I’m sad that it’s time to write a tribute to Rivers of Light. The show barely played for three years at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and went through multiple updates. The original version with live performers aligned perfectly with the park’s theme. It was a different nighttime show that didn’t need fireworks. Instead, it conveyed the focus on conservation and celebrating our natural world. I loved Rivers of Light and looked forward to seeing it for many years. This wasn’t the predominant view, however.
The same elements that made Rivers of Light stand out also led to its demise. It didn’t include typical beats that you might expect in a nighttime spectacular at Walt Disney World. There wasn’t a clear story or extended clips from Disney movies. In a similar vein to Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, the experience connected well to the park’s approach. In the world of synergy and branding across the resorts, Rivers of Light didn’t fit. Disney added parts of The Lion King, but that did not help.
I know there are other fans of Rivers of Light out there, so I’m not completely on an island. However, I’d push back against the view that it’s a bad show. There is groupthink among Disney fans that can shift the understandable idea of “it’s not for me” to “it’s terrible“. In honor of a nighttime show that deserved a much better fate, here’s an updated version of my original review from March 2017. I went in cold and was surprised by how much I enjoyed the experience.
A Tumultuous Process for Rivers of Light
The ongoing saga of Rivers of Light’s creation intrigued and frustrated Disney fans going back to the first official Disney Parks Blog announcement in May 2014. Originally scheduled for a 2016 opening, the nighttime show struggled to find its footing. Reports of disastrous cast member previews and technical issues made me wonder if Rivers of Light would ever open. Could Disney put together an effective show that worked in the Animal Kingdom?
When I booked our Walt Disney World trip for March 2017, I did not expect to see Rivers of Light during that vacation. The Animal Kingdom day would give us a much-needed nighttime break in the middle of the trip. Once Disney announced the change, it adjusted our plans considerably.
I made FastPass Plus reservations for the show and shifted to a later morning start. This change also gave me a chance to check out the park’s nighttime entertainment. It was a blast to get a different look at a place I typically visit in the daytime, and the park was more vibrant at night.
The seating for Rivers of Light was situated at the back of the park and split into areas for FastPass, dinner package, and standby guests. The capacity was reportedly only 5,000 seats, not enough for everyone. Disney wisely added a second show to accommodate more guests. FastPass guests had to arrive 15 minutes before the show. This was a challenge for us after delays with our ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris. The stadium was nearly full, but the third row in front was empty. I was nervous of a Shamu-like soaking experience, but it was impossible to pass up such a prime spot.
Setting the Stage
I had purposely avoided watching videos or reading too much about Rivers of Light, which kept it surprising. My expectations were low, and that made all of it refreshing. The experience started before the official time and built the mood. Flickering lights and animal images appeared on the trees and looked striking from across the lagoon. There were few bright lights in the area, which added to the natural feeling. Despite sitting near many other guests, it’s quite a relaxing atmosphere.
The excitement began with the arrival of a group of floats shaped like pink lotus flowers. The bright objects spread out across the lagoon and prepare for the next steps. These watercraft weren’t just props and set the foundation for the wonders to come. They’re joined by two large boats holding each shaman that helped present the show plus boats with animal shapes lit up on top of them. They included tigers, elephants, and turtles to help maintain the focus on love for nature.
It’s hard to explain the anticipation that built during the pre-show experience. The slow-burn approach drew the audience into the scene and did not overwhelm us too quickly. The more languid pace matched the feeling of visiting the Animal Kingdom. This wasn’t the constant rush of attractions and shows that you experience at The Magic Kingdom.
Rivers of Light embodied the quiet sense of discovery that is the essence of this park. This description may sound like fluffy PR language from Disney, but it also matched my feelings during Animal Kingdom visits.
The Main Event
I won’t describe every part of Rivers of Light because that wouldn’t do it justice. I can only say the word “magical” so often. Instead, I’ll describe how it felt. My favorite all-time nighttime show at Walt Disney World has been Illuminations because it fit perfectly within EPCOT. I felt the same way about Rivers of Light. I don’t care if there’s a logical progression; what matters is the emotional connection.
Criticisms of Rivers of Light are valid, and certain parts seemed incomplete. Some projections looked vivid, while others were hazier. Even so, it was my favorite experience of our trip. I’ve enjoyed World of Color and Fantasmic, but neither connected with me on the same level.
The lack of the obvious in Rivers of Light was also one of its strongest attributes. The theme of nature’s beauty worked because it was a gorgeous show. The message was obvious yet still worked because it’s an original experience.
Rivers of Light represented a new stage in projection technology and clicked because you’re close to the action. When the boats moved directly in front of us, the animal images seemed personal and not just part of a spectacle. Grand moments covered the lagoon, but they weren’t the entire presentation.
There was no obvious finale, and that’s okay. I enjoyed the ways that Rivers of Light differed from the typical Disney show. It felt ethereal, artistic, and not just another way to sell a product. I loved every minute of it.
The Music
When the show ended, my first thought was that I needed to buy the soundtrack. Disney would definitely have a CD for sale, right? (Update: It’s available to purchase). So much of Rivers of Light’s success came from the score, written by Don L. Harper. It fell a bit short of Illuminations but was still remarkable. This wasn’t an obvious theme park show with basic music. You didn’t come out of the park humming any tunes, though “We Are One” by Mark Mancina (Moana) was memorable.
The best Disney music succeeds because it creates a mood that extends beyond the parks. The rousing drum beats of the Rivers of Light score dropped me right back into that theater. It complemented the show’s positive atmosphere without being too obvious. A few moments veered a little too much into Survivor theme territory, but those were the exceptions. It’s mostly a joyous celebration that combined well with the rest of the show.
This music fit the Animal Kingdom’s setting with harmonies and ambient sounds creating the right tone. In a similar way to Illuminations, it was the quiet moments that set the stage for the crescendos that followed.
A Short Life
I loved Rivers of Light but recognize that it wasn’t for everyone. Regardless of its unfortunate demise, I’m thrilled to have had the chance to see Rivers of Light. It hearkens back to reasons why I loved Disney theme parks as a kid and continue to enjoy them. Nothing hit the lowest common denominator here, and even the technical glitches made it feel less stale. I’ll close with some additional photos that should help explain the power of Rivers of Life.
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