Nighttime festivities for “party animals” and new dining options coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom

in Disney, Entertainment, Theme Parks

Time to gather up your nocturnal friends!

Walt Disney World News reported today that, along with the Rivers of Light nighttime show premiering April 22, Animal Kingdom will also host a series of new adventures in the coming months.

Among these changes are a giant “tree-lighting” ceremony at the Tree of Life, nighttime safaris, and a wild party scene in Harambe Village — all major additions to beef up the night life and bring Animal Kingdom into those late hours. Here are a few of the official descriptions:

The Tree of Life Awakens
Nearby on Discovery Island the area will come alive each night with a celebration filled with music and dance. The theme park’s iconic Tree of Life will undergo extraordinary “awakenings” throughout the evening as the animal spirits are brought to life by magical fireflies that open a window into the body of the tree, revealing colorful stories of wonder and enchantment.

Kilimanjaro Safaris after Dark
Each evening, the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris daytime experience is artfully bathed in the look of sunset with special lighting allowing guests to explore and enjoy this attraction well into the night. During the expedition guests can now enjoy the wildlife at night, and may discover two new species: African wild dogs and hyenas.

Harambe Wildlife Parti/Discovery Island Carnivale
When the sun sets, the popular Village of Harambe will become a hot spot with the new Harambe Wildlife Parti. Here, “party animals” can dance alongside local street musicians and entertainers, partake in exotic foods and libations and explore the diverse wares of village artisans and merchants.  And the new Discovery Island Carnivale will captivate guests with lively music, spirited dance, vibrant costumes, and tasty culinary creations, spreading from one end of the island to the other.

WDW News also reports that, in addition to the new entertainment offerings beginning this summer, park guests will also be able to enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s newest eatery, Tiffins. It will be open for both lunch and dinner, and will celebrate the art of traveling and include waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas. For those not in the know, “Tiffin” is an Indian English word meaning midday meal or type of container used to carry food while traveling.

George A. Kalogridis, President of Walt Disney World Resort, is incredibly optimistic about the success and value of these new options: “Disney’s Animal Kingdom is such a majestic and beautiful park, and to now show our guests original stories that reveal the magic of nature and bring this special park to life like never before — makes nighttime at Disney’s Animal Kingdom a can’t miss experience for Walt Disney World guests this summer.”

What do you think about these festive new additions? Sound off in the comments below!

in Disney, Entertainment, Theme Parks

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