This area of the park was originally supposed to be temporary, but has made its self more permanent over the years since opening. There are three main attractions here. The big draw is the Festival of the Lion King show. This is an exciting and entertaining theater in the round performance that occurs several times a day. In late 2003 the theater was enclosed and air conditioning added (now they need more shade in the queue). The enclosure really makes the lighting effects more pronounced and the air conditioning is just what you need to recharge in the Florida heat.

The other two attracdtions are a show, Pocahontas and her Forest Friends, and a character meet and greet in the Greeting Trails area.

You have to see the Festival of the Lion King Show. It is done very well. Going into the show, I thought that Disney was approaching overload on the Lion King, a movie that is now over 10 years old, but after watching the show I think Disney used the theme perfectly. It is quite a different show from any of the others you have seen before (and there are a lot to choose from based on the Lion King ranging from Parades to a Broadway Musical). This show is more of a variety show, it features acrobats, singing, dancing, and fire effects…

When going to see the Festival of the Lion King you should show up 30-45 minutes before the show to make sure you get in. Also be aware that the queue is outside and can get quite hot when the crowd swells. Disney does have fans to try to keep you cool, but with the Florida climate and the number of people it's a loosing battle.

• This area of the park was originally intended to be temporary and act as the gateway to Beastly Kingdom, a concept that has been pretty much put to bed in recent years (you can still see the dragon as you enter the area, look down and to the right off the entrance bridge)
  
  
  

• Park Overview
• The Oasis
• Discovery Island
• Camp Minnie Mickey
• Africa
• Rafiki's Planet Watch
• Asia
• Dinoland USA