Disney has finally announced that beginning Memorial Day Weekend, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be open into the evening hours with all nighttime events previously announced (with the exception of Rivers of Light) staying open into the evening.

Here is everything announced so far as well as insight into a few new events that were previously unannounced.

Animal Kingdom Late Night Park Hours

Currently (and this could change at any given point in time) Disney’s Animal Kingdom is open until around 6-6:30pm however if you jump forward to Memorial Day Weekend you will see the hours increase:

Friday May 27th –  11pm

Saturday May 28th –  11pm

Sunday May 29th –  11pm

Monday May 30th – 11pm

So it looks like Animal Kingdom is going to be open until 11pm from 27th May onwards!

Jungle Book: Alive With Magic

It would seem that this show is very much a temporary replacement to Rivers of Light as it will be setting up shop on Discovery River. All we know about this show so far is that it is filled with music and special effects that celebrates the new film and the classic songs and that it will be infused with an Indian influence.

This is an interesting move from Disney and the fact that this is a Summer replacement to Rivers of Light suggests that something significantly wrong has occurred with Rivers of Light that they are trying to sort out.

The good news is of course that Disney haven’t stopped them from opening the park into the evening and have clearly scrambled to put on a show in  the meantime. Following on from the success of the Jungle Book it makes perfect sense to create a show from the movie.

Tree of Life Awakening

I have already discussed this one quite a bit both on recent podcasts and in a couple of posts but every night the Tree of Life will awaken with a light show full of animal spirits. Take a look at the preview below:

Kilimanjaro Safaris After Dark

Thanks to special lighting on the attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris will be able to stay open later into the evening from Memorial Day Weekend.

Harambe Wildlife Parti

Disney have said that guests will be able to turn into ‘party animals’ and enjoy a mix of African music as well as additional foods and drinks that aren’t available during the day.

Discovery Island Carnivale

Guests will be able to join in with the community on Discovery Island in their love for nature in a party that will include music, dancers, stilt walkers and food and beverage options.

Tiffins Restaurant

The brand new signature restaurant will be opening at the park and of course be open for evening reservations, check out our earlier post for more information on Tiffins Restaurant.

Attractions Opening Late

Disney has confirmed the following attractions that will be open later into the evening:

  • Expedition Everest
  • Kali River Rapids
  • All attractions in DinoLand U.S.A

It is unclear yet whether this is the final list or whether Disney is still undecided on other attractions.

With everything announced here I can’t wait to experience Disney’s Animal Kingdom at night, what do you think of all of these announcements?