A Look at Festival of the Lion King
I have a confession. Currently my favorite Disney Park is the Animal Kingdom. I know many people disagree with me. They think it is boring, needs more rides and only a half day park.
To me it is a world of enchantment. I LOVE the immersive theming and I could spend hours exploring, taking photos and see all of the fantastic shows.
I have already shared with you my love of The Flights of Wonder Show and Finding Nemo. So let us move onto Festival of the Lion King. This one is my absolute favorite.
The New Festival of the Lion King in Africa
This 20 minute show recently changed venues and moved from Camp Minnie Mickey (soon to be Avatarland) to it’s new home in Africa.
As you enter the building you will be directed to one of four seating areas. Soon the lights dim and your four hosts arrive.
Introductions
Each host will head to one of the four sections to introduce themselves and the animal you (yes, you) will represent.
Our hosts Kibibi, Nakawa, Kiume and Zawadi
Kibibi
This is the younger women. Her name means “princess” and she perfectly portrays this role as she teaches her group to make the sound of the giraffe. Hint: they make a bleating sound like a sheep.
Nakawa
This is the younger gentleman. His name means “good-looking”. He says it a bit egotistical and the other hosts will get a dig in. His group is the Lion. So this group gets to put up their claws (hands) and ROAR!
Kiume
This is the older gentleman. His name means “masculine and strong”. Just the site of him makes that point. His group is the mighty pachyderm (elephant). Get ready to make elephant noises if you are in his section.
Zawadi
This is the remaining women. Her name means “the gift” and her voice is AMAZING. Her group is the wart hog. (I think Pumba has something to do with this). So she will have you
If you are lucky enough to be seated on the front row you may get pulled up to help your section host lead the group in making the sound of their animal.
You too May Get to Make the Sound of a Warthog
The Festival Appears
Once the introduction and animal noise education is complete out come all of the other entertainers and the floats that represent each section.
The Show
The festival is kicked off with Timon leading a group of tumbling monkeys on a rendition of Hakuna Matata. They fly through the air and make you want to join in on the swing.
The Monkeys Fly Through the Air with Hakuna Matata
Soon the lights dim and the monkeys are scared off by a very stern looking Kiume.
Kiume takes on the role of Scar and sings Be Prepared. The highlight of this song is the polynesian fire dancer. He sets the stage a blaze and you are entranced as this dark song continues.
Be Prepared is accented by some wonderful Fire
As the smoke clears you hear the familiar tune of Can You Fill The Love Tonight and two dancers come in dressed as birds. Kibibi and Nakawa bring the song to life with their wonderful voices.
You are drawn into the romance of the song and as it crescendos the female birds takes flight. This is my favorite part of the show!
Love Birds fly through the year with Can You Feel the Love Tonight
The Finale
After the song many of the dancers come out as Zawadi sings Circle of Life. Let me tell you she is fantastic!! You can definitely tell her voice is the star of the show.
The Queen of the show thrills you with Circle of Life
It is now time for the finale and that includes you! Get ready to play your part in a wonderful rendition of Lion Sleeps Tonight led by Simon.
Jump in with Timon as he leads The Lion Sleeps Tonight
During this time children are brought out to be part of the show and dance around the stage.
Your Kids May even get to join in
This show really takes me back to when I saw the move as a kid and my kids love it just as much today.
And by the way the theater is air conditioned so it is also a great reprieve from the midday heat
So next time you are in the Animal Kingdom stop and take in the Festival. You’ll thank me.
We love this show, thought not as much as Finding Nemo the Musical. One of the actresses that plays Zawadi is a good friend of my sister.
I LOVE that role. I have seen two of them. Not sure if there are more but the two of them blew me away.
This is actually the one park I know I have a lot more of to see. Scheduling or weather or something has made me not catch this park in entirety the two times I’ve been there.
Aww, Lion King happens to be my favorite Disney movie ever! This looks like exactly the kind of performance I would love to see.
I have lived in Orlando my entire life and I have never seen this show. I’ve honestly never had any interest. But now you’ve made it seem somewhat entertaining so I might have to check it out! Thanks so much.
Lee
Lol. Love this comment. It really is very entertaining. I think my Mom had your opinions on the show so this made me laugh.
The Lion King show is incredibly well done; I have seen it once a long time ago and it really blew me away!
This is our favorite of the Disney shows – it’s spectacular! And, I’m with you – Animal Kingdom is quickly rising to my favorite park! I just love it. Each time we are there, I like it more than the last time. And there’s still so much left to explore!
Animal Kingdom is (and has been since it opened) my favorite park too!
When was the audience picture taken. That looks like my family.
That is totally my family in the front left. My daughter introduced the giraffe.
Kyle, Oh my goodness that is so cool. Both the fact that I captured it and your daughter was the giraffe.