The lion king show is in the complex of Animal kingdom in Orlando. Thus, this space has some attractions with the theme of the movie.
On this post
In addition, some of the activities appeared just to celebrate its 25 years, check everything below.
Experience Disney's Lion King Show in Orlando
In 2019, Walt Disney released a live action of the Lion King. In fact, it was a way of honoring this story that turned 25 this year.
As it is a classic of the brand, it took care of the surprises, adding some attractions, among them the Lion King Show.
There, lovers of the work can have fun with Simba, Timon, Pumbaa and company.
Undoubtedly, the ?Festival of the Lion King? is one of the main shows in Orlando, the ideal outing to go with the family.
Find out where this attraction is
He stays in Animal kingdom, in the African area and in the lion king show you can see dance, music, staging and of course, a lot of interaction.
Those who are fans will not miss the chance to sing classics from the film such as ?Hakuna Matata? and "Circle of Life". So, see below the main attractions of the Lion King in this Disney park:
- Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night;
- Rafiki's Planet Watch;
- Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party;
- Treasure hunt;
- Projections of The Lion King on the Tree of Life;
- Space for photos;
- Exclusive products from lion king show.
1 – Harambe at Night
This is one of the Disney experiences that are part of the 25th anniversary of The Lion King.
In fact, here tourists participate in a dinner, including appetizers, snacks, main dishes (sweet and savory), as well as drinks.
It is not only a tribute to the film, but also to all the endangered animals in Africa.
That's where Rafiki's Planet Watch is located, which you'll find out later on. By the way, at Circle Flavors Harambe at Night it is possible to see Rafiki and Timão. Soon, you can take pictures with them and participate in some fun activities.
A train ride in the heart of Disney
There is a train station where you can take a tour with a stop at Rafiki's.
The interesting thing is that each station represents an animal: lion, rhinoceros, African elephant and buffalo.
It's a great chance to enjoy new flavors and different cuisines, as each space has a different type of dinner. Thus, this is an exclusive activity at Animal Kingdom, where the lion king show.
2 – Lion King Show: Rafiki's Planet Watch
Another attraction in Orlando, also with a theme inspired by the Lion King. So, during this tour, you learn all about the importance of taking care of animals.
There, it is possible to see the laboratories, exhibitions and even behind the scenes of the park, where you can see the animals being fed, for example.
To get to Rafiki's, just hop on the Wildlife Express Train.
Furthermore, the adventure here is divided into 3 areas and you find out all about them below.
Habitat Habit
In this part of the tour, there are several signs informing about the habits of animal life, in particular, endangered species. An example of this is the Cotton Head Sagui. By the way, this tour has a more educational touch than the others.
Affection Section
In this attraction, where the Lion King Show, it is possible to interact with animals, such as sheep, goats, among others.
So, if you have kids, you can't miss this part of the tour.
Conservation Station
Here, right at the entrance, there is a mural that shows other spaces. From there, the animal care and training area is displayed.
You can ask the vets questions, see the turtles and aardvarks, and take pictures with Rafiki at the Lion King Show.
3 – Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party
Of course, Timon and Pumbaa could not be missing. Thus, in this area, a party was held for adults and children to enjoy these beloved characters.
The most famous meerkat in the Disney world, Timão, along with the curious monkey Rafiki were the protagonists of this event.
In addition, there are several musicians playing instruments and cheering visitors.
There was a space for no one to stand still, with lots of dancing and music, as well as the Lion King Show. Who is really a fan, enjoyed every moment.
As it was created, in order to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film, this environment was open to the public from January to September 2019.
4 – Lion King Show: The Treasure Hunt at Animal Kingdom
Another attraction that Disney has prepared in order to celebrate the 25 years of the Lion King.
In ?The Lion King Scavenger Hunt?, tourists participated in a real treasure hunt. Unfortunately, such activity did not last long, after all it was just to celebrate the inauguration of the Lion King Show.
