Ten Ways to Celebrate “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Summer 2019

Hi everyone!

The Lion King has always had a presence at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, in particular the long-running and fan-favorite show Festival of the Lion King. The park was built just four years after the classic animated film debuted. And filmmakers of the new 2019 version even visited the park as part of their research, studying the lions on Kilimanjaro Safaris. This year, Disney added new ways to experience The Lion King in the park – some of it will be just for the summer, some a little longer. We visited Disney’s Animal Kingdom during Memorial Day Weekend to enjoy some of the offerings, and yesterday we were invited to a media event to experience and learn about others. Here is a look at 10 ways you can celebrate The Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park this year.

Celebrating The Lion King banner

1 – View Festival of the Lion King. There are not a lot of shows at Walt Disney World that last over 20 years, but Festival of the Lion King is one of them. It debuted with the park in 1998, eventually closing briefly to move to a new venue. The performances are Broadway quality and this 30-minute show also features Timon and Pumbaa. The costumes and music are incredible. I recommend this show anytime you have a chance to see it.

Timon and other performers in Festival of the Lion King

2 – Book the Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night experience – This is a new offering that starts on July 24th, a progressive meal with entertainment and a variety of food and drink items. The name reminds me of the 2014 Harambe Nights which was a fantastic evening event that included inspired food and drink along with entertainment. This event is different but still offers an array of delicious food and beverages (we tried some of the dessert items), entertainment and character appearances. You can find more information about Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night on the Walt Disney World website. It currently is scheduled for Wednesdays through October 23rd, 2019.

S’more Lion Pop that will be served at Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night

3 – Check out the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party – As far as dance parties go, this is one of my favorites at Walt Disney World for the music and characters. The characters are a mix from different movies including The Lion King and can include characters like Rafiki, Timon, Baloo (The Jungle Book), Meeko (Pocahontas) and Koda (Brother Bear).

Timon in the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party

4 – Ride the Kilimanjaro Safaris – Since 1998, this has been my favorite attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. In May, Disney started adding in a spiel based on The Lion King and I expect that will be temporary. The attraction did serve as inspiration and research for the 2019 film, and features lions, warthogs, giraffes and many other animals.

5 – Play the Lion King Scavenger Hunt – This scavenger hunt debuted yesterday, and costs $6.99 for a map, stickers and prize (you do not have to finish to receive a prize). I found The Lion King scavenger hunt more challenging than other scavenger hunts at Walt Disney World (usually Epcot), but it gets easier when you realize the statues may be elevated. I love scavenger hunts and we will be going back soon to finish this one, we didn’t have time to finish yesterday. The Lion King Scavenger Hunt is expected to run through September 28th, 2019 (or while supplies last).

Front of the Lion King Scavenger Hunt

Back of the Lion King Scavenger Hunt

6 – Learn to draw at The Animation Experience at Conservation Station – Conservation Station had been closed for a number of months, but it now open again with a new experience along with the animal petting zoo. The Animation Experience is a nice addition that features a character drawing lesson based on The Lion King or other Disney animated films. Guests sit in a chair (no table) with a board and paper to draw a character on. The experience is about 30 minutes and I enjoyed it, we drew Simba. The artwork makes a nice souvenir. Then I went to the petting zoo and spent some time with the goats and donkeys, I recommend that too – a lot of the animals really love the attention.

My Simba drawing from The Animation Experience

There is also a new badge for Wilderness Explorers.

7 – Shop for Lion King merchandise and pose in front of backdrops – Head to Mombasa Marketplace in Harambe and you can take advantage of both – there is a lot of merchandise, you can purchase the scavenger hunt here and pose for backdrop photos. Merchandise and the scavenger hunt can be found elsewhere as well, and backdrops can be found around the park. But Mombasa Marketplace is a terrific one-stop shop. There are currently special Simba and Nala plush as well where Disney will donate $5.00 of the sale of each lion plush to the Wildlife Conservation Network.

Mombasa Marketplace

The Lion King merchandise and backdrop

Nala and Simba special plush that give back

8 – Try themed treat offerings – Back in May we purchased Simba’s Sunset Dole Whip, and this time we tried the Bugs ‘n Grub Waffle Cone (both have been very popular!) You can check out this Foodie Guide for more treat information based on The Lion King.

Simba’s Sunset Dole Whip

9 – Stay for Tree of Life Awakenings – Projections on the Tree of Life run about every 10 minutes after dark, and one of the vignettes is inspired by The Lion King. The projections are beautiful with the Tree of Life making a stunning canvas for them.

10 – Watch the playful Meerkats – Walk through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and you will find a meerkat habitat. A couple of months ago, there were very baby meerkats as well, they would be a little older now. Kids will love the connection to The Lion King!