Rumors of Light (ROL discussion thread)

[mrzrich]

So now that they have a starting date for night time activities, does that mean Fastpasses will now become available for KS and the Junglebook Show and the other rides during extended hours?

When I was at AK yesterday, I noticed 2 Seperate FP entrances for the ROL theatre. They had CM's posted at them all day.

 

[yulilin3]

I confess that I have not kept up with this thread, here's the info from the HUB. I think the most important thing here is it looks like announcement on reservations for Tiffins and fp will be made May 20th. If you want to ask me directly a question please quote me or tag my username, I rarely come into this subforum

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will take on a whole new dimension after dark beginning Memorial Day Weekend, as several new experiences make their debut when the park hours extend.

• The Tree of Life will undergo extraordinary “awakenings” throughout the evening as the animal spirits are brought to life by magical fireflies that reveal colorful stories of wonder and enchantment
• Kilimanjaro Safaris will be artfully bathed in the glow of sunset allowing Guests to explore this attraction well into the night.
• Two new outdoor entertainment experiences, Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale, will showcase lively music plus exotic foods and libations.
• Tiffins will open as the park’s new signature eatery. Serving lunch and dinner, this new signature dining experience will celebrate the art of traveling. The adjacent Nomad Lounge offers both indoor and outdoor seating along with small bites, handcrafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors, imported beers and a South American and South African wine list.
• In addition to these new experiences, most attractions will remain open at nightfall, shining like never before

Also new for the summer, Discovery River becomes the stage for music and pageantry in a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film “The Jungle Book.” “Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.

Nighttime will grow even more magical later this year with the premiere of Rivers of Light. This illuminating musical experience — currently in development with a premiere date to be shared soon — will celebrate the magic of animals, humans and the natural world with a blend of performers, floating lanterns and theatrical animal imagery.

Frequently Asked Questions (for use on a reactive basis):

Why isn’t Rivers of Light opening this summer?
We had hoped to debut the new nighttime experiences together; however, Rivers of Light will be debuting at a later dateas we give the team more time to bring this innovative experience to life in a way we know will exceed our Guests’ expectations.

When will you know the opening date for Rivers of Light?
We look forward to announcing a premiere date soon.

Did you hold introducing Rivers of Light to put in the Jungle Book show because of the success of the movie? Is this new show being introduced because Rivers of Light was delayed?
We wanted to give the team creating Rivers of Light more time to bring this innovative experience to life. While the Rivers of Light show is in rehearsal, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate this incredible film. “Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.

Which Disney’s Animal Kingdom experiences continue to close at sunset?
Just as it is today, some locations, including Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek, will continue to close at sunset. As always, there may be some fluctuation in operating hours based on locations around the park.

When can Guests begin making reservations for Tiffins?
We look forward to sharing more information on May 20.

Will there be FastPass+ entitlements for the “Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” show?
Yes. We look forward to sharing more information on May 20.

 

[jlundeen]

well what they had was pretty amazing, still feels like a slap in the face to keep hyping the show when it's not ready being an April traveler (still bitter, I know *sigh*), I get that they want to keep the buzz about he show going and they don't want it to fizzle out with their mistake in announcing an unrealistic date, but to keep teasing us is not helping the delay go down any more smoothly

night all! so close to my arrival day and putting ROL in my rear view mirror!

I'm right there with you, If there is something to see at AK after our afternoon FPs, we'll stay to see it, otherwise, we're off. We've left it open so we can be flexible, but not expecting anything,

 

[MMlovesDisney]

As upset as I have been about missing out on quite a few things this trip (especially AK nighttime activities), this past weekend put things back into perspective real quick. On Sunday my husband shattered his collarbone racing BMX. We were 5 hours away from home to boot. After the trip to the ER confirmed what everyone already thought, the first thing we could think of was "what about Disney", which was in only 4 days at that point! He had surgery yesterday and we are still leaving tomorrow! I think he is crazy, but he is a trooper and keeps saying "Its for the kids, not for me. You have put so much into this, I'm not just giving it up for everyone because I had an accident". We spoke extensively to the doctors about our vacation plans and they have Okayed everything. Unfortunately he will miss out on some rides, but he can still experience a lot with us. Some things we will have to play by ear and we will definitely need to take more breaks. Just happy everything is OK and it all worked out! So does anyone have experience doing Disney with an injury? Any tips?

