Rumors of Light (ROL discussion thread)

[jlundeen]

They might announce the meal packages but I think FPs will just start being available to prevent guests from crashing the online server at a certain time and date.

now would be a good time for FP....I already have 3 FP for the afternoon of 4/27, and keep hoping I will be able to update one of them to the ROL and get a later time for the Safari....

 

[maryj11]

I'm wondering how many people actually left a comment on the Disney blog about this - probably way more than the 20 that are currently approved on the costume post. I feel so sorry for all the CMs that need to answer the same questions about RoL over and over again. They're the ones that get the most blame on the phone because they are the bringer of bad (or no) news yet they are the ones who can do the least about anything.... I think the last few days it probably sucks being a CM at the dining line.

I left a comment but it was not posted. I just said how amazing it is going to be and I'm patiently waiting for the show time hours and a dining package.

 

[gwynne]

There is no way that Disney blog is going to give you a date to book anything, or publish critical posts.

There are a good number of critical/somewhat critical posts on the Disney Blog on this topic. The interesting thing is that they allowed them through and they are still there now. They are below this article.
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/03/all-in-the-details-creating-rivers-of-light-costumes/

They still will not give you the information you want. That will not come out until Disney is ready to release it.

Yes, it's true we will know when it's released, and the good thing is we are aware of that.

 

[jlundeen]

I left a comment but it was not posted. I just said how amazing it is going to be and I'm patiently waiting for the show time hours and a dining package.

no approved comments yet on the new blog...probably because none of them have anything to do with the Tween dance thing, and only want ROL info.... Hmmmm..... I wonder why?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Doesn't make sense to me to keep hammering them when you know they won't tell you anything. Maybe to help with the frustration. Best way to protest the way Disney does new releases is to send a letter to Guest Communications, not that it will change much.

 

[elmoandzoey]

I can imagine that it could get annoying for phone CMs... answering the same questions over and over and not having any info to share. That said, it is their job! As long as people remain respectful and don't take any frustration out on them (clearly not ok!!), it is part of what they are there to do.

This. I worked for a customer service phone line that was making arrangements for parients during college - for every nice person you have at least 2 people on the phone who will vent their frustration to you when things don't go the way want it to. I can imagine it's not any different for the Disney CMs, especially since a lot of frustration is being voices lately. Of course it's their job, and as long as everyone is respectful and nice, that's ok - I just feel like from all the frustration I have read on this board and elsewhere about WDW and the stuff that people complained about and the tone they used.... I don't really envy those CMs at all.

 

[gwynne]

Doesn't make sense to me to keep hammering them when you know they won't tell you anything. Maybe to help with the frustration. Best way to protest the way Disney does new releases is to send a letter to Guest Communications, not that it will change much.

Lots of options in this world. Each does what works for them.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

This. I worked for a customer service phone line that was making arrangements for parients during college - for every nice person you have at least 2 people on the phone who will vent their frustration to you when things don't go the way want it to. I can imagine it's not any different for the Disney CMs, especially since a lot of frustration is being voices lately. Of course it's their job, and as long as everyone is respectful and nice, that's ok - I just feel like from all the frustration I have read on this board and elsewhere about WDW and the stuff that people complained about and the tone they used.... I don't really envy those CMs at all.

I get what you're saying. That said... many moons ago I had a job handling customer complaints for a timeshare company -- you can imagine how thrilled people were when they called me (after getting some cheap trip certificate nearly impossible to redeem -- a mess). Some people were worse than others, some days were worse than others -- but no matter what, it was part of the job I chose to accept. Easier some days than others, but there are far worse things and far tougher jobs out there! JMO!

 

[sparkylauren]

I've been stalking this thread for weeks hoping, like the rest of you, for a ROL dinner package. With the limited seating and a 4 month old, guaranteed seating is basically the only way we will see it this trip. Fingers crossed new information or booking becomes available soon.

 

[jlundeen]

you would think with all the "NIGHT TIME IN AK" hype they are pushing, that they would at least update park hours.....

On another note....I don't have a problem with folks calling multiple times...historically, that is often the only way it's DISCOVERED that events are available. YES, absolutely, be respectful and understand that the CMs can only tell you what they know, but track record shows that they are often uninformed or given wrong information. Other times, they are told NOT to give out anything, and risk their job if they do.

They are the FACE of Disney - they should be all up to date and offering the same information. They definitely should NOT have to be abused or hollered at.

 

[dachsie]

I think I'd have turned it into a drinking game by now. For every person that mentioned Rivers of Light you get a shot.

