The Festival of the Lion King: A Roaring Celebration of Disney Magic

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Step into the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, and you’ll discover a vibrant and unforgettable celebration of music, storytelling, and the beloved characters from “The Lion King.” The Festival of the Lion King is a breathtaking show that has been captivating audiences of all ages since its debut. Let’s take a closer look at this magical experience.

The Festival of the Lion King is not just a show; it’s a theatrical extravaganza that combines live performances, stunning puppetry, and immersive storytelling. Set in the Harambe Theatre in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the show transports visitors to the African savannah, the Pride Lands of “The Lion King.”

At the heart of the festival are the iconic characters from “The Lion King,” including Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and of course, Rafiki. These characters come to life on stage through talented performers who sing, dance, and interact with the audience. The energy and enthusiasm of the cast are infectious, making it impossible not to get caught up in the joyous celebration.

Music is a central element of “The Lion King,” and the festival does not disappoint in this department. The show features some of the film’s most beloved songs, including “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” and “Hakuna Matata.” The powerful performances and vibrant choreography add a dynamic layer to these classic tunes, creating an emotional and sensory experience that lingers long after the final curtain call.

One of the unique aspects of The Festival of the Lion King is its commitment to audience participation. Guests are encouraged to sing along, clap their hands, and even join in the “Hakuna Matata” dance. This level of engagement ensures that every member of the audience feels like an integral part of the performance.

The Festival of the Lion King is a timeless celebration of the enduring magic of Disney storytelling. It appeals to guests of all ages, from children experiencing “The Lion King” for the first time to adults who have cherished the film since its release. The show’s ability to transport audiences to the heart of the Pride Lands and make them feel like part of the circle of life is a testament to the artistry and creativity of Disney Imagineers.

In conclusion, The Festival of the Lion King is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It embodies the spirit of “The Lion King” and showcases the power of storytelling, music, and live performance. So, whether you’re a longtime fan of Simba and his friends or a newcomer to their world, this spectacular show promises a roaring good time and a heartwarming celebration of Disney magic.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom reveals the return date of the full “Festival of the Lion King” show

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Disney made a big announcement yesterday about a Guest-favorite experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Tumble Monkeys will make their triumphant return to the Festival of the Lion King experience at Animal Kingdom beginning July 16.

It was also announced that Disney is making the shift back to the “Festival of the Lion King.” Performers will be preparing for the long-awaited return of the full show. For this reason, “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” will not be an available experience for Guests from July 5, 2022, to July 15, 2022.

Disney invites Guests to “delight in a Broadway-style show filled with songs, pageantry, and puppetry celebrating the classic movie, The Lion King.”

The Walt Disney World website touts the Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as follows:

“Join the inhabitants of the Pride Lands for a grand gala in honor of Simba, the lion cub who would be king.

As the lights dim, hear the sounds of the African savanna. A kinetic kaleidoscope of color floods the stage as colossal puppets, extravagantly costumed dancers, and incredible stilt walkers dazzle the senses.

During spectacular theatrics, you’ll relive all the classic songs from The Lion King, including ‘Hakuna Matata’ and ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight?’ The spectacular finale includes a soaring rendition of ‘Circle of Life.’

It’s a moving and immersive theatrical experience celebrating music that has touched generations of Disney fans—and a festival you’ll want to be part of again and again!”

When the experience first returned after a nearly four-month closure of the parks in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the attraction was called “A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King,” which was a shorter version of the experience that didn’t include all of the show’s features, such as the Tumble Monkeys.

The full show will return on July 16, and the Tumble Monkeys and birds will all be there! If you’re in the parks that day, be sure to give them all a warm welcome!

Morning Shows Added for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Festival of the Lion King

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Via DisDining.com

Delight in a Broadway-style show filled with songs, pageantry and puppetry celebrating the classic movie, The Lion King! We previously shared the exciting news that “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” is now open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While the show is different from pre-COVID days, it’s still just as spectacular to say the least! The popularity of this returned park entertainment is obviously drawing in the crowds, and Disney is responding with more showtimes!

As shown on the Walt Disney World website, showtimes are now available for “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” including two morning shows at 10:30am and 11:30am. The afternoon (12:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm) and evening (5:00pm) remain. Check out the screenshot below for June 1 showtimes.

Be sure to check your My Disney Experience App for showtimes on the day of your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom so you can plan your day with Hakuna Matata in mind!

Disney to Live-Stream ‘A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King’

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

Last week we reported that the show, ‘A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King’ had quietly opened with an opportunity for guests to enjoy a soft opening this week. On Saturday, May 15, the modified show is officially back and Disney is offering a chance for everyone to see it.

