Rumors of Light (ROL discussion thread)

[Paigevon]

!!!! It was so so so wonderful! Can't believe we're already back home, it went by so quickly! I will definitely be making a trip report! I wish we were there a few more dayssss! :'(

I drove home and made it back around 2 am this morninv, and my sister in law's graduation was today, so I am completely exhausted at the moment and apologize in advance for any typos etc.

Officially annual pass holders!

We had lots of little pixie dust! I definitely expected way to much from my 4 year old and mother/father in law so we did not do everything I planned, but still had a wonderful time.

Our last day (yesterday) was bittersweet because it was raining off and on so pretty much everything was walk-on, we rode almost everything in the park! Rainy Day parade was cute, but missed Festival of Fantasy, Main Street Electric AND Wishes! Still haven't seen any of the three!! Caught the Kiss Goodnight our first night with DH after DD was asleep and stayed with MIL! Missed Illuminations too because family couldn't make it that long. Fantasmic was AMAZING and finally made my DH realize why I was trying to push everyone to find a spot to relax and wait for the night entertainment vs go back to Ft Wilderness early.

And DH had a great time!!! He was googling Disney info by the drive home to tell me interesting facts, and said a few times "We'll be back we'll catch it then" which is HUGE because at one point he was originally saying, before we went, that he probably wouldn't bother to go back until Pandora was open.

Much more details and amazing pictures tomorrow! !!

 

[figmentfan423]

May the odds be ever in your favor!

Thank you

 

[beesly]

I haven't been able to check the boards much since we returned from our trip on Monday. @TheFloatingBear - I'm sorry to hear about the scary experience with your DD! I'm glad the test went well and hope you all get good results!

 

[Vernie822]

Yayyy @Paigevon I am so glad you had such a great trip! I'm totally in for a TR if you decide to do one. I got all worked up the first time we went about missing a few things, but that's what makes it fun when you go back.. seeing new stuff every time!

 

[dachsie]

!!!! It was so so so wonderful! Can't believe we're already back home, it went by so quickly! I will definitely be making a trip report! I wish we were there a few more dayssss! :'(

I drove home and made it back around 2 am this morninv, and my sister in law's graduation was today, so I am completely exhausted at the moment and apologize in advance for any typos etc.

Officially annual pass holders!

We had lots of little pixie dust! I definitely expected way to much from my 4 year old and mother/father in law so we did not do everything I planned, but still had a wonderful time.

Our last day (yesterday) was bittersweet because it was raining off and on so pretty much everything was walk-on, we rode almost everything in the park! Rainy Day parade was cute, but missed Festival of Fantasy, Main Street Electric AND Wishes! Still haven't seen any of the three!! Caught the Kiss Goodnight our first night with DH after DD was asleep and stayed with MIL! Missed Illuminations too because family couldn't make it that long. Fantasmic was AMAZING and finally made my DH realize why I was trying to push everyone to find a spot to relax and wait for the night entertainment vs go back to Ft Wilderness early.

And DH had a great time!!! He was googling Disney info by the drive home to tell me interesting facts, and said a few times "We'll be back we'll catch it then" which is HUGE because at one point he was originally saying, before we went, that he probably wouldn't bother to go back until Pandora was open.

Much more details and amazing pictures tomorrow! !!

So glad you had a good trip and your DH did too. I can't believe that I will finally be there next weekend. Yea!

 

[yulilin3]

hello everyone, Friday is the day the HUB usually updates info and I found this, letting AK CM know about what's coming Memorial Day Weekend. A lot of things we already knew, I'll highlight what I think it's new.

Have you “herd?” Memorial Day Weekend to be a “buzz” for Animal Kingdom
May 05, 2016
We are a few weeks away from welcoming Guests into Disney’s Animal Kingdom after dark. So many new experiences and offerings are debuting Memorial Day Weekend – check it out!

Jungle Book: Alive with Magic:This limited-engagement show will be performed on Discovery River and will celebrate the hit live-action movie and feature performers, stunning effects and music inspired by Indian celebrations.

The theater will offer two entry points for Guests – Asia and DinoLand U.S.A.

