PHOTOS - A look at the completed Rivers of Light seating areas

Apr 13, 2016 in "Rivers of Light"

Rivers of Light viewing areas completed
Posted: Wednesday April 13, 2016 10:48am EDT by WDWMAGIC Staff

Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom may have been delayed, but the work on the seating areas is now largely completed, with all the walls in the area removed, giving us a first look at the finished result.

The seating areas are split into two sides, one on the Dinoland U.S.A. side, and one on Asia. In the story of the show, this represents two villages, and as a result, they have very different looks.

Seating in Asia

Like all the recent additions at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Imagineering really delivered an impressive look in Asia. Not only does it blend well with the existing areas as though it was there from day one, it actually enhances the village around Expedition Everest.

The look of the buildings, and the continuation of the prayer flags ties the areas together beautifully. On the walkways you are now surrounded by the buildings on either side.

The roughly 2500 seats in Asia will be used for FastPass+, with two entrances available, both equipped with highly themed touch points.

Even the show control tower adds to the visual scene in a very positive way.

DinoLand U.S.A. Seating

The second block of seating is less elaborately themed than the Asia side, and does not offer any FastPass+ access, so this will presumably be for standby guests.

There are two entrances leading to the seating, along with what appears to be a standing room only area at the top.

Neither side has any real queue space, so unlike Fantasmic! with its vast holding areas, it seems that guests will have to enter the seating area quickly, with cast members working to keep the surrounding walkways clear.

Rivers of Light does not yet have a confirmed opening date, with the next update expected in mid to late May 2016.

Click the gallery or more photos.


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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. :(