PHOTOS - New Harambe Theater district

[FerretAfros]

The new theater area looks like it's really well done, and a much more fitting home for the show than the 'temporary' location in CMM that eventually became permanent

That said, I'm disappointed that they didn't make more improvements to the show itself during this time. HKDL has a FOTLK show of its own, and it's quite similar to the DAK version, but manages to have better pacing and flow, all while having to present the show simultaneously in 3 different languages. Not that the DAK show is bad by any means (I consider it good-but-not-great), but it's disappointing that they didn't incorporate the improvements that have already been made for it

 

[wsmith1978]

Wow! So much more than I expected. Not just a new theater, but a whole new little section! Perfectly themed. A much better setting than the original location.

I can't wait to see it in person!!

 

[Kman101]

I disagree about making it more like Hong Kong. I'm glad it was brought back as is.

 

[Texas84]

Fantastic job. Really makes the village look larger and more open.

 

[Sweet Thing]

Also, the heavier set guy that was always in the old show is now muscular in the new show- I do not like that. Otherwise - great

You must have missed that in the old show, then. There were different actors and some of them were muscular rather than heavier set. It is still the case in this theater.

 

[Sweet Thing]

I was just comparing the new version with the old one on Youtube, and I didn't see any major changes. One thing I noticed in the new video is that in some scenes the elephant float has a real waterfall on the front, which I didn't see in the two video I looked at of the old one. I also think the lighting looks better in the new version, I particularly noticed this in the Can You Feel the Love Tonight segment.

I noticed some slight choreography changes as well as the entrance for the animals. Just very small differences.

 

[Sweet Thing]

One thing I noticed in the video of the show is that they built the theater in such a way that they can continue the practice of seating Guests at the back of the Giraffe section during the first few minutes, if necessary. (You can see the flashlight of the usher in the background)

They've also built the approach to that side door in such a way that there's a light baffle (most likely there's a hallway leading there), because there isn't sunlight streaming in a distracting manner like in the old theater.

I also noticed that there's a flame jet from the floor at the start of the torch dance that I don't remember from the old show, and there are (presumably fake) flame torches in the corners of the seating areas during that segment that I don't recall, either.

-Rob

The flame jet was there back at the beginning and the flame torches were there a couple years ago when I went.

 

[Cesar R M]

The flame jet was there back at the beginning and the flame torches were there a couple years ago when I went.

hmm you sure? I went 3 times last year and there was no "flame jet".
the fire actor actually turned on the hand torches with what looked like a zipo.

 

[DVCOwner]

I think this is one more step in the right direction for Walt Disney World. I again think Walt Disney World has starting to turn around and get things back to where they should have been. It will take a while but to get everything back up to par, but they did a great job here. Cannot wait to see what is happening next.

 

[Sweet Thing]

hmm you sure? I went 3 times last year and there was no "flame jet".
the fire actor actually turned on the hand torches with what looked like a zipo.

I'm quite sure. They stopped using them due to problems with the pyrotechnics product they were using. It has been several years since they were in the show. The fire actor has always lit the torches with a lighter. He still does even with the flame jets.

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

Fantastic job. Really makes the village look larger and more open.

Actually it doesn't only look larger, if I am not completely mistaken the Theater District at least doubled the squarefootage of Harambe. Could even be more.

 

[Gabe1]

Wow! Nice theming.

Disney can build timely when Disney wants to.

 

[Communicore]

I don't really remember much of this area except for Tusker, is there a before and after pic that someone can post for comparison, especially the new expansion? Thanks!

 

[wdwmagic]

I don't really remember much of this area except for Tusker, is there a before and after pic that someone can post for comparison, especially the new expansion? Thanks!

This area was all built in backstage areas, so was not really visible. The parts that were, were just trees.

 

[Communicore]

This area was all built in backstage areas, so was not really visible. The parts that were, were just trees.

Now I sort of remember. This was probably the "dead end" of the Tusker outdoor seating area.

 

[mm52200]

I disagree about making it more like Hong Kong. I'm glad it was brought back as is.

I agree with you. Sure technically the Hong Kong version might have some more impressive production/technical elements but the actual show itself isn't as good as the one here in my opinion.

 

[Cesar R M]

Now I sort of remember. This was probably the "dead end" of the Tusker outdoor seating area.

Correct!
they just moved the bar to make the entrance to the theatre district area.

 

[Figments Friend]

Had to come by and add my thoughts to this new addition to Africa.

As others have probably already noted, it is far more extensive then i was expecting.
I am actually quite impressed with HOW extensive it is.
Instead of just a themed theater building added on to the back, it is instead a welcome extension of Harambe.
Just wonderful.

Stunning appearance-wise...and it is nice to finally see the issues addressed that haunted the previous Theater location.
I am primarily talking about the stroller parking and restroom areas which previously at CMM caused some serious traffic problems between showings.
Now that is all taken care of with the stroller-specific area off to the side and the new restroom 'hut'.

Again, i am quite impressed with this new area.

I would say the only thing i am not overly crazy about is the queue.
Yes, it is great to get a covered queue, but i kind of liked the greenery and layout of the CMM venue.
You never felt 'caged in'..and the lack of switchbacks made it not seem as crowded while waiting compared to the layout now.
I get the impression, just from photos and video at this point, that it may feel too confining.
A concrete maze with hundreds of other people in switchbacks...reminiscent of 'park dump' at the Transport bus stops at night, or standing in line at DCA waiting to be seated for 'Aladdin'...but with a more 'boxed in' vibe.


I am really liking everything else about this however.
It is indeed great that the backside of Tusker House can now be better enjoyed.
Always loved that area back there but so many Guests totally missed seeing it unless they bothered dining outside, out back.

 

[jmmc]

Ask and you shall receive

Thanks, nice video!

I especially like how at the beginning we get the full Disney World experience. Because, even though it's the happiest place on Earth, for some reason there's always a crying child somewhere.

 

[rael ramone]

Credit where credit is due... While I've never done this show, the location should add to the feel (an East African village instead of the 'US National park' feel of CMM).