Tree of Life awakenings:Multiple times each evening, after the sun sets, the Tree of Life will awaken with animal spirits that are brought to life, revealing moments of wonder and enchantment. These will be surprise and delight moments that won’t have set show times. The only viewing areas will be in the hub directly in front of the tree. There are several stories that will come to life intermittently. Between these stories Guests may witness an animal wake up and move, or the seasons change before their eyes.

Additional entertainment:The lands are alive with entertainment throughout the day. As a way to connect Guests from day to night, many performers will help kick off the evening atmosphere. Discovery Island Carnivale is a dance party that will usher in the night with the drumming of Latin and world-beat rhythms. At Harambe Wildlife Parti, happening in the Harambe Village in Africa, Guests can experience a lively street party.

Kilimanjaro Safaris extended hours:The extended hours should not be considered a new attraction, but rather the opportunity for Guests to ride one of their favorite attractions into the evening.

At night, the savanna will be lit to mimic the glow of the setting sun. The lighting will adjust based on the natural setting of the sun. As such, there is not a set time to tell Guests that they can return to see the safari in this new light. The transition from day to night will be seamless for Guests.

Tiffins and Nomad Lounge:Tiffins, the park’s first signature table-service restaurant, located on Discovery Island and open for lunch and dinner, will celebrate the art of traveling, with cuisines inspired by Africa, Asia and South America.

Nomad Lounge, connected to Tiffins, will serve cocktails, wine, international beer and small bites.

Glow:New to the park, glow merchandise will allow Guests to light up the night like never before. Guests will be able to visit one of the new mobile merchandise carts in Dinoland, Discovery Island, Asia or Africa to purchase animal glow swords, light-up wands and flashy headwear.

We expect to share more details with Cast and Guest about these experiences May 20. We also expect Guests will have a lot of questions. Check out the FAQs from a previous article as a guide.

Soon Guests will see Animal Kingdom in a whole new light!

 

[yulilin3]

here's the FAQ that the previous post talks about, I think I already had posted it here, but here it is again
Guest questions about nighttime at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
April 27, 2016
What experiences will open Memorial Day weekend?

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the Tree of Life will undergo extraordinary “awakenings” throughout the night, Kilimanjaro Safaris will extend their operating hours, two new outdoor entertainment experiences – Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale – will showcase lively music, Tiffins will open on Discovery Island as the park’s first signature restaurant and, for a limited-engagement, "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" will be performed on Discovery River.

When can Guests book reservations or get FastPass+ entitlements?

We will be sharing more information May 20.

Is the Tree of Life awakening and "The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic" the same experience?

No. The awakenings at the Tree of Life are stories at the base of the Tree that are brought to life by magical fireflies. The ‘Jungle Book: Alive with Magic’ is a limited-engagement show that will be performed on Discovery River, the new theatre between Asia and DinoLand U.S.A.

Why isn’t Rivers of Light opening Memorial Day weekend?

We had hoped to debut the new nighttime experiences together; however Rivers of Light will be debuting at a later date as we give the team more time to bring this innovative experience to life in a way we know will exceed our Guests’ expectations.

Will the entertainment bother the animals?

As we began to explore the possibility of adding nighttime experiences, the well-being of all of the creatures at the park was at the forefront of the discussion and planning. All of our habitats offer choices for animals, such as ranges in temperature, sound and light levels. Animals have quieter spaces available, if they choose to use them.

With the extended hours, when will the animals sleep?

The animals sleep whenever they are tired. Many sleep overnight on the savanna, and they can sleep during the day, too. You may have seen our lions sleeping on the safari — they sleep about 20 hours of each day.

What type of food will be offered at Tiffins?

The lunch and dinner menus at Tiffins will be cuisine inspired by Asia, Africa and South America and celebrate the art of traveling.

Which of Disney’s Animal Kingdom experiences will 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.

 

[KMWoolley]

Just for grins and giggles I called dining to check on dining packages for the JB show and the CM knew what I was asking about. She said they should be booking them soon. Let the games begin again!

when they say 'very soon', get your fingers ready....

