If you’ve been following the massive €2 billion expansion of Walt Disney Studios Park—soon to be known as Disney Adventure World—you’ll know that Disney has been teasing something wild on the horizon. Well, the wait is over: construction begins in fall 2025 on the first-ever Lion King land, complete with an all-new water ride that promises to be one of the biggest attractions Disneyland Paris has ever built.
Hakuna matata, theme park fans—it’s time to take your place in the Circle of Life.
An Adventure Through the Pride Lands
This isn’t just a ride. Imagine stepping beneath a towering 120-foot Pride Rock, winding your way through cave-like passages, and boarding a boat that will plunge you right into Simba’s world. The new attraction is a water flume ride with three drops—including a massive 52-foot descent—that will combine thrills with Disney storytelling magic.
Along the way, riders will experience iconic scenes from the 1994 animated classic, complete with advanced Audio-Animatronics, state-of-the-art effects, and those unforgettable songs we all know by heart.
Latest Update: Drop Tests Underway
Disneyland Paris is now conducting drop tests for the new Lion King attraction. The ride vehicles, which are designed to carry 12 guests each (larger than many Disney boat attractions), are being tested on a separate track behind the scenes. While it’s unclear whether the tests are for the big final drop or smaller sections of the ride, videos show the boats in action surrounded by vibrant jungle scenery reminiscent of the Pride Lands.
Concept art comes to life as a lion cub, a meerkat, and a warthog play on a fallen log amid fluttering butterflies, while lush savanna landscapes and cascading waterfalls hint at the immersive adventure guests can expect.
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More Than Just a Ride
The attraction won’t be the only new thing roaring to life. The approved permit—nicknamed Project SUN—shows off a whole immersive land themed to The Lion King, covering nearly 327,000 square feet. Here’s what’s included:
- A covered attraction building housing the flume ride
- A themed retail shop connected to the ride exit
- A food kiosk with shaded seating
- Restrooms for guests
- An outdoor meet-and-greet area to encounter favorite characters like Simba, Timon, and Rafiki
Disney’s landscaping plan calls for more than 297 new trees, sculpted rockwork, and stamped concrete pathways designed to make you feel like you’re exploring the African savanna.
A New Era for Disney Adventure World
The Lion King ride is part of the sweeping transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park into Disney Adventure World. With World of Frozen set to open in 2026, and now the Pride Lands following closely behind, this expansion is doubling the park’s size and reimagining more than 90% of its offerings.
It’s no exaggeration to say this will be a turning point for Disneyland Paris, giving fans immersive worlds on par with the best Disney parks around the globe.
Hakuna Matata, But Mark Your Calendar
With drop tests underway and ride vehicles taking their first runs, the anticipation is real. Whether you’re there for the thrill of the big drop, the joy of revisiting Simba’s story, or the chance to explore an entirely new land, this attraction is shaping up to be unmissable.
So, are you ready to journey into the Pride Lands at Disneyland Paris? Because once Simba’s story comes alive in this brand-new water adventure, the only question will be: where in the Circle of Life will you sit?
