France - At the recent D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, Disney unveiled a significant new addition to Disneyland Paris during the Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase. Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, announced the creation of an all-new Lion King-themed area, which will be the first of its kind in any Disney park worldwide.
Set within Disneyland Paris’s second park, the Walt Disney Studios (soon to be renamed to Disney Adventure World), this new area will immerse guests in the world of the African savanna, bringing to life the adventures of Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and other iconic characters from the beloved film.
Central to this new area will be a major water-based attraction, which takes guests on a journey around Pride Rock. The ride will follow Simba’s transformation from a young cub to the king of the Pride Lands, with Disney’s cutting-edge Audio-Animatronics technology enhancing the experience.
Disneyland Paris has confirmed that this water attraction will feature flume-style elements, reminiscent of classic attractions like Splash Mountain. The area will also include themed dining, shopping, and character meet-and-greets, ensuring a comprehensive experience for guests of all ages.
The upcoming Lion King-themed land at Disneyland Paris will be the first of its kind, offering an immersive experience dedicated entirely to the beloved film. However, The Lion King already has a notable presence across various Disney Parks worldwide, with numerous attractions and experiences that bring the film to life for guests.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Florida, The Lion King is prominently featured in several experiences. The most notable is the “Festival of the Lion King,” a live stage show in the Harambe Theater that combines music, dance, and puppetry to celebrate the movie’s iconic scenes. This show has been a cornerstone of the park since its debut, offering an immersive experience that captures the spirit of the African savanna. Additionally, guests can encounter characters like Rafiki and Timon in special meet-and-greet sessions and enjoy themed experiences like the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party.
In Magic Kingdom, The Lion King makes an appearance in “Mickey’s PhilharMagic,” a 3D movie attraction that includes a segment featuring the film’s famous musical numbers. While the Magic Kingdom doesn’t have a dedicated Lion King area, this attraction offers a glimpse into the world of Simba and his friends.
For those staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, The Lion King section of the hotel offers a fully immersive environment with larger-than-life statues of characters and scenes from the movie. The theming extends to the rooms, which are decorated to transport guests into the world of the Pride Lands.
At Disneyland Paris, The Lion King is already represented in the Hakuna Matata restaurant, located in Adventureland. This quick-service restaurant offers a themed dining experience where guests can enjoy African-inspired dishes in a setting that reflects the vibrant spirit of the Pride Lands. The restaurant is adorned with artwork and décor inspired by the movie, creating an atmosphere that transports diners into the world of Simba and his friends.
In addition to the restaurant, Disneyland Paris also hosts “Rhythms of the Pride Lands,” a Broadway-style show performed in the Frontierland Theater. This live musical features talented performers who bring The Lion King to life through song, dance, and storytelling.
Furthermore, The Lion King also makes an appearance in the popular “Mickey and the Magician” show. This show, performed at the Animagique Theater in Walt Disney Studios Park, follows Mickey Mouse as he encounters various Disney characters while trying to master the art of magic. During the show, a segment is dedicated to The Lion King, where the iconic song “Circle of Life” is performed.
The Lion King franchise is one of Disney’s most successful and enduring properties, beginning with the release of the original animated film in 1994. Directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, the film became a global phenomenon, praised for its compelling story, memorable characters, and an iconic soundtrack composed by Elton John and Tim Rice, with Hans Zimmer providing the score. The story follows Simba, a young lion prince, on his journey to adulthood and reclaiming his rightful place as king after the tragic death of his father, Mufasa.
The film’s success led to a sprawling franchise that includes direct-to-video sequels (The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride and The Lion King 1½), an Emmy Award-winning television series (The Lion Guard), a long-running Broadway musical that has become one of the most successful in history, and a 2019 CGI remake that brought the story to a new generation. The franchise continues to expand, with a second live-action movie currently in development, focusing on Mufasa’s origin story.
Construction on the new Lion King Land is expected to begin in 2025, with the opening anticipated within the next several years.
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