Disney’s Animal Kingdom reveals new info on Rivers of Light, dining options, and more!

in Disney, Entertainment, Events, Park Secrets, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World

Nighttime at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is about to become incredible!

Today, Disney released a launch-site full of information about the new evening entertainment options, and everything looks spectacular. Seriously, I can’t wait to explore the glowing park once the sun sets. For your viewing pleasure, we’ve included the new information released. Check it out:

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rivers-of-light-02A Story at Sundown Set Aglow

Be enchanted by a brilliant spectacle of glowing lanterns, magical fireflies, dancing fountains and animal spirits.As sunlight fades and the stars begin their twinkle, remember the instinctual feeling that we are all bound together by earth and spirit—past, present and future. Listen as the lagoon responds to the whispers of the world, cradling creatures with a symphony that swells with wild murmurs and shimmering secrets of the universe.

So begins a new light—a vibrant awakening of flitting fireflies leading a legion of lanterns cascading in a ceremonious procession across the water. With a single chime, there falls a hush—and in its place steps storytellers bearing benevolent gifts of light. These intriguing figures promise to paint the night with visual wonders, enticing you to join them on a marvelous journey.

Before your eyes, clusters of lantern light shift and shape into animal spirit forms—the Tiger, Turtle, Elephant and Owl. The storytellers call upon the Temple Lotus who materializes along with her 4 sisters, each bursting forth with dazzling fountains of water and light. These mystic hosts work in harmony to captivate your senses, conjuring stunning imagery of animals from across the world in a musical performance that can only be described as dreamlike. Spellbound, you are transported across Asian jungles and tropical oceans to African savannahs and North American mountains.

Your journey culminates in a triumphant blend of music, light, color and earthly elements. The Aurora Borealis, in its magical splendor, springs with unbridled joy as a menagerie of animals transcend above the cosmos, becoming glittering star constellations in the heavens. Immersed within a grand celestial finale, you are bestowed with an inspirational message of peace and oneness with nature.


 

rivers-of-light-06Everything the Light Touches

Eastern festival traditions merge with innovative technology to make Rivers of Light come alive. Featuring evocative, never-before-seen footage from Disneynature, grand theatrical imagery, virtuosic live performances, a soaring original score, and innovative special effects—this nighttime spectacle employs a host of magical devices to create an experience unlike any other.

Fireflies in Flight
The flickering ornamentation of fireflies illustrates the migration of light—a central motif of the production. As the story unfolds, original video projections and choreographed laser animation combine to create the appearance of glowing fireflies, illuminating enchanting moments of the celebration like living pixie dust.

Spirited Storytelling
Mysteriously, the show’s “storytellers” never utter a word. Instead, they communicate volumes through fascinating forms of authentic Asian dance, music, song and shadow puppetry.

Light, Lanterns and Lotuses
Showstopping features include nearly 100 Asian lanterns, undulating hues of larger-than-life animal spirits and floating vessels awash in brilliant radiance. Powerful fountain jets erupting like embers from a fire and a 28-foot-tall Temple Lotus add to the visual splendor of these elements, each magically drifting into scenes—adding color, drama, shape and choreography.

A Living Landscape
Encircling the very heart of the Discovery River Lagoon and her 2 village amphitheaters is the thick embrace of a lush tree-scape. It is host and home to a unique variety of life, both in body and spirit form. This organic landscape is a central character itself, and an ever-changing canvas for the story’s unveiling.

They also released some new information on Tiffins and the Nomad Lounge, new dining and drinking options for the park.

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A World of Flavors

Seek and you shall find a treasure trove of mouthwatering delights from far-off places places for lunch and dinner.Roam the road less traveled at Tiffins, thanks to a globetrotting menu of artfully prepared fare fit for a weary traveler. Begin your expedition with lobster-popcorn Thai curry soup, grilled octopus or—for those who like to travel light—an archeologist salad drizzled with champagne vinaigrette. Go off the beaten track with frog legs tempura, black-eyed fritters or cheese and chicken liver pâte before planting your flag with the Berber-spiced lamb chop, pork tenderloin or miso-glazed black cod.

Seafarers, fortune hunters and vagabonds will no doubt find new discoveries in the pan-seared duck breast and leg confit, Wagnu strip loin and braised short rib, or the whole-fried sustainable fish. Leaving no stone unturned? Satisfy your sweet tooth with crème brûlée, peanut butter mousse or a classic ice-cream sundae.

For an additional cost, Guests 21 years of age and up can pack additional provisions with a selection from the renowned wine list—many of which are available by the glass—in addition to a noble assortment of after-dinner liqueurs, dessert wines and specialty drinks.

No matter which direction your compass points, you’re sure to encounter an unimaginable abundance of delectable food at Tiffins.

All menu items are subject to change without notice.


nomad-lounge-01Bon Voyage

Escape the ordinary with exotic bites; then document your own travel stories for display near the bar.Whereas the focus of Tiffins is on the globetrotting adventures of the Imagineers and animal experts who developed and built Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, Nomad Lounge invites all to stake a claim in their own wanderlust over mouth-watering small plates and a large selection of beer, wine and mixed drinks.

Festive banners hang in the center of the lounge, each posing a different question about traveling the world and the thrill of discovery. During your visit, take a few moments to jot down answers to these questions on decorative tags provided by Cast Members. Later, your responses will be hung on a “tag chandelier” suspended above the bar for all to see.

The Menu
Toast to a good journey with a refreshing beverage served alongside a scrumptious snack.

Drawing inspiration from distant locations around the world, the freshly-prepared cuisine at Nomad Lounge includes vegetarian summer rolls, Indian butter chicken wings, seared Wagyu beef skewers and honey-glazed coriander-spiced pork ribs.

As any world wanderer can attest, Nomad Lounge also serves up a renowned selection of libations and spirits from around the globe. Sip specialty martinis or indulge in after-dinner liqueurs such as Bailey’s Irish Cream, Tia Maria and Amaretto di Saronno. Freshly ground coffees like espresso, cappuccino and coffee colada with rum and coconuts, and dessert wines such as Apple Icewine, are also available—perfect for the long day’s journey or following a long day of journeying.

All menu items are subject to change without notice.

Without a doubt, it looks like the new experiences at Animal Kingdom are shaping up to be some of the must-see experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort. As always, Inside the Magic will be the first to give you a hands-on look at everything new, and everything Disney.

Are you ready to embrace the night? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

 

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