Things will be changing dramatically at Disney's Animal Kingdom starting on April 22nd (aka Earth Day 2016!)  The Disney World theme park that has typically closed as the sun went down will now provide a compelling reason to stay well into the evening hours!

Rivers Of Light

The first, immediately noticeable change will come in the form of the first night time show in the park's 18 year history.  The new 'Rivers Of Light' show will now become the signature end of the day event at Disney's Animal Kingdom set to rival the Magic Kingdom's Wishes, Epcot's Illuminations, and Disney's Hollywood Studios' Fantasmic!



For those of you that have visited recently, you have probably seen the construction that has been taking place surrounding the water that is located on the Asia & Dinoland side of the park.  Unlike Epcot's Illuminations that only provide standing locations around the water, this show will have a large number of seats built into the waterfront for prime viewing of the Rivers Of Light.

Light, Water, Fire, & Animal Spirits!

Disney Imagineers have created a night time setting that is set to transform the entire theme park into a totally different experience from the day.  It will all start at the iconic Tree Of Life and manifest itself throughout the park, drawing guests to the Rivers Of Light performance that will take place on the water and into the sky.



Joe Rohde narrates the short video explaining the emotions and sense of family that this new show will evoke.

More Attractions To Come!

This is just the beginning for Disney's Animal Kingdom in terms of nighttime offerings.  Along with the new signature end of night show will be a new evening version of the Kilimanjaro Safaris and ultimately the addition of Pandora - World of Avatar  which will bring even more options and attractions into the evening hours.

We are excited about these changes to the best themed Walt Disney World Resort park.  There will now be several reasons to stay all day and into the night to explore all that Animal Kingdom has to offer!

There are changes coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom which will result in a much different experience for the Disney World theme park's guests.  From what has been considered a "half-day park" to many there are numerous additions in the works that will extend the available attractions into the night.

Rivers Of Light

The first such addition that will open for the public in the Spring of 2016 will be a night time show called 'Rivers of Light.'   This Disney's Animal Kingdom evening show will be a strong reason to extend your day because you will not want to miss this story filled journey of light, water, and music that will take the essence of the Animal Kingdom park and bring it together for an emotional show.

See the show description as shared by the Disney Parks Blog:

The show will take place on Discovery River between Discovery Island and Expedition Everest – take a close look and you can you see the Tree of Life in the background. In “Rivers of Light,” a pair of mystical hosts come to the river bearing gifts of light. During the show, the hosts set out from the shore on elaborate lantern vessels for a dramatic dance of water and light to summon animal spirits. With the storytellers as your guides, the wonders of “Rivers of Light” builds to a stunning crescendo.

Are you excited?

Do you love Disney's Animal Kingdom as much as we do?  Are you looking forward to the additions?  Let us hear your thoughts in the comments!!!

Prior to 2014 fireworks were a very rare treat at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but thanks to Star Wars Weekends and the Frozen Summer Fun events that lasted for most of May through September, guests were treated to fireworks on a much more regular basis.

Fireworks!

When it comes to entertainment and fireworks the folks at Disney World are the masters!  For years, Disney World guests have enjoyed nightly fireworks from a number of venues, whether it is Wishes at the Magic Kingdom or Illuminations: Reflections Of Earth at Epcot.


Bringing fireworks to Disney's Hollywood Studios is a challenge with the tight streets and lack of a large central viewing area, but the Disney Imagineers have been able to put together a spectacular treat for those that are lucky enough to witness it.

Typically in the past, fireworks at Disney's Hollywood Studios have been limited to the 4th of July, New Year's Eve, and the rare special event.  2014 brought a welcomed changed and allowed multiple opportunities for guests to witness spectacular fireworks from the confines of Disney's movie themed park.


Witnessing fireworks is a different experience for each Disney World theme park.  Wishes at the Magic Kingdom uses Cinderella Castle as the focal point and weaves a story on, above, and around the castle to the astonishment of guests.

Epcot uses the multi-cultural World Showcase as the theme for the spectacular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.  This show that takes place in the center of the World Showcase Lagoon allows guests to line the 1.3 miles of walkway around the lagoon to witness the moving Fireworks, Laser, Water, Fire, and Video show that only Disney could have created.

Hollywood Studios Makes Fireworks Presentation Unique!

