Disney Confirms Impending ‘The Lion King’ Shutdown as Park Prepares for Major Changes
Disney has confirmed an upcoming closure for one of its popular The Lion King shows.
The Lion King has been a major part of Disney’s theme parks for decades. Since the original film premiered in 1994, Simba and his friends have appeared in parades, character meet-and-greets, and stage productions at Disney resorts worldwide.
At Walt Disney World Resort, Festival of the Lion King has entertained guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom since 1998. The 40-minute show combines live singing, dancing, acrobatics, and giant puppets, with performances of songs such as “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata.”
The franchise is also a major focus overseas, where Disney is building an entirely new Lion King land featuring a water ride inspired by the original animated film.
However, as work continues on the expansion, one of the resort’s existing Lion King attractions is preparing to close temporarily.
Disney Confirms ‘The Lion King’ Show Closure
Disneyland Paris has confirmed that The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands will temporarily close at Disneyland Park on January 7, 2027.
The show’s final performances before the break will take place on January 6, with Disney scheduling its return for February 13, 2027. That leaves guests without the popular production for just over five weeks.
The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands (Frontierland Theater) will be on a scheduled break from 7 January to 12 February 2027. 🦁 #DisneylandParis
The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands (Frontierland Theater) will be on a scheduled break from 7 January to 12 February 2027. 🦁 #DisneylandParis pic.twitter.com/2zFaFqORW3
— Pixie Dust DLP ✨ (@PixiedustDLP) October 10, 2026
The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands debuted in 2019 at Frontierland Theater, the largest theater stage at Disneyland Paris.
The 30-minute production retells Simba’s journey from cub to king through live singing, dancing, drumming, and acrobatics. Its soundtrack includes Disney classics such as “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
Fortunately, the closure is nothing unusual for Disneyland Paris.
Unlike some Disney resorts, Disneyland Paris regularly operates its stage productions in seasons, with shows taking scheduled breaks throughout the year.
For example, Mickey and the Magician paused from August 31 to December 12, 2025. More recently, TOGETHER: a Pixar Musical Adventure took its latest break from August 3 through September 30, 2026.
Disney has not announced any permanent changes to The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands or confirmed that the upcoming closure is related to construction elsewhere at the resort.
Disney Prepares for Major ‘The Lion King’ Expansion
The temporary shutdown comes as Disneyland Paris continues its transformation, including the expansion of its second theme park.
Walt Disney Studios Park officially became Disney Adventure World on March 29, 2026, alongside the opening of World of Frozen and other new experiences.
Disney is now working on a dedicated Lion King land, which will be located near Adventure Bay.
The centerpiece will be a water ride taking guests through key scenes from the 1994 animated film. The attraction will sit beneath a recreation of Pride Rock, which is set to stand approximately 121 feet tall.
The ride will feature three drops, including a roughly 52-foot plunge, as well as advanced Audio-Animatronics figures depicting characters from the film.
Disney has also confirmed that Scar will appear as an Audio-Animatronics figure for the first time, recreating the villain’s confrontation with Simba.
The new land will feature themed dining, shopping, and character experiences. Construction began in 2025, although Disney has yet to announce an opening date.
Elsewhere at Disney Adventure World, the resort is preparing to introduce Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings, a family attraction inspired by Pixar’s Up, in 2027.
Have you ever seen The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands at Disneyland Paris?
