Disneyland Paris Gets World’s First “Lion King” Themed Area

(eap) As part of Disney’s annual fan event “Destination D23”, which took place this weekend, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro presented news about current and future developments at Disneyland Paris. The highlight among the announcements is the world's first “Lion King” themed area to open in Disney Adventure World. Part of this themed area, in which visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the African savannah together with characters such as “Simba”, “Timon” and “Pumbaa”, will be a water ride equipped with Disney’s Audio-Animatronics^® figures. Also, there will be Disney character meet & greets, themed dining and shopping options.

“From the moment the sun rose on the big screen in theaters all around the world, audiences were captivated by the story of The Lion King, and its characters, and it has not lost any momentum since. Our goal as Imagineers is to translate the emotional core of the film into this exciting project and have you relive that feeling all over again as you experience this unique attraction. I’m thrilled and excited that The Lion King will make its attraction debut here at Disneyland Paris,” emphasizes Michel Den Dulk, Portfolio Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris.

The Lion King themed area, including the new attraction, is to follow the new “Frozen” themed area, which will open in 2026. With the opening of the “Kingdom of Arendelle”, the Walt Disney Studios Park will also be renamed to Disney Adventure World in 2026. In the same year, a new evening show will premiere and take place on and above the lake at the end of the new “Adventure Way”. This will include water screens, fountains, special effects and drone choreography. Disneyland Paris is once again working with the company Dronisos, which is developing water drones especially for the show. From January next year, there will also be a new show in Disneyland Park, which will be presented as usual on and above Sleeping Beauty Castle and, for the first time, on Main Street U.S.A. Projections on the building facades and sound effects will enchant visitors there…

“For this new show, we reimagined the way of telling stories with our Castle as the main attraction. This exclusive experience at Disneyland Paris is a testament to our creative expertise – skill which has been honed over the years. We are looking forward to dazzling and touching the hearts of our guests by immersing them into breathtaking sequences inspired by their favorite Disney and Pixar movies like never before. This can’t-miss experience will make it possible for guests to end their day in the parks all together in the most unforgettable way,” says Dana Harrel, Executive Entertainment Director, Disneyland Paris. ■