Tree of Life Awakens at Night Animal Kingdom

The Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will awaken in a whole new way to honor the 25th anniversary of the original animated “The Lion King.” Starting Memorial Day weekend (May 24) and appearing nightly through Sept. 30, stunning projections on the iconic tree will feature music and animation paying tribute to the classic film.

Animal Kingdom’s iconic Tree of Life lights up at various times as “flickering fireflies magically appear and awaken the wondrous animals spirits carved into the tree’s towering trunk” in a projection show. There are several different shows throughout each evening: “Witness a graceful young doe embark on a thrilling cross-country journey. Behold love blossoming between 2 hummingbirds. See a spry fox spreading gifts of love among the denizens of a wintry forest.”

Tip: Each show is less than five minutes, but there are no published times to avoid huge crowds waiting on the main walkway. The shows take place after sunset, which is around 8:30pm in the summer. That means you have about two and a half hours to view the various shows. If your timing doesn’t mesh with the Disney’s, know that there is likely to be one last show right before park closing at 11 p.m.