At Hollywood Studios, the sight lines are reduced and the crowds are compacted onto Hollywood boulevard as the show takes place in the sky above the giant Sorcerer Mickey hat positioned at the end of the street in front of the recreation of Mann's Chinese Theater that plays host to The Great Movie Ride attraction.  This closeness, I believe, adds to the magic of the fireworks here.  It makes it hard for large crowds to really enjoy, but the resulting show is amazing.



For the two events this year: Star Wars Weekends, and Frozen Summer Fun, Disney added a stage show element that played into the theme of the fireworks.  It is all about the storytelling and Disney does this very well.  These aren't just random fireworks shot off for their own enjoyment, but rather parts of a story being told that starts on the stage and continues up into the sky and unfolds in front of the awed audience.




If you have the opportunity to witness fireworks at Disney's Hollywood Studios please take advantage of it.  This isn't your typical small town fireworks display, it is part of a magical Disney story that is taking place in the sky that will leave you with memories to cherish long after the show has concluded.

Do you love all things "Frozen"?  Do you look forward to even more ways to enjoy your favorite "Frozen" characters at the Walt Disney World Resort? This holiday season, the wintry wonder and magic of Disney’s “Frozen” is coming to the Magic Kingdom Park with “A Frozen Holiday Wish.”

"A Frozen Holiday Wish"

“A Frozen Holiday Wish” features Anna and Elsa in an all-new show on the Castle Forecourt Stage. With special appearances by rugged mountain man Kristoff and lovable snowman Olaf, the show culminates in Queen Elsa using her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom, transforming Cinderella Castle into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays.

“A Frozen Holiday Wish” begins November 5 and will be presented nightly through December 31, 2014.

The newest Disney World Special Event added to the impressive 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival lineup is called Late Nights Live! and we had the opportunity to attend the inaugural event on September 25th.

Late Nights Live!

Held each Thursday night for the duration of the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival from 9:45 pm (after Park Closing) until 1:00 am Late Nights Live! is a hard ticket Disney World Event ($79.00/per person) that provides a special way to experience the Food & Wine Festival.

A combination of Food & Drink offerings from the Food & Wine Festival and special entertainment in a less crowded late night setting provided the framework for this event.

Food & Drink

Roughly 1/4 of the World Showcase was used for this event spanning from the main entrance to the World Showcase to the United Kingdom Pavilion.  This included the F&W kiosks for Hawai'i, Deserts & Champagne, Greece, Canada, Ireland, and the Refreshment Port.

Each participant was given a lanyard that was not only their entrance ticket, but it also included 6 detachable tabs that could be redeemed for virtually any item on the marketplace menus.



One of the tabs was special in that it could be redeemed for a special glow cup filed with a White Cranberry Cosmopolitan Concoction that was tasty and a great way to kick off the party.  If you weren't interested in that you could redeem that tab anywhere for a food or drink item like the other tabs.

All of the food stands were well staffed and lines remained relatively short throughout the event, keeping wait time to a minimum.  It was a relief, especially if you have ever experienced an Epcot Food & Wine Festival crowd on a weekend night.  There were no such crowds during this event allowing for a relaxed enjoyment of the evening with the wonderful surroundings.

Late Nights Live! Entertainment

There were three different entertainment zones set up during the event that provided a wide range of entertainment options in an attempt to appeal to the wide demographic of attendees.


Inside of the World Showplace Events Pavilion that was also opened up for this event was a live band called: Martini Pop.  They sang a wide variety of popular hits in their own lounge style that was very entertaining.


Also inside the World Showplace was a bar that was set up and two juggling bartenders that were there to entertain guests.


The next entertainment area was set-up in front of the Mill Stage in the Canada Pavilion (home of Off Kilter).  Here a DJ was pumping out the dance music.  Unfortunately most of the night the DJ was pretty lonely.  The crowd, although ranging from 21 year olds to seniors, did not really appear to be in the dancing mood.


The last musical entertainment act was a guitar/percussion duo with a singer named Brian that was in the DVC booth area near the Canada Marketplace.  He was playing an acoustic set and sounded great although the crowd typically was transient moving from location to location versus standing still to take in the entertainment.

Entertainment Without Description?

The biggest surprise of the evening was the special entertainment that came out at a couple of different times during the event.  It was a troupe of costumed dancers with glowing sticks and LED whips? that performed to high energy dance music that was pumped across all of the speakers across the whole area.

