It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Disney ® put Simba on Pride Rock in the hit animated movie, “The Lion King.” The film, which debuted in theaters in 1994, became an instant classic with popular songs like “Hakuna Matata” and “Circle of Life” that had you dancing and singing all day long. For the past 20 years the love for “The Lion King” has grown, with Broadway shows recreating the coming of age story and Disney ® parks paying tribute to the tale. If you want to celebrate one of Disney’s ® most beloved films you can do so with several shows, attractions and places at Walt Disney World ®:
The Lion King wing at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Begin your celebration where you stay at the Disney Art of Animation Resort. If you want to eat, sleep and breathe “The Lion King” make sure you book a room at this fun-filled Disney ® resort and ask for the Lion King wing. Here you’ll find a courtyard full of your favorite scenes and characters from the movie including Pumbaa and Timon dancing with a young Simba across a log bridge, King Mufasa atop Pride Rock while his evil brother Scar hides in the shadows and his hyena friends stand in the elephant graveyard. There is more inside including 320 family suites where Zazu decorates the headboards and Pumbaa and Timon appear on the shower curtain.
Fantasmic! & Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Once inside Walt Disney World ® there are several film-inspired segments of the movie in shows at Disney’s many parks including Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios ® and Mickey’s PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom ®. In Fantasmic! watch as Mickey invokes the characters from “The Lion King” in this magical production. At Mickey’s PhillharMagic hear some of “The Lion King’s” most popular songs including “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King.”
Africa in Animal Kingdom ® - Nothing honors “The Lion King” like a trip to Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ®. This part of the park lets guests experience the same wild animals and places Simba does in the film including acres of savanna, rivers, rocky hills, giraffes, hippos, African elephants and more. And on Kilimanjaro’s Safari, you’ll learn that Simba means “lion” in Swahili. After the ride, be sure to get your Wilderness Explorer’s badge near the exit. All you need to do is let them know you learned that cool fact.
The Circle of Life with Timon and Pumbaa – Next time you’re at Living with the Land at Epcot, before you hit Soarin’ or maybe afterwards, take 10 minutes to see the entertaining yet educational film, The Circle of Life with Timon and Pumbaa. Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella reprise their role as Timon and Pumbaa, as they learn about the land and how to conserve their environment. James Earl Jones also lends his voice again for the intro as Mufasa!
Festival of the Lion King – Perhaps the biggest and best way to pay homage to “The Lion King’s” 20th anniversary is to watch the brand new Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom ®. This Broadway show celebrates Simba and his journey to king in the all-new Harambe Theater. Prior to the show guests can celebrate with the all-new Harambe Nights that includes a welcome reception full of culinary experiences and an after-party with character appearances, artist signings, more food and merchandise.
For more ways to celebrate “The Lion King” look for discounted Walt Disney World ® tickets right here on Best of Orlando.
Orlando, FL – 07/10/14
By: Jena Pugh | 
