Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends

The 12 minute performance of Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends has a strong underlying theme of the importance of preserving and protecting the forests. This show is hosted by Pocahontas herself and includes an audi-animatronic Grandmother Willow, as well as live animals.

According to Native American legend, one animal can save the forest from destruction. Grandmother Willow tells Pocahontas she must ask the animals to discover which animal has this power. The performance focuses on Pocahontas and her friends as they search for the forest protector. Meanwhile, Pocahontas interacts with trained animals, such as opossums, rabbits, a raccoon, a porcupine, a skunk, a wild turkey, rats, and a snake. The fantastic performance of “Colors of the Wind” is a highlight of the show.

The outdoor theatre seats 350 people in a partially shaded area. No food is allowed in the area because of the use of live animals. The first three rows are reserved for children.

The theatre is wheelchair accessible and Assistive Listening Devices are available for guests with listening impairments. Guest Services can provide additional information. Sing Language Interpreters are available for guests who are deaf on designated days at designated times. A Sign Language Coordinator should be called 2 weeks ahead of time at (407) 824-5217 to make arrangements.

Festival of the Lion King

The Festival of the Lion King is the most popular of the live shows offered at Animal Kingdom. Found at the Campside Circle, it offers music, amazing colors, and incredible talent.

At the 30 minute show, guests enjoy a variety of Disney music, including songs from “The Lion King.” Crazy trampoline acrobatics performed by the Tumble Monkeys also adds to the fun, as do the costumes of the singers, which contain beads, feathers, fringe and headdresses. Stilt walkers and audi-animatronics are also a part of the show.

Lines tend to be long for this show for most of the day and outside lines are in unshaded areas that contain very little ventilation. The amphitheatre itself is enclosed and air-conditioned. It is capable of holding over 1000 guests. It is separated into four parts, each with a great view. The sections are labeled as either giraffe, elephant, lion, or warthog. As the performers fill the theater for the show, four gigantic moving floats, which are really stages, are brought out. A 12 foot animated Simba sits on Pride Rock on one stage. There is also a giraffe, an elephant, and a stage with Pumba and Timon.

The amphitheater is wheelchair accessible and assistive listening devices are available for the hearing impaired. Guest Services can be of assistance. Sign language interpreters are also available on specific days and times. A Sign Language Coordinator can be called at (407) 824-5217 for details, but must be called 2 weeks in advance.