Festival of the Lion King

Festival of the Lion King at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is a revue show performed in the round featuring select key characters and songs from the original film “The Lion King”. The show uses a large variety of performance techniques ranging from Large puppetry/animatronics to audience participation and acrobatics.

The show features 4 main human characters called Kiume, Nakawa, Kibbi and Zawadi (all names with meanings in Swahili), along with Timon Berkowitz (a blend of a human performer and animatronics, similar to the Foxy bingo adverts where the head of the character has its own degrees of motion), an array of secondary performers and 4 large puppets (Simba (a lion), Pumba - A Waterhog, A giraffe and an elephant).

In terms of the look of the show, it is mostly a mix of direct character costumes/puppets (for the 4 large puppets and Timon), native american inspired clothing for the 4 human performers and animal inspired costumes for the rest of the cast.The show does not feature any real sets other than the 4 floats with the large puppets on and a trampoline/stage in the center,which is where most of the performance takes place. This central trampoline however does feature basic automation, with the top of the surface having the ability to close over the trampoline to create a solid platform for performance.

From a technical perspective the show uses mostly a generic rig mostly made of source 4’s and a selection of gelled par cans, though it also features a selection of moving spots, moving washes and strobe lighting. With the show being housed in a permanent, custom built theater they have the space available to stick to this mostly generic rig, and overall it works perfectly in context by giving the show a more natural feel thanks to the uncontrolled nature of par cans vs the precision gained from a fresnel or an intelligent wash. It is also worth considering that this show does not worry about spill into the audience areas as the audience are mostly involved with the performance in some way, whether it be allowing them to sing along or simply to help them feel a part of the show rather than simply a spectator.

In terms of atmospheric effects the show has a low level of haze in the atmosphere which is just enough to allow for the beams from the fixtures to be visible, but it also utilizes a selection of low-lying foggers based in the floor around the stage underneath of grates so as to create a mist on the stage to cover any show utilities such as the tracks to floats move along.

Overall i did enjoy the show for its blend of performance techniques as well as for its history, though that’s a whole other story. it is certainly worth a watch if you are visiting with a family, though for the older generation if you don't have an interest in musical theater it may be one to skip, mostly due to the wait times to see it.

in case your wondering, i watched it twice... because queuing is what make my country great...

even if this isn't my country...

huh... should have thought that one through a bit more...

Very good

Great show. Good music. Only thing is I wish more live characters.

This is amazing show. Interactive and always fun no matter how many times you watch it. Kids in front have most fun so if you want your kids to participate in parts of show then try to sit in front. Cast will give your kids small role to play when show starts. Most of the kids in front ends up joining in the beginning of the show. Show has ton of space so you usually don’t need a fast pass unless you are visiting peak season like Christmas time.

This was the most AMAZING show!! The progression from beginning to end was spectacularly done. They way they incorporate the audience is cute and not too obligatory (lol) but very fun! They songs were of Disney movie quality. They allow pictures as long as you take the flash off and recordings. Simply a must, even if you haven't seen The Lion King. I can't recommend this show enough!