Welcome to our 4th week in our 5-part series of Entertainment options at Walt Disney World. For the past 3 weeks, we’ve looked at the shows and random performances throughout the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Today, we focus on the fun in the jungle of the Animal Kingdom. As usual, we’ll list the show, normally scheduled show times and a brief description of the performance. So let’s get this started with a high-adrenaline rush in…
Bollywood Beats
Shows at 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm
For those who may not know, the Bollywood style is flashy, high-energy, rhythmic and colorful. This short show located outside of Expedition Everest will leave you exhausted from the moves and impressed by the colorful choreography.
Burudika Band
Shows at 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm
You will find throughout this article that the Harambe Market in Africa is THE place for non-stop entertainment throughout your day at Animal Kingdom. We’ll call these guys the “house band” as they play a wide assortment of African hits that the audience can do choreographed or free-style dances to. Exciting for all ages!
Donald’s Dino-Bash
Character greets from 10:00am to 4:00pm; “Dino-Riffic Dance Party” from 4pm to 8pm
Chip and Dale in Dinosour Onesies?!! Awesome! Your favorite songs like Time Warp and Peanut Butter Jelly Time?! Okay, now we’re having fun! Head over to Dinoland USA and let the kids show the moves, the adults show off the vocals and everyone show off the fun!
Festival of the Lion King
Shows from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on the hour
Because it’s my column, I should get one opinion – This is THE best show at Disney! If you are familiar with the Cirque du Soliel style of acrobatic entertainment, then you know exactly what you’re getting. Incredible routines, colorful costumes, audience participation, all combined with the powerful songs of the Lion King. This show will make you laugh, cry, sing and dance, all while giving you a deeper appreciation of the Circle of Life.
Finding Nemo – The Musical
Shows at 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, and 4:30pm
At 30 minutes long, this is one of the longest shows on the properties and boy is it amazing! If Broadway picked up and relocated at the Animal Kingdom, this is the show you would get. Combining the characters of Finding Nemo with larger than life puppets, underwater projections and live performing, enjoy the air-conditioned aquatic scenery as your favorite characters LITERALLY come to life for your entertainment!
Kora Tinga Tinga
Shows at 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm
Posing as your basic street musician in the Harambe Market, a talented Kora (think guitar, harp, drum thing combo) will sing and play and set the mood as you shop and enjoy the African section of the Animal Kingdom.
Pandora Drummers – Swotu Wayä
Shows every hour starting at 9:30 am
Embedded into the trees of Pandora are drums of all sizes. From these drums, this group bangs, slams, crashes and smashes out beats and rhythms for your listening pleasure. But you don’t get to simply watch – it’s your job to help keep “the voice of the land” alive with your participation so be prepared to show up and show out!
Pandora Rangers
Shows every hour from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
One of the cool visuals in Avatar were the mechanic robotic suits that were roaming around Pandora. Well the movies have come to life at the Animal Kingdom as cast members will walk around and operate these incredible robots in the middle of the crowd taking in the sights and sounds of Pandora. Standing over 10 feet tall, they’re impossible to miss!
Rivers of Light – We Are One
Shows at 9:00pm
Just in time for Summer 2019, the new River of Lights show, renamed We Are One, is here for your nighttime enjoyment at the Animal Kingdom. You must know prior to the show that unlike the other parks, this show does not have fireworks that light up the sky, simply due to the protection of the animals on the grounds. With that said, the colors, sounds, stunning visuals, water projections, lasers and other scenery are the perfect show to bring man and nature together as one!
Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe
Shows at 9:00am, 9:15am, 10:00am, 10:15am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 12:15pm
Between this group and the Kora player (see above), the Africa section of Animal Kingdom is a constant source of entertainment and native beats. Not only do these incredible percussionists keep the rhythm going, they get the crowd involved and use hilarious moves and chants to keep you entertained for the duration of the show. And those costumes are simply amazing as well!
Tree of Life Awakenings
Projections begin at 8:50pm
If you thought the Tree of Life was amazing in the daytime, it really comes to life when the sun goes down. You are pretty familiar with the many animal carvings throughout the entire tree but you’ll be amazed at what they do in the evening. While it may not be a true “show,” there are still projections and clips from your favorite Disney animal characters, colorful lights that are a delight for the eyes and soft soothing tones in the background that truly put you at peace at the end of a long day!
UP! A Great Bird Adventure
Shows at 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5:00pm
Admittedly, this combination of Up! and birds did not feel as natural as other marriages, but this 30-minute educational show in Asia will make you look at birds differently. Seated in a large open air aviary, our host introduces us to different species of birds in a fun, storytelling way. And our friends, Dug and Russell, join in the fun as well making this a show for all ages.
Viva Gaia Street Band
Show times throughout the day
First things first, those hats are amazing! The costumes are awesome. And now we can talk about how cool these dudes are? Disguised as Caribbean street musicians, this group will lead a street party you won’t forget. Join in the fun with your own moves and vocals and have a great time for a half-hour!
Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight
Shows at 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm
Part of the intrigue of the Animal Kingdom is the study of animals and not necessarily the focus on attractions for humans. In this show, birds fly around for your enjoyment. We learn about the birds and watch them interact up close, giving us a whole new perspective (and appreciation) of our avian friends!
