Disneyland Paris introduced the first-ever journey and themed land impressed by The Lion King, which is able to come to life after the opening of World of Frozen at Disney Journey World. This shares particulars, new idea artwork & mannequin photographs, and all the things we all know in regards to the upcoming space to what’s at present often known as the Walt Disney Studios Park. Plus complete commentary and a recap of some different bulletins for the reworked park.
This information was introduced in the course of the “Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase” or Parks Panel presentation in the course of the 2024 D23 Expo on the Honda Middle in Anaheim, California. Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro supplied a sneak peek at idea artwork for the longer term as well as and teased what was to return in just a few years. We had been anticipating an enormous D23 Expo for Disneyland Paris, and this Lion King land ended up being the spotlight.
This was simply considered one of a number of blockbuster bulletins for Parks & Resorts at Horizons, throughout which D’Amaro revealed a number of ‘shovel to soil’ initiatives that can come on-line within the subsequent 5 years, together with over a half-dozen additions that can debut earlier than the top of 2025. He and head Imagineer Bruce Vaughn adopted by way of on their promise to ship concrete particulars and never simply tease extra ‘Blue Sky’ potentialities.
Disney unveiled the upcoming creation of an all-new space at Disneyland Paris devoted to one of the crucial beloved Disney franchises, around the globe and notably in Europe – The Lion King! This larger-than-life space will deliver company on a journey by way of the African savanna and immerse them into the unforgettable adventures of Simba, Timon, Pumbaa and plenty of different iconic characters from the beloved Disney movie, which is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this 12 months.
For the attraction, Disney Imagineers will deliver to life the majestic Satisfaction Rock, which is able to function the gateway to an adventure-filled water attraction that can plunge company beneath the rock to comply with Simba on his journey from cub to king, in a retelling of the story from the basic animated characteristic movie. When visiting this first-ever themed space, company can be immersed on the planet of The Lion King because of Disney character greetings, themed eating, and procuring alternatives, which guarantees an unforgettable expertise for company of all ages.
“We’re very excited and proud to be unveiling the following new land of Disney Journey World, our second park that has been present process an growth on a never-before-seen scale. This marks one other milestone within the ongoing transformation of Disneyland Paris…the creation of an immersive expertise devoted to The Lion King is a testomony to our dedication to immersing our company into breathtaking adventures impressed by their favourite movies, on the coronary heart of themed areas which are trustworthy to the originals. This new space – which is impressed by the unforgettable story that has enchanted a number of generations of viewers – exists nowhere else on the planet. It can make it potential for company of all ages to make considered one of their wildest desires come true: exploring the Satisfaction Lands alongside all their favourite characters,” stated Natacha Rafalski, Présidente of Disneyland Paris.
Impressed by the African savanna and iconic areas from the franchise, this new space will push the boundaries of immersion with its unparalleled degree of element and a brand new, distinctive attraction, which is able to seamlessly mix a spectacular water expertise with state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics know-how. Imagineers have dreamed up the proper option to carry ahead Disney’s distinctive storytelling custom!
“From the second the solar rose on the massive display screen in theaters all around the globe, audiences have been captivated by the story of The Lion King, and its characters, and it has not misplaced any momentum since. Our aim as Imagineers is to translate the emotional core of the movie into this thrilling challenge and have you ever relive that feeling once more as you expertise this distinctive attraction. I’m thrilled and excited that The Lion King will make its attraction debut right here at Disneyland Paris.” stated Michel Den Dulk, Portfolio Artistic Director at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris.
(Though the above idea artwork showcases the dwell motion Lion King, this attraction is confirmed to be primarily based on the OG animated Lion King. Why Disney opted to launch outdated idea artwork is past us, however our guess is that this was really for a pitched reimagining of Splash Mountain at Disneyland. Notice the logs within the artwork present single-file seating, which fortunately shouldn’t be in line with the mannequin.)
Earlier than the longer term opening of the themed space devoted to The Lion King, company can be handled to an array of recent experiences at Disney Journey World. These novelties embrace the Journey Method promenade surrounded by lush panorama, the household attraction Raiponce Tangled Spin, the fashionable The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge providing spectacular views over the majestic Journey Bay and the extremely anticipated land impressed by the Walt Disney Animation Studios movie Frozen.
