Flights of Wonder to close and be replaced with a new show featuring Russell and Dug from UP

Dec 11, 2017 in "Flights of Wonder"

Forum Forums Tweet Share Tweet Share

Posted: Monday December 11, 2017 11:01am EDT by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has confirmed today that Flights of Wonder at Disney's Animal Kingdom will close at the end of the year to be replaced by a new showfeaturing Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s “UP.”

Beginning just in time for the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom next year, this new experience will offer guests the chance to see Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug as they discover species of birds from around the world in their newest adventure at the Caravan Theater in Anandapur village. There will be “UP” close encounters each day with amazing winged creatures!

The final performance of Flights of Wonder will be on December 31 2017. Showtimes are 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm daily.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

WDW GuruAug 22, 2018

According to the website that shall not be named, Disney is now looking at rewriting the script due to poor guest reception. Wasn't a fan of the new show when I watched it a week ago, so hope its true. Any insiders hear anything about it?

EricsBiscuitJul 30, 2018

Just took this a couple mins ago. I've never seen the new facade at night before. It's awesome!

Magic FeatherJul 09, 2018

That RoL desert party had to go somewhere... Actually unsure, simply an educated guess.

Timothy_QJul 09, 2018

Not related to the show, but I didn't want to start a whole thread for this. Anyone knows what's being done here?

JohnDJun 15, 2018

The former, obviously, is worse. I want to be entertained with a good show. The old bird show didn't fit thematically either. It was just a generic bird show with Bob the tour guide. Not a single reference to Asia.

WondersOfLifeJun 15, 2018

To answer your question.... I'd rather have Monsters Inc Laugh Floor Comedy Club, which is a show that's a poor thematic fit but well done, over Stitch's Great Escape, which is a good thematic fit but poorly executed.

mikejs78Jun 14, 2018

It goes to show that it's not the IP itself, but the execution that matters. Although the idea of Doug and Russel can thematically fit in AK and in a show like this, the execution is horrible. Contrast that to most of the reactions to the new temporary Guardians show in Epcot. By all accounts, despite being a complete thematic mismatch, it's a well put together, fun show. So what's worse? A show that's a good thematic fit but poorly executed, or a show that's a poor thematic fit but well done? (Yes, I know, ideal is a good thematic fit executed well, but, you know, we can't have nice things....)

WondersOfLifeJun 13, 2018

It's a bad use of an IP that could have potentially worked.

Kman101Jun 12, 2018

Having seen the show in person, Russell and Dug are totally unnecessary. They didn't have to be though. The Joe character could have stuck around (or a new one) as the Wilderness Explorer leader. Russell teaches him that it's OK not to be afraid of birds, using Annika as she is (I like tying the show more into Asia). It's a take on the old show using Russell and Dug. It's not perfect or ideal but it would have worked. I can't remember the poster at the moment, but there was a poster who had another great idea for the show. It really wasn't that hard. They basically shoved Russell and Dug in like they do other IP and called it a day (well, not totally, but that's what it feels like) This show is a mish-mash of like three ideas. It just doesn't come together. It didn't need IP, but the IP chosen wasn't the worst idea in the world. It's too bad they did what they usually do. It was kind of a waste of an opportunity, actually. I'm more disappointed than anything.

halltdJun 12, 2018

I really enjoyed the old show. I loooooove Up, Dug, and Russell, but I’m embarrassed by the new show. The characters distract from the message of the show and the beauty of the birds. The theater is way nicer. The show? Wow. I can’t stomach that mess again.

JohnDJun 11, 2018

That was 30 minutes of my life I'll never get back. The old show? I could watch it again and again. What's the purpose of Russell and that dog anyway? They just run around chasing chickens and aren't even involved with the show. Plus a rehash of Miles, Frasier Crane, eagle, etc.

Cmdr_CrimsonMay 23, 2018

It's more of a "we ran out of FP's for Everest, Kilmanjaro, Flight of passage, river journey, and Dinosaur." Now you got something to fill that void..

smileMay 23, 2018

turns out it was pumping so much awesome into the air that FP+ booking was made available so everyone could get a whiff - so yeah, why risk missing out? everyone should be burning FP's on this... totally.