Festival of the Lion King
Entertainment at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Park
Fun Facts
The Lion King borrows certain elements from Shakespeare's Hamlet, including the storyline of a young prince whose uncle takes over a kingdom after murdering the king.
Festival of the Lion King brings the familiar characters of the Disney animated classic film The Lion King from the movie screen to an action-packed stage at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park . This scheduled 30-minute big-as-Broadway live show combines the pageantry of a parade with a tribal celebration.
Through music featured in the film, high-energy dances, and even fire juggling, Disney Characters Timon, Simba, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Zazu, Mufasa and more team up with a traveling band of "African tribal performers" to tell the tale of a lion cub who can't wait to be king.
Festival of the Lion King is performed in an air-conditioned theater-in-the-round with stadium seating. Take a seat and be prepared to be dazzled by the puppetry, pageantry, colorful costumes, spectacular singing and gymnastics—keep a look out for the balletic birds and acrobatic monkeys!
Act Like an Animal at Festival of the Lion King
During the Festival of the Lion King show, you're encouraged to be part of the action. Each of the 4 sections around the stage takes turns acting like a giraffe, a warthog, a lion or an elephant. Did you know giraffes make the same sound as sheep: bleeet! Get caught up in the fun—play and sing along with the life-sized critters and Disney Characters as they interact with the audience.
Hakuna matata, no worries, if you don't know the words to the songs sung during Festival of the Lion King, your animal guide will teach you your part in the great "Circle of Life."
Moms Panel
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"Will be @ AK May 9th with DH, DD 6 and DS 8. We usually leave park from 12-3 for swim/nap. Can we get AK done in one day since only open 9-5? We plan on skipping Nemo show (been there, done that, not our fav). Want to do other main attract. - possible?"
Ask Moms Panel by Kimberly From TN, Get advice from parents -
"Is it normal for Animal Kingdom to have the exact same entertainment show schedule 4 days consecutively? December 12-15 calendar shows only Flights of Wonder, no Finding Nemo or Festival of the Lion King."
Ask Moms Panel by JENNY From , Get advice from parents -
"Visiting WDW in early Feb with DH, DS4, DD2, DS10mos, brother and parents. Can we do AK in half a day? If we only stay there until around 1:00 what are the attractions we should not miss? Thanks for great advice."
Ask Moms Panel by tricia From AR, Get advice from parents -
"When is the best time to go to Animal Kingdom in January w/ 4 and 1 yr old - early in morning or later afternoon + eat dinner there? Thank you. Love this board."
Ask Moms Panel by Suzanne From , Get advice from parents -
"Any suggestions for planning a half day visit to Animal kingdom with a 4 yr. old girl? What are the must see and do-not miss things in AK to accommodate in half day visit. Thank you for your time and wonderful advice."
Ask Moms Panel by Sumana From TX, Get advice from parents
Quick Tips
- For a prime viewing position during parades and shows, arrive early. Check the Times Guide and map for each Disney Theme Park for show times and for parade routes.
- For daily show times and updated attraction wait times, check the Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park "tip board" in the Discovery Island area, near the Tree of Life attraction . The Tip Boards are marked with a white, capital T in a black circle on your Park map.
- Meet popular Disney Characters, pose for photos and collect autographs during special meals at certain restaurants throughout Walt Disney World Resort. To find meals hosted by Disney Characters, search the Disney Dining Finder for Character Dining Experiences. Many meal times fill up quickly and require advance reservations. Book online or phone (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 up to 180 days in advance. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.
- Single and double-passenger strollers are available to rent at Disney Theme Parks. Quantities are limited and subject to availability. The Length of Stay Rental Ticket Option allows for multiple-day rentals. Baby Care Centers, where you can change and feed your baby, are located within each Theme Park.
