The Jungle Book-Alive with Magic

Best ways to enjoy the new nighttime show at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park 

​By David Platt, your Mouse Master specialist

The Jungle Book-Alive with Magic opened Memorial Day weekend to mixed reviews. It's a different kind of nighttime show compared to nighttime spectaculars like the Wishes fireworks show in the Magic Kingdom® Park or IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth in Epcot®. This limited-engagement show, infused with Bollywood style and based on the new hit live-action film The Jungle Book, requires a unique approach for the best possible experience.

Somewhat like Fantasmic!, performance is a big part of show. Complex dance numbers take place on barges moving on Discovery River, combining with fountain and lighting effects as well as water screens and projection to create a truly unique experience. Because the seating area was designed for the yet-to-debut Rivers of Light show, sight lines for this limited engagement show can be challenging. You essentially have two options to get the best views: 1) Book a FastPass+ reservation for the show, AND show up at least 30 minutes prior to show time. This will get you seated in the best viewing area on the Asia side of the River. 2) Book a Dining Package AND show up at least 30 minutes prior to show time. This will get you seated in the best viewing area on the DinoLand U.S.A.® Land side of the River. If you're not seated in one of the first two rows, you'll probably have a better view standing in the back of the viewing area than in the middle rows - the rake of the seating is not steep enough for this show.

Tusker House dining packages cost $37+tax & gratuity/adult for breakfast; $49+tax & gratuity/adult for lunch or dinner (or 1 Table Service Dining credit). The packages are the same great character dining experience as the regular meal at Tusker House, just restricted to more limited times. The best cash value is the Tiffins dining package, for lunch or dinner. The whole menu is available, and unless you order the vegetarian option, the prix fixe dining package option, priced at $67+tax & gratuity/adult for lunch and dinner, is less expensive than ordering the same items but NOT getting the special seating for the show!

Have you seen The Jungle Book-Alive with Magic yet? Let me know what your experience was like!