The original Rivers of Light debuted only 2 years ago and we’re already getting a new version. Disney has announced the new show coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is called: “Rivers of Light: We Are One” and will be replacing the old Rivers of Light show May 24, 2019.
If you haven’t experienced “Rivers of Light” yet, it’s a nighttime show set out on the waters of Discovery River and it’s a pageant of beautifully illuminated lantern floats, grand theatrical imagery, a soaring musical score and innovative special effects.
Honestly it’s not our favorite nighttime show by any means in Walt Disney World, but it has potential that it hasn’t fulfilled yet, now with “Rivers of Light: We Are One,” just maybe they’ll be able to do that.
You can read our full review of the original Rivers of Light show for a more detailed look and our thoughts on it.
What’s new in “Rivers of Light: We Are One”:
“Rivers of Light: We Are One” is a similar setup to the original, but instead of the original music and characters, it will introduce images and characters from the Disneynature films, along with a colorful tapestry of classic moments from Disney animation. As you can see in the first photo, some scenes will be from The Lion King for example which makes sense in the Animal Kingdom.
Here’s a video preview of the new “Rivers of Light: We Are One”:
The music of “Rivers of Light: We Are One” will be a mix of the original musical score and familiar Disney theme songs. This is will be interesting to see how they work everything together to create powerful arrangements to tell the story.
I don’t think this was a big shock to anyone who has followed the Rivers of Light story from the beginning. Right from conception it’s been really difficult to bring this show together and that fact plus the fact that it can be quite boring sometimes made it obvious that a change was coming soon.
Everything is going to IP obviously now which is no surprise, and I’m actually shocked they didn’t work the Disney characters into the original version of Rivers of Light (Jungle Book version not withstanding). My main complaint with Rivers of Light is that it needs more energy which I’m hoping they will bring in this new version.
“Rivers of Light: We Are One” is coming to the Discovery River Amphitheater at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, May 24, 2019.
Your Thoughts:
I want to know what you think about the new Rivers of Light: We Are One show coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom…
- Are you looking forward to it?
- Are you happy it’s changing?
Let us know in the comments section below!
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My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.
Jim
Sunday 26th of May 2019
Still hasn't fulfilled that potential we had hoped it had.
Ziggy
Saturday 15th of June 2019
Hi Jim thanks for the comment. I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy the new show. I still haven't seen it so I can't comment personally yet. What was it about the show that was disappointing?
NENolan
Monday 22nd of April 2019
I wasn't happy that they pulled the actors from the original but again the show was beautiful. I didn't think it was boring at all. They can't do fireworks at Animal Kingdom so they do the best they can. Of course, the new show looks to be filled with Disney IP. Is it even possible that Disney can come up with a show or attraction that is completely original anymore? Wasn't planning on doing AK on our next trip in October although that could change. I will have to reserve judgement until I experience the show. Since they are set on replacing it, I'm hoping it's good.
Ziggy
Tuesday 23rd of April 2019
Thanks for the comment NENolan! I think you are in the minority with ROL in that most find it a bit slow and boring at times. I think personally that it's really beautiful in many moments and has potential, but something, some x-factor was missing from the show since inception. I know there were tons of problems getting it off the ground and I don't know what they cut due to it being too difficult technically to achieve. I hope the next version is a bit more exciting and they insert the IP in a way that is compelling and adds to the show, not just inserting them to insert them
Marion
Monday 22nd of April 2019
While it is just okay, it is my least favorite of the shows. Looking forward to new one and sure it'll be better.
Ziggy
Tuesday 23rd of April 2019
Thanks for your thoughts Marion! Yeah it's my least fav too, and hopefully this one is a bit more exciting!