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25 Years Later, Fans Are Still Wondering Why Disney’s Animal Kingdom Is Lacking a ‘Lion King’ Land

When it comes to Walt Disney World, there’s no doubt about Animal Kingdom’s place in the line-up of theme parks.

Credit: Disney

READ MORE: Historical Animal Kingdom Fixture Reportedly Missing From the Disney Park

Magic Kingdom is obviously the most popular Disney Park of Walt Disney World, with the most attendance and the classic quintessential attractions.

EPCOT is the Disney Park with the seasonal festivals, with the best food and drink options out of all of Walt Disney World. Hollywood Studios is home to the biggest thrills in Disney World, as well as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land.

But Animal Kingdom is the wildest Disney Park around.

animal kingdom entrance

Credit: Disney

READ MORE: Animal Kingdom Isn’t a Half-Day Park, Guests Are Just Missing Out on Half of the Attractions

Whether you’re a full-blown Wilderness Explorer or a casual fan of animals and the environment, Animal Kingdom has something for everyone.

The Disney Park is home to six different neighborhoods: Oasis, Discovery Island, Pandora – The World of Avatar, Africa, Asia, and the endangered DinoLand U.S.A.

Pandora World of Avatar

Credit: Disney

READ MORE: Lions Caught Participating In the ‘Circle of Life’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Each area is home to different attractions, shows, animal encounters, and more. But an obvious Disney IP-themed section is missing from the theme park: The Lion King (1994).

Fans online are wondering why a Lion King-themed land doesn’t take over DinoLand U.S.A. (which is unfortunately destined for extinction), considering the franchise’s presence in the theme park.

Why hasn’t Disney built a Lion King land in Animal Kingdom?
byu/Harrylegs123 inWaltDisneyWorld

READ MORE: Guest Captures a Total ‘Lion King’ Moment During Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safaris

However, many have pointed out that Animal Kingdom’s Africa section already has a Lion King-themed attraction, actual lions, and tons of merchandise. The counter-argument claims that having a Lion King and an Africa section would be confusing, despite Lion King imagery existing all over the Disney Park, including outside of the Africa area.

Where do you stand on this debate? Should Disney introduce a Lion King-themed area in Animal Kingdom, complete with a Pride Rock? Or should Lion King stay in the Africa section?

About Isabella Reimer

Isabella Reimer grew up visiting Walt Disney World and relocated to Central Florida to be even closer to The Most Magical Place on Earth. She earned her Bachelor’s from Florida State University, where she studied Creative Writing and Women’s Studies. Her biggest hobby is bonding with the ikran at Avatar Flight of Passage, and her retirement plan includes becoming the 1,000 Happy Haunt of the Haunted Mansion.