Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World Resort has removed two characters from The Lion King (1994) from their meet-and-greet location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Here’s where Central Florida Disney Park guests can find them now.
The Lion King Characters Relocated at Disney World
On Sunday, Walt Disney World Resort guests arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park to find that Timon and Rafiki were signing autographs and posing for photos at a new location.
According to WDWNT, they now appear in The Oasis near the Garden Gate Gifts merchandise location, which is near the guest entrance to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The outlet shared this photo of Rafiki in his new home on Facebook:
The characters rotate, with Timon typically meeting every hour on the 20-minute mark and Rafiki appearing every hour on the 50-minute mark. Guests should check the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date entertainment schedules.
The Lion King characters previously had meet-and-greets in front of a Pride Rock backdrop in the Conservation Station Building on Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which is only accessible via the Wildlife Express train. The area was temporarily closed last month to prepare for the arrival of Bluey and Bingo from the animated series Bluey. The Heeler sisters will meet and play with guests.
As part of the area’s reimagining, the Affection Section petting zoo on Rafiki’s Planet Watch has permanently closed. Instead, Australian animals will appear in the area.
More Fun With Simba, Pumbaa, & Timon
Guests can also revisit their favorite music from the 1994 Walt Disney Animation Studios film at Festival of the Lion King, a Broadway-style show in Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The 30-minute performance combines puppetry, live vocalists, and gymnasts for an interactive experience that families will carry with them long after they visit Walt Disney World Resort.
Have you met Timon or Rafiki at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your favorite memories with Inside the Magic in the comments!