he Lion King released with a great numbers this opening weekend! Millions made their way to the theaters to watch the all-new animated version of this Disney classic film. Back in 1994 the original animated version debuted in theaters, and for 25 years the story of Simba and his friends has touched the hearts of Disney fans worldwide! Ready to experience The Lion King in the parks? Here’s seven The Lion King-inspired experiences at Walt Disney World!

Book a The Lion King-themed Room at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney’s Art of Animation features rooms and suites inspired by popular Disney and Pixar films, and The Lion King is one of them! Once you arrive at the resort, be sure to do a little exploring. You’ll find larger than life displays of iconic The Lion King scenes and characters like Zazu, Simba, Timon, and Pumba. Curious which other films Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is themed after? You’ll find areas of the resort inspired by Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid!

Dance With Characters at the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party

In Discovery Island on your way to Dinoland U.S.A. you’ll find the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party stage. Throughout the day guests can groove and move to the music with some of their favorite characters! You’ll spot friends like Rafiki, Meeko, Koda, and more. There’s also a live band and performers there who help to keep the party going! 

Experience The Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

For over 20 years the Festival of the Lion King has been entertaining guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Between the 25th anniversary of the original The Lion King and the release of the latest animated version of the film, there’s never been a better time to experience it for yourself! This show features dancing, live music, fire knife performances, aerial artists, tumbling, and more. Festival of the Lion King is a must do for all Disney’s Animal Kingdom goers!

Light Up Your Night With Rivers of Light: We Are One

Earlier this summer Disney’s Animal Kingdom released their new nighttime show, Rivers of Light: We Are One. This show features a new story about the milestones we all share in the circle of life. It features live-action footage from the Disneynature films as well as animal-inspired moments from Disney’s animated films. Be sure to keep an eye out for scenes from The Lion King!

Listen to the Playlist

The Lion King fun doesn’t have to stop once you’ve left the parks. You can stream your favorite songs from Disney’s The Lion King anywhere thanks to Apple Music! There’s even an official Disney’s Animal Kingdom playlist now that features songs from The Lion King along with sounds from some of your favorite park attractions.

Shop Til You Drop For The Lion King Merchandise

Both the 25th anniversary of the original and the release of the new version of The Lion King have been inspiring new merchandise around Walt Disney World, but especially at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park! From plush toys and t-shirts to new Dooney & Bourke collections, there’s a perfect souvenir for every The Lion King lover in your life.

Watch the Lion King Scene During the Nightly Tree of Life Awakenings

Disney’s Animal Kingdom park icon the Tree of Life comes alive once the sun goes down. Each night beautiful projections, music, and animation light up the tree! A new story inspired by The Lion King has been added to the Tree of Life Awakenings that you won’t want to miss. Be sure to stick around until after dark to watch!

As you can see there’s a lot of Lion King-inspired fun to be had around Walt Disney World resort this summer! So, if you’re headed to the Most Magical Place on Earth, don’t forget to mark all of these experiences off of your list.