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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Josh
Sunday 16th of June 2019
Hi We have a 615 tuskers reservation as part of the ROL dining package, for an 8pm ROL show. After we finish at tuskers quickly, can we go for a ride before the ROL show begins? Or do we have to go from straight to ROL??
Megan
Tuesday 13th of November 2018
Can you take food into the seating area?
Shannon Albert
Wednesday 14th of November 2018
Yes. In general, you can take food anywhere that has outdoor seating.
Michelle Stenson
Friday 19th of October 2018
Can I book a meal to get tickets for the show on a quick service plan?
bruce
Friday 17th of August 2018
ok is it running on jan 6 2019 schedule not out yet..
Catherine
Tuesday 19th of June 2018
The show is at 6:30 pm for 15 minutes, and I have a 6:50 reservation for the 8 of us at Tuskers. I am willing to use the FastPass+ but I am not sure if we can stand anywhere to see the show and also make the reservation?
Shannon Albert
Wednesday 20th of June 2018
That's cutting it too close. I would try to adjust your dining reservation to 7:15 or later if you can.