In a memo to Cast Members, Walt Disney World has indicated the permanent closure of Primeval Whirl and Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, plus confirmed the official closure of Stitch’s Great Escape at the Magic Kingdom.
Stitch’s Great Escape has long since been “Temporarily Closed” at the Magic Kingdom (and is rumored to be replaced with a new “Wreck-It Ralph” attraction.) Back in March, permits were filed for the interior demolition of the theater that houses what remains of Stitch’s Great Escape. This project is now likely delayed or cancelled.
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Primeval Whirl was recently removed from all park guidemaps and listings. “Rivers of Light” did not make a comeback for the park’s reopening, as all shows and nighttime spectaculars are temporarily suspended in order to maintain social distancing efforts.
Last August, we broke news on a potential new show replacing “Rivers of Light” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with the new version of Rivers of Light set to borrow elements from the “EPCOT Forever” nighttime spectacular, including the same “special effects” kite technology. “Rivers of Light” was intended to end next year, according to sources, so the show getting cancelled early is likely the residual effect of current COVID-19 conditions.
Of course, given the recent budget cuts, cancellations, and indefinite project postponements across property, it’s unlikely we’ll see any new shows or attractions debut in the near future as replacements for these offerings.
Further details have yet to be publicly announced.
