Both Images: Credit Screenshot via Disney Parks TikTokThe Festival of the Lion King — currently operating as a slightly modified version and called A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King — reopened to Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 8, 2021 after being temporarily closed due to the ongoing pandemic.
Now, one of the Walt Disney World performers is speaking out about the return of A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King as well as his favorite part of the show!
Verly, who performs in A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King, recently spoke to Disney Parks for a TikTok, showcasing his excitement to be back putting on a show in front of Guests as well as his favorite part of the show.
Disney Parks captioned this TikTok:
It is time to meet Veryl from Festival of the Lion King ? #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #LionKing #Perform #Sing #DisneyCastLife
@disneyparks It is time to meet Veryl from Festival of the Lion King ? #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #LionKing #Perform #Sing #DisneyCastLife
In the video, Veryl reveals one of his favorite moments, saying “One of my favorite moments is behind the curtain and then you hear ‘Here we go Celebration of The Festival of The Lion King’,” before he pauses to mimic the trumpet noises heard in the show.
“BOOM,” Veryl continued, “We come through that curtain and it’s on! And it’s different every single time and I love it.”
It’s so great to see and hear Cast Members back in their element, doing what they love the most. Thank you, Veryl, for sharing your passion with Guests every single day.
More on A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King
Disney is currently describing A Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King as:
The Circle of Life – Live on Stage
Join the inhabitants of the Pride Lands for a grand gala in honor of Simba, the lion cub who would be king.
As the lights dim, hear the sounds of the African savanna. A kinetic kaleidoscope of color floods the stage as colossal puppets, extravagantly costumed dancers, and incredible stilt walkers dazzle the senses.
During spectacular theatrics, you’ll relive all the classic songs from The Lion King, including “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” The spectacular finale includes a soaring rendition of “Circle of Life.”
It’s a moving and immersive theatrical experience celebrating music that has touched generations of Disney fans—and a festival you’ll want to be part of again and again!
Know Before You Go
“A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King” will be presented in a modified format to be mindful of the current environment. Adjustments to the show have been made onstage and backstage, including updates to choreography and temporarily pausing some show elements to allow for appropriate physical distancing.
Seating will be limited for the show and is not guaranteed with park admission. Guests should check My Disney Experience app, in-park tip boards or speak with a Cast Member at Harambe Theatre for queue information and show availability, which is subject to change.
Have you seen A Celebration of The Festival of the Lion King since its reopened? Let us know in the comments below.