Jambo, Anna! Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Aren’t Timon and Pumbaa the best? I just love their problem-free philosophy and the way they dance through life with such carefree attitudes, while still being great friends and teachers to Simba. (We won’t talk about their, ahem, table manners. Slimy yet satisfying!)
At this time, Timon doesn’t officially meet Guests at Walt Disney World Resort, but I have a few tips for where you might be able to spot him. I’ve seen him on Discovery Island at
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but that’s not an official
character experience, which means finding him is kind of spur-of-the-moment. I like to use the
My Disney Experience Mobile App to search for characters: when you open the app, tap the map and then select “Characters” from the drop-down at the top. From there, you can either view a list of characters currently meeting, or navigate the map and tap on the Mickey heads to see which characters are at which location. I usually look at the app in the days leading up to a trip to get a sense of who can be found where; just remember that character appearance locations and times are subject to change.
In celebration of The Lion King’s 25th anniversary and the release of the live-action movie, there are several celebrations around Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The
Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party on the Discovery Island Stage features Timon and other friends from The Lion King; this is a limited-time experience, and it may be over by the time of your visit. Timon doesn’t meet Guests here, but it’s a great opportunity to celebrate with him.
The
Festival of the Lion King is a fabulous show and also provides some fun Timon time. You can check with a Cast Member as you enter the theater to find out where to sit if you want the best view of Timon, and then sit back and enjoy the incredible performances and festival vibes.
Anna,
the Disney Parks Blog recently shared their must-try Lion King experiences, so check that out for more ideas for working on your roar. I see that you’ll be visiting in early November, so be sure to read
this article about all-new holiday experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom beginning November 8 – it sounds absolutely enchanting.
I’m sending you some leaf-flavored pixie dust that a visit with Timon is in your future! Hakuna Matata, and have the BEST time this November!
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn