Disney just gave us our closest look yet at The Lion King attraction under construction at Disney Adventure World, and Imagineering brought receipts — as in, actual scale models.
At D23’s Imagineering pavilion, three key pieces were on display, and each one answers a slightly different question about what this ride is going to feel like.
First: a scale model of Rafiki’s Tree, which turns out to be a giant baobab tree anchoring the land. There’s a small stage built right in front of it, clearly meant for character interactions and entertainment — so this is shaping up to be more than just a ride entrance, it’s a full gathering spot.
Second: a ride vehicle maquette, and this one’s got some real detail behind it. We’ve seen images of the vehicle before, but this model shows off the wood-grain texture up close for the first time. As for the ride itself — it’s a flume water ride in the same family as Splash Mountain and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, with vehicles nearly identical to the “logs” used on those rides. There is one notable difference, though: while the Magic Kingdom version of a similar ride uses straight-line, one-behind-the-other seating, this maquette shows four rows split into three seats each, divided by actual seat dividers. Small detail, but the kind that changes how the whole ride feels to sit in.
Third: a black-light study model, which gives the clearest preview yet of what guests will actually see mid-ride. This one features Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon lounging on a log together, in a scene that’s giving full “Hakuna Matata” energy. We’ve caught glimpses of this model in video and book form before, but seeing it up close is a different experience entirely.
Disney says the finished ride will combine cutting-edge projection effects with state-of-the-art animatronics, so between the show scenes, the vehicle design, and Rafiki’s Tree anchoring the land, this is shaping up to be a genuinely immersive addition.
For context: Disney Adventure World is the rebranded Walt Disney Studios Park, which just opened World of Frozen, and The Lion King land will sit right alongside it along the park’s new lake. Two major lands, one lake — Disney Adventure World is turning into quite the destination.
What are you most looking forward to on The Lion King ride: Rafiki’s Tree, the flume-style drop, or the Hakuna Matata scene? Let me know!
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