The pace at Animal Kingdom is just that little bit slower than at some of the other parks but on a hot sunny, day it’s still nice to get into the shade and have a sit down. There is NOWHERE better to do this than at “The Festival of the Lion King”.
Located in ‘Camp Minnie-Mickey’, shows are performed at regular intervals throughout the day, but beware, at peak times, the auditorium fills up fast and no late comers are allowed in. If you have younger children, try to get at the beginning of the queue and sit on one of the benches at the front. If they are very lucky, they will be picked to join in the pre-show entertainment, which involves teaching the audience a song with actions. For the less shy this is great fun (children and adults)!
As the familiar music begins four giant stage pieces are driven onto the central stage, to gasps all round! “Is that really an elephant?” our youngest said at her first show! All the favourites soon come out – Simba, Pumbaa and Timon, joined by a host of other characters such as naughty monkeys and tribal warriors on stilts! The energy of all the performers is phenomenal! There are acrobats of the highest calibre; fabulous jugglers and the dancers flying on high wires must be seen to be believed.
Of course the show features Disney’s usual extremely high standards of production, so the lighting, sound and pyrotechnics are wonderful. It is very tempting to watch the stagehands as they expertly manoeuvre parts of the stage around to create varying settings. The costumes are absolutely fantastic – remember to take your camera! (Although it’s difficult to get a picture as no one stands still long enough!) All this helps to bring the tribal celebration to life.
The whole show is pulsing with energy for the entire thirty minutes and it is all too easy to miss some of the many speciality acts taking place all over the arena. The performers make everyone feel a part of the action and I would defy anyone not to come out singing the songs! There’s only one thing wrong with this show – Its just too short!! We have been to Animal Kingdom for four holidays in a row now and we wouldn’t dream of missing the show!
For visitors in wheelchairs or motorised scooters, there are as usual ample seating arrangements, either to transfer from your chair or remain in. There are also special facilities for the hard of hearing. As ever with Disney parks, enquire at guest services for special facilities.