Rumors of Light (ROL discussion thread)

[HopperFan]

josh‏@easywdw

Jungle Book FP+ availability for the 28th went from zero a few hours ago to LOTS now. i can guess why.

 

[book_junkie]

I'm not sure what people were actually expecting. I thought it was really good, and fit with what they do at AK, what they CAN do, and what it was billed as: musical showcase of the Jungle Book on the water.

We went to the second showing on Friday with FP- it was pretty clear from the amount of clipboard carrying CM's that this was a test run of everything. The queue and weird winding of the FP+ line was horrid- we crossed Kali Rapids line, then the pathway to Everest, with line jumpers everywhere AND people running around us in line because we were too slow. CMs at the benches were trying to catch people but weren't arguing when people said they'd already been checked. We got in line right around 9:55 and would have been in the front of the second/third section over save for we had wheelchairs in our party, so we were at the very top and over.

Had a really good view of one of the secondary floats and dancers, and side projections. There were additional dancers in the aisles at times, and live musicians on floats as well. I think the projections just needed more water- the sprays didn't meet in the middle.
The dancing was really nice, and fit along with the music, story and theme. Lots of traditional influences.

I'm not sure what people were expecting, really. Maybe more like Lion King the Musical costumes? I thought the formal dress looked beautiful, but I could see where you'd expect costumes for the actors. There's no where to change, though- they're on the floats from beginning to end so it'd be a bigger cast. The floats could be more enhanced, but then they wouldn't fit every scene. You can't have the huge pyro the other parks have because of the animals- it's already a huge issue with the night safaris and shifting the animals sleeping schedules. The screaming from Everest was distracting as anything- honestly, I wish they'd pause it while the show is on or close it early like TSMM. It's right behind the FP section and can just cover the sound.

Was it Fantasmic or Star Wars Fireworks? No, different experience. Was it Wishes? No. Was it the forecourt show? Nope, I wouldn't stop for that at all. Did I go into it expecting it to be? Nope.

Did I enjoy it? Yes. Have I seen the new version? Nope. Would I see the AK show again? Yep, in a few weeks to see the differences with FP.

Then again, because it was scheduled I didn't have to spend the night waiting around to see it. Unlike the stories on the Tree, which are random. And on one side. Was in AK from 6-11 and never did see one

 

[book_junkie]

And it has lots of availability now because it's now the 28th, the ones that were on reserve for day of FP have been released. Not everyone reads or listens to Twitter, Tumblr or blogs and will jump to see even a "bad" Disney show.

 

[dachsie]

I watched the video and n the other thread and thought the show was fine. I think the disappointment comes form their own expectations. Go in to see a show and you will enjoy it. Go in to see ROL lite and you will be disappointed

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

josh‏@easywdw

Jungle Book FP+ availability for the 28th went from zero a few hours ago to LOTS now. i can guess why.

Or they just made a bunch more available??

 

[lovethattink]

I'm going tonight and looking forward to it! From watching the videos, it looks like it may be boring for kids. My son is 12, he's a huge fan of the arts, so I'll get to see if he likes it or is bored out of his mind. I enjoyed the videos I saw. Thought there was a slow start, but once it got going, I really enjoyed it!

 

[HopperFan]

I watched the entire video from a good source. I think most the reviews were spot on. I've seen middle school productions that made more sense, were better choreographed and connected. No reflection on the performers, they do as told. At least they got to see how bad their plan was to load/unload theater so in case RoL ever happens they might have that fixed.

I don't think folks (that are in the know) went in expecting anything close to RoL. I think they did expect a connected story, professional choreography, more of a connect to the movie and Disney showing some ability at technology (like the RoL preview) but I saw nothing that felt professional or new/refreshing.

Don't get me wrong, diehard Disney fan, guilty of making excuses for them but the struggle is real right now. There are so many things wrong with this situation and it's tiring to watch Disney throw good money at bad. As a stockholder, I want them to get their "stuff" together and think before they spend.

 

[HopperFan]

Okay, since this is a "therapy thread" and it's too early for Lounge beverages .... my distrust and possible paranoia is on the rise.

This whole thing is the murkiest of all in recent years. A few more questions added to my list ...

- We started this adventure with "Awaken Summer"
- Animal Kingdom was then given the "Nightime Awakenings" tag
- Then we got the rug pulled on Rivers of Light, and they offered "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic"
- It appeared to be just a specific name for this particular show.
- Why are they now spending more money (insert stockholder sigh) on a third theme and giant billboards to sell that new theme?

NOW, new billboards are going up on the highways "Alive with Magic" ... no reference to the Jungle Book but a prominent Tree of Life. Is "Alive with Magic" now an overall Animal Kingdom tag? Is Rivers of Light truly more a Rumor of Light? Do you think that when Jungle Book passes in a few months that we could instead be looking at something like "Finding Dory: Alive with Magic" or "Pete's Dragon: Alive with Magic" ... you could even use Moana as that part of the world would be a refreshing addition.

I know, I know ..... the Nancy Drew in me (yes I still have my books) is trying to solve the mystery of the RoL ... I think this delay is strategic at this point.

ThisFloridaLife ‏@thisfloridalife 10 minutes ago
New DAK #AlivewithMagic billboard.