 

[jlundeen]

Aargh, you made me look. I was purposely avoiding any video when I thought Apr 22 was the date as I wanted to be fully surprised. I have avoided it since the postponement because I was dealing with my 'grief'. Now that I see it, I can't wait to see RoL in person but I will not be doing it any time soon. Like you, I wish they still had the other nighttime stuff for the people down there around Earth Day.

Kieth, I hope you will be wearing a "Rumors" button or tee shirt while you are there next week...I love your avatar photos, but I don't think I would recognize you from them... they are pretty darned creative though, and I bet there is an interesting story behind them!

I changed my avatar for this trip, and I'll try to remember to wear my button each day we're there, so say HI if you see us!

 

[Supermom3]

We will be there part of Memorial Day weekend. Now to decided if I want to rework my entire schedule. We are checking out Sunday morning and heading to Universal, so that leaves Friday (our water park and MK night or Saturday our Epcot day) to rearrange. We are planning on AK on Tuesday with DS that night. I'm thinking I may just leave it be. My cousins have never been so they will enjoy the day time just as well and I will be back in October.

We are in a similar situation. We'll be there the same time Tuesday 5/24-Sunday 5/29, then moving to Universal for 2 nights. I've reworked our DHS plans to make sure to see the Star Wars fireworks which are only on limited nights. I'm thinking that Sunday 5/29 will be our AK day to give us the best chance at being able to see whatever nighttime activities that may be offered by then.

 

[yulilin3]

And now a blast from the past. It will be the second time that a Jungle Book show is at AK. This show debuted with the park, it was performed inside Theater in the Wild, home of Tarzan Rocks! and now Finding Nemo the Musical

 

[butterfly71076]

I confess that I have not kept up with this thread, here's the info from the HUB. I think the most important thing here is it looks like announcement on reservations for Tiffins and fp will be made May 20th. If you want to ask me directly a question please quote me or tag my username, I rarely come into this subforum

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will take on a whole new dimension after dark beginning Memorial Day Weekend, as several new experiences make their debut when the park hours extend.

• The Tree of Life will undergo extraordinary “awakenings” throughout the evening as the animal spirits are brought to life by magical fireflies that reveal colorful stories of wonder and enchantment
• Kilimanjaro Safaris will be artfully bathed in the glow of sunset allowing Guests to explore this attraction well into the night.
• Two new outdoor entertainment experiences, Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale, will showcase lively music plus exotic foods and libations.
• Tiffins will open as the park’s new signature eatery. Serving lunch and dinner, this new signature dining experience will celebrate the art of traveling. The adjacent Nomad Lounge offers both indoor and outdoor seating along with small bites, handcrafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors, imported beers and a South American and South African wine list.
• In addition to these new experiences, most attractions will remain open at nightfall, shining like never before

Also new for the summer, Discovery River becomes the stage for music and pageantry in a limited-engagement show inspired by Disney’s hit live-action film “The Jungle Book.” “Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.

Nighttime will grow even more magical later this year with the premiere of Rivers of Light. This illuminating musical experience — currently in development with a premiere date to be shared soon — will celebrate the magic of animals, humans and the natural world with a blend of performers, floating lanterns and theatrical animal imagery.

Frequently Asked Questions (for use on a reactive basis):

Why isn’t Rivers of Light opening this summer?
We had hoped to debut the new nighttime experiences together; however, Rivers of Light will be debuting at a later dateas we give the team more time to bring this innovative experience to life in a way we know will exceed our Guests’ expectations.

When will you know the opening date for Rivers of Light?
We look forward to announcing a premiere date soon.

Did you hold introducing Rivers of Light to put in the Jungle Book show because of the success of the movie? Is this new show being introduced because Rivers of Light was delayed?
We wanted to give the team creating Rivers of Light more time to bring this innovative experience to life. While the Rivers of Light show is in rehearsal, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate this incredible film. “Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” is a live show filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs, now infused with an Indian influence.

Which Disney’s Animal Kingdom experiences continue to close at sunset?
Just as it is today, some locations, including Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek, will continue to close at sunset. As always, there may be some fluctuation in operating hours based on locations around the park.

When can Guests begin making reservations for Tiffins?
We look forward to sharing more information on May 20.

Will there be FastPass+ entitlements for the “Jungle Book: Alive with Magic” show?
Yes. We look forward to sharing more information on May 20.

Thank you so much for all the info!!!

