‘Tale of The Lion King’ at Disneyland Resort brings Simba alive in a new way
Category: Activities, Performances, & EventsCategory: Travel
In a unique live adaptation of The Lion King, Tale of The Lion King is presented in “Story Theater” fashion. This means it is live action with actors/dancers/singers playing the parts however not in typical costumes. This is not the Broadway play; this is a 25-minute story of Simba done in a distinctive way.
The Fantasyland Theater in Disneyland comes alive with colors, music, and the tale of Simba and his family. The actors take on the characters without the benefit of costumes to present themselves on stage. Instead, guests see Simba, Nala, and the others in a different way than they have in the past. That is not to say the production is not entertaining. On the contrary. It is highly entertaining and by the end a feeling of love and joy will embrace the audience. It is creative and filled with plenty of fun, not to mention music.
This production first appeared in Disney California Adventure in 2019 on a much smaller scale. This version is broader, more colorful, and more imaginative.
To create this they had to come up with a unique way of presenting the story and their own mythology surrounding the tale.
“The Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” are the main musical numbers in the play. The choreography is perfection and adds to the enjoyment of the story. There are projections on the screen at the rear of the stage that also adds to the beauty of the play. And Swahili dialogue and accents are incorporated to bring the cultural feeling to the story, which takes place in Pride Lands in Africa.
To go along with the play, the Troubadour Tavern adjacent to the theater has some delicious offerings this summer. These treats include a Chicken-coconut Curry Sweet Potato, Salted Plantain Chips, Berbere-Spice Popcorn (be warned – this is very spicy), Hakuna Matata Sweets (a trio of cookies including a Coconut Macaroon, Pineapple Orange Thumbprint Cookie, and a Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookie), as well as Pride Rock Punch. There is a child-friendly food offering as well. The Simba popcorn bucket is a must-have for fans of the little guy.
If you are in Disneyland this summer, by all means, check out the delightful Tale of the Lion King and enjoy the special delicacies. The Fantasyland Theater is directly to the left of It’s a Small World.
PRIDE ROCK PUNCH from Troubadour Tavern at Disneyland Park
Serves 4-6
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 cups freshly brewed unsweetened black tea
- 1/3 cup mango beverage syrup
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 3/4 teaspoon tamarind paste
- Orange slices
- Dried mango slices
- Dried pineapple
- Place pineapple in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Combine puréed pineapple, unsweetened tea, mango beverage syrup, orange juice, and tamarind paste in a large pitcher. Stir until tamarind paste is fully dissolved.
- Fill 4-6 tall glasses halfway with ice. Add punch and garnish with orange slices, dried mango, and dried pineapple.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.