by Erik Yates
Last updated: 11:45 AM ET, Thu February 9, 2017
It's been a long road for Rivers of Light, Walt Disney World's newest nighttime show.
The Animal Kingdom attraction was supposed to premiere Memorial Day Weekend of 2016, but technical difficulties and a sudden change in summer show lineups pushed the premiere of the new show back by almost a year. Now, we are getting word that the show is finally ready, and we will see performances beginning on Feb. 17.
In addition, you can guarantee yourself a great seat for the show, and a great meal by booking one of Disney's new dining packages.
Rivers of Light will be the signature nighttime event for Disney's Animal Kingdom. Currently, it is the only park at Walt Disney World that does not close out with a huge nightly performance. Over the summer of 2016, Animal Kingdom launched a series of nighttime festivities to help keep the park open later.
A nighttime version of their Kilimanjaro Safari was launched, with a few more species of animals, as well as a nighttime street party. The landmark Tree of Life was digitized and came to life with bright and vibrant projections as well.
[READMORE] READ MORE: What to See and Do First at Disney World [/READMORE]
Rivers of Light was supposed to be a huge part of the nighttime "Awakening," but instead the park opted for a musical show based on the hit film, "Jungle Book." Finally, it looks like Rivers of Light will finally get the chance to shine.
Guests can also book exclusive dinner packages that not only give you a chance to dine at the park's newest restaurant, Tiffins, but also reserved seating for Rivers of Light. The first dining package is for Tusker House, and starts at $39 for breakfast and $52 for dinner.
The second package is for the traveling-themed Tiffins and packages begin at $67 for lunch/dinner. You can book now by calling 407-939-5277, or visiting the official website. Guests will receive vouchers for their reserved seats at the time of their meals.
FastPass reservations are also available now as well. The show has a fairly limited seating area, and will likely fill up quickly.
Rivers of Light will use water, projections, fire and music to tell the story of the world around us. The show will use some the newest and greatest technology to have the story unfold around you. Lanterns, fireflies and storytellers will spring to life like you've never seen before.
The new show comes just a few months before Animal Kingdom is set to open Pandora: The World of Avatar. The new area will feature two new attractions, bioluminescent plants and pathways. The new area will become a very popular nighttime feature, which will make the park very popular, so a nighttime show will certainly be key in helping with the massive crowd levels that are sure to flock to the park.
After the Feb. 17 opening, Rivers of Light will continue on select dates through the rest of the year.
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