Photo by Erin Heaton

I’m sad that it’s already 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 fit perfectly with the park’s overall theme. It was a different kind of nighttime show that didn’t need fireworks and Disney clips to succeed. 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. I know this wasn’t the predominant view, however.

The same elements that made Rivers of Light unique also led to its demise. It didn’t include typical beats that you might expect in a nighttime show 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 just made things worse.

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’s 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 review from March 2017. I went in cold and was surprised by how much I enjoyed the experience.

Photo by Erin Heaton

A Tumultuous Process

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 at Disney’s Animal Kingdom 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 didn’t use IP and 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 is situated at the back of the park and split into areas for FastPass, dinner package, and standby guests. The capacity is reportedly only 5,000 seats, which is not enough for everyone. Disney has wisely added a second show to accommodate more guests. FastPass guests must 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.

Photo by Erin Heaton

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 starts before the official time and builds the mood. Flickering lights and animal images appear on the trees and are striking from the view across the lagoon. There are few bright lights in the area, which adds to the natural feeling. Despite sitting near many other guests, it’s quite a relaxing atmosphere.

The excitement begins 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 aren’t just props and set the foundation for the wonders to come. They’re joined by two large boats holding each shaman that helps present the show plus boats with animal shapes lit up on top of them. They include tigers, elephants, and turtles to help maintain the focus on love for nature.

It’s hard to explain the anticipation that builds during the pre-show experience. The slow-burn approach draws the audience into the scene and doesn’t overwhelm us too quickly. The more languid pace matches the feeling of visiting the Animal Kingdom. This isn’t the constant rush of attractions and shows that you experience at The Magic Kingdom. Rivers of Light embodies 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 matches my feelings during recent Animal Kingdom visits.

Photo by Erin Heaton

The Main Event

I won’t try to 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 nighttime show at Disney World has been Illuminations because it fits perfectly within Epcot. It also seems original and not another way to present Disney movies. Illuminations is quintessential to Epcot, and I feel 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 seem incomplete. Some projections look vivid, while others are 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 is also one of its strongest attributes. The theme of nature’s beauty works because it’s a gorgeous show. The message can be obvious yet still work because it’s an original experience.

Rivers of Light represents a new stage in projection technology and clicks because you’re close to the action. When the boats move directly in front of us, the animal images feel personal and not just part of a spectacle. Grand moments cover the lagoon, but they aren’t the entire presentation. There is 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.

Photo by Erin Heaton

The Music

When the show ended, my first thought was that I needed to buy the soundtrack. Disney is a commercial machine and would definitely have a CD for sale, right? (Update: It’s now available to purchase). So much of Rivers of Light’s success comes from the score, written by Don L. Harper. It falls a bit short of Illuminations but is still remarkable. This isn’t an obvious theme park show with basic music. You don’t come out of the park humming any tunes, though the song “We Are One” by Mark Mancina (Moana) is 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 drop me right back into that theater. It complements the show’s positive atmosphere without being too obvious. A few moments veer a little too much into Survivor theme territory, but those are the exceptions. It’s mostly a joyous celebration that combines well with the rest of the show. This music fits the Animal Kingdom’s setting with harmonies and ambient sounds creating the right tone. In a similar way to Illuminations, it’s the quiet moments that set the stage for the crescendos that follow.

Photo by Erin Heaton

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 hits the lowest common denominator here, and even the technical glitches make it feel less stale. I’ll close with some additional photos that should help explain the power of Rivers of Life for this normally skeptical guy.

Photo by Erin Heaton

Photo by Erin Heaton

Photo by Erin Heaton

Related Articles

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review

Seven Wishes for Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Growth vs. Maturity: Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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