 

[10CJ]

I would assume they do not want to put Jungle Book on a billboard in case they figure out the ROL issue. They could switch to ROL and that billboard could still apply.

 

[tinkerhon]

I think this should be the new billboard ---

 

[figmentfan423]

Good morning loungers. I've got a package one for TH and one for Tiffins. After the reviews I'm going to keep TH we're going to eat there any way. The question is what to do about Tiffins. We're going in August. Do I keep Tiffins right up to the trip? In hopes ROL is ready by then. Keep it as back up in case first night gets rained out? It's not really worth it for my boys (walking stomach and no taste buds) I'm down to almost 60 days and still have plans in the air. Help and THNX BTW Tiffins would be worth it if ROL is running and is excellent

 

[Tiggerette]

Good morning loungers. I've got a package one for TH and one for Tiffins. After the reviews I'm going to keep TH we're going to eat there any way. The question is what to do about Tiffins. We're going in August. Do I keep Tiffins right up to the trip? In hopes ROL is ready by then. Keep it as back up in case first night gets rained out? It's not really worth it for my boys (walking stomach and no taste buds) I'm down to almost 60 days and still have plans in the air. Help and THNX BTW Tiffins would be worth it if ROL is running and is excellent

We're in similar position for next week. I'm going with a group that wants to keep TH. I really want to try Tiffins though. The other families have already decided TH and Tiffins would be too much food for them, and with young kids they'd probably want to take a break. So we're hoping at converting our Tiffins JB package to regular dining, but I don't know how easy that might (or might not) be.

I've already told DH that he can find me at Nomad lounge sampling their drink menu while he does the rides in the afternoon heat. Nomad looks like the kind of place I could just soak up in comfort and ease. *contented sigh*

As a person that performs in theatre, I'll withhold judgement till I see JB in person. I don't want to assign fault to an actor when the director gave limiting instructions, or to a director when the producer limited creativity/thematic concept. etc etc…. I'll post here after next week.

 

[jlundeen]

Good morning loungers. I've got a package one for TH and one for Tiffins. After the reviews I'm going to keep TH we're going to eat there any way. The question is what to do about Tiffins. We're going in August. Do I keep Tiffins right up to the trip? In hopes ROL is ready by then. Keep it as back up in case first night gets rained out? It's not really worth it for my boys (walking stomach and no taste buds) I'm down to almost 60 days and still have plans in the air. Help and THNX BTW Tiffins would be worth it if ROL is running and is excellent

perhaps if there are so many folks dropping the dining packages, as was earlier reported, you could trade in your Tiffins for a second TH as a "just in case" backup plan....then if the first on pans out, drop TH 24 hrs at least ahead with no cancelation fees.

 

[Aliceacc]

We're going in July, and I see no reason to change my plans.

We were planning to have breakfast at Tusker House anyway. So now we can see a show that we hadn't planned on.
Will it kill my vacation if it gets rained out? Nope.

But it's something we haven't done before, at no extra cost to me. What's not to love?

 

[disneymath]

We're going in July, and I see no reason to change my plans.

We were planning to have breakfast at Tusker House anyway. So now we can see a show that we hadn't planned on.
Will it kill my vacation if it gets rained out? Nope.

But it's something we haven't done before, at no extra cost to me. What's not to love?

I think someone previously posted here that there was an upcharge on the TH JB packages over regular TH. $7 for adults comes to mind.

If true, for my party of 8, the extra cost does add up. Going to keep the ADR for mow though and see how things play out.

I would love to wrong about the upcharge. If I am, please let me know!

 

[Aliceacc]

That's the first I 've heard of it, though I admit that I booked the package from the laundry room of a hotel. (Long story) It's entirely possible that I missed that detail.

 

[dachsie]

If I had a large family, I would be more inclined to go for the FP before a JB package just because of the extra expense, unless they do the Flame Tree option. As a single or couple, I might consider the package. I noticed this past trip that prices really seemed to have jumped up from previous years. I went March a year ago and it didn't seem to be as expensive - even souvenirs seemed higher. I am going back in 2017 I think for F&W. We will see how things are then

 

[jlundeen]

Has anyone heard if the dining packages are included in the Tables in Wonderland discount?

 

[elmoandzoey]

I'm not a pessimist but I wonder if I plan a trip to WDW for us for next year, will we be able to see ROL? XD

Kidding aside, we'll probably go to DL next year because work is sending me to San Diego instead of Orlando. But if ROL should ever make a debut, we'll probably be back at WDW soon.

 

[10CJ]

Good morning loungers. I've got a package one for TH and one for Tiffins. After the reviews I'm going to keep TH we're going to eat there any way. The question is what to do about Tiffins. We're going in August. Do I keep Tiffins right up to the trip? In hopes ROL is ready by then. Keep it as back up in case first night gets rained out? It's not really worth it for my boys (walking stomach and no taste buds) I'm down to almost 60 days and still have plans in the air. Help and THNX BTW Tiffins would be worth it if ROL is running and is excellent

I suppose it depends on what you order however I have read the package can be a better deal for Tiffins. If you want an app and a dessert I think you could come out ahead with the package.

I am curious to know more details on what type of seat I will end up with if I have a package and get there 8:30-8:45. I have no desire to be there at 7:30 and there is a good chance we will still be at dinner at that time.