This Disney Resort is about to deliver an adventure like never before, and it’s coming straight out of the savanna. Imagine standing in the heart of Africa, surrounded by the beauty and power of nature as you relive the iconic moments of one of Disney’s most beloved films, The Lion King.
This is not a dream. It’s a new reality that will soon take shape at Disneyland Paris, where a fresh and immersive “Lion King” themed attraction is set to roar to life. But there’s a catch—could the French weather have an unexpected effect on the success of this new ride? Read on to find out.
Disney Resort to Introduce a Stunning New “Lion King” Themed Attraction—But There’s a Twist You Won’t Expect!
During the March 20, 2025, Shareholder meeting, Disney CEO Bob Iger introduced a project that has fans buzzing. For years, the Lion King franchise has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, and now, Disneyland Paris is preparing to build a brand-new attraction that will immerse visitors in Simba’s epic journey from cub to king.
This will be more than just a ride—it’s an entire land dedicated to the iconic film, bringing the characters, music, and themes to life.
The scale model for the upcoming “Lion King” flume ride coming to Disneyland Paris was just shared during the Disney annual shareholder meeting. – @Attractions on X
https://twitter.com/Attractions/status/1902771630897762429
The new Lion King area will be situated within Disneyland Paris’ second park, which will soon undergo a name change to Disney Adventure World. This new land will be part of the park’s significant overhaul as it continues to expand and diversify its offerings.
Already, the park has introduced Avengers Campus and Worlds of Pixar, and in 2026, guests will be able to experience the World of Frozen. But nothing will quite compare to the scale and emotional impact of The Lion King land.
The heart of this new attraction is a spectacular flume ride that will bring guests deep into the jungles and savannas of the Lion King universe.
As the concept art reveals, this ride will allow visitors to embark on a journey alongside Simba, following his path from a carefree cub to the wise and brave king of the Pride Lands. Imagine splashing through the savanna, feeling the rush of water as you come face to face with both the beauty and danger of this magical world.
A Weather Worry: Will the Flume Ride Suffer?
This isn’t just any flume ride. Disney Imagineers have designed it to be an immersive experience that transports guests right into the movie. According to The Walt Disney Company’s CEO Bob Iger on March 20 during the Shareholder meeting, the ride is already in active development, with plans drawn, and dirt moving on-site.
The excitement surrounding this project is palpable, with promises of stunning set designs, animatronics, and surprises that will make it feel like you’ve stepped directly into the film.
But the ride isn’t the only thing that will draw guests to this new land. Throughout the area, visitors can explore themed dining options, merchandise shops, and character meet-and-greets with Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and others. Whether you’re savoring a meal inspired by African flavors or shopping for exclusive Lion King merchandise, the land will offer a fully immersive experience that celebrates the iconic film in every corner.
While the new attraction is undeniably exciting, there is one significant concern that fans are voicing—could the French weather impact the operation of a water-based attraction like this? Disneyland Paris, located in the heart of France, is known for its temperate climate, which means cold winters with occasional snowfall and rainy days. It’s a climate that poses challenges for outdoor attractions, especially those that rely on water.
A Ride That Looks All Too Familiar
The flume ride in the Lion King area could face frequent closures during the colder months. Just like Disney’s Splash Mountain at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World in Florida, which occasionally shut down due to weather, the Lion King flume could face similar operational challenges.
The seasonal closures might affect the ride’s availability, making it more of a summer attraction and leaving guests wondering when they will have the chance to experience Simba’s journey during the off-season.
But despite this potential downside, Disney is no stranger to working around seasonal obstacles. In fact, the flume ride will likely undergo modifications to ensure it can still operate during cooler weather, or Disney may provide alternative entertainment options for guests when the ride is closed. However, this does raise the question of how frequently this ride can be enjoyed throughout the year, especially by guests visiting during the colder months.
While the Lion King flume ride will undoubtedly be a visual marvel, there are some similarities to past Disney attractions that fans can’t help but notice. For those who remember Splash Mountain, the Lion King flume may evoke a sense of nostalgia. Splash Mountain, a popular ride at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, was a water-based attraction that followed a beloved Disney film (in its case, Song of the South).
Now, the Lion King ride will likely feature many of the same mechanics and overall vibe, making it reminiscent of Splash Mountain. However, fans can rest assured that the storytelling, theming, and characters will all be uniquely tailored to The Lion King, ensuring that it stands apart from the classic ride.
The Bottom Line: An Adventure Awaits for This New Disney Ride
The Lion King attraction is more than just another ride—it’s part of a much bigger effort by Disneyland Paris to expand its offerings and make the park a must-visit destination for both Disney diehards and casual visitors alike.
The addition of this land signals Disney’s commitment to continually evolving its parks and attractions to cater to the desires of today’s guests. But it also speaks to the power of storytelling, a core pillar of Disney’s success. By taking a beloved film and turning it into an immersive land, Disney is further cementing its legacy as a leader in theme park innovation.
This project also highlights the growing influence of Disney’s classic animated films in shaping the future of the parks. With The Lion King celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, this new attraction will serve as a fitting tribute to the lasting impact the film has had on fans around the world.
And with new lands like Frozen and Avengers Campus already in the works, Disneyland Paris is positioning itself as a major player in the global theme park race.
In the coming years, Disneyland Paris will undoubtedly become a premier destination for fans of The Lion King, and this new land will offer a fresh way for guests to experience the film’s timeless story.
Whether you’re riding the flume, enjoying the food, or meeting your favorite characters, there will be something for everyone to enjoy in Pride Lands. But as we eagerly await its opening, only time will tell how weather conditions affect its year-round operation.
What are your thoughts on this new flume ride to Disney Resort overseas? Will it be enough to get you to Paris in the coming years? Does it look a lot or a little like Splash Mountain?
I believe Disney should do a survey at Disney World and Disney Land to find out what kind of rides people want in the United States. I believe Disney really have no ideal what kind of rides we Americans would love to have.