Earlier this week, we shared the news about what’s coming to Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris Resort. Along with that news, Disney also update fans on the upcoming Lion King attraction coming to the same park. News of this ride was first broke at last summer’s D23 Expo. In this post, we’ll share the update and add our own commentary at the end!

When the sun rises on the realm after the grand opening of World of Frozen in 2026, an all-new water attraction will plunge guests deep into the heart of the Pride Lands at Disney Adventure World, where Simba will await them for an unforgettable adventure complete with iconic songs from Disney Animation’s 1994 masterpiece, “The Lion King.” 

After making their way to the caves beneath the 120-foot-high Pride Rock, guests will take their own place in the Circle of Life when they embark on a sensational and musical adventure, moving through iconic scenes and sceneries from the beloved animated movie.  

Brought to life through state-of-the-art special effects and advanced Audio-Animatronics technology, this new attraction will be one of the biggest at Disneyland Paris, featuring three exciting slopes – including an impressive 52-foot-high descent! 

Once this attraction roars to life, it will be featured in an all-new immersive world dedicated to the characters and stories from the film, with plenty of dining, shopping and opportunities to meet some favorite characters. 

Commentary

We’re still so many years away from this project coming to fruition so I’ll keep the commentary brief. I’m of two minds about this attraction.

I’ll start with the positive, which centers on a Lion King attraction finally happening. One of the best Disney animated movies of all time has had several great shows based on it, including DLP’s Rhythms of the Pride Land just a short walk away from where this attraction will be. (Side note: I wonder if they consider moving that show to the Lion King land they’re building. I’m hoping so.)

How we’ve gone so long without a ride based on The Lion King is beyond me. Much of the Disney animated renaissance from the 90’s is underrepresented in the parks. That will still be the case domestically, but at least there’s a ride somewhere! Just thinking about those songs coming to life in a ride is reason enough to be optimistic about the project.

On top of that, the ride will feature some new animatronics and will add much needed beauty to a park that doesn’t do well in that department. I think this area has a chance to be really exciting and gorgeous, unlike anything in the current Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to be Disney Adventure World).

As for the animatronics, Disney doesn’t do as many animal animatronics as ones based on people. They exist but thinking of the iconic ones is a mostly futile exercise. Seeing so many animal animatronics on a ride that looks eerily similar to Splash Mountain should be a delight.

The less optimistic part of me does have a couple of questions. Namely, why does this ride look so similar to Splash Mountain? Was that really necessary? I get that they have the model for a ride system but this whole project is a fresh build. Maybe it will look nothing like the iconic attraction once it’s done.

My other question centers around having a water ride that’s based on The Lion King in Paris. This isn’t a California or Florida climate we’re talking about. Paris gets cold and stays cold for long amounts of time. Thinking of riding this on our most recent trip, which took place in February, when the temps were around 40 degrees is a no go. That’s even if the splashing is minimal.

Having a water ride based on The Lion King at all is a strange choice but I’m willing to be open minded about that. Maybe that 52 foot drop mentioned is acting as if you’re Mufasa falling to his death. Too morbid? Probably but I just wanted to see if you’re still paying attention to my ramblings.

All in all, I think this will be a huge positive for Disney Adventure World. The park needs a few true E-ticket rides and this should provide one if done right. I’m eager to hear the classic songs on a theme park ride!

What do you think of this upcoming Lion King attraction? Let us know, along with any questions you might have, in the comments below. We’re excited to bring you more content on the resort in the coming weeks and months! Planning a Disney trip? Check out our Travel Guides to help you along the way! Thank you for reading Wandering in Disney.  Please subscribe to the blog and like our social media pages, all of which you can do on the right side of the page. Have a wonderful day!