A covered, 1,000-seat pavilion hosts “Festival of the Lion King,” an incredible performance that combines the pageantry of a parade with the excitement of a tribal celebration.

The audience finds itself in the middle of the drama, as a troupe of tribal performers arrives to transform the pavilion into a colorful festival setting.

Staged in a hexagonal timber structure with the atmosphere of an Adirondack summer theater, the show puts the 1,375-guest audience right in the middle of the excitement.

Four giant rolling stages move in from two directions as costumed performers and colorful props sail through the air above the audience. Guests sit in triangular sections labeled elephant, giraffe, warthog and lion.

To the right, Simba is a giant animated figure, 12 feet high, sitting atop Pride Rock. To the left is Elephant Waterfall, where a playful pachyderm spouts water from his swaying trunk. Another stage is dominated by a swaying giraffe and a fourth is the jungle stage where Pumba and Timon reside.

Singers in African tribal robes open the show with a rousing chorus of "I Just Can't Wait to be King." The center stage doubles as a trampoline for costumed aerial performers portraying a troop of acrobatic monkeys flying through a happy rendition of "Hakuna Matata." "Be Prepared" sets the theme for a mock battle of tribal warriors on stilts.

High-wire aerialists hit the high notes dressed as giant birds in a love duet that literally soars to the tune of "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" The show comes full circle with a full chorus of "The Circle of Life" followed by audience participation in competing groups for "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." The show's 50 performers return for the rousing finale of a medley of songs from the film.

Type - show

Location - Camp Minnie-Mickey, Animal Kingdom

When to go - Visit before 11am or from late afternoon onwards

Duration - 30 mins.

Restrictions
Guests may remain in wheelchairs or ECVs to experience the attraction.

Tips - Arrive at least 30 mins early for a good seat.
Try to see one of the first or last two shows of 'Festival of the Lion King' at AK.

Facts/History
The audience is split into four sections - elephants, warthogs, giraffes and lions.

Reviews

"We went to Disney for the second time in 2002, and had yet another magical experience-One of the most memorable being the fantastic 'Festival Of The Lion King' show in Animal Knigdom. What an amazing and spectacular performance!!Being a fan of the film itself, i wasn't disappointed with the way the park had brought the music and characters to life. I was so impressed I bought the show's soundtrack to keep the memory forever! If you have one reason for visiting Animal Kingdom, this show must be it."

"This was the one of the best shows I saw. It was very good from start to finish. At the beginning there was a fair bit of audience participation especially for the kids. If you are a Lion King fan you will love this show. The only downside was the uncomfortable bench seating which had no backs although you soon forget about this once you are involved in the show. tips: Arrive early if you want a good seat. This does mean waiting around though and the queue was outside so drinks and a fan are a good idea."

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