Let the Procession Begin...

Opening on April 22, 1998 with the park Disney's Animal Kingdom this now a classic show was orginally just temporary. Made by an attempt to make more attractions for a soon to open park, the Festival of the Lion King used old parade floats from Disneyland. Not only in Disney's Animal Kingdom, but also located in Hong Kong Disneyland, both of which opening with the park. Both are being different... But both are a tribal celebration in combination with a some elements of Disney's Electrical Parade. The show uses songs, dance, puppetry and visual effects to create an African savanna setting filled with lions, elephants, giraffes, birds, zebras and gazelles. In this theater environment, Festival of the Lion King retells the story of Simba and his struggle to regain Pride Rock, his kingdom.

Originally in Animal Kingdom at Camp Minnie Mickey to add more attractions it consists of several of the hit songs from the award winning movie. The show is presented in a enclosed theater. Even though originally an open air theater, one big sign that this was just temporary. Guests sit in four sections, each designated with an animal name: Warthog, Elephant, Giraffe and Lion. Guests are asked to make a noise corresponding to their animal at certain times during the show and children are sometimes pulled out of the audience to dance. The show is hosted by four performers dressed in costumes inspired by traditional African dress. Each has a Swahili name: Kiume, Nakawa, Kibibi and Zawadi. The show does not follow the story of the movie. The songs and such are mixed around with an addition aerobatic Tumble Monkey segment.

In Hong Kong Disneyland, opening with the park, it is presented in the Theater in the Wild. It is presented in a similar fashion with the theater in the round styel with four animal sections. The show is a simiplified story of The Lion King. It is presented by a female actor, Rafiki, like in the Broadway production. SHe tells the story in English with two translators who translate it into Cantoneses, with Simplified Chinese subtitles for Mainland Chinese visitors projected above each section. Rafiki retells Simba's life to him. Simba is represented by a large, elaborate parade like float tribalized version of Pride Rock.

Well that is a short and abbreviated version of the history of FOLK, which really doesnt have a long history.. I really just wanted to contrast the two productions... Tomorrow we will do Pics and Pins of Festival of the Lion King... ALso please join our Facebook Group and become my friend.. and follow me on twitter...