We would all die of alcohol poisoning then

 

[KMWoolley]

here's what I just posted:

Comments

• There certainly seems to be a lot that is going on at AK at night! We’ll be arriving 4/23 and are really hoping to be able take advantage of some of them. Especially the magical Rivers of Light show we’ve read so much about – that looks spectacular, but without advanced reservations or FPs, it’s doubtful we’ll be able to see it. Do you know when and if these will be available?

Good job making into the Comments on the Blog; I was bounced twice. Likely because I basically asked the PR Manager to do her job!

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

you would think with all the "NIGHT TIME IN AK" hype they are pushing, that they would at least update park hours.....

That is funny, especially when you put it that way!! Come join us for NIGHT TIME AT AK... currently set to close at 6:30pm...

 

[gwynne]

no approved comments yet on the new blog...probably because none of them have anything to do with the Tween dance thing, and only want ROL info.... Hmmmm..... I wonder why?

You're comment is there! Congrats!

 

[jlundeen]

Good job making into the Comments on the Blog; I was bounced twice. Likely because I basically asked the PR Manager to do her job!

like the old saying goes, "you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar"

Now let's see if there are any replies.....

 

[yulilin3]

not RoL but some updated info on the night safari from the HUB:

How is the new “nighttime safari” different than Kilimanjaro Safaris?This is not a new attraction, just an extension of the operating hours of Kilimanjaro Safaris. Because of that, it shouldn’t be referred to as a new experience.

When will it start every night?There won’t be a set time for the magical transition from day to night, but the time will depend on when the sun sets and when dusk begins. The lights that have been added to the savanna show the effects of an everlasting sunset, which could last between 4 and 5 hours each evening.

What will be different for Guests?The ride path will be adjusted, but the trucks will make longer stops, giving Guests more time to see the animals in the sunset-lit savanna landscape. The transition from the daytime to the night will also include turning on more of the safari trucks’ exterior lights to ensure the safety of the animals and passengers.

Can Guests take photos on the safaris?Once the safaris transition into the nighttime portion, we will ask Guests to refrain from using flash photography for the safety and comfort of other Guests. Because the lighting will be lower, the nighttime safaris will emphasize sounds that evoke the emotions and ambience of nighttime on an African safari.

Will all of the offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park have extended night hours?Other animal experiences, like the Wilderness Explorers, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, will continue to close at sunset. We’re always looking for ways to reveal the magic of nature to our Guests, and right now we’re focused on bringing the highly-anticipated Kilimanjaro Safaris into nighttime operation.

 

[maryj11]

no approved comments yet on the new blog...probably because none of them have anything to do with the Tween dance thing, and only want ROL info.... Hmmmm..... I wonder why?

I just looked and it is there. It is on the one about the costumes.

 

[DG-12]

Doesn't make sense to me to keep hammering them when you know they won't tell you anything. Maybe to help with the frustration. Best way to protest the way Disney does new releases is to send a letter to Guest Communications, not that it will change much.

Best way to protest is to take a different vacation. Everyone's angry and frazzled but everyone is still going. Why would they change their practice?

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

When will it start every night?There won’t be a set time for the magical transition from day to night, but the time will depend on when the sun sets and when dusk begins. The lights that have been added to the savanna show the effects of an everlasting sunset, which could last between 4 and 5 hours each evening.

Now I need a "sunset time" line added to my Excel spreadsheet... it never ends...

 

[jlundeen]

not RoL but some updated info on the night safari from the HUB:

How is the new “nighttime safari” different than Kilimanjaro Safaris?This is not a new attraction, just an extension of the operating hours of Kilimanjaro Safaris. Because of that, it shouldn’t be referred to as a new experience.

When will it start every night?There won’t be a set time for the magical transition from day to night, but the time will depend on when the sun sets and when dusk begins. The lights that have been added to the savanna show the effects of an everlasting sunset, which could last between 4 and 5 hours each evening.

What will be different for Guests?The ride path will be adjusted, but the trucks will make longer stops, giving Guests more time to see the animals in the sunset-lit savanna landscape. The transition from the daytime to the night will also include turning on more of the safari trucks’ exterior lights to ensure the safety of the animals and passengers.

Can Guests take photos on the safaris?Once the safaris transition into the nighttime portion, we will ask Guests to refrain from using flash photography for the safety and comfort of other Guests. Because the lighting will be lower, the nighttime safaris will emphasize sounds that evoke the emotions and ambience of nighttime on an African safari.

Will all of the offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park have extended night hours?Other animal experiences, like the Wilderness Explorers, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Rafiki’s Planet Watch and the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, will continue to close at sunset. We’re always looking for ways to reveal the magic of nature to our Guests, and right now we’re focused on bringing the highly-anticipated Kilimanjaro Safaris into nighttime operation.

Thanks, yulilin3. Your input is always appreciated!!