There’s something special about entertainment. The combination of dance, music, costumes and the unmistakable talent of the Disney Live Entertainment team is pure magic. That’s why I’m thrilled to share that “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” is opening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 15! I was able to sit in on a dress rehearsal recently and was so impressed. I found myself tapping my foot, clapping along and grinning from ear to ear (from behind my mask, of course!).

It was also wonderful to see how excited and joy-filled the performers were to do what they love most by sharing their talents and artistry. They are just itching to share their passion with a live audience and are thrilled to be bringing the show to Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests.

One thing to keep in mind is, there have been a few changes to the show since you last saw it. While the majesty and splendor is all there, staging and choreography have been updated with safety protocols in mind for our performers and our guests. We’ve also pared down parts of the show, such as the acrobatics, but the rest of the cast will be sure to dazzle you.

Because we are still physical distancing as part of our health and safety measures, the opportunity to view “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” during a visit to the park will be very limited. To give more people a chance to enjoy it, a one-time live stream will be available on May 15 at 12:25 p.m. ET  on the Disney Parks Blog as well as on @DisneyParks on TikTok, the Disney Parks YouTube Channel, and the Disney Parks Blog Facebook Page. We invite you to tune in to our first official show and join in the fun!

Looking to the future, we hope to have even more good news about entertainment to share in the coming months. Hakuna Matata!

Top Entertainment Experiences Currently Open or Coming Back Soon

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Via DisDining.com

No one does entertainment like Disney!  So when we visit Walt Disney World, we always fit in as many live entertainment experiences as we can.  Like everything else, the number and kind of live shows available in WDW has changed during the pandemic.  But the good news is that there are many live entertainment experiences currently open, or that will soon be back, in altered formats to ensure everyone’s safety.  Here are a few!

1. Festival of the Lion King

If you’ve been missing Festival of the Lion King, you’ll be thrilled to know that a modified version will return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer. While we have no official start date, Disney has announced a “mid-May” debut! The show has been updated to allow for physical distancing, and you’ll notice a difference in seating arrangements at Harambe Theatre too, with a goal of keeping cast members and guests safe while they enjoy the show. We can’t wait to join the celebration of this spectacular live show!

2. Voices of Liberty

I’ll never forget stumbling onto a live performance by the incomparable Voices of Liberty at Disney’s Epcot – it was an utterly magical moment!  And there are plenty more magical moments in store for guests, as the group performs daily at America Gardens Theatre (with a totally new repertoire, featuring a healthy heaping of Disney favorites!).  If you’ve never treated yourself to the dulcet tones of the Voices of Liberty, now’s the perfect time, and if you’ve been missing their stunning vocal acrobatics, welcome back!

3. Feathered Friends in Flight

The latest in a series of shows featuring live birds at the Caravan Stage Theater in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Feathered Friends in Flight has been entertaining guests since the park reopened in summer 2020.  It’s hosted by actual animal trainers at WDW, and showcases the natural talents and survival techniques used by birds in the wild.  The show features several different bird species, many of which you’ll see flying overhead; you’ll learn a thing or two about our amazing feathered friends while seeing them in action!

4. Cirque du Soleil and Disney – Drawn to Life

If you never got to experience the La Nouba show by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Springs before it closed in 2017, you’ll be just as excited as I am for Drawn to Life!  A collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and Disney (I’m in!), this new live show is a delightful collision of Disney animation and gravity-defying acrobatics.  Performers interpret classic Disney animation through choreography, inspiring costuming and even an all-new score – with classic Disney music as its inspiration, of course.  We’re told the stage is actually designed as a larger-than-life animation table!  While we don’t have an exact opening date to share with you yet, Drawn to Life is coming “later this fall” to Walt Disney World – and we can’t wait!

5. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Do you have a Frozen fan in your household?  If so, you’ll want to head to For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on your next WDW vacation.  Performed several times daily, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to belt out all of your favorite Frozen songs along with Elsa, Anna and Kristoff, and you’ll enjoy your favorite scenes from the movie – wearing a mask and in physically distanced seats, of course, for safety! 

6. Dapper Dans

Ah, Dapper Dans, how we’ve missed you!  Thankfully, this iconic barbershop quartet has returned to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, putting smiles on faces up and down Main Street USA.  You’ll find them in the train station or on a trolley car now, but the stellar harmonies and wacky humor you love are the same as you remember!  The Dapper Dans perform 20-minute shows throughout the day.

7. Grand Floridian Pianist

We’re still mourning the departure of the unparalleled Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, but there’s good news – the Grand Floridian Pianist has returned to the lobby of Disney’s flagship resort!  Safely physically distanced and wearing a mask, this maestro of the keys will entertain and delight music lovers of all ages.  There’s something so magical about live music in the posh lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and we couldn’t be happier!