Unlike many other theme park shows based upon animated films, Festival of the Lion King doesn't retell the story of the 1994 Disney hit "The Lion King." Instead this show is, well, a festival, a musical review of songs from the movie, accompanied by acrobats, puppets, animatronics and even a slew of kids plucked from the audience.
Playing at nearly 30 minutes, the show takes place in a massive covered arena, with the audience divided into four sections, surrounding moving set pieces that play in the middle of the arena. Simba, the Lion King, watches from one perch, as dozens of performers swarm into and out of the arena in waves.
More than a decade after its debut, Festival of the Lion King remains one of the more popular attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom, drawing large crowds and long queues during most of the year. That popularity has propelled Festival of the Lion King to a high seed in this year's tournament, but can it push the show to a tournament title?
We'll find out when voting begins in two weeks. Until then, please share your thoughts about the show, in the comments.
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9-Outstanding, but not the best theme park live show out there.
BTW, great video of this show! I wish the singing was a little bit better, but very clear video! You can also sorta see the animated head of Timon who actually "sings" and blinks. A definate plus for Disney Imagineering and this show!
Versions of this show is at HKDL and DLP. I have seen the one at DLP and it pretty much just the singing, not the acrobatics and it was just as breathtaking. There is just something about the music of the Lion King that is spectacular, especially with strong vocals.
I also believe it is one of the saviors of the terrible and rocky opening that AK had in 1998. Now if they can only get more confortable seats........
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This is, hands down, my most favorite theme park show ever!
There is music, dancing, acrobatics, and the best singing!