 

[Benihana]

I really need to stay away from this thread. I think the news of all this stuff happing memorial day weekend is more upsetting to me than the fact that ROL will not be ready for my May 15-20th trip. I had made my piece with that at this point and started to see it as a good thing that we could use our AK day as a mid-trip recharge day where we spend the night at the resort and don't keep the kids up to ungodly hours. Now, I again feel like I am spending thousands of dollars to "miss out" on something. I feel cheated. As much as I wanted to see ROL, what I was most excited for was the night safari and seeing the tree light up. To know we will have missed that by days when those attractions were ready for April 22nd is hard to swallow. I am glad Disney decided to do the right thing and keep people happy by opening something at AK for the summer. Majorly bummed about the timing. We will just be missing FEA, Soarin, and now this.

 

[maryj11]

It's not just you, I got chills watching it. Can. Not. Wait.

I only watched bits and pieces of it turning it off and on with the slider thing so I wouldn't spoil the surprise of seeing it when we go

 

[Cluelyss]

Ok, reeeeeeeeally need to know if all this stuff will be starting Memorial Day weekend (as in Friday, 5/27, which is currently our AK day) or on Memorial Day. I don't want to rearrange plans AGAIN, but I will if it means I'll actually get to experience some of the nighttime activities. Just when I had made peace with the fact that we were going to miss it....

 

[HopperFan]

"When will you know the opening date for Rivers of Light?
We look forward to announcing a premiere date soon."

Not sure what soon is but I sure hope they don't announce a date until they are 1000% sure this thing will work and will work for the multiple shows a night they will obviously need. They require most guests do heavy planning - so stop screwing up their plans!!

It's really the first time that I can remember that I feel like they are in way over their heads. The "speeches" last night before and after the RoL preview were so fake feeling and they were working too hard at it

I felt like their vibe was ... do you think they noticed that we are winging it here?

 

[bluezy]

Well, it's not ROL news, but exciting nonetheless.... The new Soarin' film will start being shown in Epcot a few days before I arrive. Wahoo!!!

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...-soarin-around-the-world-opening-date-set.htm

And since we'll be there close to the end of June, I'm hoping FEA will be open, too....

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...fter-attraction-set-to-open-at-epcot-in-june/

 

[maryj11]

Well, it's not ROL news, but exciting nonetheless.... The new Soarin' film will start being shown in Epcot a few days before I arrive. Wahoo!!!

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...-soarin-around-the-world-opening-date-set.htm

And since we'll be there close to the end of June, I'm hoping FEA will be open, too....

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...fter-attraction-set-to-open-at-epcot-in-june/

We go at the end of June also. I guess we will be checking FP's a lot to grab some FP's for the nightime attraction and rides at AK , Soarin, and the Frozen ride.

 

[jlundeen]

As upset as I have been about missing out on quite a few things this trip (especially AK nighttime activities), this past weekend put things back into perspective real quick. On Sunday my husband shattered his collarbone racing BMX. We were 5 hours away from home to boot. After the trip to the ER confirmed what everyone already thought, the first thing we could think of was "what about Disney", which was in only 4 days at that point! He had surgery yesterday and we are still leaving tomorrow! I think he is crazy, but he is a trooper and keeps saying "Its for the kids, not for me. You have put so much into this, I'm not just giving it up for everyone because I had an accident". We spoke extensively to the doctors about our vacation plans and they have Okayed everything. Unfortunately he will miss out on some rides, but he can still experience a lot with us. Some things we will have to play by ear and we will definitely need to take more breaks. Just happy everything is OK and it all worked out! So does anyone have experience doing Disney with an injury? Any tips?

One year, I had to have emergency gall bladder surgery about two days before a planned trip. Since everyone told me that gall bladder surgery was a "cake walk" I didn't change our plans. Well, they lied. We went on the trip anyway, very slowly, and I had the opportunity of seeing what Disney is like from the perspective of a push wheel chair! Now this was a few years ago, when wheel chairs were available for free use in the resorts. It was quite different! We found that Disney is VERY accommodating for those with special needs, and when we encountered areas which did not yet meet the (at that time) new ADA rules, CMs were on hand to help out any way they could.

Now of course, everything has been updated, so it's all within ADA regulations. But is you have ANY issues with mobility or need anything special while you are there, be sure an check it out with the CMs to see if there is something that can be done so that you entire family can enjoy this wonderful and magical vacation!

