoping they will figure out how to fix this problem before the next show as I'm sure they will be receiving complaints if the view was as bad as I'm hearing.

 

[ShaneV]

Went to Harambe Nights last night for my 40th birthday. Loved the atmosphere, loved being in Animal Kingdom at night, we had a blast.

More pictures and detail in my signature.

 

[SRUAlmn]

I know people are really disappointed about the premium seating situation, but it's really in line with any concert or event I've ever been to in an arena. The most expensive "floor seats" are always flat on the ground in rows behind each other like that, and then the less expensive seats are tiered around them. I know it's not ideal (and it's why I never pay for floor seats,) but it's not something totally off the wall that Disney did.

 

[Jletendre]

For those that went I had a couple questions:

1. Are disney photographers at the event? We're going to have memory maker and it looks like some great opportunties for pictures at the event.

2. Are you limited on the alcohol drinks?

It looks like a great evening and we're excited for our Harambe Night!

 

[scottmel]

I was really on the fence about this....by the time I got answers regarding certain questions I had the premium seats were gone so I opted not to go. Based on what I am reading, as lovely as it sounds, I am glad I didn't pull the trigger. The teens I have with me are picky picky eaters and not sure this would have been the ticket for them and neither DH or I drink...From what I have read seating is a real roll of the dice - premium not that great and some standard not that great. Too bad they offer seating prices like a concert does - obstructed, full, side etc. But for me, the value wasn't there but heck what I place a value on others would not so to each his own. But show looked awesome!

 

[erij11]

I know people are really disappointed about the premium seating situation, but it's really in line with any concert or event I've ever been to in an arena. The most expensive "floor seats" are always flat on the ground in rows behind each other like that, and then the less expensive seats are tiered around them. I know it's not ideal (and it's why I never pay for floor seats,) but it's not something totally off the wall that Disney did.

This is true. I'm still very excited about going but I'm hoping I will get lucky and get close to the front so we have a good view. I'm hearing we should line up early to do this. This is a special treat for my DD14 who is the biggest Lion King fan ever! I think what I'm hearing the most that bothers me is that the stage isn't elevated. It looks like from pictures that the area for the narrators is elevated but the stage in front is flat on the floor. With most concert venues, at least the stage is normally somewhat elevated. I've never paid for floor seats at a concert either so I completely agree that floor seats can be hit or miss. I am glad there are monitors to help.

 

[SRUAlmn]

This is true. I'm still very excited about going but I'm hoping I will get lucky and get close to the front so we have a good view. I'm hearing we should line up early to do this. This is a special treat for my DD14 who is the biggest Lion King fan ever! I think what I'm hearing the most that bothers me is that the stage isn't elevated. It looks like from pictures that the area for the narrators is elevated but the stage in front is flat on the floor. With most concert venues, at least the stage is normally somewhat elevated. I've never paid for floor seats at a concert either so I completely agree that floor seats can be hit or miss. I am glad there are monitors to help.

Oh, wow! I don't think I realized the stage was on the FLOOR. Yikes. What were they thinking?! I'm glad you have such a positive attitude about it, and now you know to line up early Hope you get a great seat for your DD!!

 

[erij11]

Oh, wow! I don't think I realized the stage was on the FLOOR. Yikes. What were they thinking?! I'm glad you have such a positive attitude about it, and now you know to line up early Hope you get a great seat for your DD!!

Thanks! I really want to have a good time so we will make the best of it. We might just skip appetizers and line up depending on what time we get there. I think the stage is elevated by a few steps, but not much. I'm looking forward to more reviews, photos and trip reports to see more. The good thing about the premium seats is that they are chairs with back support.

 

[ckelly14]

Yes, backs for the chairs would have been great. My back was killing me after an hour on the benches (but perhaps I rode Everest too many times that day !

 

[ginalmarie]

For those that went I had a couple questions: 1. Are disney photographers at the event? We're going to have memory maker and it looks like some great opportunties for pictures at the event. 2. Are you limited on the alcohol drinks? It looks like a great evening and we're excited for our Harambe Night!

