Whether you are visiting for the first time or you’re an old hand, you’ll discover some great things in Animal Kingdom at night that you just won’t want to miss.
Pandora: World of Avatar created a whole new world for visitors to Animal Kingdom. No longer can this be considered a half day park. As well as taking in all the daytime activities, you really need to visit Animal Kingdom at night to experience a world of difference
Here’s 8 Reasons You’ll Love Animal Kingdom at Night:
#1) Pandora Comes Alive at Night
Photo Credit: ©Disney
This place is pretty mind blowing in daylight with floating mountains and jaw dropping decor, but it’s a whole new world once the sun goes down bioluminescent flora brings the moon of Pandora to glowing vivid life.
#2) You Can See A Night Time Show – Rivers of Light
Rivers of Light is an enchanting water and light show featuring special effects.
With a dazzling array of glowing lanterns, fireflies and dancing animals, this colorful event can be enjoyed by all ages.
There are generally two showings a night, but this can vary so do check the daily schedule. If you don’t want to wait in line, you’ll definitely need a Fastpass.
Photo Credit: ©Disney
If you want guaranteed premium seating and dinner, consider the Rivers of Light Dining Package. A meal at either Tiffins or Tusker House Restaurant is included along with premium seating for Rivers of Light show.
#3) Watch Tree of Life Awakenings
Watch in wonder as the Tree of Life, the main focal point of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, comes to life in the evening. The tree is home to hundreds of animal carvings across its gnarled and impressive trunk. The animal spirits are brought to life by magical fireflies, emerging after sunset and continuing every 15 minutes until the park closes.
Photo Credit: ©Disney
The awakening features a variety of vivid images in mesmerizing flashes of brilliant color. Emerging animals include deer, hummingbirds, bears, dolphins, eagles, monkeys and lions.
A heartwarming feast for the eyes, each spirit birth celebrates the balance and harmony of the circle of life.
You don’t need to be facing the tree to get all the effects. There are viewing areas in trails around the tree and also between Africa and Asia. Much quieter and even seating with an unspoiled view.
#4) Join in With Street Parties
The Harambe Wildlife Parti
Harambe Village is where the ‘party animals’ take over Animal Kingdom at night. Afro-Pop musicians the Burudika Band kick off events late afternoon. Join in, clap your hands and dance in the street.
African music and dance continues with the 3 Karibu Sisters and their acapella song and dance routines.
Any soccer fans? They’ll be jumping to join in with the Harambe Soccer Meerkats. The Harambe Village Acrobats will have you exhausted just watching them dance, tumble and create human pyramids.
Discovery Island Carnivale
As evening approaches and the sun slowly dips, you’ll pick up the steady beat of Latin drums filling Animal Kingdom at night. Discovery Island Carnivale kicks into action with stilt walkers, dancers and musicians. The lively beat marks the end of the day and the beginning of a night-time of fun-filled events.
The Viva Gaia Street Band and friendly Islanders welcome you to a gala performance celebrating the amazing beauty of nature – the “Nature Family.” With colorful costumes and lively beats, creatures of land, air and sea march from one end of Discovery Island to the other. On arrival at the Island’s center stage, festivities launch into full swing.
Join in the excitement of this dazzling display and boogie down to the pulsating bass and rhythms in Animal Kingdom at night.
Check the Online Park Schedule for showtimes
#5) Take A Kilimanjaro Night Time Safari
Photo Credit: ©Disney
Nature bursts in to a whole new world in Animal Kingdom at night. Take a ride through rugged terrain and see the nocturnal habits of the inhabitants. Disney have almost doubled the animal population living on the savanna through breeding and acquisition.You might see a crocodile slumped upon a rock, scales lit silver in the moonlight. Lions may snooze during the day, but they are much more active in the dark.
Your helpful safari guide will be there to answer questions and provide you with the night-time habits of all your favorite animals.
If you can time it right, try and hit the Safari at sunset, you’ll get some great images and also see more animals before it gets completely dark.
Check out the lions roar we were treated to recently 🙂
Preparing the Animals for Animal Kingdom at night
Lighting is strategically designed so you can experience the full effect of the setting sun and rising moon without disturbing the animals. Dark areas were purposely left to give animals an option to enter darkened areas.
It wasn’t just animals on the savanna that Disney protected, they wanted to make sure all animals throughout the park wouldn’t be disturbed by activities during Animal Kingdom at night. To prevent excess sound, the siamang temple was soundproofed so that the inhabitants (members of the gibbon family) could sleep easy. Fireworks may be one of Disney’s most popular attractions, but they were ruled out as too stressful for the animal residents.
If you want an even more unique experience, consider Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience. This dining and safari experience gives you the best of both worlds – a private safari and African inspired cuisine.
#6) Tackle A Yeti in The Dark
Photo Credit: ©Disney
Speed through the Himalayas at night on this thrilling coaster. Expedition Everest flings you into the path of the legendary Yeti and hurls you up the neck of the Forbidden Mountain.
There’s plenty of unexpected twists, broken tracks and wild turns. Will you make it back safely, or will the Yeti claim another victim?
Hop aboard and find out.
#7) Enjoy Dark Splashes on Kali River Rapids
Photo Credit: ©Disney
Jump onto a rafting expedition at night in the heart of Asia. Drift among stone ruins before entering a centuries-old temple. Take a plunge down the mountain as you spin and splutter in all directions before dropping off a 20-foot slope.
It might be dark, but keep your eyes open out for evil non-rafters who take a delight in taking aim with the Elephant Squirters to drench you even more as you pass by below them.
As if you won’t be soaked already!
#8) Fine Dine in Flip Flops
Along with all the night-time events,there’s some amazing dining options in Animal Kingdom at night to feed weary travelers.
And there’s just something a little bit naughty but nice about fine dining in flip-flops and shorts!
Photo Credit: ©Disney
Tiffins
A fine dining experience with an eclectic menu of mouth-watering dishes from around the world. The 3 distinctly designed dining rooms give different experiences and it’s worth taking a quick tour before or after dinner. Appetizers include Chef’s House-made Charcuterie Board and Charred Octopus. Entrees include snake River Farms Wagyu Eye of Rib-Eye and Braised Berkshire Pork Belly Ramen.
Photo Credit: ©Disney
Nomad Lounge
Right next door to Tiffins is Nomad Lounge. Relax on the outdoor veranda and sample mouth-watering small plates of Wagyu beef skewers and honey-glazed coriander-spiced pork ribs. You can drink from around the world too. Sit back and sip a Dalang’s Delight, Night Monkey or leaping lizard. There’s a selection of beers, wines and liqueurs too.
Satu’li Canteen
Have dinner in this former RDA mess hall 4.4 light years away. This restaurant in Pandora: World of Avatar has an impressive menu offering out of this world eats and treats. Mix and match protein and grain to create your own unique bowl. Or try one of the funky looking Veggie or Burger Bao Buns.
But make sure you leave room for the Blueberry cheesecake mousse – this really is an out of this world dessert!
Weather you visit Pandora, take thrill rides at night, hop on a safari or sit back and watch shows, you have 8 more reasons you’ll love Animal Kingdom At Night.
An after you’ve discovered Animal Kingdom at night, no doubt you’ll want to head home to a super comfortable vacation home! Check our 3 rental homes, perfect for your Orlando vacation.
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