OFFICIAL New Animal Kingdom Experiences UPDATE 5/28: Reports from first night in Post #2

[SureAsLiz]

Question to people who have attended JB - How is it with Everest still running? Is the music loud enough that you can't hear the screams, or are they still audible?

Noise from Everest is negligible. In the beginning of the show there are some quiet moments where screams might be heard, but it all depends on the timing of everything. Once the show gets going, you can't hear Everest at all

 

[CJK]

Oh, those look great!! How does one decide what to get? I saw the bread service on another board and they said it was really good, but didn't know why it wasn't on the menu. I guess their server told them about it. Happy Birthday to your son! Sounds like a great day. It will be interesting to hear his take on all the new stuff, since he's such an animal and music fan. If we head to AK that day, I'll message you. It's not in the plans right now, but I have a feeling I'll want to watch more of the Tree of Life, since I'm doubting we'll see it all in only one night. Have a great week!

 

[lovethattink]

I did fp for 2nd show on the first night. Not sure if they will change this or not but we had to line up next to the Kali River Rapids entrance, and wait for the first show to empty, then they moved us inside. I would say get in line close to 10pm and you should be fine

I think they did the same last night. Because we exited through the FP line.

Question to people who have attended JB - How is it with Everest still running? Is the music loud enough that you can't hear the screams, or are they still audible?

Didn't notice EE noise at all.

 

[marciemi]

We had FPP's for last night for the first show and also did the night safari, EE, Kali & watched the tree of light shows afterwards. Some thoughts:

1. They let us in the theater from the FPP line about 7:30 but it really didn't start to fill up until closer to 8:30. If you wanted to be in one of the middle sections, you probably needed to be there before 8. Otherwise, there was still plenty of seating at 8:30 but it was more off to the side.

2. We really enjoyed the show. We were in the middle of the FPP section, in the last row of concrete seating before the bench seating. In retrospect, this was a big mistake since the concrete was SO hot and never cooled off during the nearly 2 hours we sat there. I'd read the concrete seats have more space so we intentionally took them but I really didn't see a difference, at least on the FPP side. The theater had plenty of space - all the people complaining I think have never been to a football game. I never felt crowded or like someone's knees were in my back or I was bumping the person ahead of me. Next time I'd go a bit further back (the dancers were a bit in the way for us of the main stage) and think there'd be more legroom in the wooden seats and they'd be a lot cooler! I also would just take my chances and arrive around 8:25.

3. We were able to see the water projections fine. Maybe 1/4 of the time I wasn't certain what they were, and obviously the ones on the side or at different angles weren't clear but the main one in front of us I thought was good. Maybe not quite as "wow" as Fantasmic but not a problem.

4. IMPORTANT TIMING WARNING FOR NIGHT SAFARI! Pay attention to when the HS fireworks are. We began our safari right as they began and I think it really ruined the atmosphere. About the first 2/3 of the ride were a constant "Bang, bang, bang-bang-BANG!" I felt like we were in a bad remake of the old poacher section! We could actually even see the fireworks a couple of times from the ride. While this was kind of cool, it wasn't what I was looking for in the night safari. We did see a LOT of animals though and had a rhino just strolling right next to the vehicle for quite some time (I actually moved over a bit as he was a bit too close!) and a couple others (maybe wildebeest types - the big ones with long curved horns?) stand right next to & in front of us that we had to wait to move. I think we saw as many animals as we usually do during a day safari and the different atmosphere was fun.

5. Everest was really cool in the dark and worth the wait. Going through the tunnels are pitch black (not just mostly black like during the day) and you could see a lot more inside since your eyes were more accustomed to the darkness. Definitely fun!

6. Kali is just disappointing to me no matter what and this wasn't a change. Different to do in the dark but still a basic Six Flags ride with no real Disney touches. Did it once in the dark - check. Can cross that off. Incidentally we had FPP's for this from like 10-11 and they didn't even have the FPP machines uncovered - just believed you if you said you had them. Mostly because there was NO line in either FPP or standby. Wouldn't waste a FPP on this next time.

7. Tree of Light was awesome! We were trying to pack a lot in the day so only saw the last two performances which were about 10:55 and 11:15pm. People have been reporting roughly every 15 minutes so if you stake out a half hour or so you should at least see two of them. We may go back tonight to watch more of these. They have an area roped off for traffic that you can't stand in but there was plenty of room to stake out a spot and just stay for however long you wanted. First show we were a bit off center as we walked up about 5 minutes before it but then just moved more center as people left after it ended.

 

[marciemi]

Couple more comments as I'm reading through more:

We never noticed the noise from Everest at all and were seated right in front of it. I asked my husband in case I was just oblivious but he said he didn't hear it at all once the theater filled in a bit (let alone once the show started).

I didn't think the music was annoyingly loud. I'd heard complaints of this as well but it seemed like a normal volume to me.

Funny moment of the night: We were a bit off center and when the song "Bare Necessities" started, I was trying to figure out where the singer was located (he was really good, incidentally). I turned to my husband and asked "Who is singing?" and he replied (looking at me strangely), "Baloo". I was like "No kidding. Who in the theater?"

