Exciting developments are on the horizon for fans of The Lion King, as Disneyland Paris gears up for a thrilling new addition. The much-anticipated Lion King ride, set to break ground in Fall 2025, promises to be a highlight of the reimagined Walt Disney Studios Park, soon to be known as Disney Adventure World. This new water ride will immerse guests in the iconic scenes of the 1994 classic, complete with a jaw-dropping 52-foot drop, just two inches taller than Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
The Lion King-themed land won't just be about the ride; it will boast a towering 120-foot-high Pride Rock and offer a plethora of dining options, shopping experiences, and character meet-and-greets. A newly released concept image showcases Audio-Animatronics of young Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa enjoying a meal in a lush jungle setting, giving fans a taste of what to expect.
While the exact opening date for The Lion King ride remains under wraps, it is slated to follow the grand opening of World of Frozen in 2026. This ride is just one part of the expansive Disney Adventure World, which will significantly increase the park's footprint.
In addition to The Lion King and World of Frozen, Disney Adventure World will introduce other exciting attractions. The Raiponce Tangled Spin ride, featuring Mandy Moore reprising her role as Rapunzel, and the first-ever Up-themed attraction, a spinning carousel offering panoramic views of the park, are among the anticipated additions.
The new park entrance, World Premiere, set to open on May 15, 2025, aims to replicate the glamour of a Hollywood premiere. Adjacent to this, World Premiere Plaza, inspired by Broadway and the West End, will house theaters showcasing productions like TOGETHER: A Pixar Musical Adventure, Mickey and the Magician, and Frozen: A Musical Invitation.
For more Disney magic, don't miss our 30th anniversary retrospective of The Lion King, information on when you can purchase tickets for Destination D23: A Journey Around the World of Disney, and our updated list of the top 25 Disney animated movies.