At a Glance
Duration: 30 minutes
Look Out For: loud animal noises, flashing lights, some spooky characters, and huge puppets
Opening on April 22, 1998, Festival of the Lion King is a fun-filled celebration of the circle of life. But how scary is Festival of the Lion King? Let’s take a look at the stats:
1. Ride Length
Festival of the Lion King has a duration of approximately 30 minutes. As a stage show with live actors and moving set pieces, it can of course, be a bit longer or shorter by a few minutes.
2. Height Requirement and Warnings
Festival of the Lion King has no height requirement or official warnings from Disney. This could make it a great option for the whole family – but be sure to check out the Is it Scary section for a few caveats.
3. Ride Vehicles and Restraints
The Festival of the Lion King theater seats 1,450 guests in 4 distinct sections. The seating is bleacher-style, ascending upwards so that those in the back have a clear view – much like you’d find at your everyday baseball game. The entire theater is indoors and air conditioned, making it a fabulous way to get out of the heat for half an hour.
4. How Does Festival of the Lion King Work?
Festival of the Lion King works like a standard stage show, utilizing live actors and practical set pieces. Some of the dialogue, music, (and animal sounds) are piped-in and you’ll encounter some cool choreography, fire-dancing, and acrobatics throughout the show.
5. Is Festival of the Lion King Scary?
Festival of the Lion King is not intentionally scary, but it could be a bit intense for some guests. Unlike other live shows like Beauty and the Beast in Hollywood Studios, this attraction lacks any actual Disney villains, while still paying tribute with the song “Be Prepared,” originally sung by Scar.
This particular scene does include some flashing lights and thunder as well as a brief “evil laugh” and some menacing-looking choreography. The fire dancer really steals the show and is really incredible to watch – though the “dangerous” routine could be distressing to some. This, combined with the loud drumming, light effects, and villain-vibe, could definitely be a bit intense for the sensory sensitive among us.
The rest of the show also involves some loud noises/music and lighting effects, but is all portrayed in a very friendly and joyous way. Personally, I adore this attraction, and would recommend it to most people – as long as everyone in your party is comfortable what I described above.
6. How High is Festival of the Lion King ?
Festival of the Lion King does not involve heights. As a standard Disney stage show, you and your seat remain stationary at all times – though you may be seated higher on the bleachers than others. If you would be more comfortable on the lower levels, be sure to ask a cast member and they may be able to accommodate you.
7. How Fast is Festival of the Lion King?
Festival of the Lion King does not go fast. Unlike some Disney shows, there are no 4D effects or moving seats, meaning you will remain motionless for the entire duration.
8. Does Festival of the Lion King Have Drops?
Festival of the Lion King does not have drops. In fact, there is no movement or thrill ride elements whatsoever on this attraction.
9. Does Festival of the Lion King Cause Motion Sickness?
Festival of the Lion King should not cause motion sickness for most riders. With its air-conditioned theater and lack of any screens, spinning, or 4D effects, there is really nothing in this attraction that could cause nausea.
10. Is Festival of the Lion King Claustrophobic?
Festival of the Lion King could feel claustrophobic to some guests. Unlike many Disney stage shows, the action takes place in the center of the room, with four sections of bleachers surrounding it. Because the live actors and set pieces have to move around and between the four sections to access backstage, it would be dangerous for both you and the performers to get up once the show has started.
However, this is stated at the beginning of the show and Disney simply asks that you see a cast member if you need assistance leaving the theater. While this extra step might make for a more claustrophobic experience, it could be comforting to know that you can leave if you absolutely have to.
11. Are There Animatronics on Festival of the Lion King?
There are technically no animatronics on Festival of the Lion King. However, the huge moving figures of Simba, Pumbaa, the giraffe, and the elephant could be a little intimidating to some guests. They are technically puppets and have limited movement on what is essentially a parade float, but depending on where you are sitting, you could get pretty up close and personal with these characters.
Festival of the Lion King Queue Walkthrough
The queue entrance is located outside in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom. Once entering the line you’ll simply wind back and forth through a covered outdoor section until you reach the building. In my experience, you can avoid most of the wait by just arriving close to show-time – as most of the time spent in line is just waiting for the next show to begin. Once inside, a cast member will lead you to your seats and you’ll be able to sit back and relax in the AC.
Festival of the Lion King Walkthrough
The show begins with an introduction to the 4 leading performers – Kiume, Nakawa, Kibibi, and Zawadi. Each of them represents and leads one of the 4 audience sections (the lions, the elephants, the giraffes, and the warthogs.) Once finding out which section you’re seated in, the audience takes part in a pep-rally-type cheer and the performances begin.
After a welcome song, the other live performers (dressed as animals) are introduced. They then perform a brief rendition of “The Circle of Life” before the puppet characters (like Simba and Pumbaa) are wheeled out on what are essentially large parade-floats. The cast then sings “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” as the set pieces are positioned where they need to be.
Timon then comes on stage to sing his classic “Hakuna Matata” accompanied by the “tumble monkey” acrobats, but is afterwards interrupted by the “Be Prepared” scene. (See the Is it Scary section for more details.)
The next performance is a gorgeous rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” featuring flying acrobats and a beautiful duet. Then, the full cast comes on stage for “The Circle of Life” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” The cast then performs the finale – revisiting many of the songs they sung previously, and the show comes to an end.
That’s it! Remember, everyone’s riding experience is a little bit different and only you can decide whether to hop on that ride vehicle or not. I just hope this guide helps you be prepared and enjoy every second of your Disney experience!
So what do you think? How scary is Festival of the Lion King? Leave a comment to help keep this guide up to date!
For a full visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out these videos from laughingplace (some scenes are omitted due to the pandemic) and UltimateDisneyCruiseLineFan 03:
