The Festival of the Lion King has been a must-see experience at Disneyโs Animal Kingdom since it debuted in 1998. This high-energy, Broadway-style show features songs, acrobatics, and audience participation that celebrates the spirit of The Lion King. In 2014, the show relocated from Camp Minnie-Mickey to a brand-new indoor theater in the Africa section of the park, making space for PandoraโThe World of Avatar.
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A celebration, not a retelling
This isnโt a direct retelling of the movie. Instead, the show celebrates the music and themes of The Lion King through dance, puppetry, and song. It includes fan-favorite numbers like โHakuna Matata,โ โCan You Feel the Love Tonight,โ and โCircle of Life.โ
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
The pandemic-era version
After the pandemic shutdown, Disney returned a modified version titled A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King. This temporary version included changes to choreography and backstage operations to allow for physical distancing. Most notably, the Tumble Monkeys and some aerial elements were paused. Even with the changes, the show kept its energy and emotional impact. The performanceโs costumes, music, and spirit remained as powerful as ever.
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
The full version returns
Disney announced the full return of Festival of the Lion King in summer 2022. That includes the return of the Tumble Monkeys, aerial artists, and the original choreography. This blogโs featured video shows the transitional versionโan essential moment in the showโs history and a sign of Disneyโs resilience.
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show
A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King | Walt Disney World | Animal Kingdom | 2022 | Full Show