Disney has announced the introduction of a new Lion King-themed attraction at its Disneyland Paris resort, which promises to take visitors on a journey through the African savanna alongside beloved characters like Mufasa, Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa.
The attraction, featuring a log flume descending from Pride Rock, was unveiled at the D23 convention, where Disney also shared mock-ups of the experience. This announcement comes shortly after Disney reported lower-than-expected financial results for its theme parks in the last quarter, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its offerings.
The Lion King experience, long rumored since 2022, is part of a broader $60 billion investment Disney plans to make in its theme parks and cruise businesses over the next decade. The new Lion King land will be located in the Walt Disney Studios Park, which will be rebranded as Disney Adventure World.
It is expected to open after the World of Frozen area in 2026. Disney’s creative team, known as Imagineering, has committed to bringing Pride Rock to life, creating an immersive adventure that follows Simba’s journey from cub to king. This new attraction will join a host of other expansions across Disney’s global parks.
In addition to the Lion King, major expansions are underway at other Disney parks worldwide. Walt Disney World in Florida is planning its largest expansion in over five decades, including new lands dedicated to Disney villains and Pixar’s Cars.
Other confirmed projects include a Monsters Inc. rollercoaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Encanto and Indiana Jones-themed rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The original Disneyland Resort in California will also see new additions, such as superhero-themed rides, a water-based Avatar attraction, and the first-ever Coco ride, while Hong Kong Disneyland will introduce a new Spiderman attraction within its Marvel-themed area.
Disney’s ambitious expansion plans are not limited to theme parks; the company also revealed the launch of four new cruise ships, nearly tripling the size of its current fleet by 2031.
These developments are part of Disney’s strategy to remain competitive and appeal to a broader audience, despite recent challenges and controversies within the company. During the D23 convention, Disney executives emphasized that these projects are actively being developed, assuring fans that the plans are moving forward and not merely conceptual ideas.
The recent flurry of announcements comes amidst a turbulent period for Disney, marked by significant internal restructuring and external conflicts. Bob Iger’s return as CEO, following a brief retirement, led to a reorganization and substantial job cuts aimed at bolstering the company’s financial performance.
Disney also faced a high-profile boardroom battle with activist investor Nelson Peltz, who criticized the company for losing its creative edge. Additionally, Disney has been embroiled in a legal dispute with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over controversial legislation, leading to the cancellation of a major office campus project.
Despite these challenges, Disney’s parks and experiences division continues to be a strong revenue driver, contributing significantly to the company’s overall profits, even as it navigates through a complex business environment.
