The Lion King and Jungle Festival at Disneyland Paris Review
Disneyland Paris has successfully launched a brand new season called, The Lion King and Jungle Festival. Based on two very popular Disney classics and with The Lion King being re-released in cinemas, it is the perfect year for this season to launch.
The Lion King and Jungle Festival
Being a huge fan of The Lion King, I have always wanted a season to come to the parks and its everything I could have ever dream of. This is the first time we have seen an all-rounder season. Featuring themed snacks, a parade and a show with a signature package and a character meal. This festival has everything.
The Chapparal Theatre in Frontierland was shut for a year-long refurbishment and opened just in time for the brand new Lion King show, which opened for previews on the 28th June. The show is stunning and something we’ve not seen in the parks before. It is on par with the West End production and reminds me of Festival of The Lion King in Walt Disney World. Also a hint of the old show Legend of The Lion King that used to be played in the Videopolis theatre in Paris.
I have been lucky enough to see all of these productions and, this new show meets expectations and is a world-class performance.
Snacks
The snacks at Disneyland Paris can be very general but for this season, however, the snacks are fantastically themed to The Lion King. Including paw print shaped Nutella biscuits, Simba and Pumbaa milkshakes from Victoria’s, Macarons, a beautiful popcorn bucket and lots more! I didn’t have much time to try them but hoping to on my next trip!
Character Dining Experience at Hakuna Matata
Hakuna is one of my favourite restaurants in Disneyland Paris. Serving chicken strips and Hakuna fries during regular hours, Disneyland Paris is offering a special meal as part of a package deal or separately. Serving special African inspired dishes, this meal is served between 1 and 3 pm as lunch and it resumes to its normal menu afterwards. As a fussy eater, I decided to try the vegetarian option. I ordered the Simba ice cream for my dessert which was lovely. It was a delicious banana flavour like the sweets you get at pic n mix stands. It also had a cute Simba candy on top.
During this character meal experience, you get to meet Safari Mickey and Rafiki from The Lion King. It has always been my dream to meet a Lion King character in this beautifully themed restaurant. Now Disneyland Paris offers this experience. If you pay for the package deal, you also get a VIP meet and greet with Minnie Mouse in her Safari outfit. It gave me Tusker House vibes from Animal Kingdom. I was very impressed.
I would have loved to of seen the Hyenas or Timon added as well. However, it is a great addition to the season and a very relaxed atmosphere for lunch.
Rhythms of The Pride Lands
The Rhythms of The Pride Lands was made especially for The Lion King and Jungle Festival season. Chapparal Theatre was home to previous shows such as Tarzan, Frozen Sing-along and well-loved Forest of Enchantment. The stage is much bigger now and all of the pillars that were holding up the structure have been removed. Now guests can have a full clear view from wherever they sit.
As previously said, the show has elements of the Broadway production and previous park productions too. I am so thankful there is now a Lion King show of this scale in our theme park. The music is beautiful and the costumes are stunning and definitely on par.
This show fills up very quickly as it is quite popular. I would get there as early as you can. There are also Master Card tickets but, you have to be at City Hall for rope drop to get these slots. You can also pre-book tickets by booking the package deal.
Jungle Book Jive
I stayed spoiler-free for Jungle Book Jive, and I am so glad I did. This brand new immersive vibrant show is breathtaking. There’s so much to look at every time as it surrounds you so you can watch from all angles. Watch as it comes down Main Street, around Central Plaza oh and the Castle itself too. This is not one to be missed.
This incredible show features Baloo and King Louie from The Jungle Book. Featuring Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Chip and Dale, Clarice and not forgetting Goofy! A similar set up to Pirates and Princesses on the hub with a lead vocalist. It also features day time fireworks and the water fountains that are used in the other shows throughout the year and it is incredible to photograph. It is truly spectacular.
The last thing I’m yet to experience is the Matata Dance. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to catch one of these shows on my last trip but, at the weekend, I will be making it a priority as the videos look fun! I love that Timon and Pumbaa are in it as well as Zazu!
It’s amazing that Disneyland Paris has finally made a season of my favourite film and it is represented beautifully. I cannot wait to experience it again this weekend for the 100 Characters Annual Pass evening! I always knew a Lion King season would fit perfectly at Disneyland Paris and I cannot wait for it to come back next year!
Stepherella
Blogger about all things Disney Parks related. Finalist for a Photography award. Living in London but, you can find me in Paris most of the time.
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