Rumors of Light (ROL discussion thread)

[KateP85]

We saw the show last night (my 4-year old and I) - I have mixed feelings. The show is perfect for Animal Kingdom; it's visually beautiful, the lights are amazing, the whole show just looks fantastic. I liked the music, but didn't go away humming it or anything. I thought in general it was very well done. Harrison sat through it, but got fidgety after about five minutes. By the end, he'd lost interest. I saw a few younger kids in the audience who seemed restless after a while, and I don't think this is a show for that age group. Now there's nothing wrong with that - catering to older kids and adults - but I think a nighttime show that closes the day should appeal to multiple generations. We were supposed to see the show again tonight but Harrison asked to go to Fantasmic! instead. He can sit through that show, through Illuminations, Wishes, etc, but RoL was the first one I've seen him seem bored in.

I liked the show, I really did, but I don't think I'd say it was spectacular. We're going to keep our dinner package for next week, but then I don't think I need to see it again for a while.

 

[HopperFan]

Rivers of Light Merchandise

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Hi folks! I guess this is too early/new to really have any input on this but trying to figuring out my AK plans for next Sunday. I wasn't able to get ROL FP's when they were released earlier in the week so booked the dining package at Tiffins instead.

I was just adjusting my other FPs for that day and ROL was available, so I grabbed it. So now I have FPs and the dining package booked.... trying to figure out the pros/cons of each and which one I should drop??

I was planning on eating at Tiffins that day anyway, for what that is worth. For context, this is for me and DS6. Any input is appreciated!

 

[HopperFan]

Hi folks! I guess this is too early/new to really have any input on this but trying to figuring out my AK plans for next Sunday. I wasn't able to get ROL FP's when they were released earlier in the week so booked the dining package at Tiffins instead.

I was just adjusting my other FPs for that day and ROL was available, so I grabbed it. So now I have FPs and the dining package booked.... trying to figure out the pros/cons of each and which one I should drop??

I was planning on eating at Tiffins that day anyway, for what that is worth. For context, this is for me and DS6. Any input is appreciated!

Just my opinion, I loved Nomad's, my DS loved Tiffins.
We have TiW and access to CM 40% off so WE would keep the FP+.
If we were only booking for access to ROL with no interest in Tiffins, then we would keep the FP+.
But if you were planning to eat at Tiffins anyway, it looks like a good deal depending on what you get.

[DS LOVES the 72 Hour Rib and was disappointed in the octupus. He tried other things but those two stuck out in my memory.]


Appreciate the dilemma; looks like I'll be there next month, no FP+ but Dining Package available. I'm kinda like, do I want to spend that much just to make sure I get in? Do I just risk FP+ will pop up, especially if they stop handing out to AP/DVC? Will I get super lucky they are still giving to AP still? Doubtful. Contemplating booking and just keep watching for FP+ and if I get cancel the dining package. Pretty sure I won't wait in SB for it.

 

[pepperandchips]

Hi folks! I guess this is too early/new to really have any input on this but trying to figuring out my AK plans for next Sunday. I wasn't able to get ROL FP's when they were released earlier in the week so booked the dining package at Tiffins instead.

I was just adjusting my other FPs for that day and ROL was available, so I grabbed it. So now I have FPs and the dining package booked.... trying to figure out the pros/cons of each and which one I should drop??

I was planning on eating at Tiffins that day anyway, for what that is worth. For context, this is for me and DS6. Any input is appreciated!

I love love love Tiffins and Nomad Lounge, but bear in mind that the dining package gets you an appetizer, entree, and dessert each. That's a LOT of food and I haven't had an appetizer at Tiffins yet that I would order again (only two meals though, we are 0/4 for appetizers there). The entrees and desserts are fabulous. For your ds especially the appetizer choices are pretty lame - soup, salad, or black eyed pea fritters (we had them and found them ok). Personally I would use the FP and visit Tiffins paying OOP with any relevant discounts you may be eligible for and only feel the pressure to order what you'll actually eat and want.

I agree it's too early to really know about the advantages of the seating areas but for Jungle Book I actually preferred the FP+ viewing area to the dining package area.

Have fun! I'll rein in my jealousy since I only have a few more weeks

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thank you @HopperFan and @pepperandchips, appreciate the input. I think keeping the FP and dropping the dining package is the best way to go for my circumstances. I don't like being tied to an ADR for this anyway, I prefer the flexibility of the FP in case we end up changing things up.

DS and I ate there over the summer and I really enjoyed it, and so did he, to the extent a six year old can enjoy it I guess! He actually ate his entree, which is a small victory at a nicer TS at Disney for me!

I still have my original 4:45PM Tiffins dinner reservation that I made awhile ago (the dining package I booked was for lunch because dinner wasn't available). I guess that should be plenty of time for dinner and then make my way over to my ROL FP? I need to map that out in my head I guess.

