Guide to everything you need to know about Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Feb 17, 2017 in "Rivers of Light"

Posted: Friday February 17, 2017 10:49am EST by WDWMAGIC Staff

Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom officially opens today, and we've put together a guide to everything you need to know about seeing the new show.

If you would like information about the actual show, you can read our Rivers of Light first impressions and see our video highlights from the show.

When is Rivers of Light shown?

After this weekend's opening, the show is typically being performed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. During busier times, it moves to daily performances with multiple shows per day. See the full Rivers of Light schedule.

How long is Rivers of Light?

The actual show is 16 minutes long, although the pre-show begins around 15 minutes before showtime, bringing the total entertainment to something closer to 30 minutes.

Is FastPass+ available?

Yes, FastPass+ is available. Reservations can be made via My Disney Experience or the in-park kiosks.

What Dining Packages are available for Rivers of Light?

Dining Packages are available at Tiffins and Tusker House

Each meal includes a non-alcoholic beverage and seating for the show.

Tusker House Restaurant

While this dining package is available for all meal periods, Guests must arrive to dine no later than 2 hours and thirty minutes prior to showtime.

Rivers of Light Dining Package Prices (Dining Plan Eligible)

  • Breakfast, starting at: $39.00 adults  $23.00 children ages 3 to 9 
  • Lunch/Dinner, starting at: $52.00 adults $32.00 children ages 3 to 9

Tiffins

While this dining package is available for both lunch and dinner periods, Guests must arrive to dine no later than 3 hours prior to showtime.

Rivers of Light Dining Package Prices (Dining Plan Eligible)

  • Lunch/Dinner starting at:  $67.00 adults $26 children ages 3 to 9

Reservations for both can now be made at 407-WDW-DINE or online.

Is standby seating available?

Yes, standby guests are accommodated, but much of the seating is taken up with FastPass+ and Dining Packages. We recommend you get there early if attending as a standby guest.

Where do I go to see the show?

Rivers of Light has two separate seating areas, one on the Asia side of the water and one on the DinoLand U.S.A. side. 

The Asia side is for FastPass+ seating only.

The DinoLand U.S.A. side is for standby and guests who have purchased a Rivers of Light Dining Package.

There are not many viewing areas located outside of the designated theater spaces, so plan to see the show from there.

What is the capacity of the theaters?

The Asia side for FastPass+ seats around 2300 guests, and the DinoLand U.S.A. side seats around 2700 guests. There is also standing capacity on the DinoLand U.S.A. side for standby guests, bringing total capacity to around 6000 guests.

Will Rivers of Light perform in bad weather?

The show has been designed to run in poor weather, including rain. However, it will not be shown in the event of lightning being observed in the area. 

If you have a FastPass+ reservation and the show is cancelled due to weather, you will receive a special FastPass+ valid for any attraction (other than Rivers of Light) at any park to use on the following day.

If you have the Dining Package and the show is cancelled, you will be able to attend another performance of Rivers of Light up to five days after the original cancellation.

How does stroller parking work at Rivers of Light?

Stroller parking is available for both theaters, and cast members are happy to take your stroller and park it for you. At the end of the show, you will be able to retrieve it from the parking area near the exit of the show.

Is the show suitable for small children?

Rivers of Light does not contain any fireworks, loud noises or frightening effects. The music plays at typical show levels.

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I am TimmyJul 17, 2020

Rough. I had high hopes for this, my oldest son actually loves it. We knew it wasn't popular, maybe if it had been given the chance it deserved, instead of constant cutbacks it could've been great. The area is beautiful, hope they do something with it.

HauntedMansionFLAJul 17, 2020

One of the best shows on property

brb1006Jul 17, 2020

At least we have the Tree Of Life projection show (that happens at random).

HauntedMansionFLAJul 17, 2020

Well, I guess if they aren’t going to be open pat 6:00 pm 😭

brb1006Jul 17, 2020

R.I.P Rivers Of Light 2017-2020

bubbles1812Mar 17, 2019

I don’t think they probably do that much cleaning (if at all) to the water in Paradise Bay. Having experienced WoC up close and personal, I can tell you it’s definitely not chlorinated by any means. I don’t think I’d feel too much difference with it versus the water in AK, haha. And I’ll echo what the other poster said. Definitely fireworks ash combined with water. Has happened to me at several of the Florida parks if there’s been a rainstorm right before the night shows. Still gross ;)

RSoxNo1Mar 16, 2019

Delicious tropical bacteria*

ToTBellHopMar 14, 2019

The water in Paradise Bay is nasty, too. At least in Florida, it’s only tropical bacteria.

TTA94Mar 14, 2019

Maybe im wrong but I feel like there is a big difference between the water in WoC and RoL lol. Getting wet from WoC doesn’t sound as bad or dangerous as getting wet by the nasty water of RoL lol. I feel like I’m going to catch some nasty bacteria or something lol. I remember watching Ignite at Sea World during the Summer, getting soaked from their fountains and having black specks on my skin. Gross!

Timothy_QMar 13, 2019

There's wind only in Florida? You usually get soaked in WoC if you're close to water. That's a non issue

TTA94Mar 13, 2019

It happened to me twice recently from the Dinoland side.

SquishyMar 13, 2019

I watched the show front row atleast 8 times already and never felt a drop of water.

TTA94Mar 13, 2019

Hopefully I’m wrong but I doubt the Shamans will come back. If RoL was more like World of Color, sadly with IP, it would be extremely popular. Although I’m not sure that would ever work due to wind and beeeze factors. As it is you can get pretty wet from just the 4 lotus fountains and the giant water screen.

cjkeatingMar 13, 2019

Let's hope so. No sign of Rafiki's reopening so I'm not holding out hope. :(