Yesterday Disney’s Animal Kingdom surprised guests with a preview of the new show replacing Flights of Wonder, UP! A Great Bird Adventure.

Of course, WDWNT was there to bring you coverage of this highly-anticipated new show, set to officially debut this Sunday, April 22, which is the park’s 20th anniversary.

Disney describes the new show this way:

Take flight! Starting April 22, Guests of all ages are invited to join Russell and his furry sidekick Dug on a flap-happy adventure sure to send spirits soaring. Led by senior Wilderness Explorer Anika, this unique birding experience features a close-up look at various species from around the globe—including the marabou stork, a creature that flaunts a magnificent 10-foot wingspan. Prepare for breathtaking fun with these free-flying fowl… along with a few other surprises!

We thought the new show is definitely a step down from the original Flights of Wonder show. The script is definitely dumbed down now with the interaction of the “Disney/Pixar Up” characters, and feels like it tailors to younger audience members versus the previous show. The birds in the show are fantastic and there are still a few bugs to work out but that comes with the nature of it being a soft preview. Most park patrons will appreciate it because it incorporates Disney characters; that’s what brings in the crowds. I expect the show to go through some changes even after it officially opens on April 22nd.

We have a video of Flights of Wonder if you want to compare.

We’ll have further coverage of the first official show this weekend.