Yesterday Disney’s Animal Kingdom surprised guests with a preview of the new show replacing Flights of Wonder, UP! A Great Bird Adventure.
Of course, WDWNT was there to bring you coverage of this highly-anticipated new show, set to officially debut this Sunday, April 22, which is the park’s 20th anniversary.
Disney describes the new show this way:
Take flight! Starting April 22, Guests of all ages are invited to join Russell and his furry sidekick Dug on a flap-happy adventure sure to send spirits soaring. Led by senior Wilderness Explorer Anika, this unique birding experience features a close-up look at various species from around the globe—including the marabou stork, a creature that flaunts a magnificent 10-foot wingspan. Prepare for breathtaking fun with these free-flying fowl… along with a few other surprises!
We thought the new show is definitely a step down from the original Flights of Wonder show. The script is definitely dumbed down now with the interaction of the “Disney/Pixar Up” characters, and feels like it tailors to younger audience members versus the previous show. The birds in the show are fantastic and there are still a few bugs to work out but that comes with the nature of it being a soft preview. Most park patrons will appreciate it because it incorporates Disney characters; that’s what brings in the crowds. I expect the show to go through some changes even after it officially opens on April 22nd.
We have a video of Flights of Wonder if you want to compare.
We’ll have further coverage of the first official show this weekend.
Imo, this show is not good. I’m sure the actors are fine people but the script is clumsy and dumbed down. As an adult, I have to say I’ll be skipping this one. The old show was entertaining for all and goofy enough for kids attention. This one makes it awkward for an adult to sit thru. And… It was all pretty much the same birds doing the same thing. For a show like this to work I feel like you have to use face characters not costumed ones. The woman is too much of the breathless, flowy, over acting that is becoming all too common in the announcements, scripts and shows in AK and even Epcot.