Festival of Lion King...how to participate

[TheWorld101]

I love that they pull kids from the audience to dance with the cast, and I think my kids would LOVE to do that. Any pointers on how to be selected for this?

 

[Simba07]

We were told by a CM that the first 4 rows and when you are facing a section aim for the left side (not middle or left when facing the section) would increase the chance as they tend to start there. We were actually picked from the right but I think that was because a kid chickened out.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

The only time my daughter has ever been able to do it (and we have seen the show about ten times) was when we arrived about four minutes before the show started and they let us sit in the accessible seating. They usually block off the first 3-4 rows of every section for VIP groups and wheelchair accessible parties, so we have found that it is challenging to get a seat where your children will get picked if you are not in one of those groups.

Arriving at the last minute worked well for us, but then you risk not being able to see the show at all if it is full.

 

[Tomh]

Animal Kingdom has ALWAYS been a difficult park for us. For some reason, when ever we go there it rains a LOT, making a decent part of the day a write off. One year, we were having a particularly tough time, with bad weather, and running late, and missing things we wanted to do etc. We wound up getting to Lion King nearly an hour early, and we were just going to stand there and wait. Basically, we got there just after a show went in. A wonderful CM at the entrance area started chatting with my DS (maybe 5 or 6 at the time) and eventually asked his name, then told him to take his parents to get a drink or snack or something, and to come back to the door around the corner from where we were in about 30 minutes, and tell the CM there his name.

We did just that, got a drink, and a snack, used the restrooms, and came back 30 minutes later. When DS told the CM near the other door his name, she had us wait off to the side. After the previous show let out, she brought us in a side door, and seated us front row. That was pretty cool, a nice bit of pixie dust on a day that hadn't been working out well. At the end of the show, the performers chose DS to participate as well. The only time he's been chosen out of all the years we've gone to see the show, so I'm going to say that sitting up front is an advantage.

 

[yulilin3]

sit all the way to the right (as you are facing the stage) of whichever section you chose and a lower row.

 

[SnipsNSnails]

My kids were chosen twice but both times we were traveling with a wheelchair in the party (once with a very pregnant family member and the other an elderly grandparent). Those are the only times they have been chosen as you are seated in the first few rows.

 

[JenB1104]

We were a few rows up and all the way to the right when DD got picked. She also had a zebra print shirt on - maybe that helped

 

[RJstanis]

Our kids got picked last year sitting all the way to the right a couple of rows up. They were also very engaged and showing restrained excitement for the show prior to being picked. We didn't sit there intentionally, or know of any strategy, just worked out for us

 

[Tara1988]

The only time my kids got picked was when I was very pregnant and in a wheelchair. And we have sat in the first couple rows almost every other time.

 

[KateP85]

DS has been picked to dance (I assume you mean the part at the end of the show, OP?) a few times, we've always been sat in the first few rows and to the right. He's also been picked to show people how to be a lion! He was only 2 at the time and I was unsure how he'd do, but he was a very enthusiastic and loud lion (and clapped for himself when everyone else did!)

 

[katt789]

For the animal making noises it's dependant on which section you are in if they pick kids. EX; the warthog is always an man, usually the one the gift was talking to prior, elephant, same thing, giraffe always picks a small girl, and the lion usually picks a kid, but gender and age varies. They have to be sitting pretty close to the front as there isn't as much time to find & get them up.

For the dancing part, the closer to the front & off to the right hand side is where to be. The performers return to the float on the right to grab the shakers and then go in to grab kids. It usually happens from the first couple of rows, mostly which are vip/2nd vip/or wheelchair parties. They will go a little further back or off to the other side since there's more performers but being closer to the front would be more crucial here.

 

[Lothlórien]

For some reason, when ever we go there it rains a LOT,

Isn't that the truth. In my house we say, it is always hotter in Animal Kingdom Park and it always rains in Animal Kingdom Park.

 

[CAS239]

Be in the first few rows and have the kid(s) be excited an want to join. Maybe put their hands up. It's not too difficult if you're near the front. Front right facing the stage seems to work the best

 

[TheWorld101]

Can I just walk in and sit there or will someone ask us to move? Is it best to speak with a CM about our intentions? Thanks for all the advice!!!

 

[ChloesDaddy]

Dress up as a member of the fire brigade.

 

[Belle5]

Can I just walk in and sit there or will someone ask us to move? Is it best to speak with a CM about our intentions? Thanks for all the advice!!!

Sit where? In the seating for those with wheelchairs? I wouldn't try that...but you can always mention to a CM your desire to have your child to participate and see if they seat you somewhere special.

 

[katt789]

Can I just walk in and sit there or will someone ask us to move? Is it best to speak with a CM about our intentions? Thanks for all the advice!!!

Get to the theater anywhere from 30-60 mins before showtime, if you're the very first in line, you'll be seated in the front right side of the giraffe section, if you're about 15-20 people back, you'll be around the right hand side of the second row of the giraffe section. (these are of course, after the 3 vip/wheelchair benches)

 

[Robo]

Get to the theater anywhere from 30-60 mins before showtime, if you're the very first in line, you'll be seated in the front right side of the giraffe section, if you're about 15-20 people back, you'll be around the right hand side of the second row of the giraffe section. (these are of course, after the 3 vip/wheelchair benches)

That can be severely affected by all of the FP+ guests who are allowed to be seated before standby guests are admitted.

 

[AngiTN]

Can I just walk in and sit there or will someone ask us to move? Is it best to speak with a CM about our intentions? Thanks for all the advice!!!

Even worse, they direct you where to sit so you won't get a chance to pick your row, unless you are right at the front. We've never been able to sit low. Even when there is space in other areas

 

[Robo]

Even worse, they direct you where to sit so you won't get a chance to pick your row, unless you are right at the front. We've never been able to sit low. Even when there is space in other areas

Oh, I have "my place" to sit.
And, I virtually always get to sit there.
(And, no, it's not anywhere near the front row. But, we don't have anyone with us who wants to "participate." )