A thrilling new adventure is set to unfold at Disneyland Paris, as Disney has announced the opening of a brand-new Lion King attraction. Guests will embark on a magical journey through the African savanna, joining beloved characters like Mufasa, Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa. The exciting reveal was made by Disney’s theme park chief, Josh D’Amaro, at the D23 convention, where fans were treated to stunning mock-ups of the experience. These mock-ups depict a log flume-style ride tumbling down Pride Rock under the watchful eye of Rafiki the monkey.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Disney reporting underwhelming theme park earnings for the previous quarter. Speculation about a Lion King experience at the Marne-la-Vallée resort has been swirling since 2022, and fans were thrilled when Disney revealed that they plan to invest $60 billion over the next decade to expand their park and cruise offerings. The Lion King-themed land will debut after the highly-anticipated World of Frozen area, which is slated to open in 2026.
In addition to the Lion King attraction, the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris will be rebranded as Disney Adventure World. This rebranding will introduce guests to new, enthralling experiences, including an evening spectacle featuring “water drones.” Disney’s Imagineering team has promised to capture the grandeur of Pride Rock, creating a gateway to a water-filled adventure that follows Simba’s transformation from cub to king.
Stateside, Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida is set for its largest expansion in its 53-year history, with new lands dedicated to Disney villains and Pixar’s Cars. An eagerly anticipated Monsters Inc. rollercoaster will soon thrill guests at Hollywood Studios, while Animal Kingdom will see new Encanto and Indiana Jones-themed rides. Meanwhile, Disneyland Resort in California will introduce superhero rides, a water-based Avatar attraction, and the first Coco ride.
Disney is also significantly augmenting its cruise fleet, with four new ships joining the previously announced four by 2031. “These plans are set in motion,” assured Josh D’Amaro, emphasizing that these projects are actively developing, rather than just concepts.
Disney has navigated a challenging few years, including the dramatic return of CEO Bob Iger and subsequent corporate restructuring. Despite recent struggles, Disney’s continued innovation and dedication to creating magical experiences for guests remain unshaken. The success of new content like Inside Out 2 further brightens the entertainment landscape.
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Source: bbc.com
