Nighttime Awakens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World

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Year:2016

Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World now offers guests a new experience – night. The park magically transforms into a nighttime destination for guests visiting WDW. There’s no need to exit the park at dusk. With plenty of things to do and see after the sun goes down, Animal Kingdom is filled with even more thrills and excitement.

Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Night
The Kilimanjaro Safari at night is a completely different experience than during the day. Watching the animals in their habitats in the dark brings guests right into their lives and with the knowledgeable guides pointing out where and what animals are in view, it’s almost like being in Africa on a quiet night. Just seeing the giraffes walking next to the open vehicle or the lion majestically lying on a rock is a thrilling experience in itself. And listening to them in the quiet of the darkness is an experience not quickly forgotten. This is definitely a different safari ride at night, and animal lovers will undoubtedly enjoy every minute of it.

Expedition Everest at Night at Disney's Animal KingdomExpedition Everest, the thrill ride that takes guests through the mountain with a close encounter with the Abominable Snowman, is now a nighttime “must do” for those who enjoy the ride in the daytime. There’s something to be said for the darkness of night adding a different element to this attraction. This is definitely a thrill ride, so the little ones, and those who aren’t comfortable with this kind of ride, should avoid this attraction.

The Kali River Rapids is a heart-pounding whitewater adventure that also takes on a different dimension after dark. Yes, expect to get wet on this ride.

The “Harambe Wildlife Parti” fills the marketplace with authentic African music, acrobatics, and fun for the whole family. When the sun goes down, the party starts!

Tree of Life Awakens at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Night
The Tree of Life is the focal point of the park. This majestic tree is beautiful during the day, but when it awakens at night it is stunning. Colors light up the tree and the spirits of the animals come to life. Visions of hummingbirds, a fox, a doe, a bunny, apes, fish and others demonstrate the circle of life with extraordinary images on this amazing tree, all with the Disney magic touch. The Tree of Life at night is truly an amazing spectacular for everyone to watch. It’s something you have to witness before leaving Animal Kingdom.

Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Night
And finally, the newest nighttime light show, “Rivers of Light,” will be premiering this summer. This is a visual extravaganza that combines light, lasers, and animal spirits in a show filled with beauty. Lotus flowers, water fountains, lanterns, and color fill the lake while at the same time telling the story of the animal spirits. Sitting in the amphitheater with fireflies flickering around as the story unfolds on the water with music and visual effects will not only amaze guests, but also engage their senses. They have outdone themselves with this nighttime experience on the Discovery River Lagoon, giving one more reason to make Disney’s Animal Kingdom a great way for families to experience the hours after dark at WDW.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park at Night has new evening experiences for everyone, from young to old. The rides at night are unlike experiencing them during the day, and the colors and magic of the “Rivers of Light” show and the awakening of the “Tree of Life” are completely awe-inspiring and the best way to end a day at WDW.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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