DISNEYLAND PARIS LION KIND LAND GUIDE
The Pride Lands Opening Date, Attractions, and Construction Updates
The Ultimate Guide to the Lion King Land at Disneyland Paris
Updated 4th June 2025
If you’re searching for the scoop on the Disneyland Paris Lion King land, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re already planning your next magical holiday or just want the freshest updates on the Pride Lands at Disneyland Paris, there’s plenty to be excited about.
At D23 Expo 2024, Disney revealed that Disneyland Paris will be home to the world’s first-ever Lion King attraction and immersive themed area. This isn’t just any new land — it’s a whole new adventure that will let you step into the heart of the African savanna, journey alongside Simba and friends, and experience storytelling on a truly epic scale.
Set to open after the highly anticipated World of Frozen in 2026, the Pride Lands will bring a unique mix of thrilling rides, themed dining, and unforgettable character encounters. So whether you’re booking your trip or just keeping an eye on construction progress, this guide has all the latest news and insider details you need.
So lets take a look at the details released so far about the Lion King Land coming to Disneyland Paris?
When is the Lion King Land opening at Disneyland Paris?
So, when can you actually step foot in the Pride Lands at Disneyland Paris? Here’s the scoop: construction on the Lion King Land is set to begin later this year (2025), even before the World of Frozen area opens. To give you some perspective, Disneyland Paris started building the Frozen land back in mid-2022, and it won’t open until 2026 — that’s about four years of work to bring the icy magic to life.
Using that as a guide, we can expect the Lion King land to take a similar amount of time, which likely puts its opening in the late 2020s or early 2030s.
There’s also a bit of friendly competition to consider: the new Universal theme park planned for the UK aims to open in 2031. So, Disneyland Paris might want to beat that date and get guests roaring through the Pride Lands a little earlier.
Bottom line? If you’re dreaming of exploring Simba’s kingdom, it’s wise to keep an eye on the latest news and plan your trip for a few years down the line — the wait will definitely be worth it!
Where will the Lion King Land be located?
The Lion King land will find its home within Disney Adventure World, Disneyland Paris’s second park that’s currently undergoing a massive transformation (currently called Walt Disney Studios). This area is really becoming the place to be for all things new and exciting.
Specifically, the Pride Lands will be nestled near Adventure Bay, right next to the upcoming Frozen-themed land. This creates a fantastic new hub of immersive experiences, where you can journey from icy Arendelle to the sun-soaked savanna without leaving the park.
It’s shaping up to be a seamless, storytelling-rich corner of Disney Adventure World — perfect for fans wanting to dive deep into their favourite worlds in one incredible visit.
What Attractions and Experiences will be at the Lion King Land?
At the heart of the Lion King land will be a one-of-a-kind water-based adventure ride set beneath the iconic Pride Rock. This isn’t just any ride — guests will follow Simba’s journey from playful cub to brave king, experiencing the story in a way that brings the classic film to life right before your eyes.
Disney Imagineers are pulling out all the stops with state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics® technology, combined with stunning water effects, to make this adventure feel truly magical and immersive. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into the African savanna, surrounded by your favourite characters.
What’s the Ride Like? Think Splash Mountain Meets Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
If you’re a fan of classic Disney water rides, you’re in for a treat. The Lion King attraction at Disneyland Paris is shaping up to be a thrilling water-based adventure with vibes similar to Splash Mountain or Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Expect a journey filled with storytelling, memorable scenes, and that perfect mix of gentle cruising and splashy excitement.
But here’s the clever part: while it’s definitely a water ride, Disney Imagineers are bringing in some smart tech from their Asian parks. This means the water levels can be adjusted depending on the season, so when winter rolls around, you won’t have to worry about getting soaked in the chilly Parisian weather. It’s a neat way to keep the fun going all year long without the soggy aftermath!
So, whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, you can enjoy the adventure comfortably—just maybe bring a smile for when you spot those splash moments!
But that’s not all. The land will also offer:
- Themed dining experiences that capture the spirit of the Pride Lands,
- Unique shopping spots inspired by the film’s rich world,
- And plenty of chances to meet and greet beloved characters like Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa.
The whole area promises an incredible level of detail and immersion, designed to transport guests of all ages into the heart of The Lion King’s unforgettable world. It’s set to be an experience you won’t want to miss!
How Does Lion King Land Fit Into the Bigger Picture at Disneyland Paris?
The Lion King land is more than just a shiny new corner of the park—it’s part of a huge makeover that’s turning Disneyland Paris into an even more magical place for guests of all ages. You’ve probably heard about the recent additions like Worlds of Pixar and the Marvel Avengers Campus, and coming up next is the much-anticipated World of Frozen, set to open in 2026. The Lion King land will follow after that, promising even more adventure.
What’s cool is that Disneyland Paris isn’t just copying what other parks have done. They’re creating unique experiences that really speak to their European visitors, giving us something fresh and exciting to explore. It’s like they’re inviting us to step right into the Pride Lands or Arendelle itself—and who wouldn’t want that?
And if you think the fun stops when the sun goes down, think again. Disneyland Paris is rolling out some new nighttime shows, including a stunning lake show at Adventure Bay and a brand-new nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Park starting January 2025. So whether you’re a daytime explorer or a night owl, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
All in all, this expansion shows Disneyland Paris is gearing up to be a must-visit spot packed with fresh stories, thrilling rides, and unforgettable moments—just the kind of place we Disney fans dream about.
Why is This Lion King Land So Special?
Here’s the exciting part — Disneyland Paris is about to debut the world’s very first Lion King attraction and immersive themed area. That’s right, nowhere else on the planet will you find a Lion King land quite like this. It’s a true one-of-a-kind experience, created especially for Disneyland Paris and its passionate European audience.
