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Festival of the Lion King returns to Walt Disney World in new Animal Kingdom area with same classic show

in Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World

Posted on by Ricky Brigante 9 Comments
Colorful animal characters leap and dance across the stage, bringing the Festival of the Lion King to life in Animal Kingdom’s dazzling theater show.

To make way for the world of Avatar coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World relocated its popular Festival of the Lion King show to a new theater elsewhere in the park. The show reopened over the weekend in the new Harambe Theater, a more appropriate spot than its former home in the now-extinct Camp Minnie-Mickey area.

The area surrounding the new theater adds several themed buildings that fit in perfectly with the rest of the surrounding Africa land. Thatched roofs and aged facades make it all seem like it’s been there since the park opened.

WDW Guided Tours provided us with photos of the new buildings and the show itself, which hasn’t changed much in the move.

Guests stroll down a spacious walkway surrounded by lush greenery and iconic Animal Kingdom architecture, with bright white walls and distant buildings setting the stage for a lively day at Walt Disney World under a dramatic cloudy sky.

A scenic waterfront village inspired by Disney’s Animal Kingdom, featuring a classic boat docked by aged, adventure-themed buildings and lush trees mirrored in the tranquil river—capturing the immersive storytelling and detailed theming of a Disney park experience.

The Festival of the Lion King theater welcomes guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, its iconic sign displayed on a whimsically rustic building beneath a bright, clear sky.

The iconic thatched-roof entrance of Harambe Theatre invites guests to experience "Festival of the Lion King" at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World, with vibrant signage welcoming everyone to this popular live show.

A two-story lodge with a thatched roof and an eye-catching Lion King quilt displayed on the upper balcony, capturing the immersive, storybook atmosphere of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Though the new theater looks tremendously different on the outside, once inside it’s nearly identical to what used to be in the park. The high-energy show still entertains crowds in the round.

Guests fill the circular theater, eagerly anticipating the start of Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with a blue-lit stage glowing at the center.

Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with guests seated in a dimly lit theater as blue and purple stage lights shine on the circular performance area.

The majestic elephant statue takes center stage surrounded by lush trees, dynamic performers, and an excited audience, all illuminated by vibrant lights that capture the thrilling atmosphere of Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

The Festival of the Lion King dazzles the crowd at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as performers, dressed in vibrant costumes, dance energetically under colorful stage lights, captivating everyone in the audience and filling Walt Disney World with excitement.

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