 

[KMWoolley]

!!!! It was so so so wonderful! Can't believe we're already back home, it went by so quickly! I will definitely be making a trip report! I wish we were there a few more dayssss! :'(

I drove home and made it back around 2 am this morninv, and my sister in law's graduation was today, so I am completely exhausted at the moment and apologize in advance for any typos etc.

Officially annual pass holders!

We had lots of little pixie dust! I definitely expected way to much from my 4 year old and mother/father in law so we did not do everything I planned, but still had a wonderful time.

Our last day (yesterday) was bittersweet because it was raining off and on so pretty much everything was walk-on, we rode almost everything in the park! Rainy Day parade was cute, but missed Festival of Fantasy, Main Street Electric AND Wishes! Still haven't seen any of the three!! Caught the Kiss Goodnight our first night with DH after DD was asleep and stayed with MIL! Missed Illuminations too because family couldn't make it that long. Fantasmic was AMAZING and finally made my DH realize why I was trying to push everyone to find a spot to relax and wait for the night entertainment vs go back to Ft Wilderness early.

And DH had a great time!!! He was googling Disney info by the drive home to tell me interesting facts, and said a few times "We'll be back we'll catch it then" which is HUGE because at one point he was originally saying, before we went, that he probably wouldn't bother to go back until Pandora was open.

Much more details and amazing pictures tomorrow! !!

So glad you had a great time and even happier your hubby got the bug...
I wish I lived close enough to make AP a solution.
I had both my kids down there twice before hitting the age of 4 and realized let them set the pace and do what makes them happy. Trips became so much more enjoyable when we finally figured that out. It may take you many, many trips to finally do 'everything' but what the heck, you have an AP now.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

!!!!
And DH had a great time!!! He was googling Disney info by the drive home to tell me interesting facts, and said a few times "We'll be back we'll catch it then" which is HUGE because at one point he was originally saying, before we went, that he probably wouldn't bother to go back until Pandora was open.

VICTORY IS OURS!!!

 

[maryj11]

Thanks for all the support and positive thoughts, ROL friends! I truly appreciate it!

She had her EEG yesterday. She was able to sleep during it as needed, so that's good! You'll be happy to know that DH also slept like a baby through the whole thing! Hoping for results on Friday or Monday - hoping it was just a fluke/ 1 time thing as the pediatrician suggested. She was exhausted after the test - so was I - so she stayed home from school and we watched a movie, took a nap and went out to lunch!

Wow I'm sorry to hear about your daughter. That has to be scary, hope it turns out to be nothing to worry about.

 

[maryj11]

Just for grins and giggles I called dining to check on dining packages for the JB show and the CM knew what I was asking about. She said they should be booking them soon. Let the games begin again!

Oh fun fun we are back to our old ways of checking everyday. Feels like the good old days again

 

[sunshinemelody]

!!!! It was so so so wonderful! Can't believe we're already back home, it went by so quickly! I will definitely be making a trip report! I wish we were there a few more dayssss! :'(

I drove home and made it back around 2 am this morninv, and my sister in law's graduation was today, so I am completely exhausted at the moment and apologize in advance for any typos etc.

Officially annual pass holders!

We had lots of little pixie dust! I definitely expected way to much from my 4 year old and mother/father in law so we did not do everything I planned, but still had a wonderful time.

Our last day (yesterday) was bittersweet because it was raining off and on so pretty much everything was walk-on, we rode almost everything in the park! Rainy Day parade was cute, but missed Festival of Fantasy, Main Street Electric AND Wishes! Still haven't seen any of the three!! Caught the Kiss Goodnight our first night with DH after DD was asleep and stayed with MIL! Missed Illuminations too because family couldn't make it that long. Fantasmic was AMAZING and finally made my DH realize why I was trying to push everyone to find a spot to relax and wait for the night entertainment vs go back to Ft Wilderness early.

And DH had a great time!!! He was googling Disney info by the drive home to tell me interesting facts, and said a few times "We'll be back we'll catch it then" which is HUGE because at one point he was originally saying, before we went, that he probably wouldn't bother to go back until Pandora was open.

