Yes, you read right, get ready for the Animal Kingdom After Sunset!!! One of our favorite Walt Disney World parks, Animal Kingdom has official plans to be open after 6pm! We couldn’t be happier with the news because we love the conservation message, the park, the food, the atmosphere, the rides ,the fun we experience time and time again when we visit the Animal Kindgdom. Nevertheless, accustomed to long magical days at the other parks we were always left wanting more time at the Animal Kingdom. The wait is over! Starting this summer, Animal Kingdom at night will be a reality. During the pixie-dust filled Disney Social Media Moms Conference, we were in awe of the sneak peek we got on what Animal Kingdom after sunset will entail.
Animal Kingdom After Sunset
The same way the African Savannah teems with life at night, Animal Kingdom comes to life with plenty of dazzling fun for the entire family. Here is how Animal Kingdom will roar to life at night this summer:
Nighttime Awakenings
The beautiful and gigantic Tree of Life that greets us at the park and captivates our imagination by day is getting ready to touch us further in a beautiful way. The intricate animal carvings on the Tree of Life will come to life for us, move around and interact illuminated by vibrant and changing colors.
But there is more, the Tree of Life will also be the backdrop for a projection show. To give you a better idea, it will be something like what we experience every night for the “Celebrate the Magic” at the Cinderella Castle. While I want to give you a sneak peek, please keep in mind that my phone recording does not do justice to experiencing this new show first hand:
Rivers of Light
I am ready for this nighttime spectacular inspired by tradition that will be set on Discovery River at the Asian section of the park. The anticipated breathtaking show of guided storytelling performance starts off sharing with us an ancient lantern and evolves into an amazing show of magical fireflies, animal spirits and dancing fountains that will feature fantastic special effects with light and music that will totally wow us.
The sounds are sure to take whisk us away as it immerses us into the beauty of this incredible storytelling performance.
Mark Renfrow from Walt Disney Creative Entertainment highly recommends we purchase the soundtrack for Rivers of Light as soon as it becomes available. He is sure we are going to love it.
Eating after Sunset
There will be two new water holes to experience this summer at Animal Kingdon:
Tiffins Waterfront Restaurant: will open its doors at Discovery Island and offer African flare, including culinary specialties such as frog legs tempura, grilled octopus, lobster-popcorn Thai curry soup, or Berber-spiced lamb chop among others. Sounds mouthwatering to me!
Nomad Lounge: if you are looking for a small dinner or a stop for tapas and drinks, this is your after sunset gastronomic destination.
The Rides After Sunset
All I can say is, yes please!!!
Kilimanjaro Safari’s Nocturnal Encounters: This has to be the best news ever for animal lovers and observers. The Kilimanjaro Safari will show us first hand the activity of animals at night. It will be amazing to me to experience a lion roar in the distance as we watch hippos roaming about. 
Expedition Everest: This one is going to be a great adrenalin rush! What will one of our favorite roller coasters feel when we won’t be able to see the turns and drops? It has to be just sensational.
Kali River Rapids: I never tire of the kali River Rapids. Time to get wet at night too! Are you ready for it? I know I am 🙂
The rides, the good food, mesmerizing nighttime shows and Animal Kingdom goodness are now open throughout the summer for our pleasure and enjoyment. I am more than ready for this wild after sunset roaring experience. Will you come and indulge? What new Animal Kingdom attraction are you looking forward the most to?
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. My excitement on the summer events at Animal Kingdom are 100% my own
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