Exciting news for Disney enthusiasts as Disneyland Paris gears up to introduce the first-ever land and attraction themed to *The Lion King*! According to the Disney Parks Blog, this immersive new experience will be a centerpiece of the reimagined Walt Disney Studios Park, soon to be known as Disney Adventure World. The construction for this eagerly anticipated water ride is set to begin in Fall 2025, promising guests an unforgettable journey through the iconic moments of the 1994 classic.
The Lion King land will not only feature a thrilling water ride but also boast a majestic 120-foot-high Pride Rock. Alongside this, visitors can look forward to a plethora of dining options, shopping experiences, and character meet-and-greets, making it a comprehensive destination within the park. A newly released concept image showcases Audio-Animatronics of young Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa enjoying a feast in a lush jungle setting, which is just one of the many scenes guests will encounter. The ride also includes a thrilling 52-foot drop, slightly taller than Tiana's Bayou Adventure, adding to the excitement.
While an exact opening date for The Lion King ride has not been announced, it is expected to debut following the grand opening of World of Frozen in 2026. This ride is just one component of the expansive Disney Adventure World, which will double the current park's size, offering a vast array of new experiences.
In addition to The Lion King and World of Frozen, Disney Adventure World will include the previously announced Raiponce Tangled Spin ride, with Mandy Moore reprising her role as Rapunzel. Another highlight will be the first-ever attraction inspired by *Up*, designed as a spinning carousel that provides guests with a bird's eye view of the park's stunning scenery.
The park's new entrance, World Premiere, will open on May 15, 2025, aiming to transport visitors to a glamorous Hollywood premiere. Adjacent to this, World Premiere Plaza, inspired by Broadway and the West End, will host a variety of theatrical experiences including *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*, details on how to get your tickets for Destination D23: A Journey Around the World of Disney, and our recently updated top 25 Disney animated movies list.