 

[marciemi]

Oh, and editing to add one more update! We did a drinks/dinner in the Nomad Lounge which is really cool and the atmosphere will be even better once the Pandora area opens and the view isn't just of walls. We actually each got a drink here and a table and then I ran over to Pizzafari and got us both kids meals. Two small pizzas with 2 sides (broccoli was really good!) and sodas with TIW was under $11 total (less than the cost of either of our Nomad drinks) and filling enough to tide us over. Pics of my meal and both our drinks and then my husband with his drink (and a bit of the lounge area/background):


Editing to add that we were NOT able to use TIW at Nomad Lounge, but the server said they were working on it.

 

[yulilin3]

I did ask at the lounge if you were able to order food from Tiffins and they said no, not yet...it would be great if you could just order some appetizers from Tiffins and not have to worry about a ADR

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

Does anyone know if the Nighttime Safari is remaining open until park closing or do they close the standby line early? I understand that people are saying to not standby for this, but I personally love the Animal Kingdom and feel like I will enjoy it either way. I am looking forward to my day at the Animal Kingdom on June 11th!

 

[yulilin3]

Does anyone know if the Nighttime Safari is remaining open until park closing or do they close the standby line early? I understand that people are saying to not standby for this, but I personally love the Animal Kingdom and feel like I will enjoy it either way. I am looking forward to my day at the Animal Kingdom on June 11th!

It stays open until 11am. Meaning you can get in line as late as 10:59pm

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

It stays open until 11am. Meaning you can get in line as late as 10:59pm

Thanks! I'm very happy that I'll be able to experience everything I want to now in one evening. Is it easy to get to EE from the dining area after the JB show?

 

[KateP85]

We went to AK last night (DH, myself, DS3 and baby) and saw the first JB show, did the night time safari and Kali at night.

I thought the night time safari was OK, better than I was expecting, but I do think it's still better during the day. We saw quite a few animals, probably just as many as during day, they were just harder to make out. I didn't like the sunset effect at all, I thought it looked artificial and out of place. It was a different feel to the ride though, I would say definitely do it once.

Kali at night was fine, still not my favorite ride but DS3 loves it. I kind of wished we'd done EE instead, that sounds like it's pretty great at night.

As for the JB show...I don't know what to say. It was OK, not terrible, not spectacular. If you go in knowing it's just a temporary show simply telling the story with music and dance, I don't think you'll be disappointed. DS3 lost interest quickly, I'm not sure it will hold many young childrens interest the way the other nighttime shows do. I think the problem is that many visitors don't know RoL was postponed and just heard there was a new show at AK at night, so they'll be expecting something more spectacular - and spectacular it is not. But I think they did the best they could with very little time.

Oh and the projections on the Tree of Life are really beautiful! Definitely try to catch that once or twice!

Overall I don't think we'll do AK at night again until RoL starts, a show I'm still so excited for. I just hope they can get that up and running soon.

 

[dachsie]

We went to AK last night (DH, myself, DS3 and baby) and saw the first JB show, did the night time safari and Kali at night.

I thought the night time safari was OK, better than I was expecting, but I do think it's still better during the day. We saw quite a few animals, probably just as many as during day, they were just harder to make out. I didn't like the sunset effect at all, I thought it looked artificial and out of place. It was a different feel to the ride though, I would say definitely do it once.

Kali at night was fine, still not my favorite ride but DS3 loves it. I kind of wished we'd done EE instead, that sounds like it's pretty great at night.

As for the JB show...I don't know what to say. It was OK, not terrible, not spectacular. If you go in knowing it's just a temporary show simply telling the story with music and dance, I don't think you'll be disappointed. DS3 lost interest quickly, I'm not sure it will hold many young childrens interest the way the other nighttime shows do. I think the problem is that many visitors don't know RoL was postponed and just heard there was a new show at AK at night, so they'll be expecting something more spectacular - and spectacular it is not. But I think they did the best they could with very little time.

Oh and the projections on the Tree of Life are really beautiful! Definitely try to catch that once or twice!

Overall I don't think we'll do AK at night again until RoL starts, a show I'm still so excited for. I just hope they can get that up and running soon.

KATE!!!!! How is baby ROLf? Miss hearing from you on the other thread. We are in the Theme Parks Community forum now

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

So, my friend and I elected to cancel our TH breakfast dining reservation for JB on June 11th. We got a fastpass for JB instead for the 2nd showing. Is it possible to get into the EE line right after the show is over before there park closes approximately 5 minutes later?

 

[AquaDame]

I'm a little conflicted now... we aren't big day show people though we do love the nighttime shows at the other parks. I was going to go to JB thinking it was RoL lite but that doesn't seem to be the case... now I am thinking maybe we should just go see the SW fireworks at HS and wait to see the night time stuff at AK altogether.

 

[lovethattink]

I'm a little conflicted now... we aren't big day show people though we do love the nighttime shows at the other parks. I was going to go to JB thinking it was RoL lite but that doesn't seem to be the case... now I am thinking maybe we should just go see the SW fireworks at HS and wait to see the night time stuff at AK altogether.

