Where to find Lion King Characters at Disney World
We've got all the information you need to find your favorite characters from Disney's "The Lion King" at Disney World. We'll tell you where to see Simba, Rafiki, Timon, and Pumbaa in the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom theme parks. We also have a couple of Disney World resort recommendations for the Lion King fan.
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All photos are my own. (c)Stephen Johnson.
Lion King Characters at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom park is definitely the best theme park for finding Lion King characters. Fans of the Lion King will also probably really enjoy the style of the whole Africa area of the park.
Festival of the Lion King in the Harambe Theatre of the Africa area of Animal Kingdom (pictured above) is a live action show that is offered several times daily and is included in the cost of park admission. Check your Animal Kingdom Times Guide for exact times during your visit. It is one of the best shows at Disney World.
Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party with Timon and Rafiki at the Discovery Island Stage includes music, dance and games for some great family fun. Great opportunity to get cute photos of your kids in action. Check the MyDisneyExperience app or Times Guide for times during your visit.
Kilimanjaro Safari in the Africa area of the Animal Kingdom – While this popular attraction isn’t specifically “Lion King” themed, the ride does simulate an African Safari tour and the safari bus will be referred to as “Simba 1″ in the interaction with the Harambe reserve.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch is found near the Africa Area. You’ll find the cutest, fat little goats to brush as well as environmental and animal care displays. Rafiki is sometimes on hand for photos and autographs.
Rivers of Light: We Are One is the nighttime show on the water at Disney’s Animation Kingdom park and includes a tapestry of mements from Animal-ionspired Disney animated films, including “The Lion King.”.
Lion King in the Magic Kingdom
Mickey's Philharmagic at Disney World - You’ll get a quick glimpse of a couple of Lion King characters in “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” – a 3D movie in the Fantasyland area of the Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s PhilharMagic is about 12 minutes long and is very cute.
Disney World Trivia: Prior to the opening of “Mickey’s PhilharMagic”, the theater was home to a stage presentation called “Legend of the Lion King” (1994 – 2002) that retold the story of the film using life size puppets.
Lion King at Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios
Unfortunately, the Lion King characters are not featured at Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Scar statue at Disney's Art of Animation Resort hotel - Lion King courtyard.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort - the newest hotel at Disney World – has a whole Lion King themed section with family suites that can accommodate up to 6 guest in one suite.
Click here for more Art of Animation resort photos & information.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of my favorite Disney resorts and, while it isn't specifically Lion King themed, every detail is just incredible. Not only is the building amazing but the resort also has beautiful savannah areas with live animals like giraffes, flamingos, and bongos. It is a deluxe resort and guests who reserve a savannah view room will have balconies that overlook the animal areas; guests in standard and pool view rooms will still be able to enjoy the animals from one of the many public viewing areas. Another very special aspect of this hotel are the African Goodwill Ambassadors who are on hand to answer questions about Africa and the resort.
Click for more Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge photos & information
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