The costumes contained what appeared to be ram horns on all of the dancers and although they appeared to be having fun, most guests were not sure what to make of them.  It was entertaining, but not sure how to described them or understand how they fit in to the event, other than providing a "Never seen that before!" moment.

Review Summary for Late Nights Live!

The Late Night Live! Event delivered what it promised: An after-hours event at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival that provided the opportunity to enjoy the Food & Drink from the Festival in a relaxed, non-crowded setting.

The entertainment reviews are mixed.  I am not sure that the DJ or the dance troupe really fit in with the event.  Another acoustic performer, perhaps like the guitar player that has been performing in Brazil during the day might fit in better to the mood.  Most of the guests appeared to trend to enjoying the food, drink, and discussions, as opposed to looking for a dance party.

For a first attempt I though it went well, and should only improve as it moves through the following weeks.  Disney World had a large number of support staff visibly there observing the event to see how things were going and to make sure it went smoothly.

Disney's Hollywood Studios brings extra excitement to evenings this summer with the "Rock Your Summer Side " Dance party.

Rock Your Summer Side

Starting June 20 through August 22, 2014 from 6:00pm - 10:00pm each night at Disney's Hollywood Studios enjoy a special dance party with a live band to celebrate your summer in style!

The Hollywood Rockers will be the new house band that will play some of your summer favorites in the middle of the excitement at Disney's Hollywood Studios on stage in front of iconic Sorcerer Mickey's Hat.

When the band isn't playing don't worry, because Disney will have a DJ playing hot summertime hits, and you can get up and dance with some of your favorite Disney characters. Mickey and the gang will be dressed for fun in the sun, ready to rock their summer side, too!

Don't miss out this chance to take your Summer to another level at Disney World and "Rock Your Summer Side!"

The Walt Disney World Resort takes on an entirely different feel at night and offers a number of experiences that you can't enjoy during the day.  With today's Disney World Top 6 we rank the best of the Night Time Experiences to enjoy at Disney World.

Top 6 Disney World Night Time Experiences

6. The Electrical Water Pageant - Disney World's Longest Running Parade, which has been in existance since 1971 has a series of playful floats that make their way across Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon each evening.

5. Magic Kingdom Attractions - The Magic Kingdom Attractions that are located outside become a totally different experience at night.  From the Astro Orbiter and Thunder Mountain Railroad to the Jungle Cruise, each becomes a completely different ride at night.


4. Main Street Electrical Parade - This night time parade of specially designed floats that are illuminated with thousands of LED lights is fun to watch and something the whole family will enjoy.

3. Fantasmic - Mickey Mouse is the star of this show at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  This multi-media show is the only night time show at Disney World that stars multiple Disney Characters.  It involves live action, water, fire, projected video and an epic battle of good vs. evil.

2. Wishes - Every Disney Fan gets excited over seeing this spectacular choreographed fireworks show like only Disney can produce.  Fireworks, Music, Lights, and Tinkerbell!  Any incredible show for the entire family to enjoy.

1. Illuminations Reflections Of Earth - The Epcot night time spectacular combines fire, water, lasers, music, and lots of fireworks to tell a special story.  This is a show that has now equal and must be experienced, preferraably many times.  One of the best ways to end the day.

It is time again to think about Halloween and Disney World is not waiting for October to get the party started.  Actually September 13th marks the first of 23 Halloween parties that will take place in the Magic Kingdom between now and November 1, 2011.  For those of you will young children don't worry, this party is called Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.  It may not be big on scares, but it sure is big on fun and trick-or-treating for candy!



Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
In what is now a fall tradition Disney World has expanded the Halloween season to the middle of September to allow more Disney World Guests to partake in this fun event.  Party goers young and old are encouraged to dress up in costume and have fun along with all of your favorite Disney Characters who are also in costume for the party.


The Magic Kingdom certainly gets a "Halloween" make-over that is apparent during the day, but it looks extra special at night as the decorations, jack-o-lanterns, and other effects look their best in the night time lighting.  Even the night time fireworks presentation is re-worked to the Halloween theme (called Happy HalloWishes) that makes it extra special.


Boo To You Parade
The highlight of the evening is the Boo To You Parade which is shown twice at each party.  Here you will see special floats and the Disney Characters in special Halloween Costumes.  The Haunted Mansion also gets special representation in this parade with multiple floats.