If you have to choose between one or the other, go with the Star Wars fireworks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Oh, and editing to add one more update! We did a drinks/dinner in the Nomad Lounge which is really cool and the atmosphere will be even better once the Pandora area opens and the view isn't just of walls. We actually each got a drink here and a table and then I ran over to Pizzafari and got us both kids meals. Two small pizzas with 2 sides (broccoli was really good!) and sodas with TIW was under $11 total (less than the cost of either of our Nomad drinks) and filling enough to tide us over. Pics of my meal and both our drinks and then my husband with his drink (and a bit of the lounge area/background):
View attachment 171980 View attachment 171981

Looks good, thanks for sharing.

 

[yulilin3]

So, my friend and I elected to cancel our TH breakfast dining reservation for JB on June 11th. We got a fastpass for JB instead for the 2nd showing. Is it possible to get into the EE line right after the show is over before there park closes approximately 5 minutes later?

From the fp side it's basically getting out of the theater and it's right there, you can def. make it to Everest before 11pm.

 

[Music City Mama]

I'm thinking about giving up our 9:00 JB FP+ and just riding EE during this time. Since there is no FP+ offered during this time for EE, how bad are the standby times around 9:00? I guess I need to make a mental note to look at this on MDE or the TP app this evening.

Second question... where specifically should we stake out a spot to watch the Tree of Life for about 30-45 minutes? Thanks!

 

[KateP85]

KATE!!!!! How is baby ROLf? Miss hearing from you on the other thread. We are in the Theme Parks Community forum now

He's good thank you, getting big! He'll be 2 months old tomorrow! I keep meaning to come over to the other thread but I'm never on that board. I'll stop in and say hi though!

 

[CarrieR]

We also did AK last night. One of my pet peeves is people posting withouty reading the thread - I'm going to apologize as I do just that in interest of a data set. There was very much a sense of "figuring it out" - or maybe that was just us as we tried to work out a new touring plan lol.

We arrived around 6:05 for a 6:45 Y&Y res. With so much extra time, we opted to hop into Adventurer Minnie-Mickey line - photo with mice has been on the to do list for a while. Posted time was ten mins, I'd guess it took about twenty. Got to Y&Y around 6:35-6:40 and no issues checking in.

Our waiter was great, food was great - this was a new find for us last trip (we had avoided due to no TiW.) I'd guess we were seated around 6:50/7 and out at 8:15/8:20. Hit the restrooms on our way to RoLl, entering around 8:30.

Thee was a random sign post back towards Kali - no ropes, no CM, just a sign post saying "Jungle Book Fastpass+." We shrugged and kept walking. This was 8:30ish with an 8:25-8:45 FP+ time; walking up the theatre appeared about 3/4 full.

We finally found the FP+ entrance down towards the theatre - guy holding lit sign. Entered on the last aisle, we were told to go to the left - go to the bottom and there are spots on the left - just keep going down and you'll find room on the left.

...there was nothing on the left. So we went to the right and that CM told us to go up as the view was better; we climbed about four rows and sat towards the center aisle. Few minutes later a manager type CM came and tried to make us scoot all the way to the right (i.e., towards the far outside of the seating area.) Needless to say that went over like a lead balloon in the crowd; they finally figured out how to load from the outside.

Despite the "in five minutes" announcements at 8:55, the show started about three minutes late. IMO, it was... embarrassing. The large water screens don't meet in the center, the projection was horrid - as in, most of the time we could see that there was light and there was supposed to be a picture, but it was unclear. (More on this later.) The dancers gave it their all - bravo to them! The rafts all had techs on them and the joinings of raft to barge were rough. From 40-75% of the way through, the show was fairly strong - Bare Necessities & I Wanna Be Like You. Music overall was good. I was surprised how LOUD it was, given the fuss about the animals.

Most of the crowd just looked confused. We were confused. Guess I'm not familiar enough with the JB storyline? But oftentimes there was movie audio playing without context - since you couldn't see images on the screens - and things like the boy's screams were pretty unsettling.

Next we had a FP for night safari and um... it was not an experience I plan to repeat. There were few animals; those that we did see were trying to sleep and it felt skeevy disturbing them. There were perimeter lights that blinded you at random corners. And it's not like you can photograph since it's dark.

Went to Everest next; posted 30m wait. We opted for single rider and were VERY confused when the CM sent the whole SR line "two by two, all the way down." Turns out there was NO ONE in standby.

As we climbed the lift, JB started again - water screen was gorgeous & clear. Still the gap, but the further back, the better. Once we got off EE (awesome, btw, highly recommend at night - but we already knew that from Christmas week) we headed towards dinosaur and saw more of JB from that vantage point. Def better.

Rode Dino 2x (had FP but was walk on) and then caught the last "awakening" @ 11:15. It was everything JB was not. Great job, Imagineers!

Overall, we had a nice night. But I suspect once word gets out how underwhelming night safari & JB are, Night AK will be short-lived (at least until Avatar is there to bolster.)

Happy to answer questions, but may not be til I get home tomorrow night! Hope that's helpful!