The highly anticipated The Lion King ride at Disneyland Paris has unveiled new concept art, exciting details, and an upcoming construction start window set for Fall 2025.
As revealed on the Disney Parks Blog, this groundbreaking attraction will mark the first-ever land and ride experience themed entirely to The Lion King. It will be a centerpiece of the transformed Walt Disney Studios Park, soon to be rebranded as Disney Adventure World. This immersive new land will transport guests through the iconic moments of the beloved 1994 animated classic via a thrilling water ride, complete with a dramatic 52-foot drop—just two inches taller than Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
At the heart of the land stands a majestic 120-foot-tall Pride Rock, serving as both a visual landmark and a symbol of the Pride Lands. Surrounding it will be expansive offerings, including themed dining locations, retail spaces, character meet-and-greet opportunities, and lushly landscaped environments that bring the savanna to life.
A newly released concept image showcases a scene featuring lifelike Audio-Animatronics of young Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa enjoying a snack of grubs in a vibrant jungle setting—an early glimpse into the rich storytelling and immersive detail guests can expect throughout the ride.
While an official opening date has not yet been announced, the attraction is expected to debut after the grand opening of World of Frozen in 2026. The Lion King ride will be a key component of Disney Adventure World, which is set to double the size of the current park, transforming it into a fully immersive destination.
In addition to The Lion King and World of Frozen, the reimagined park will feature the previously announced Rapunzel’s Tangled Spin, with Mandy Moore reprising her role as Rapunzel, and the first-ever attraction inspired by Up. This new ride will be a spinning carousel-style experience, offering guests a whimsical, elevated journey with panoramic views of the park’s scenic landscapes.
Adding to the excitement, World Premiere will officially open on May 15, 2025, serving as a dazzling new entrance to Disney Adventure World. Designed to evoke the glamour of a Hollywood red-carpet event, it will feature World Premiere Plaza—a vibrant district inspired by Broadway and London’s West End. The plaza will host world-class theatrical productions, including TOGETHER: A Pixar Musical Adventure, Mickey and the Magician, and Frozen: A Musical Invitation.
For more on Disney’s latest developments, explore our 30th-anniversary retrospective of The Lion King, find out how to secure tickets for Destination D23: A Journey Around the World of Disney, and check out our recently updated list of the top 25 Disney animated films of all time.