 

[PolyRob]

Thank you @HopperFan and @pepperandchips, appreciate the input. I think keeping the FP and dropping the dining package is the best way to go for my circumstances. I don't like being tied to an ADR for this anyway, I prefer the flexibility of the FP in case we end up changing things up.

DS and I ate there over the summer and I really enjoyed it, and so did he, to the extent a six year old can enjoy it I guess! He actually ate his entree, which is a small victory at a nicer TS at Disney for me!

I still have my original 4:45PM Tiffins dinner reservation that I made awhile ago (the dining package I booked was for lunch because dinner wasn't available). I guess that should be plenty of time for dinner and then make my way over to my ROL FP? I need to map that out in my head I guess.

I figured the same thing with a FP+ over a dining package. The latest Tiffins meal I could reserve for my RoL night is 3:20pm for a 7:15pm show. For my group, that was not a dinner, and was too close to lunch. I guess the 3 hours+ required takes into consideration wait time, 3 courses, and time to line up. During later park hours for the summer, I would have no problem using a dining package. But for a 7:15pm show with 8pm park close in late winter is harder for me to personally justify.

 

[disneymath]

in a twist only Disney fans and loungers will appreciate ... jbooked a (last minute by DVC standards) trip for this summer! (We weren't supposed to head back until 2020 as other locations were on the bucket list, but turns out WDW is actually the most cost effective option this year and we're all missing our happy place.

(Let me qualify cost effective by saying that a lot of our expenses have already been paid ... staying on DVC points, have days left on old no-expire tickets, and have Southwest vouchers from an incident last August that need to be used by this August.)

So ... all that to say it looks like I'll be stalking RoL FPs or Dining again this year ... I watched a bit of one of the videos and was far more impressed than I was by the JBAwM videos! Then there's Pandora and the new fireworks at MK! So much new stuff this trip ... even resorts we've never stayed at previously (SSR Treehouse followed by VGF 2BR).

Since I'm rambling anyway, have any of you ever gotten a cabana or the reserved umbrella seating at TL or BB? If so, was it worth it? We're 8 ppl ... 2 seniors, 3 adults, 3 kids. We've done both waterparks multiple times, only complaint has been trying to find a spot to claim for the day, so considering these options.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Since I'm rambling anyway, have any of you ever gotten a cabana or the reserved umbrella seating at TL or BB? If so, was it worth it? We're 8 ppl ... 2 seniors, 3 adults, 3 kids. We've done both waterparks multiple times, only complaint has been trying to find a spot to claim for the day, so considering these options.

So long as I don't get accused of being off topic.... we did a cabana (Polar Patio) at BB last summer. WELL worth it in my view, especially with a larger group. If you're planning to make a day of being in the park and you need a central spot to meet, rest, shade, etc, I'd do it. You have an attendant that will check on you, bring food/drinks (that you pay for), etc.

Study up on the location of the Polar Patios...not all are created equal. I'm sure there are maps around here or somewhere on the Internet. I can't remember if you can request a specific cabana or luck of draw?

When I went, we had called a handful of times in advance to reserve one and they were always fully booked. When we arrived that morning (rope drop), we checked and a few were available so snagged one on the spot. I got the impression there were only a handful available, I guess last minute cancellations.

Hope that helps!

 

[disneymath]

So long as I don't get accused of being off topic.... we did a cabana (Polar Patio) at BB last summer. WELL worth it in my view, especially with a larger group. If you're planning to make a day of being in the park and you need a central spot to meet, rest, shade, etc, I'd do it. You have an attendant that will check on you, bring food/drinks (that you pay for), etc.

Study up on the location of the Polar Patios...not all are created equal. I'm sure there are maps around here or somewhere on the Internet. I can't remember if you can request a specific cabana or luck of draw?

When I went, we had called a handful of times in advance to reserve one and they were always fully booked. When we arrived that morning (rope drop), we checked and a few were available so snagged one on the spot. I got the impression there were only a handful available, I guess last minute cancellations.

Hope that helps!

You'll never get in trouble for being off topic here ... that's what makes this thread so great!

Thanks for sharing your experience and advice!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

You'll never get in trouble for being off topic here ... that's what makes this thread so great!

Thanks for sharing your experience and advice!

BTW, what I mean by "not all are created equal".... I'm referring to 1) location and 2) the physical structure. They are pretty much spread out all over, you may have a preference of which part of the park you want to be. For the structure, some have roofs and are a more substantial structure, some are just simple patios.

We were in the one over by the kid's area which was PERFECT for us with little ones but a little bit "out of the way" as it's basically on one side of the park. But ours was one with a roof/substantial structure. The attendant did say that this one was safe for lightning but not all patios are.