But it was fun, visitors bought a map that indicated where the characters were hiding in the Animal Kingdom area.
For each figure found, the person placed a corresponding sticker on the map. Finally, with it all complete, all you had to do was take it to one of the stores and win a more than special gift.
5 – Film screening show at the Tree of Life
It already draws attention for its beauty and it is not by chance that it is the icon of this park. Undoubtedly, the Tree of Life, with its 15 meters wide and 325 animal carvings, is impressive.
During the Lion King Show, it gains lighting and projections based on the film. However, at various times of the day it is also possible to see some interesting themes projected there.
6 – Space for photos in the Lion King area
At the entrance to the park, you will find a frame inspired by the film. So right away you can do a few clicks.
After going through the turnstiles, there is another space to take pictures and keep souvenirs. On the other hand, close to the Pandora area has an environment recreating one of the most emblematic scenes of the film.
It shows Timon, Pumbaa and a young Simba walking on a tree trunk near a waterfall. By the way, the same scene where they sing Hakuna Matata. So who's a fan of Lion King Show, can't miss this chance to take a picture.
7 – Exclusive products to enjoy the Lion King Show
Of course, Disney wasn't going to forget about the souvenir part. After all, it's always good to take souvenirs home, in order to remember the attractions you visited. And indeed, a place as magical as the Animal Kingdom and the lion king show deserve memories.
There you will find exclusive items inspired by the movie, as well as the characters. In this way, there are goods for all tastes and budgets:
- Bags;
- T-shirts;
- Plush;
- Popcorn bucket and more.
Best of all, there are also themed desserts, including ice cream and pastries. In addition, there is a special Simba cake made by Amorette?s, a super sophisticated confectionery from Disney.
Discover the movie that gave rise to The Lion King Show
The movie Lion King is a Walt Disney animation, released in 1994. In addition to having marked the childhood of thousands of children around the world, the cinematographic work was an absolute success, guaranteeing awards such as:
- Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical;
- Oscar for Best Original Score and Best New Song.
It secured the 20th highest grossing. Thus, all this success would undoubtedly give rise to new productions (the lion king show is proof of that) and that's what happened.
Broadway converted the work into a theater in 1997. In addition, there were two sequel films: Simba's Pride and Hakuna Matata. In addition, there are two more animated series for TV: Timon & Pumbaa and A Guarda do Leão.
A summary of the story
The plot takes place in the middle of Africa, where King Mufasa commands all the animals there. From there, the narrative focuses on the young Simba, heir to the throne and his son, who abandons everything and runs away after his father's murder.
However, what the future Lion King doesn't know is that his death was caused by his own uncle, the envious Scar.
The Lion King Show Returns
The lion king show, as well as many of Disney's attractions, including parks, was suspended in March 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, in May 2021, the president of the Walt disney said the show would return.
He also confirmed that some changes will be made. In order to respect protocols and preserve the health of both the public and employees. In this way, adjustments on stage as well as behind the scenes would be just the beginning of many changes.
The lion king show will receive another title, named ?A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King?. Therefore, it will be a different version of the first, with new choreographies and staging of the show.
Event featured a live in May
On the 15th, Disney broadcast the attraction, so many people could watch and enjoy the moment.
Even with the reopening of the parks, some parts of the show were cut or reduced, for example, the stunts.
The lion king show is one of attractions Walt Disney's most special. Therefore, it is very good that it is gradually returning, with news that, above all, aim to guarantee the integrity and safety of all.
Find out about the Lion King Show
The Celebration of Festival of the Lion King is a live show that combines dance, performances and floats.
Even though it's in Orlando, at the Animal Kingdom park, there's a lot of preparation that you only see in a big Broadway production. Because it has several characters, singers, flashy costumes and a lot of acrobatics.
The lion king show features iconic songs like ?The Circle of Life?, ?Hakuna Matata? and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".
