3 Ways to Celebrate 30 Years of ‘The Lion King’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
It’s hard to believe, but this Summer marks 30 years since The Lion King debuted. As we have been reporting, Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Disney World is marking this ‘roaring’ celebration with all new experiences, treats, and merch.
Here are the top 3 ways to celebrate 30 years of The Lion King magic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom now through September 6, 2024:
![Timon Rafiki](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-3.jpg)
![Timon Rafiki](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-3.jpg)
Credit: Disney
Say ‘Cheese’ with or Draw Your Favorite Lion King Character
The Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the place to be this Summer for fans of The Lion King!
After taking the train to the Conservation Station – you can board the train near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris – head to Rafiki’s Planet Watch to meet and greet with two stars of the film, Timon and Rafiki!
While at the Conservation Station, make sure to stop by the Animation Experience and learn to draw your favorite characters from the hit animated film.
Treat Yourself to Some Delicious Themed Goodies
What’s a celebration without some great treats?! To celebrate 30 years of The Lion King, Disney has released limited-edition goodies inspired by the film’s hit characters, including Simba, Rafiki, Timon, and Zazu.
Here are some of my faves:
![Simba](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3.jpg)
![Simba](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3.jpg)
Credit: Disney
Simba Paw Cookie
This adorable Simba Paw Cookie can be found in food carts throughout the park. This big sugar cookie is definitely a must-have for me!
You Follow Old Rafiki Cheesecake
Located at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Africa, the You Follow Old Rafiki Cheesecake features a passion fruit-mango cheesecake with a coconut-lime crust, vanilla bean chantilly, and topped with a chocolate medallion.
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/6.jpg)
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/6.jpg)
Credit: Disney
“Remember Who You Are” The Lion King 30th Anniversary Dessert
Finish off your meal at Tiffins Restaurant with the “Remember Who You Are” Dessert.
This delectable delight features Kenyan coffee mousse filled with caramelized bananas, chai chantilly, banana caramel sauce, chocolate coffee crumble, and chocolate decoration, and it is finished off with a sugar sun.
![Rafiki](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/5.jpg)
![Rafiki](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/5.jpg)
Credit: Disney
Rafiki’s Squah Banana
If you’re looking to walk on the wide side this Summer during the 30-year celebration of The Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you must try the Rafiki’s Squash Banana.
This shake, which is also available at Tiffins Restaurant, is blended with squash bananas, baobab fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom.
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-3.jpg)
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-3.jpg)
Credit: Disney
The Simba
Available at Eight Spoon Cafe, The Simba is a mango-flavored slushy mixed with grenadine and topped off with two gummy candies.
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/8.jpg)
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/8.jpg)
Credit: Disney
Timon’s Luau
For some tropical vibes, stop by Eight Spoon Cafe or the Isle of Java for Timon’s Luau.
Timon’s Luau is inspired by Timon’s iconic hula dance from The Lion King. It features vanilla chiffon, passion fruit curd, guava jam, and vanilla chantilly cream, all topped with an edible tropical flower for the lei and mint for the hula skirt. Adorable!
Zazu Ice Cream Sandwich
If you’re looking to cool down during the 30th-anniversary celebration of The Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you must go over to Tamu Tamu for the Zazu Ice Cream Sandwich!
The Zazu Ice Cream Sandwich features vanilla ice cream between two blue cake-coated sugar cookies topped with a chocolate medallion.
![Zazu Lion King](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/zazu-lion-king.png)
![Zazu Lion King](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/zazu-lion-king.png)
Photo: Disney/ Lion King
Zazu DOLE Whip Lime and Coconut Float
It’s one of a Disney fan’s most coveted snacks: A DOLE Whip with a Lion King twist!
The Zazu DOLE Whip, available at Trilo-bites, features a DOLE Whip Lime swirled with Sprite, coconut, and blue curaçao. It’s topped with a white chocolate medallion.
Must-Have Merch
With this special merchandise collection available at Island Mercantile, you will always remember visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom to celebrate 30 years of The Lion King!
This collection features everything from a Pumbaa Popcorn Bucket…
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/10.jpg)
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/10.jpg)
Credit: Disney
…To a Simba sweatshirt for adults, blue and white tie-dye youth hoodie, and bright and cheery “Hakuna Matata” Ears handband.
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/11.jpg)
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/11.jpg)
Credit: Disney
The 30 Years of The Lion King merchandise collection also includes a fanny pack, youth shorts and shirt set, and a yellow sweatshirt with iconic Lion King characters that adults will love.
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/12.jpg)
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/12.jpg)
Credit: Disney
As an added bonus, Guests with a MagicBand+ will enjoy a special treat when they attend the award-winning “Festival of the Lion King” show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this Summer!
![Festival of the Lion King](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/13.jpg)
![Festival of the Lion King](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/13.jpg)
Credit: Disney
“Be prepared” for dancing lights and haptic vibrations during exciting moments in the show!
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-2.jpg)
![Lion King Animal Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-2.jpg)
Credit: Disney
Will you be celebrating 30 years of The Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this Summer? Let us know in the comments below!
It’s not too late to start planning your visit to Disney World this Summer to celebrate 30 years of The Lion King! Some great discounts are also available! Fill out the form below or email Holly@MickeyTravels.com for a FREE, no-obligation quote and to start booking your next Disney vacation.
As an agent with MickeyTravels (a Platinum Earmarked Agency), I will be on hand to help you with everything from finding your perfect package and I offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best rate available. I work with all Disney Destinations and destinations outside of Disney. Best of all, my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch via email at Holly@MickeyTravels.com or calling 954.401.9577. Also, make sure to CLICK HERE to follow along with my Facebook page for all things Disney and giveaways!
Image/Source Credit: Disney