Disneyland Paris is about to get a new addition as Disney has officially revealed plans for a brand-new ride inspired by The Lion King.
Set to open in 2026, a new area of the park, Pride Lands, which was announced after Disney reported underwhelming theme park earnings in the second quarter of 2024 perhaps due to competition, is projected to be dedicated to the characters, and stories from the animation.
How It All Began
Disney fans present at the D23 Convention: The Ultimate Disney fan Event – which took place in Anaheim, CA from August 9 to August 11, 2024, were given a mock-up experience of what is to come. In front of an excited audience, Josh D’Amaro, the chairman of Disney Experiences, mentioned the creation of Pride Lands which includes the New Lion King Ride in dedication of one of Disney's most beloved franchises: The Lion King.
In his words, “This larger-than-life area will bring guests on a journey through the African savanna and immerse them into the unforgettable adventures of Simba, Timon, Pumbaa and many other iconic characters from the beloved Disney film, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.”
One of the most exciting aspects of the new Lion King ride is how it will add the rich storytelling and emotional depth that the original film is known for. As mentioned by Josh D’Amaro, Disney fans should expect the majestic Pride Rock, which will serve as the gateway to an adventure-filled water attraction.
This is expected to plunge guests beneath the rock to follow Simba on his journey from cub to king, in a retelling of the story from the classic animated feature film.
What To Expect From Disneyland Paris
It is important to note that Disneyland Paris is not yet done. Lise Valencia, senior business solutions manager at Disneyland Paris Event Group, mentioned that Lion King land was, ‘‘The first in a series of exciting announcements about the ambitious transformation of our parks.’’ She added that, ‘‘more exciting news is coming this week.”
It is safe to say that the new Lion King ride is just one part of Disney’s broader expansion plans for Disneyland Paris, which has been a favorite destination for millions of visitors from around the world since its opening in 1992.
Final Thoughts
As Disney continues to push the boundaries of theme park innovation, the new Lion King ride for Disneyland Paris promises to be a roaring success. With its blend of thrilling ride elements and immersive storytelling of one of the best animations of all time, the attraction is set to become a must-see for fans of The Lion King and theme park lovers alike.