2:56am ET
One of Animal Kingdom's first forms of *nighttime* entertainment is coming to a close. Jungle Book: Alive with Magic will run it's last pair of shows on Monday, September 5th. Developed as a stop-gap show due to Rivers of Light failing to come together, Jungle Book: Alive with Magic epitomized what Animal Kingdom is all about, but was unsuccessful in filling the stadium twice a night.
Every summer night 50+ performers, 3 singers, fire twirlers and equity dancers flooded the Discovery River-- putting on a culturally authentic representation of Jon Favreau's Jungle Book (2016). While the show may be deserving of being dubbed a "Nighttime spectacular," it certainly is something guests should see if they're given the chance. With a medley of songs crooned by lives singers, intricate and culturally representative movements and dances and a reinterpretation of the movie, the 26 minute show has a lot to soak in. Over the course of the show's existence, creative entertainment has tried altering certain segments in an effort to elevate the atmosphere of the show. Some of those changes included performers dancing with the crowd, pyro shooting out of the barges and a pre-show to entertain guests while they waited for the show.
With no definite plans on a future show, many are still hopeful that Rivers of Light will make a highly anticipated debut this Christmas season. Jungle Book: Alive with Magic is the only nighttime offering scheduled to be leaving Animal Kingdom, and the park will change it's closing time from 11:00pm to 9:00pm. Food For Thought: Before Jungle Book Alive with Magic debuted, Imagineers were frequently testing different Rivers of Light barges. The pink lotus flower, which is believed to be the centerpiece for the show, was found in Discovery River quite often... but recently, one viewer caught a glimpse of a tiger float. The only other time this float has been seen is in the concept art for Rivers of Light and for the alternate version of the show performed at this year's "Awaken Summer" press event. Take a look:
Other nighttime offerings at Disney's Animal Kingdom: Awaken the Night Construction at Animal Kingdom: Pandora, the world of Avatar