1. Yes there are disney photographers that scan your magic band- which is a good thing since many characters and things will be picture worthy.

2. Nope you get whatever you want but the selection is seriously limited.

 

[happymomof1]

I have a question for those that attended: is there some kind of "goodbye ceremony" near the tree of life? Or, do you just leave the party whenever you want to and hdppen to see the lit up tree as you walk by it? Just wondering if it's a big deal like they were hinting at as being a "kiss good nite". I haven't seen any reviews mentioning anything other than twinkling lights as an ode to the new avatar land.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

In my opinion the show is not worth the cash nor are the premium seats unless you are in the very front row. It may be different if you must have a chair with a back. But the premium seating is indeed in chairs, and it is not graduated.

The show needs more of the live elements and less reliance on film clips. Viola Davis was great though. I wish they had used her more.

The party is awesome. Take note there were NO typical child-friendly food offerings - no chicken nuggets, hot dogs, things like that. I did see some people getting a kids' boxed meal. I do not know what was in it. Unlimited beverages - soda, water, jungle juice, beer, wine, rum punch (this was jungle juice with rum, the bartenders have a heavy hand on the rum). There was so much food and so many stations that it never took long to get anything. Lots and lots of seating. It is how food party events should be done.

Disney characters wandering, too. Mickey and Minnie in African garb, Timon and Rafiki.

I did not see any ceremony by the tree. I may have missed it as we didn't leave the party area until we had to. There is a lighting effect with the tree. Everyone thought it was to make it look like Avatar though.

 

[ckelly14]

In my opinion the show is not worth the cash nor are the premium seats unless you are in the very front row. It may be different if you must have a chair with a back. But the premium seating is indeed in chairs, and it is not graduated.

The show needs more of the live elements and less reliance on film clips. Viola Davis was great though. I wish they had used her more.

The party is awesome. Take note there were NO typical child-friendly food offerings - no chicken nuggets, hot dogs, things like that. I did see some people getting a kids' boxed meal. I do not know what was in it. Unlimited beverages - soda, water, jungle juice, beer, wine, rum punch (this was jungle juice with rum, the bartenders have a heavy hand on the rum). There was so much food and so many stations that it never took long to get anything. Lots and lots of seating. It is how food party events should be done.

Disney characters wandering, too. Mickey and Minnie in African garb, Timon and Rafiki.

I did not see any ceremony by the tree. I may have missed it as we didn't leave the party area until we had to. There is a lighting effect with the tree. Everyone thought it was to make it look like Avatar though.

The boxed food contained carrots, apple slices and a snack sized PB&J. Pretty disappointing.

The tree was lit when we walked out but no ceremony or special info was offered.

The live African singing was really good and I agree more live action could have been better, but the movie clips were great for my kids...

 

[itsthatdisneygirl]

Just booked for June 28th and we couldn't be more excited! As far as the reviews on seating issues I'm going to take a Hakuna Matata on this and just enjoy the expereince.

 

[AngiTN]

I have a question for those that attended: is there some kind of "goodbye ceremony" near the tree of life? Or, do you just leave the party whenever you want to and hdppen to see the lit up tree as you walk by it? Just wondering if it's a big deal like they were hinting at as being a "kiss good nite". I haven't seen any reviews mentioning anything other than twinkling lights as an ode to the new avatar land.

The kiss goodnight is CM's with animal puppets (for lack of better words) waving as you leave, with the tree lit up. Someone's review included photos of the CM's with the animal things. I'll try to find a pic if I can remember which it was

Here's a CM as a Peacock

And this one is a Tiger (I think)

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I've got lots more photos and a report if anyone wants to read my blog: https://erika_murphy.silvrback.com/harambe-nights

 

[TimonMeeko]

I've got lots more photos and a report if anyone wants to read my blog: https://erika_murphy.silvrback.com/harambe-nights

What a great review! Thank you for posting!!

 

[magicaldisney]

I've got lots more photos and a report if anyone wants to read my blog: https://erika_murphy.silvrback.com/harambe-nights

Best review I've read so far. Thank you for doing this. It gives you a full comprehensive idea of the evening.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

So glad you found it beneficial.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards