Hello Amanda! Allow me to guide you through the great Circle of Life! As Scar might say, “Be Prepared,” because I’m going to give you as much information as possible regarding how to experience The Lion King at Disney World!
Let’s start at Animal Kingdom Park! Here you will find the
Festival of the Lion King! This is a live performance featuring many of your favorite songs from The Lion King! Sing along with Pumbaa, Timon, Simba, and many more of their friends from the savanna! This show was made for fans of The Lion King! Our sons loved The Lion King growing up, and this show remains a “must-do” during every visit to Animal Kingdom!
While at Animal Kingdom Park, you might want to have breakfast at
Tusker House Restaurant! Your daughter might love the waffles featuring Simba’s likeness! This is a character dining experience where characters such as Donald, Mickey, and Goofy typically greet Guests! Please note characters are subject to change. Also, at Animal Kingdom, be sure to take your photo in front of the statues commemorating Pumbaa, Timon, and Simba! The statues were added to the park during Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration! This is also the park where you will find the most merchandise featuring The Lion King!
Now let’s head over to Magic Kingdom Park, where you MUST visit
Mickey’s PhilharMagic! This adorable show takes a mischievous Donald Duck through an unexpected journey into Disney animation. Donald finds himself flying with Peter Pan, served as a Guest of Lumiere, swimming with Ariel, and bounced around Simba’s kingdom! You’ll be singing along to familiar Disney hits, including "I Just Can't Wait to be King," as Donald tries to secure Mickey’s magical sorcerer’s hat!
Amanda, at the present time, there are no character meet-and-greets featuring characters from The Lion King. You will see live characters during the Festival of the Lion King show, but there isn’t a meet-and-greet opportunity with them. Another place where live characters from The Lion King are briefly featured is during the finale of
Fantasmic! This is an outdoor, nighttime show (my favorite one in Disney World) at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where Guests find themselves in Mickey’s dream! During the dream, Mickey and Guests encounter favorite Disney characters and Disney villains! Rafiki and Timon are typically seen in the finale of this stunning show!
Have a wild visit, Amanda! I hope your daughter loves her royal experiences with The Lion King!
Dreams do come true!
Jonathan