Disney News: Rivers of Light Debuts, Victoria & Albert’s Wins, New Nighttime Spectacular

“Rivers of Light” Officially Opens Tonight at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

For more than a year, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park at Walt Disney World® Resort has continued its evolution to a day-to-night park by introducing a rich variety of new nighttime experiences – from Kilimanjaro Safaris after sunset and fine dining at Tiffins, to the vibrant entertainment at the Harambe Wildlife Parti and Discovery Island Carnivale. And when the Tree of Life awakens after dark, it is truly a sight to behold!

Today, we’re happy to announce one of the park’s newest nighttime experiences, “Rivers of Light,” will make its official debut this evening!

Continuing the grand Disney tradition of innovative, after-dark entertainment, “Rivers of Light” combines live performance, floating set pieces, a soaring musical score, fountains and more in a celebration of animals and nature. The story magically unfolds on the broad natural stage of the Discovery River, conveying the uplifting spirit of an ancient and timeless lantern ceremony and filled with symbolism, storytelling and plenty of heart.

Dining and FastPass+ reservations for this new show are now available.

And don’t forget that the next step in the expansion of Disney’s Animal Kingdom – the grand debut of Pandora – The World of Avatar – will take place on May 27, 2017.

Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort Receives 17th AAA Five-Diamond Award

For the 17th year in a row, Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa has been awarded the coveted AAA Five Diamonds.

There are 47 AAA Five Diamond restaurants in the United States, with only three in Florida – and Victoria & Albert’s is the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Central Florida.

We congratulate Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef de Cuisine Aimee Rivera, Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, Maître d’Hôtel Israel Perez and their team for earning the prestigious award for the gem of a restaurant.

AAA Five Diamond restaurants reflect the ultimate in luxury and sophistication, and Victoria & Albert’s wows guests every single night of the year with three dining experiences: the dining room, the elegant Queen Victoria’s Room and the Chef’s Table in the kitchen.

“Happily Ever After,” Nighttime Spectacular Will Debut at Magic Kingdom Park May 12

“Happily Ever After,” a new nighttime spectacular that will combine the magic of Disney storytelling, beloved Disney characters, fireworks and so much more, will debut at Magic Kingdom® Park at Walt Disney World® Resort on May 12, 2017.

The spectacular will inspire you to seek out and find your own “Happily Ever After” by showcasing some of the greatest adventures Disney characters have taken to achieve their dreams. The show will feature the latest fireworks and pyrotechnics and original animation, plus a heart-tugging original score. And thanks to the inclusion of state-of-the-art projection mapping technology, more Disney characters than ever before will be featured in the show, including moments from “Moana,” “Brave,” “Big Hero 6,” “Zootopia,” “The Princess & The Frog,” “Aladdin” and many others.

The Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace will continue to offer up a scrumptious way to view the nighttime fun as “Happily Ever After” makes its debut.