Much more details and amazing pictures tomorrow! !!

So glad you're back! *hug squeeze* Sad that you're back at the same time, too, because Disney!

But we get to keep you now.

In any event, glad you had a WONDERFUL time! We missed you out here in our neck of the woods. But next time you'll have an even greater time, I can feeeeeeel it. Because RoL will finally be open, LOLOLOL.

 

[disfamz]

I think I have a stadium pad....I'll bring it and some beach towels to sit on for the parades and the nighttime shows.

I have severe back problems and we only lasted the first few minutes. I literally couldn't sit there anymore. What a waste of a FP!

 

[figmentfan423]

I have severe back problems and we only lasted the first few minutes. I literally couldn't sit there anymore. What a waste of a FP!

I'm sorry to hear that! the show is quite fun

 

[figmentfan423]

Oh fun fun we are back to our old ways of checking everyday. Feels like the good old days again

Old habits die hard Sometimes i think dieting is easier

 

[ArielSRL]

!!!! It was so so so wonderful! Can't believe we're already back home, it went by so quickly! I will definitely be making a trip report! I wish we were there a few more dayssss! :'(

I drove home and made it back around 2 am this morninv, and my sister in law's graduation was today, so I am completely exhausted at the moment and apologize in advance for any typos etc.

Officially annual pass holders!

We had lots of little pixie dust! I definitely expected way to much from my 4 year old and mother/father in law so we did not do everything I planned, but still had a wonderful time.

Our last day (yesterday) was bittersweet because it was raining off and on so pretty much everything was walk-on, we rode almost everything in the park! Rainy Day parade was cute, but missed Festival of Fantasy, Main Street Electric AND Wishes! Still haven't seen any of the three!! Caught the Kiss Goodnight our first night with DH after DD was asleep and stayed with MIL! Missed Illuminations too because family couldn't make it that long. Fantasmic was AMAZING and finally made my DH realize why I was trying to push everyone to find a spot to relax and wait for the night entertainment vs go back to Ft Wilderness early.

And DH had a great time!!! He was googling Disney info by the drive home to tell me interesting facts, and said a few times "We'll be back we'll catch it then" which is HUGE because at one point he was originally saying, before we went, that he probably wouldn't bother to go back until Pandora was open.

Much more details and amazing pictures tomorrow! !!

I'm definitely in for the TR! Btw, did you guys do midday breaks? I'm just curious about your timeline bc I'll have my 4 yr old, my 2 yr old, and my parents over 65. I have made extensive plans but I am certain the plans will go out the window several times, however, I did schedule a midday break every day to alleviate some of the exhaustion....I hope.

 

[ArielSRL]

I have severe back problems and we only lasted the first few minutes. I literally couldn't sit there anymore. What a waste of a FP!

We've done it before but I do remember the seats being uncomfortable.

 

[jlundeen]

I'm definitely in for the TR! Btw, did you guys do midday breaks? I'm just curious about your timeline bc I'll have my 4 yr old, my 2 yr old, and my parents over 65. I have made extensive plans but I am certain the plans will go out the window several times, however, I did schedule a midday break every day to alleviate some of the exhaustion....I hope.

We definitely built in a midday break every day of our trip last week. We had no small children with us but we had two seniors and between the hot and humid weather and just total exhaustion, we were really glad we built those nap times in.

 

[elmoandzoey]

We were there last year on May the 4th and outside of some merchandising, there was very little 'extra' going on. I was very disappointed that they did not do more.
It was the last year of the SW Weekends and they did open the SW Dining experiences prior to the actual wekends so we had dinner with Jedi Mickey, Leia Minnie, Stormtrooper Donald, Darth Goofy and Chip and Dale as Ewoks, which was extra neat since it was stated we won't be seeing those Disney/SW crossovers in the future (although the dolls were still available for purchase in HS last week).

We actually met two nice ladies at the bus stop who were at DHS on the Fourth exactly for that reason. They said they were hoping something specially because of no SW weekends. And apparently so were loads of other people because it was packed despite the rain. They said aside from the regular SW stuff there was nothing special going on. They were pretty disappointed.