When the Kingdom of Arendelle opens its gates in 2026, company is not going to solely have the chance to embark on an unforgettable journey alongside Anna and Elsa contained in the all-new attraction at Disneyland Paris, Frozen Ever After, however they may also be capable of participate in procuring and eating experiences and meet the beloved sisters in particular person throughout a royal encounter.
In the identical 12 months, an all-new breathtaking nighttime present may also debut on the lake and above. The banks alongside Journey Bay and The Regal View Restaurant & Lounge would be the good spot to admire the awe-inspiring mixture of water screens, fountains, particular results, and never- before-seen drone choreography.
Honoring its lengthy legacy of innovation in nighttime leisure, and in partnership with its France-based Official Expertise Supplier Dronisos, Disneyland Paris can be growing the primary of their form water-drones for use only for this particular present, that can deliver every adventure-filled day at Disney Journey World to a spectacular shut.
All of those new experiences will roughly double the footprint of the Walt Disney Studios Park, which is ushering in a brand new period marked by a recent artistic imaginative and prescient. To have a good time this new chapter, the second park will even be renamed Disney Journey World when the following themed space involves life in 2026!
With building set to start in 2025, the Lion King Satisfaction Lands close to Journey Bay will proceed the resort’s ongoing transformation even after these additions to Disney Journey World debut. (No opening date or timeframe has been revealed for the Lion King Satisfaction Lands, however our expectation is 2027 or 2028–most likely 2028.)
Turning to commentary, I’m actually wanting ahead to visiting Disney Journey World.
These weren’t phrases I ever thought I’d sort over a decade in the past when experiencing the Walt Disney Studios Park for the primary time (after Crush’s Coaster, however earlier than Ratatouille–so not fairly the opening day incarnation of WDSP, however nonetheless horrible). I knew everybody thought it was unhealthy, however I couldn’t imagine it was this unhealthy. And after spending a pair days within the lovely Disneyland Paris, I additionally thought that possibly Parisian Disney followers had too excessive of expectations. Nope.
It was the worst Disney theme park on the planet by a large margin–the place it has stood ever since in our Disney Parks Energy Rankings. Again in 2013, we even questioned whether or not the Walt Disney Studios Park was deserving of the “Disney” title, arguing that it didn’t even have the defining traits to be known as a “theme” park. (That wasn’t hyperbole–it was actually that unhealthy.)
In any case, what a distinction a decade (give or take) makes. The Walt Disney Studios Park nonetheless has a protracted option to go, however in wanting on the mannequin on the present flooring, I’m really…excited? It’s an unprecedented feeling for the second gate at Disneyland Paris.
Earlier than I get to the thrill, let’s shortly cowl a pair areas of disappointment. I nonetheless want the entrance entrance have been going to be razed and changed. The soundstage thought is neat in principle because it places a roof over company’ heads to shelter them from the weather, however execution is horrible, and it’s solely a good suggestion in principle. They need to’ve adopted the identical playbook because the Arcades at Disneyland Paris, that are sensible however don’t intrude with the awe-inspiring opening act that takes middle stage.
Then there’s the title. My first impression of “Disney Journey World” wasn’t optimistic, but it surely additionally wasn’t the just about visceral detrimental response some followers had. Nevertheless, I pause now each time when listening to or writing it, considering that may’t be it. I’m reminded of regional amusement parks in Michigan and Indiana, and people should not favorable comparisons. I anticipated this title to develop on my over time and turn into extra pure. As a substitute, the other has occurred. It’s most likely too late to alter course now, however I nonetheless want they’d rethink. It’s not too late for the clearly superior Disney’s CineMagique Journey!
To be clear, these are minor nitpicks within the grand scheme of issues. That is nonetheless a large leap ahead in the suitable course. Disney is investing extra now on the transformation into the soon-to-be Disney Journey World than they spent on the opening day Walt Disney Studios Park.
Turning to the Lion King attraction particularly, I’m mildly shocked that they’d do a water journey in Paris. There have been rumblings for the longest time about Splash Mountain, which by no means got here to fruition on account of monetary worries. That idea wouldn’t occur now for apparent causes, however I’m interested in whether or not there are any trepidations about doing a water journey in a spot the place it snows.
To be clear, that is idle curiosity and never a declare that they shouldn’t be constructing a water journey in Paris. I don’t know. It additionally snows in Tokyo, and but, Splash Mountain endures there and stays one of the crucial widespread points of interest within the park. Wait occasions are positively decrease within the winter, but it surely’s nonetheless no slouch.
