Disney Confirms Closing of Popular Show After One Year

In 2019, Disney opened a brand-new show in Disney California Adventure Park at Disneyland Resort. That show was Tale of the Lion King — a fun and exciting take on the iconic Disney movie. Tale of the Lion King premiered in conjunction with the movie’s 25th anniversary. Unfortunately, the show had to close down when the theme parks shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Disney brought it to life once again in May 2022, when it opened at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park.

The show has been incredibly well-received by audiences, and Disney did a great job with it. It appears that the love was not enough to save the show. Disney has confirmed that the show will be having its final performance on January 7, 2024.

Tale of the Lion King retold the story of Simba, but in a new way and through the Storytellers of the Pride Lands. Full of music, dancing, and fun costumes, guests loved taking a break from the hectic parks to relax and watch an incredible show.

Related: Disney Set to Turn The Lion King Into the Next Star Wars

Tale of the Lion King replaced the much-loved show, Mickey and the Magical Map, which ran from 2013 through 2020. Like Tale of the Lion King, Mickey and the Magical Map had to close because of the pandemic. During the theme park closure — which lasted for more than a year — Disney announced that Mickey and the Magical Map would not be returning, and Tale of the Lion King would be taking its place.

Disney has not announced what new show will be taking over the theater space or when they will have a new show premiere. Before Tale of the Lion King premiered, the Fantasyland Theatre sat empty for more than a year. So, Disney has shown that it is willing to leave the space empty as it prepares what is sure to be a gorgeous new production.

Related: How The Land Before Time Inspired The Lion King

That means that there is now no show at Disneyland Resort. Rogers: The Musical — which had rave reviews — ran at the Hyperion Theater in Disney California Adventure over the summer. It had its last showing on August 31, 2023. The queue for the theater is now being used as an interactive trick-or-treat trail at Oogie Boogie Bash.

At first, guests did not expect Rogers: The Musical to return, but now the rumors are swirling that Disney will be bringing the show back in the new year. The rumor mill says that the Marvel show — based on a scene from the show Hawkeye — will be back at the Hyperion in February 2024. Disney has not confirmed these rumors, but Disney Fanatic will let readers know if and when they do.

Are you sad to see Tale of the Lion King close? Are you excited about the prospect of a new show? Let us know in the comments!