*OFFICIAL* Rivers of Light Details - Showtimes/Dining/FastPass+/Video

[WDWFantasmicFan]

Any idea how the dining package view differs from the fastpass+ people's view? Any better or different? Need help deciding which to book!

It shouldn't matter where you sit in the theater, the show encompasses the entire area. There should be no significantly privileged views. We also don't know exactly where viewing areas are going to be for certain as the show is only in soft opening at the moment with no dining packages.

 

[wdwnut61]

Just back, I'll try a spoiler free, honest review, coming from something that enjoys theater and the arts in general.
This is the perfect nighttime show for AK. AK to me has always been the relaxed park, where you take your time and instead of going from attraction to attraction, you stop and enjoy looking at an animal or a cultural show...from the moment I stepped into the theater to wait you could tell that a) everyone was excited to see the show and b) the music playing puts you in a very zen mood.
As with all shows, videos and pictures will not do it justice, so many vivid colors, transitions and effects that complement each other. The performers on the barges have very detailed choreographed moves and, yes the costumes that were so proudly displayed last year are gorgeous, I would've liked for them to be featured more.
I heard things after the show like "wow that was breathtaking" "beautiful show" to "it didn't really move me"
For those wanting the WOW factor, again that depends with the person. I think most people think of Disney shows and the wow factor in fireworks and other effects, and while this show doesn't have a loud Wow it left me with a feeling very similar to what I used to feel from Tapestry of Nations, the message that We Are One, all connected and interdependent to land, sea and animals , to me that is Wow factor enough.
I definitely recommend seeing it in person and not making a decision based on videos. Like I said in my previous post I sat in the fp section, last stone bench before the wood benches, and it was perfect.

Thanks for your review I really liked your comparison to Tapestry of Nations.

 

[andyman8]

FYI, it appears tonight's show had to be reset and possibly restarted. Just goes to show you that not everything's perfect in these soft openings, even after a 10 month delay.

 

[rteetz]

FYI, it appears tonight's show had to be reset and possibly restarted. Just goes to show you that not everything's perfect in these soft openings, even after a 10 month delay.

Yes. The show stopped mid show and restarted after about a 15-20 minute delay. They have been working so hard on this show I can't help but feel sorry for the cast and crew.

 

[epcotty]

Important question: What are they using to scan tickets/bands for FP at ROL? Is it proper scanners like at Fantasmic or just the crappy portable scanners?

 

[BrianL]

Why not have breakfast at the Tusker House? Then go to Epcot for the afternoon and come back to AK in the evening.

Well, that's not the worst idea I've ever heard...I love me some Tusker!

 

[rteetz]

Important question: What are they using to scan tickets/bands for FP at ROL? Is it proper scanners like at Fantasmic or just the crappy portable scanners?

Standard scanners you would have at any ride.

 

[epcotty]

I wonder if they'll reserve too much for Dining Packages. I don't know how common they are with most people. We know lots of people who go to Disney and don't know anyone who'd pay for a really overpriced meal so they can see a nighttime show

 

[sweetmama17]

So they were out of wristband by 230ish today. Couldn't sweet talk my way into them at 530. So we did our 4th FP at dinosaur and got dinner at Flametree and realized we could see the show from there. So we got to see the show until the malfunction (didn't wait cause of cranky kids) and while we couldn't see all the productions I thought it was a pretty fantastic with updated technology that fit well for animal kingdom. They are doing another preview tomorrow. Get there early!

 

[Suzanne74]

Well, that's not the worst idea I've ever heard...I love me some Tusker!

And Tusker Breakfast is the cheapest for all the dining packages. We reserved a 10:30am time in hopes of getting a little bit of breakfast and lunch

 

[rteetz]

 

[elaine amj]

And Tusker Breakfast is the cheapest for all the dining packages. We reserved a 10:30am time in hopes of getting a little bit of breakfast and lunch

That's my plan too!

 

[Jenna319]

Any chance for a soft opening on 2/14?

 

[CindySwims]

Thanks for your help. I decided not to risk it last night and will try to get fast passes for all of us this morning. That way I'll be ok if we show up later in the day and the wristbands are gone.

 

[FastPasser]

Any chance for a soft opening on 2/14?

Friday's, Saturday's, and Sunday's performances were all on the schedule, so if they were going to have a showing on the 14th, I think it would appear on the schedule as well, but at this time it doesn't. Having said that, and because of the issue last night and depending on how it goes tonight, they may have to add performances, so never say never with Disney. I'd keep checking.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Can anyone whose been in person advise on the sound level of the show? Is it a constant level the whole show or is there loud sudden noises (like the cannon fire in fant)

We have fp for tonight and have my 2.5 week old. We have ear protection but it's still a bit large so hoping if it's a constant level once we feel it's safe I won't force her to keep them on.

 

[GlennN]

FYI, Tusker House breakfast slots all gone for some of the days. Just went to grab one for 2/18, but no such luck.

 

[FastPasser]

Can anyone whose been in person advise on the sound level of the show? Is it a constant level the whole show or is there loud sudden noises (like the cannon fire in fant)

I was there and the only sudden noises are when the music becomes very dramatic. It starts out moderate and builds up towards the end. For some it might be loud. I suggest watching the video with the volume up and decide from that. I'm an overprotective grampy and would leave the hearing protection on.

 

[likesdisney]

We will be at Animal Kingdom on a Saturday (trip not till November though) and all our meals (hopefully if we get the ones we want) will be elsewhere or not at applicable restaurants, and we won't have the time to get a meal/reserved area package. So if we get a fastpass will that be good enough? Our plans are to go grab dinner at a signature restaurant that we've always wanted to try and then return for Rivers of Light.

 

[ArielSRL]

We will be at Animal Kingdom on a Saturday (trip not till November though) and all our meals (hopefully if we get the ones we want) will be elsewhere or not at applicable restaurants, and we won't have the time to get a meal/reserved area package. So if we get a fastpass will that be good enough? Our plans are to go grab dinner at a signature restaurant that we've always wanted to try and then return for Rivers of Light.

Are you staying onsite and can book at 60 days out? If so, I'd think you'd be fine. It's what I am probably doing for June. I did book a dining package but like you, I prefer a different meal at a different restaurant so I'm shooting for the FP.