Another Disney theme park attraction is preparing to close.
Disney has brought The Lion King to life in several ways since the original animated film premiered in 1994. From meet-and-greets with Simba and Rafiki to Broadway-style productions, the franchise has remained a fixture at Disney parks around the world.
At Walt Disney World Resort, Festival of the Lion King has operated at Disney's Animal Kingdom since the park opened in 1998. The show features live singers, dancers, acrobats, and large animal puppets performing songs from the film.
However, not every Disney park offers the same Lion King experience. One international resort has its own stage production, which has become a regular part of its entertainment lineup since 2019.
Now, Disney has confirmed that the show will soon disappear from the park's schedule.
Disney Sets Closure Date for ‘The Lion King’ Show
Disneyland Paris has confirmed that The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands will temporarily close on January 7, 2027.
The show will give its final performances on January 6 before taking a scheduled break through February 12. According to Disney's official website, performances are due to resume on February 13, 2027.
The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands debuted at Disneyland Park in 2019, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the original animated film.
The 30-minute show retells Simba's story through live singing, dancing, drumming, and acrobatics. Its soundtrack includes songs such as “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
Unlike the Broadway production, the Disneyland Paris show tells its story without spoken dialogue. Performers use music and choreography to recreate key moments from the movie, including Simba's journey to becoming king.
The production takes place at Frontierland Theater, which Disney describes as the largest theater stage at Disneyland Paris. It also features 360-degree audio technology, with acrobats performing above the stage.
Entry is included with admission to Disneyland Park, although guests can purchase guaranteed access to secure a seat.
This isn't the first time the production has disappeared from the resort's entertainment schedule. After interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Disney brought the show back in October 2021.
Disneyland Paris also regularly schedules breaks for its other stage productions. For example, Mickey and the Magician paused from August 31 to December 12, 2025, while TOGETHER: a Pixar Musical Adventure took a break from August 3 to September 30, 2026.
The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands (Frontierland Theater) will be on a scheduled break from 7 January to 12 February 2027. 🦁 #DisneylandParis
The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands (Frontierland Theater) will be on a scheduled break from 7 January to 12 February 2027. 🦁 #DisneylandParis pic.twitter.com/2zFaFqORW3
— Pixie Dust DLP ✨ (@PixiedustDLP) October 10, 2026
The resort explains on its website that some shows operate seasonally, while others take scheduled breaks lasting several weeks or months.
Disney has not announced any permanent changes to The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands.
Disney Is Building an Entire New ‘The Lion King’ Land
The closure comes as Disneyland Paris continues expanding its second theme park.
Formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park, Disney Adventure World officially debuted under its new name on March 29, 2026. The transformation included the opening of World of Frozen, Adventure Bay, and new entertainment offerings.
Disney has even bigger plans for The Lion King, with construction underway on a dedicated themed land at Disney Adventure World.
The expansion will feature a major water ride beneath Pride Rock, which will stand approximately 121 feet tall. Guests will travel through scenes inspired by the 1994 film (not the remake, as originally feared) before experiencing three drops, including a 52-foot descent.
The attraction will also feature advanced Audio-Animatronics figures depicting the film's characters. In August 2026, Disney confirmed that Scar will appear as an Audio-Animatronics figure for the first time, recreating his confrontation with Simba.
Beyond the ride, the new land will feature themed restaurants, shopping, and character encounters. Construction began in fall 2025, although Disney has yet to confirm an opening date.
Disney Adventure World is also set to welcome Wilderness Explorers Sky Swings, a new attraction inspired by Pixar's Up.
Have you ever watched The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands at Disneyland Paris?