 

[moobar25]

Since I'm rambling anyway, have any of you ever gotten a cabana or the reserved umbrella seating at TL or BB? If so, was it worth it? We're 8 ppl ... 2 seniors, 3 adults, 3 kids. We've done both waterparks multiple times, only complaint has been trying to find a spot to claim for the day, so considering these options.

I had rented a cabana at TL and it was great (we had 4A , 2seniors, 2c and 2toddlers at the time). The cabanas are in a private section with sand surrounding (great for kids to play in). They are a wooden structure so everyone can be in the shade if they want to. The attendant was great but not really needed. We did it mainly as a treat for my dad and his girlfriend and the toddlers (quiet place to nap). I googled this - it was the same exact cabana we had.

The Polar patios at BB are totally different - they are simply wooden patios with an umbrella (which doesn't cover the entire place). Some are located right along the walking path so there is no privacy from everyone. I wouldn't waste the money on the PP.

What we actually do at BB for FREE - is go first thing in the morning and go to the kiddie section. They have these huts open to general public and beach chairs. There's usually 10 of us so we grab one and set up chairs and stuff so its like a private cabana minus the attendant. The huts are in the background.

Here are maps of TL and BB. At TL location of cabanas is B (beachcomber shack) and at BB it is P (polar patio). At TL we had one of the cabanas at bottom of page center. At BB
we go to one of the free huts by number 4 - top center of page.

 

[HopperFan]

You'll never get in trouble for being off topic here ... that's what makes this thread so great!

Thanks for sharing your experience and advice!

Best thread on the boards! all possible with great LOUNGERS!

 

[KateP85]

I was going to say the same thing - the cabanas at Typhoon Lagoon are awesome, but at Blizzard Beach they're a waste of time.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Sooooo...I think my FP date for my sister trip is this Friday...it's at 7am Eastern time now, correct? That is going to be really awkward getting my kids off to school while surreptitiously trying to book FPs for a trip that I still haven't mentioned to them and to which they are not invited.

In other news, the ticket price hikes have given me the blues, especially as I was trying to talk my DH into bumping me up to an AP so as to book a family trip after my sister trip...

On the ROL front (since this IS a ROL thread), the sisters decided on a Tiffins dining package (lunch) instead of the FP - we wanted to try fancy!

 

[pepperandchips]

Sooooo...I think my FP date for my sister trip is this Friday...it's at 7am Eastern time now, correct? That is going to be really awkward getting my kids off to school while surreptitiously trying to book FPs for a trip that I still haven't mentioned to them and to which they are not invited.

In other news, the ticket price hikes have given me the blues, especially as I was trying to talk my DH into bumping me up to an AP so as to book a family trip after my sister trip...

On the ROL front (since this IS a ROL thread), the sisters decided on a Tiffins dining package (lunch) instead of the FP - we wanted to try fancy!

Bummer on the price hikes! If your family trip would happen during the AP dining discount time frame (I think it's til September? Can't recall...) might be worth the AP anyway think of those 20% savings for your family!

And hooray on the Tiffins decision! It's sooooo good. I wish I had their chocolate dessert right now!

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Bummer on the price hikes! If your family trip would happen during the AP dining discount time frame (I think it's til September? Can't recall...) might be worth the AP anyway think of those 20% savings for your family!

And hooray on the Tiffins decision! It's sooooo good. I wish I had their chocolate dessert right now!

Yes, I was reading a review on Tiffins and eyeing that dessert! We're looking forward to it - in other circumstances, we might have done the FP, but I think this will work well for us...we're doing the morning in AK, then a big lunch at Tiffins, then back to the resort. We splurged on club level, so we'll just hang around the pool in the afternoon, then have drinks and snacks before we head back to AK for the evening. We can use our FPs in the am, then have a more relaxed afternoon and not be rushing back for dinner...we can always find someplace for a snack if we're hungry after ROL! We might work up an appetite watching all those floating lotuses, animals and lanterns...

Yes, I'm still working on the AP thing with DH...September is a possibility...we've gone in September before and we could do a shorter trip around Rosh Hashanah (our school district gets 2 days off for the holiday). DH really seems to like April, however, and that won't work...hopefully we can come up with a plan before I go with my sisters...

 

[HopperFan]

Another review and some suggestions for those attending.

http://thedisneyblog.com/2017/02/14...es-disneys-animal-kingdom/?platform=hootsuite

 

[CJK]

Where is the standby line? Is it on the FP side or the dining package side?

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Where is the standby line? Is it on the FP side or the dining package side?

My understanding is that it's on the dining package side (dinoland). I feel like I read that on one of the ROL threads but can't remember which one...someone correct me if I'm wrong!