Opened: April 22, 1998
Location: Camp Minnie-Mickey
Extra Magic Hours: There is usually one show during evening Extra Magic Hours, scheduled for one hour after Extra Magic Hours start (i.e. if EMH starts at 6pm then the show will begin at 7pm).
FASTPASS: No
Type: Musical theater show
Similar To: Unique in its scope and elaborateness
Requirements: None
Scary Factor: Zero
When To Go: There are usually seven or eight scheduled performances throughout the day. The first show in the morning and the last show in the early evening are usually the least crowded. If you are planning to skip the Parade, head to the show that begins around 3:30pm. Although the theater is nicely air conditioned, the queue area is not and it gets hot, especially in the afternoon. If the Park is not busy and you are eligible for Extra Magic Hours, you may want to go to that show. It will be cooler in the evening and waiting in the heat won’t be as uncomfortable.
Expect to Wait: The opening of Finding Nemo the Musical has taken some of the pressure off Festival of the Lion King, but it’s still usually necessary to arrive 20 minutes prior to the start of the show during slow seasons and 30 minutes before the start of the show during peak and holiday seasons. Crowds at the evening Extra Magic Hours show are usually just as large as the afternoon shows because there is only one show and Finding Nemo and Flights of Wonder aren’t running. On the plus side, the waiting area will likely be cooler, depending on the time of year.
Length: 30 minutes
What to Expect: Festival of the Lion King takes place in what is now an enclosed, air-conditioned circus tent like arena with four separated bleacher sections. The show features acrobatics, animatronics, singing, dancing, fire, theater, and the most elaborate costumes and sets you’ll find at Disney World. The show has an exciting pace and there is almost too much to take in as more than 50 performers move about the stage throughout the show.
Rating: 10/10
Commentary: Festival of the Lion King is many visitors’ favorite show in all of Disney World. If you’re only going to watch one show at the Animal Kingdom, I would highly recommend making this it. Consider sitting higher up in the bleachers in order to have the best view. People sitting in the first five or so rows don’t have a great panoramic view of the stage and can only see what’s directly in front of them.
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This is a not-to-be-missed show for us! AMAZING! Of the 3 shows at AK, this is the one we will see at least once per trip. And now that it’s air conditioned, so much the better.