National treasure Holly Willoughby was swept up in the magic of Disneyland Paris at the launch of its brand new season, The Lion King and Jungle Festival, which features exclusive new shows, parades, merchandise, and more.
Bringing to life the magic of beloved Disney classics, the new season features shows exclusive to Disneyland Paris including The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands and The Jungle Book Jive, both featuring legendary songs from the two original films.
During her visit, Holly greeted Disney favourites, including Mickey Mouse, Baloo, and King Louie whilst enjoying the roaring range of offerings inspired by Simba and Nala’s adventures in the African savannah and Baloo’s escapades in King Louie’s Indian jungle.
The brand new show for Disneyland Paris features the famous music from The Lion King performed with a new twist, telling the legend of Simba, Nala, Rafiki, Mufasa, Scar, Timon and Pumbaa. Singers, dancers, acrobats and drummers add a new dimension to the Pride Lands with original routines and costumes. The show will also be performed in sign language every weekend.
Following the premiere performance of The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands, Holly said: “I thought the show was fantastic it literally had me gripped from the first moment – it was incredible; it was all of your favourite bits of the film, put into a melting pot and just there in front of you. It was wonderfully magical!”
The set list for the show also guarantees that emotions will run high thanks to a spectacular new tableau accompanied by the following songs: The Circle of Life, I Just Can’t Wait To Be King, Be Prepared, Hakuna Matata, Shadowland, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, He Lives in You, Endless Night and Busa / King of Pride Rock.
Those lucky enough to experience the new season will also be swept up in the magic of The Jungle Book right in the heart of Disneyland Paris, with new show The Jungle Book Jive. Guests will be invited on a colourful and exciting journey full of new experiences in the Indian jungle during this show at Central Plaza, in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Guests will be treated to a bundle of fun with Baloo and King Louie, and, of course, Mickey and Friends will be our explorers for the season. They will be accompanied by artists from India, inviting guests of all ages to swing along to the sound of favourite songs such as “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be Like You” and a moving new version of “Trust in Me” from Kaa the Snake.
During the launch weekend, Holly Willoughby was joined by a host of celebrities invited to experience the premiere of The Lion King and Jungle Festival at Disneyland Paris, including Katie Holmes and Coronation Street stars Lucy Fallon and Helen Flanagan, along with Kiss FM radio presenter Daisy Maskell, who was pictured having fun with Timon and Rafiki, among other Disney favourites. Katie Holmes commented “’Thank you Disneyland Paris for having me for the Lion King & Jungle book festival opening. Such a dream and an amazing moment. ”
Helen Flanagan attended with her two daughters, Delilah, aged one, and Matilda, who was celebrating her fourth birthday while at the park. She said of the occasion: “My little girl has just turned four today, so she really believes in everything, she’s very into princesses… I’ve been taking Matilda to Disneyland Paris since she was about 18 months and it’s so special and just so magical”
The Lion King and Jungle Festival will run from 30th June to 22nd September 2019.