 

[Cluelyss]

Well, it's not ROL news, but exciting nonetheless.... The new Soarin' film will start being shown in Epcot a few days before I arrive. Wahoo!!!

http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...-soarin-around-the-world-opening-date-set.htm

And since we'll be there close to the end of June, I'm hoping FEA will be open, too....

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...fter-attraction-set-to-open-at-epcot-in-june/

Didn't read the article yet, so maybe this info is in there...but saw on another thread that the Soarin' FPs will open for booking tomorrow.

 

[Iowamomof4]

As upset as I have been about missing out on quite a few things this trip (especially AK nighttime activities), this past weekend put things back into perspective real quick. On Sunday my husband shattered his collarbone racing BMX. We were 5 hours away from home to boot. After the trip to the ER confirmed what everyone already thought, the first thing we could think of was "what about Disney", which was in only 4 days at that point! He had surgery yesterday and we are still leaving tomorrow! I think he is crazy, but he is a trooper and keeps saying "Its for the kids, not for me. You have put so much into this, I'm not just giving it up for everyone because I had an accident". We spoke extensively to the doctors about our vacation plans and they have Okayed everything. Unfortunately he will miss out on some rides, but he can still experience a lot with us. Some things we will have to play by ear and we will definitely need to take more breaks. Just happy everything is OK and it all worked out! So does anyone have experience doing Disney with an injury? Any tips?

Oh my goodness! People on this thread need to stop having accidents!!! So glad he's going to be okay and you can still go on your trip. No advice from me, but I'm sure many have btdt.

 

[bluezy]

Didn't read the article yet, so maybe this info is in there...but saw on another thread that the Soarin' FPs will open for booking tomorrow.

That would be awesome! I can make my FP selections tomorrow (tonight at midnight) so I would *love* for those to be available so it's one less I have to keep watching for over the next 2 months.

 

[disfamz]

Is it only me who can't necessarily believe the info on the HUB? They had given us solid dates and info for RoL and nothing. I just hope when it opens eventually it is as wonderful as everyone is saying. I am still a little bitter about it not being ready for this month but it is what it is.

 

[Paigevon]

Watch the most recent one if you don't find old movies entertaining in general. I dearly love the original trilogy but without the nostalgia factor I'm not sure it would hit you the same way since it IS dated... If you enjoy it then I'd go back and start properly - ep 4, 5, 6 then 1, 2 & 3.

I like some older movies! I'm a huge Dr. Who fan (haven't gotten past Matt Smith episodes because it was pulled from Netflix.. ) and I started with the reboot, but I went back to watch some of the classics and loved them! David Tennant will always be my doctor though. *cough* Sorry if I'm name dropping and you have no idea what I'm talking about. ANYWAY! I think I would enjoy the older SW movies now than I'm older! As a kid, I wasn't interested--but I never watched TV, just books and internet.

Just going to say I have never in my life seen Star Wars, but I loved the Star Wars fireworks! They are amazing! Go see them even if you don't know a thing about Star Wars. You won't be sorry! (But I totally get wanting to start. I kind of do too. I did just read all 7 Harry Potter books for the first time to get ready for my first Universal trip. I may be crazy!)

Oh wow! I was one of those midnight-release HP book kids! I've read the entire series three times through now! I hope you enjoyed them! We may end our AK night back to HS to catch the fireworks!

I think there are a fee ways to go about it. I would probably try to watch in the order they were released, so start with episode IV.

I would definitely recommend starting with the Original Trilogy, I think even without the nostalgia factor they are still great sci/fi adventure films. I know someone else has suggested watching The Force Awakens first but I wouldn't do that as a lot of the references and themes in there would go straight over your head haha. I'd generally just avoid the prequels, you really don't need to watch them, they don't add anything to the story so you're safe skipping over them!

I think I will start with the original! Probably no time before trip in NINE DAYYYYSSS!!!!! Because my semester ends 3 days before we leave, but I'll have more free time this summer.

Aargh, you made me look. I was purposely avoiding any video when I thought Apr 22 was the date as I wanted to be fully surprised. I have avoided it since the postponement because I was dealing with my 'grief'. Now that I see it, I can't wait to see RoL in person but I will not be doing it any time soon. Like you, I wish they still had the other nighttime stuff for the people down there around Earth Day.

SORRY! I tried to sike myself into closing out the video so I wouldn't spoil anything, but I couldn't look away once it started!