Don't Miss The Lion King 25th Anniversary Celebration At Disney's Animal Kingdom

Guests visiting Walt Disney World in the summer of 2019 will see all sorts of signs that Disney's The Lion King original animated feature is celebrating its 25th anniversary at Disney's Animal Kingdom. From fun food and photography, to updated shows, the cub who just couldn't wait to be King is strutting his stuff across the Theme Park.


Celebrate The Lion King


Rivers of Light We Are One

The beautiful nighttime show on Discovery River has been updated to add more Disney characters into the show. Scenes and music from nature inspired productions such as The Lion King and Pocahontas have been interwoven with the original score and Disneynature footage of the original Rivers of Light. In a dazzling array of color the unique after dark pageant has been made a little more interesting for the younger fans, and a little more nostalgic for the older. Win win.


Fireflies and Color Dance Across The Tree Of Life


PhotoPass Magic Shots

Disney PhotoPass photographers at Disney's Animal Kingdom are getting in on the anniversary action with new Magic Shots photo opportunities inspired by inhabitants of the Pride Lands. These opportunities occur from 10 AM - 5 PM every day, all summer long! Just have your Magic Band scanned and let your PhotoPass Photographer know you want MagicShots at the following locations:

• On the bridge leading into Africa (let Zazu sit on your shoulder)
• Near Harambe Market (meditate with Rafiki)
• Near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris (walk in line with Simba, Timon, and Pumba)
• Near Ticket Windows on Disco (point at Simba, Timon, and Pumba wrestling)
• In Africa Overlooking Tree Of Life (spot the hyenas)

Meditate With Rafiki


Celebratory Eats

It's not a party without kicking up the Disney Food! Guests will find several Lion King treats making an appearance this summer. From super sips to cool snacks you can really sink your teeth into, be on the look our for these fun options, and follow the links below for a closer look.

• Bugs and Grubs Waffle Cone
• Asante Slush
• Serengeti Sangria
• Simba's Sunset Dole Whip
• Simba's Ice Cream Sandwich

Asante Slush


Tree of Life Awakenings

Each night digital projections are mapped on the Park's iconic centerpiece, The Tree of Life. To celebrate the Lion King's 25th Anniversary a new set of images and music has been created which allows guests to share Simba's Journey. Fresh arrangements of familiar songs and original animation bring a classic Disney tale to the heart of Disney's Animal Kingdom.


See Simba's Journey On The Tree Of Life


Festival of The Lion King

This show has been a fan favorite from the day it opened, and even moved from its original location to a new specially built Harambe Theater. Festival of the Lion King is a musical revue featuring award-winning music from Elton John and Tim Rice. An innovative theater in the round setting allows guests to identify with the film's animals represented in the form of large puppets on four parade-style floats. Acrobats, dancers, puppeteers, and stilt walkers entertain the crowd as story tellers share an interactive production.


Festival Of The Lion King Harambe Theater


And finally - don't forget to visit Pride Rock on the Kilimanjaro Safari to see real Lions! Thanks so much to our friends over at the Disney Food Blog for use of their images. Are you a fan of The Lion King? Then get on over to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park right now and let's lionize!


Disney's Animal Kingdom Celebrates 25 Years Of 'The Lion King' In 2019