Rivers of Light viewing advice

Rivers of Light is the nighttime show at Animal Kingdom, and it can be a bit tricky to figure out. You have a few options to see it, and you’ll want to know the pros and cons of each before your trip.

Here’s some advice on the best ways to see Rivers of Light…

Basics

First, some basic info:

• It is usually shown 1-2 times a few nights a week
• Seating is, unfortunately, very limited
• You have 3 different methods for seeing RoL: get in the standby line, get a FastPass+, or book a dining package

Here’s info on each method.

Rivers of Light Dining Package

With the Rivers of Light Dining Package, you can dine at either Tusker House or Tiffins, and then you’re given a voucher to use to check-in later in the viewing area (you can see where that’s located on the graphic above). You have to book this is a dining package and not a regular dining reservation.

Pros: guaranteed seating in a good viewing area, don’t have to waste a FP+ reservation, get to show up to the viewing area later than other people and still get a seat, it costs the same number of Disney Dining Plan credits as a regular Table Service meal at those restaurants

Cons: reservations can often be at weird times, and if you’re paying out of pocket, it’s kind of expensive (Tusker breakfast is $39 adults/$24 kids, Tusker lunch/dinner is $52 adults/$32 kids, Tiffins lunch/dinner is $67 adults/$26 kids)

Rivers of Light FastPass+

You can book a FastPass+ for the show (if there are 2 shows, FP+ will be available for both), and then show up to the FP+ area to sit in that section.

Pros: don’t have to pay any extra, will almost definitely get a seat (have been reports of people not getting in, but if you show up plenty of time beforehand, you can avoid that)

Cons: have to use a FP+ for it (and with Pandora open, you will likely want to use your FP+ for one of those new attractions), very little ability to get bonus FP+ reservations since it takes place at the end of the day, still have to show up pretty far in advance to get a seat

Rivers of Light standby line

You get in line near DinoLand, and you’ll be allowed to sit in the standby section as space is available. If there are 2 shows scheduled in the same night, the second show should be much easier to get into using the standby line.

Pros: don’t have to plan ahead and get FP+ or dining reservations

Cons: line often starts hours in advance, space is very limited so you’re not guaranteed a spot

Recommendation

If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, you should definitely consider booking a Rivers of Light Dining Package because that will be the easiest to do and a good use of a credit (or credits).

If you’re not on the Disney Dining Plan, consider a package because the food is good at both locations, but if you aren’t interested in paying for it, either use a FP+ or skip seeing it. It’s admittedly a lot to go through for a 15-minute show.

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Any other Rivers of Light questions? Feel free to leave those in the comments.

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Shannon Albert

Shannon started this site in May of 2012 to help people plan Disney World trips. Since then, she's visited monthly and stayed in every resort several times. You can find her on social media as well as her weekly podcast, WDW Prep To Go. Email Shannon

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