It’s additionally value noting that Splash Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland doesn’t get you moist when it’s chilly out. So I’d think about that, as long as it’s engineered accurately, neither will the Lion King journey at Disney Journey World.
Okay, now it’s time for the thrill. I can’t watch for the Satisfaction Rock space of Disney Journey World. As an elder Millennial who grew up in the course of the Disney Animation Renaissance, I really feel like my childhood desires are lastly being fulfilled. It solely took three many years, however they’re giving The Lion King its personal land (miniland?).
The journey can be a matter of want achievement. Splash Mountain was considered one of my favourite rides as a child, and I can solely think about how far more I’d’ve liked that, however with Lion King characters. I even liked The Legend of The Lion King at Magic Kingdom (for fellow old-timers), and count on this to be so significantly better. First Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast at Tokyo Disneyland, now this.
What’s subsequent, an Aladdin ‘Cave of Wonders’ attraction that includes the Shanghai Pirates or Fantasy Springs Peter Pan journey techniques?! In wanting across the Disney Journey World mannequin, that looks like an precise risk. There are nonetheless just a few growth pads on this park!
The timing can be proper for a Lion King journey. Although it has flashes of brilliance, the Little Mermaid darkish journey got here too early. Similar goes for Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. The know-how wasn’t fairly there to deliver these to life correctly, however it’s now. Audio Animatronics are next-level, and shouldn’t run the danger of wanting dated a decade from now.
I’m additionally optimistic that Imagineering will study classes from Tiana’s Bayou Journey. That’s an apples to oranges comparability because it was a retrofit, however I believe it’s honest to be involved about useless area within the Satisfaction Lands much like all the empty grass within the bayou. Hopefully Imagineering realizes what went unsuitable with that, and undertakes world-building and present design and doesn’t simply have clusters of marquee Audio Animatronics with out a lot in between. I’m assured that they’ll get it proper.
The Satisfaction Lands space itself seems fascinating, but it surely’s considerably troublesome to establish what’s what within the mannequin. And as somebody who has visited Animal Kingdom since opening, I’m admittedly much less impressed by this since I’ve a tough time imagining it’ll surpass what Disney Legend Joe Rohde and his group of Imagineers completed there. However, it ought to be a robust addition to Disney Journey World. And talking of the fashions, listed here are extra photographs of them:
That final have a look at the mannequin is what excites me essentially the most. This park is basically going from being the dimensions of Future World at EPCOT to including its personal World Showcase, albeit the animated world. Frozen and Lion King are superlative begins–I’m so completely happy it didn’t find yourself getting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Even in any case of this, there are nonetheless a great 3-4 main growth pads left in Disney Journey World (it’s secure to imagine Automobiles Street Journey is within the chopping block). This park is on the precipice of enhancing by leaps and bounds, and it nonetheless has an incredible quantity of untapped potential even after Lion King comes on-line. It actually might get an Aladdin space (persevering with the animated worlds pattern) and possibly even Magnificence and the Beast (though two France lands within the Parisian park may be extreme).
The chances really are countless for Disney Journey World or Disney’s CineMagique Journey (whichever title they find yourself selecting), and I’m actually excited in regards to the decade to return…and past. That’s not one thing I ever thought I’d say in regards to the theme park that I as soon as described as Disney establishing store on a Walmart parking zone. The second gate at Disneyland Paris has a brilliant future, and I’m actually wanting ahead to it coming into its personal!
For the fundamentals of planning a go to to Disneyland Paris, try our Disneyland Paris Journey Planning Information. Discover the perfect place to remain in Disneyland Paris Lodge Evaluations. Take a look at 101 Disneyland Paris Ideas for some (101, to be precise) of our greatest random ideas for doing DLP like a professional. See Disney Park Tickets Ideas & Methods for methods to save lots of on tickets. For the place to eat, try our Disneyland Restaurant Evaluations. For distinctive concepts of issues that’ll enhance your journey, try What to Pack for Disney. Lastly, for recommendation past Disney, try our Final Journey Information to Paris, France.
Your Ideas
Are you excited for the Lion King Satisfaction Lands, Journey Bay, World of Frozen, or every other upcoming additions to the second gate at Disneyland Paris? Excited to lastly stroll across the central lake and expertise the reimagined park? What do you consider the title Disney Journey World? Good, unhealthy or detached to it? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions? Listening to your suggestions—even whenever you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
