Credit: DisneyThroughout the years at Walt Disney World, many experiences have come and gone, but a select few have established themselves as enduring icons of the park. One such beloved attraction is the Festival of the Lion King, a spectacular Broadway-style show that first enthralled audiences when it debuted on April 22, 1998, alongside the grand opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Over nearly three decades since its inception, this unforgettable production has accomplished what very few theme park performances can. It has the unique ability to evoke powerful emotions, moving generations of guests to tears and inspiring standing ovations from entire theaters. As a testament to its enduring appeal, the festival has secured a permanent place on the must-see list for nearly every visitor who steps through the gates of the park.
When a show enjoys such a lengthy run and establishes profound connections with its audience, another magical phenomenon occurs: guests begin to recognize and form attachments to the performers. Year after year, they return to witness the performance, eagerly hoping to spot a familiar face gracing the stage once again.
For countless guests, one of those cherished, recognizable faces has been Veryl E. Jones. His remarkable talent and captivating presence have made him an unforgettable part of the Festival of the Lion King experience. Now, after more than two decades of dedicated service and unforgettable performances with Disney, Jones has announced his retirement from his role in this iconic show. His departure marks the end of an era and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of many who have had the pleasure of watching him perform.
Happy retirement to the man the myth and the legend, VJ.
— Ethan 💫 (@ThatDisneyBoi) July 2, 2026
This man has been with the show since it opened in 1998, and today he finally celebrates his retirement. Getting to grow up watching you, to sharing a stage with you has been one of the greatest privileges.
Nǎhtǎzū!!! pic.twitter.com/XN5Y6babfX
A Career Worth Celebrating
News of Jones’ retirement came through fellow performer Monica Quinn, who posted a video of the show’s cast and crew celebrating him at the Festival of the Lion King theater in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The celebration was a fitting send-off for a performer who has been part of the show’s identity for more than two decades.
Jones portrayed Kiume, the leader of the elephant section, one of the four human hosts who anchor the entire production. His signature moment came singing Scar’s villainous anthem, Be Prepared, a number that consistently ranks among the most memorable parts of the show for guests. Anyone who has sat in the Harambe Theater and felt that song fill the room knows exactly the kind of presence Jones brought to the stage.
His performing career extends beyond the theme park stage as well. Jones has appeared in films including The Punisher in 2004, Bad Boys II in 2003, and Out of Time in 2003, bringing genuine screen and stage experience to a role he made his own for over 20 years.
Why This Show Means So Much to So Many
For guests unfamiliar with the production, Festival of the Lion King is a larger-than-life celebration of songs, pageantry, and puppetry built around the classic animated film. The show originally opened as part of Camp Minnie-Mickey when Disney’s Animal Kingdom debuted in 1998, and it now performs in the Harambe Theater in the park’s Africa section.
The four human hosts, including Kiume, perform famous songs from The Lion King alongside life-size puppets of Simba, Pumbaa, an elephant, and a giraffe riding parade floats. Timon appears as a walkaround character throughout the show, while Tumble Monkeys, aerial gymnasts, a fire twirler, and dancers fill the theater with nonstop energy. It is the kind of production that works equally well for first-time visitors and guests on their fiftieth viewing, which explains why it has endured while so many other shows have come and gone.
The scale of that endurance became clear last year, when Festival of the Lion King celebrated its 80 millionth guest. A young visitor was honored with a commemorative oversized ticket featuring the show’s logo and a nod to the original Camp Minnie-Mickey location, along with a celebration button marking the milestone. She and her family joined the cast for a group photo after the show, a moment that captured what this production has meant to families across nearly three decades.
Eighty million guests is a staggering number for any single theme park production, and performers like Jones are a huge part of why guests keep coming back.
What This Means for Guests Planning a Visit
Festival of the Lion King continues performing daily at the Harambe Theater in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests should know that seating is limited and not guaranteed with park admission, so checking the My Disney Experience app, in-park tip boards, or speaking with a cast member at the theater for queue information and show availability is the smartest approach, especially during busy seasons.
Guests can also download the Play Disney Parks app to earn a digital achievement for experiencing Festival of the Lion King, one of many achievements available for attractions and entertainment across the parks.
For longtime fans who have watched Jones command that stage for over two decades, his retirement marks the end of a genuine era at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Performers like him are the reason a show can run for nearly 30 years and still feel alive every single day. The role of Kiume will continue, but for the guests who grew up watching Jones sing Be Prepared, his version of it will always be the one they hear.
