Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle has shared on Instagram that “A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” will debut in mid-May at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Cast Members are currently in rehearsals for the modified version of the park’s famous show.
We previously shared the exciting news that Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be bringing back Festival of the Lion King with modifications this summer! The excitement doesn’t just impact us Disney fans, but the Cast Members that will be returning to work. Check out the statement below from the Actors’ Equity Association in response to the return of this special entertainment.
As shared via Actors’ Equity Association: New York – Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, has released the following statement in response to Walt Disney World announcing the return of its Festival of the Lion King this summer.
“Equity is pleased that Walt Disney World continues to find safe ways to bring live entertainment back to the parks, in particular this Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King,” said Brandon Lorenz, national director for communications and public policy for Actors’ Equity Association. “The Festival of the Lion King is a favorite for cast members and guests alike, and its return offers an important ray of hope while the vast majority of our members who work at Walt Disney World remain laid off because of the pandemic.”
One thing that has been missing since the parks reopened last summer is many of the amazing entertianment offerings. Thankfully, Disney has announced the return of our absolute favorite show at Walt Disney World: The Festival of the Lion King!
From a Disney Cast Member;
Since reopening the Walt Disney World theme parks last July, we’ve taken a different approach to our entertainment, coming up with new ways to share the magic of the Disney characters. With cavalcades and flotillas continuing to delight guests daily, we are now turning our attention to bringing back even more entertainment with a responsible and thoughtful approach.
We are thrilled to be starting the process of bringing back to work more singers, dancers, technicians and other cast members, from one of the most popular shows at Walt Disney World Resort. Expected this summer, the Harambe Theatre at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park will host that fan-favorite troupe of musical storytellers, along with Simba and his friends, in a celebration of the incomparable “Festival of the Lion King.”
When it returns, “Festival of the Lion King” will be presented in a modified format to be mindful of the current environment. There will be adjustments to the show on stage and backstage, including updates to choreography to allow for appropriate physical distancing. We’ll also adjust how the audience is seated, in line with other theater-based experiences at Walt Disney World Resort.
So, who’s ready to clap along with “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” thrill to the fire knife performance during “Be Prepared,” swoon over “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” and take in the joyous “Circle of Life?” It’s going to be an amazing celebration!
From Disney Parks Blog;
“Earlier this week, guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom were treated to a surprise performance of “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” by JD McCrary and Shahadi Wright Joseph the voices of Young Simba and Young Nala in Disney’s “The Lion King.” The special appearance was in advance of a performance of “Festival of the Lion King.”
While here, JD and Shahadi took a little Hakuna Matata time to enjoy Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There’s no better place to celebrate the story of the cub who would be king as it roars back into your heart during a celebration of “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. So come get down at the new Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party, pose in front of limited time photo backdrops, experience “Festival of the Lion King” show”