At the beginning of the performance, when the lights dim, the space vibrates with the sounds of the African jungle. Also, colors come out on stage through large puppets and dancers.
It's a very immersive experience where fans can reminisce about their childhood. Finally, the event lasts about 30 minutes.
Fun facts about The Lion King Show
Now you're going to discover some curiosities about this Disney festival. Thus, the first is that this event has already been presented on all continents, except Antarctica.
As a result, audiences of different languages have already been touched by the Lion King Show: English, Dutch, Japanese, German, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese. However, the songs are always in the African language.
The show is produced by Julie Taymor, who also designed the costumes, masks and puppets. And he wrote some of the songs too.
It took about 37,000 hours to create the original masks and puppets of the lion king show. On the other hand, more than a hundred people work on the presentation.
It is estimated that a ticket for the event is sold every 40 seconds. In fact, more than 100 million have already watched it worldwide.
Curiosities about the movie Lion King that many do not know
One of Disney's greatest stories, which has films, musicals and many awards. So of course there are curious facts about the original work of the lion king show. Which even many fans are unaware of. So, check out some of them below and be amazed.
1 – The Lion King was inspired by Hamlet
Only those who know Shakespeare's famous work make this association. However, it was adapted a lot in order to suit the young audience.
King Mufasa himself would be based on Hamlet's father, but in a kinder version. In the Shakespearean story, the latter tells his son to kill his uncle, who took his father's throne.
Mufasa, on the other hand, only asked Simba to assume the role of king without killing his cruel uncle Scar.
2 – The original script did not include Hakuna Matata
One of the most emblematic songs of both the lion king show how much of the film was almost left out of the work.
Production initially planned a song about Timon and Pumbaa and the way they fed each other. Thus, even a title she already possessed. But, she gave up the idea, believing that the song would not engage the public.
After a trip to Africa, the producers remembered the phrase Hakuna Matata. From that, they noted that she would fit well in a song. Undoubtedly, it was one of the best decisions.
3 – The cinematographic work would receive another title
For very little, the lion king show would not have that name. Because when they started creating the film, the team was considering the following options:
- The King of Kalahari;
- But, some were more inclined towards The King of the Jungle.
Whoever intervened was Disney itself, which realized that, in fact, these powerful felines live in the savannah and not in the jungle.
4 – The characters would be very different
It is normal for this type of production to go through several changes until the project is completed. So, The Lion King was no different. That way, many of the characters that the audience knows would be completely different.
Scar, for example, would not be Simba's uncle. In fact, he would be the leader of a group of baboons and not hyenas.
On the other hand, the famous Rafiki would take the form of a leopard and not a monkey. Timon and Pumbaa would be friends with Simba from the beginning of the story.
The wildebeest scattering scene took two years to complete.
One of the most striking scenes in the film, which resulted in the death of King Mufasa, lasts less than 3 minutes. However, its production took much longer than that to get ready.
As it was developed on a computer, there was this delay. After all, it was still the 90s, where this equipment was far from becoming what it is today.
5 – A film that almost became a documentary
Maybe there wasn't one lion king show if that idea hadn't changed. After all, this is a film that is also a musical.
This was not the initial project, as the first director, George Scribner, wanted a documentary like those from National Geographic.
But when Disney stepped in to make the film a musical, Scribner pulled out of the production.
Is The Lion King Show worth watching?
When it comes to Disney productions, this is one of the top ones that most people think of.
It all started in 1994, but the success was so great that after 25 years, the number of fans only increased. And since 2019, the story has gained a new version with a great show, the Lion King Show.
A good opportunity to remember childhood and relive all the emotions caused by the original film.
With a soundtrack created by Elton John, it's no wonder that thousands of people have gone to check out this work now in musical format.
Impossible not to sing ?Hakuna Matata? during the Lion King Show. So, when you have the opportunity to watch the attraction, do it without thinking twice.
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About the Author Carlos Braga:
Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.
My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.
During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!
