Hakuna Matata! At the 2024 D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event, we got an exciting first look at what’s coming to Disney Adventure World in 2026—a brand-new water attraction about The Lion King! And thanks to the photos we captured of the scale model at the event, we’ve got a pretty clear idea of how epic this will be.
Enter the Pride Lands
Construction begins in fall 2025 on the first fully immersive Lion King-themed land at any Disney park. When guests enter the area, they’ll be transported to the African savanna and the heart of the Pride Lands. The towering 120-foot-tall Pride Rock will be hard to miss, and it’s just the beginning.
A Water Ride Fit for a King
The marquee attraction in this new land is a water-based adventure, unlike anything we’ve seen before at Disneyland Paris. Riders will journey through caves beneath Pride Rock and sail through memorable moments from the 1994 animated classic. Expect to hear the songs you know and love—“Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and more—as you pass scenes featuring Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, and Scar.
Imagineers are going all out with this one. The ride will feature advanced Audio-Animatronics, state-of-the-art effects, and three thrilling drops—including a massive 52-foot plunge! It promises to be one of the largest and most ambitious attractions ever built at Disneyland Paris.
More Than Just a Ride
Once the Lion King attraction roars to life, it will anchor a fully themed immersive world. Guests can expect themed dining locations, unique shopping experiences, and meet-and-greets with favorite characters from the film. This will be more than just a ride—it’s a destination.
As Seen at D23 2024
If you were lucky enough to be at the D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event, you may have spotted the scale model of Disney Adventure World. The model showcased the new Lion King land alongside other areas like World of Frozen and Adventure Way. The detail Imagineers have packed into this expansion is stunning, and seeing Pride Rock rise in miniature only makes us more excited for what’s coming in full scale.
