Be Prepared! For a wonderful Performance.
Written: Aug 08 '08 (Updated Aug 08 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fantastic Show. Excellent Mix of Entertainment. Fun For All Ages.
Cons: Metal Bleachers.
The Bottom Line: This show is a must-see!
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| zithro's Full Review: Festival of the Lion King |
Festival of the Lion King can be found in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. This fantastic stage show is presented inside the theatre in the Camp Minnie-Mickey section across from the Greeting Trails. This is truly a great stage presentation of the Lion King movie, with some changes. This show does not follow the movie per se; it is a show of its own. This is one of the things that make it really stand out.
Upon walking up to the theatre you will probably see a very long line and think to yourself “no way” and want to head back at a different time. There is a lot of seating inside the theatre and it is decently cool inside as well. The only downside to this theatre is that the seats are metal bleachers and are quite uncomfortable. The theatre seats approximately 1400 and the cast members will do all they can to get that many people in. The seating is broken up into four sections leaving the centre area very wide open for the show to come. Wheelchair accessible seating is available.
Once everybody is seated and the theatre is full, the lights will dim and the performance will begin. The show starts with four MCs. There are two males and two females. Each of them will take their place before the sectioned bleachers where they will tell you if you are in the lion, warthog, elephant or giraffe section. The MCs (leaders of your section) will teach you how to make that animal noise by using a guest in the audience and then we are ready to go. I won't give too much away, but you will need this animal sound to participate in the show.
All of the open flooring is used as part of the show. If you need a drink or to use the restroom before watching, be advised that you need to go before the show starts. The theatre lights are dimmed and getting out is a bit difficult.
Props and stage settings are brought to the centre and then out will come larger than life animals. These animals are a giraffe, elephant, Pumba and our favorite lion, Simba. In the middle of the stage there are various performances.
• Singing songs from the movie
• Acrobatics
• Gymnastics
• Fire Dancing
• Timon being silly
The vocals for the stage show are truly very good. The songs sung are from the movie and in some cases, better than the movie version. “Be Prepared” is very powerful and amazing in this performance. Each of the MCs will sing a song and they each do an outstanding performance.
The actors in Festival of the Lion King have a great chemistry with one another. If they did not like one another off stage you certainly could not tell it. They joke around with each other, throw sassy remarks at one another and just work well together all around. The joking and such is all a part of the show, but it never seems to have any ill emotion behind it.
The costumes worn by the four MCs/leaders are all very beautiful. It appears to be true African attire. While their costumes may not matter much to some, I feel that it adds a lot to the overall feel of their presence, the power they hold on stage and to the authenticity of the roots of the Lion King.
The acrobatic monkeys play around with one another while tumbling and swinging to “Hakuna Matata.” You will also see a graceful aerial performance to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
This is truly a beautiful show and fun as well. There is always something going on and so much to see that you would want to go it again to see what you missed the last time. The pageantry is thrilling for adults and children, a must-do for any Disney fanatic. Over 50 performers come our for the finale and boy what a show.
As much as I love this one, it is not my favorite. My favorite show in all of Disney property is Finding Nemo: The Musical. Prior to that release, Festival of the Lion King was my favorite. I do hope that you will go see it for yourself.
When you leave the theatre, don’t forget to go across the way to Camp Minnie-Mickey Greeting Trails to see your favorite friends in their Savannah attire.
Side note: I have watched this show where they announce no laser, no fash photography and no video camera lights before the show starts and other times I have watched it and they simply say no lasers or video camera lights. I apologize that I cannot give you the official rule.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
zithro
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Location: Dallas, Texas USA
Reviews written: 58
Trusted by: 3 members
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