What makes it stand out? It’s the perfect blend of classic Disney storytelling that we all know and love, with cutting-edge technology and innovative ride design. Disney Imagineers are pulling out all the stops, using state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics® and immersive water effects to bring Simba’s journey to life in a way that feels fresh and magical.
This Lion King land doesn’t just add another attraction to the park — it elevates Disneyland Paris’ reputation as Europe’s leading theme park destination. With exclusive experiences you won’t find anywhere else, it’s a real game-changer for the resort and a must-see for Disney fans planning their next holiday.
What About the Lion King Show at Disneyland Paris?
What’s the Latest Construction Update on the Lion Kind Land at Disneyland Paris?
Construction is scheduled to kick off later this year (2025), even before World of Frozen opens its doors. So, if you’re dreaming of exploring Simba’s kingdom, you’ll need to hang tight just a little longer.
This isn’t just about building a few rides — Disney Imagineers are planning some serious landscaping magic. Expect a majestic lake to set the scene, along with beautifully themed gardens that will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the African savanna.
The whole project is designed to be a next-level immersive experience, combining cutting-edge technology with stunning natural elements. It’s clear Disneyland Paris is aiming to create a Lion King land that’s not just visually breathtaking but truly transports you to Pride Rock itself.
We’ll update this guide with the latest construction updates…
Rumours and Speculation Over the Years
The journey to The Lion King land at Disneyland Paris has been full of surprises and shifts in direction. Originally, when the first concept art for the Walt Disney Studios Park expansion was revealed, it included World of Frozen and a Star Wars-themed land as the big new additions. That was the plan fans were buzzing about—two major lands that would bring some of the most popular Disney franchises to life in Paris.
However, as time went on, it became clear that the Star Wars land wasn’t going to happen at Disneyland Paris after all. By 2022, official statements and insider hints confirmed that the Star Wars expansion had been shelved or significantly delayed, leaving a big question mark over what would take its place.
Rumours quickly started to swirl about possible replacements. The leading contenders were either a Pandora: The World of Avatar land or something inspired by The Lion King. While many thought Avatar would win the race—especially with Disney CEO Bob Iger mentioning plans to bring Avatar to Disneyland Paris—the tides began to turn toward The Lion King by late 2022 and early 2023.
A few years ago we shared on our instagram page that instead of Pandora or Star Wars, Disneyland Paris was gearing up for a Lion King-themed land with a unique water-based attraction. This was a bit unexpected, given the original concept art, but it made sense given how popular The Lion King is in Europe and the resort’s success with The Lion King show, Rhythms of the Pride Lands.
Finally, the official reveal at D23 Expo 2024 confirmed that the Lion King land would indeed be the next big immersive addition after World of Frozen opens in 2026. So, while the Lion King land was never part of the initial expansion concepts, it has now taken centre stage and promises a fresh, one-of-a-kind experience exclusive to Disneyland Paris.
This shift shows how plans can evolve and how Disneyland Paris is shaping its own unique path, focusing on storytelling and attractions that truly resonate with its guests.
Lion King Land Disneyland Paris FAQs
When will Lion King Land open at Disneyland Paris?
Lion King Land opening date has not yet been confirmed, following the completion of the World of Frozen land. Construction is scheduled to start in 2025, so a realistic opening could be around 2029 or later.
What attractions will be in the Lion King Land at Disneyland Paris?
The main attraction will be a unique water-based adventure ride beneath Pride Rock, where guests follow Simba’s journey from cub to king. The land will also feature themed dining, shopping, and character meet-and-greets, creating a fully immersive experience.
Is the Lion King ride similar to any other Disney attractions?
Yes! The ride will have vibes similar to Splash Mountain and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, combining gentle cruising with splashy excitement. However, it will feature advanced Audio-Animatronics® and innovative water effects to bring the story to life like never before.
Will guests get wet on the Lion King water ride?
Disney Imagineers are incorporating technology used in Asian Disney parks, allowing water levels to be adjusted by season. This means guests won’t get soaked during colder months, making the ride enjoyable year-round.
Has there been any construction progress on Lion King Land?
As of mid-2025, construction has not yet begun. The project is planned to start in late 2025, right beforeFrozen land’s completion. Frozen land itself started construction in mid-2022 and is set to open in 2026, giving a timeline benchmark.
What is the expected impact of Lion King Land on Disneyland Paris?
This land marks a major milestone in Disneyland Paris’ ongoing transformation and expansion, boosting its appeal with a unique attraction not found anywhere else in the world. It aims to attract Disney fans globally and elevate the resort’s status as Europe’s top theme park destination.
Is there currently a Lion King show at Disneyland Paris?
Yes, the popular “The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands” show runs within Disneyland Park. This stage show has been a fan favourite and complements the new land’s immersive experience.
Why did Disneyland Paris choose Lion King for their new land?
Lion King remains hugely popular in Europe and worldwide, with its 30th anniversary celebrated in 2024. The story and characters resonate deeply with guests, making it a perfect fit to create an immersive themed area unique to Disneyland Paris.
Were there other themes considered before deciding on Lion King Land?
Yes, initial plans included a Star Wars-themed land and Frozen land. Rumours also suggested possible Pandora (Avatar) themes. However, Star Wars plans were shelved, and Frozen took priority as the next major land, followed by Lion King as the third big expansion.
Could there be future lands besides Frozen and Lion King?
There’s speculation about further expansions, including a Pandora-themed land, but nothing official has been announced yet. Disneyland Paris is continuously evolving, so more surprises could be on the horizon.
