Cast Members were able to see a preview of Disney KiteTails early this morning at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and here are some details and early thoughts on the new show.
Disney KiteTails takes place on the Discovery River and is viewed from the DinoLand side of the amphitheater built for Rivers of Light. The Asia side of the theater is not used for the audience or performers, but is a landing site for the large kites.
A small 10 minute preshow sees two performers fly small Little Mermaid kites, and a family of sea turtle puppet-like kites hand out mini-turtle puppets to some of the audience for what is likely to be a kids' parade around the theater. From the pre-show, the Discovery Island drummers start the 10 minute show.
The show features various kites depicting familiar characters from "The Lion King" or "The Jungle Book," including Baloo, Zazu, Simba, King Louie, Timon and Pumbaa. It appears that there are two separate shows, with one featuring the Lion King, and the other featuring the Jungle Book - you do not see both sets of kites in the same show.
There is a narrated introduction, but during the show there is no storyline or narration, with the kite sequences accompanied by music only.
Six jetskis are used in the show to pull the three large 30ft long kites above the water.
In addition to the water-based kites, there are approximately eight performers on land at the front of the theater flying smaller kites.
The general impression is that Disney KiteTails is a low-key show that will be a pleasant surprise for guests to catch while in the area, and as always the performers give it their all. But it isn't a major production like Rivers of Light, and expectations should be set accordingly. Comparisons can be made to it being cavalcade-like in scope.
The show will officially debut on October 1 as part of The World's Most Magical Celebration at Walt Disney World. Showtimes will be 11:15am, 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 3:15pm, 4:15pm, and 5:15pm daily.
Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox