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Disney is known for creating magical experiences that capture the imagination and transport audiences to fantastical worlds. And one show that fully encapsulates that magical essence is Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom. This spectacular Broadway-style production brings the beloved characters and songs from The Lion King to life through dazzling theatrical effects, vibrant costumes, and awe-inspiring performances.
In this extensive review, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to fully appreciate this show and create lasting Disney memories. From showtimes to seating tips, and impressive acts to iconic musical numbers, we’ll cover it all! By the end, you’ll see exactly why Festival of the Lion King is a highlight of the Disney World experience.
What is Festival of the Lion King?
Festival of the Lion King is a 30-minute musical production hosted at the Harambe Theater in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It retells the story of Simba through the key songs and scenes from the original animated Lion King movie.
What sets this show apart is how it places you right in the middle of the action through its theater-in-the-round setup. With no bad views in the house, you’ll feel part of the show as performers appear from all angles, including above you! Add in the colorful animal puppets and floats, energetic dance numbers, and talented acrobatic acts, and you’ve got a lively production perfect for Disney fans of all ages.
The show captures iconic moments like the opening “Circle of Life” scene and the delightful “Hakuna Matata” number. And through its catchy musical repertoire, you’ll relive Simba’s journey from a young cub to the mighty lion king.
Key Performance Highlights
To put it simply, this performance is the best in Disney World, bar none. It never feels to make me shed a tear, especially during the final number. It genuinely feels like this should be a paid show at Disney World, I feel like I’m stealing whenever we go see this at Animal Kingdom.
Let’s explore the key highlights that make Festival of the Lion King the best Disney World show.
Broadway-Caliber Performances
At its heart, Festival of the Lion King features incredible Broadway-style singing, dancing, and acting that brings each character to life. Each performer pours their heart and soul into each number, adding to the energy and emotion you feel as an audience member.
The vocals will give you chills as singers belt out hits like “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Meanwhile, the choreography perfectly captures beautiful styles and leaves you in awe at their talent – especially those adorable tumble monkeys!
Breathtaking Acrobatics and Aerial Acts
On the topic of the tumble monkeys, this show features astounding acrobatic feats and aerial stunts. Performers demonstrate immense strength, balance, and control through routines on towering poles and suspended in midair. I still can’t believe how many flips and stunts they can do in one day!
These include dramatic synchronized pole climbing, trapeze stunts, and even acrobats balancing on top of sway poles over 20 feet high! Kids and adults alike will be captivated by seeing aerialists defy gravity with such grace and coordination.
Colorful, Vibrant Costumes
The costumes add an extra layer of vivid colors and patterns. You’ll see dancers adorned with fabric resembling animal fur and prints. It really feels like these are real inhabitants of Pride Rock. The Prideland inhabitants and jungle characters really come alive through the dynamic and symbolic costuming.
Plus the massive, elaborate animal puppets and floats make you feel like you’re on the movie set itself. From a 20-foot giraffe to the iconic Pride Rock, and even Simba and Pumbaa themselves, these props immerse you into the Lion King world.
Audience Participation Moments
At certain moments, you become part of the show itself! The performers encourage kids and families to dance and sing along during upbeat songs like “Hakuna Matata.” It’s a lively, communal atmosphere perfect for making memories.
Sitting near the front of the Harambe Theater stage on our last Disney World trip, I witnessed a truly magical moment unfold during Festival of the Lion King. In front of me sat a young woman enamored by the show, stimming enthusiastically as the performers danced and sang on stage. When she was chosen to join the dancers, spinning around the stage herself, pure joy radiated from her smile. The girl’s father watched on, his eyes glistening, as she became part of the show’s magic.
Seeing this pure joy as she lived out every child’s dream reminded me of the emotional power of Disney. In our ordinary lives, these fellow audience members would be strangers to us. But here, we were all connected – if only for those 30 minutes – through the captivating world of Simba and the catchy rhythms of “Hakuna Matata.” No matter our differences, the show allowed us to experience universal emotions like hope, love, and unbridled happiness together.
Where Can You Find Festival of the Lion King?
This incredible show takes place exclusively at the Harambe Theater in Africa, located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.
The theater location provides the perfect setting, making you feel part of an African village as you wait for the show. Surrounded by exotic animal exhibits, nature trails and authentic architecture, it sets the mood before you even enter the theater!
Inside the Harambe Theater, you’ll discover a unique configuration perfect for this production. With seating all around the stage and elevated stands stretching up on each side, every guest gets an unobstructed view of the action.
The intimate, arena-style layout makes you feel at the heart of the performance. It allows acrobats to gracefully swing and soar over audience members’ heads too. So regardless of seat choice, you’ll be immersed in Simba’s journey every step of the way.
| Key Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Broadway-Style Show | Experience the grandeur and excitement of a Broadway-style production in the heart of Animal Kingdom. |
| Catchy Songs | Enjoy iconic songs from The Lion King, such as “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata,” performed live by talented singers. |
| Spectacular Acrobatics | Be amazed by the breathtaking acrobatic performances, including aerial stunts and mesmerizing displays of strength and agility. |
| Colorful Characters | Meet beloved characters like Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa, brought to life through vibrant costumes and energetic performances. |
| Immersive Experience | Get fully immersed in the African savannah through stunning sets, captivating choreography, and the magic of live theater. |
When Are the Showtimes?
On average, Festival of the Lion King runs 6 to 8 shows daily from late morning through evening. Showtimes are subject to change based on park hours and seasonality, but typically follow this approximate schedule:
Festival of the Lion King Show Schedule
- 11:00am
- 12:30pm
- 2:00pm
- 3:30pm
- 5:00pm
- 6:30pm
- 8:00pm
We recommend double-checking the day’s showtimes on the My Disney Experience app before your visit. This will account for any seasonal variations or special park events.
With shows almost every couple of hours, plus the theater’s large seating capacity, getting a reservation is usually not necessary. But if visiting during peak seasons or special holidays, booking Genie+ ahead of time online can guarantee entry.
No matter when you see the show, give yourself at least 30 minutes to get seated before showtime. This is probably Disney World’s most popular show, so arriving as early as possible guarantees you’ll get great seats to see all the action up close!
Is Festival of the Lion King Worth Your Time?
Without a doubt, this show is worth every minute of your time, delivering top-notch family entertainment that will leave you in awe.
The Festival of the Lion King is a perfect example of Disney’s dedication to creating immersive and high-quality entertainment. The attention to detail, from the intricate set design to the vibrant costumes, is truly impressive. Every aspect of the show is thoughtfully crafted to transport you to the African savannah and immerse you in the story of Simba and his friends.
Whether you’re visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom with your family or as a couple, the Festival of the Lion King is an experience that everyone will enjoy. The show’s universal themes of love, friendship, and finding your place in the world resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a perfect choice for a day of family fun.
So, when planning your visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, make sure to set aside time to experience the Festival of the Lion King!
Tips for an Exceptional Viewing Experience
To make the most of your Festival of the Lion King experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive Early – Give yourself at least 30 minutes to wait in line. This will help you secure prime seats closest to the action.
- Request Central Seats – If possible, ask to sit towards the bottom seats. This gives you the best vantage point.
- Look Up – Don’t forget to look upwards too! With aerial acts soaring above, you’ll be amazed no matter where you look.
- Engage Your Senses – Between the music, colorful costumes, enthusiastic performers, and singing along, engage all your senses. This creates the fully immersive experience Disney is famous for.
- Stay Until the End – Make sure to stay seated until the very last note!
Follow these tips and prepare to be wowed when you visit Festival of the Lion King!
Why Festival of the Lion King is One of Our Favorite Disney World Shows
Festival of the Lion King holds a special place in our hearts as one of the most beloved Disney World shows. With its catchy tunes, unique stage, stellar performers, props and puppets, and emotional journey, this show has all the elements that make it a must-see for visitors of all ages.
1. Captivating Performances
Without a doubt, the outstanding caliber of performances is what makes this show so special. The vocalists, dancers, and acrobats showcase incredible talent that moves and impresses you.
Their acting chops also shine through, making beloved characters like Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa even more adorable. Kids will have a great time while adults gain new appreciation for the performers’ dedication to their art. And can we talk about those vocals on all the singers?
2. Audience Immersion
Between the theater-in-the-round staging and encouragement to sing along, Festival of the Lion King excels at audience immersion. You truly feel part of the show itself, creating interactive memories sure to last a lifetime.
3. Universal Appeal
The timeless coming-of-age story, lovable characters and catchy musical numbers have universal appeal. Whether you’re 2 or 92, the show entertains and speaks to guests across generations.
4. Energy & Emotion
Throughout the entire 30-minute production, the energy electrifies the theater. But it also balances feel-good humor with emotional, tear-jerking moments. That mix of joy and meaning resonates deeply after the curtain falls.
5. Impressive Production Value
From the colorful costumes to aerial rigging allowing acrobats to soar, no detail is overlooked. Disney’s production value expertise is on full display here, creating a visual spectacle beyond expectations.
| Aspect | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Catchy Tunes | Iconic songs from The Lion King and original compositions |
| Unique Stage | Theater in the round design, immersive viewing experience |
| Stellar Performers | Talented vocalists, dancers, and acrobats |
| Props and Puppets | Elaborate animal puppets, visually stunning set pieces |
| Emotional Journey | Moments of joy, excitement, nostalgia, and reflection |
When you add up all these elements – the wow-factor performances, inclusive atmosphere, mass appeal, high energy and meticulous production – it’s easy to see why Festival of the Lion King is a highlight of the Disney World resort.
Insider Tips to Maximize Your Experience
To help you make the most of Festival of the Lion King during your Disney World visit, keep these insider tips in mind:
- Book Genie+ in Advance – If visiting during peak crowds, book Genie+ through the My Disney Experience app to guarantee seats.
- See a Nighttime Show – Even though the show takes place indoors, typically people leave Animal Kingdom at night, so you could find seats easily.
- Capture Keepsakes – Take advantage of PhotoPass photographers after the show to get memorable (and free!) pics.
- Stay for the Finale – Don’t leave early or you’ll miss the grand finale!
- Catch the Early Show – Less crowds at the first show of the day makes it ideal for younger kids.
- Download the Soundtrack – Relive the catchy music anytime by downloading the song playlist to your phone!
With these expert tips to improve your experience, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable time at Festival of the Lion King.
Final Thoughts: Is Festival of the Lion King Worth It?
With so many entertainment options at Walt Disney World, you may be wondering – is Festival of the Lion King really worth spending your valuable vacation time to see? The answer is a resounding yes!
This incredible show consistently ranks as one of the most popular stage shows across the entire Disney World resort. And after seeing the production yourself, it’s easy to understand why. Festival of the Lion King is worth every minute thanks to its world-class performance and audience immersion.
This show stands out as one of the best theme park productions in the world. And it’s an experience every Disney World visitor should have at least once! Why not make this your year to witness the magic yourself?
FAQs
For more details on Festival of the Lion King, check out our FAQ section below.
What type of theater does Festival of the Lion King take place in?
Festival of the Lion King is performed in the Harambe Theater, which features a unique theater-in-the-round configuration. This means the stage is central with seating all around, allowing for dynamic views and immersive audience interaction.
How long is the Festival of the Lion King show?
Festival of the Lion King runs approximately 30 minutes long. The fast-paced show features beloved musical numbers from the movie as well as stunning dance and acrobatic performances.
How much does it cost to see Festival of the Lion King?
Though we still can’t believe it, Festival of the Lion King is included with standard admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. No additional fees are required, making it a magical and musical experience available to all guests.
What special effects does the show incorporate?
Festival of the Lion King amazes audiences with spectacular lighting, theatrical fog effects for dramatic entrances, elaborate animal puppetry, and even fire and water elements for added wonder.
Is the show appropriate for kids?
Definitely! With its upbeat music, lively performances, silly comedic moments and family-friendly story, Festival of the Lion King entertains guests of all ages. The theater even has special child-sized seats available.
Are snacks or meals available in the theater?
Outside food and drinks are not permitted. But guests can enjoy snacks, quick-service meals and refreshing drinks at nearby restaurants in Africa before or after the show.
