Festival of the Lion King queues?

[subtchr]

I understand that there are very long lines (hours) for the Festival of the Lion King reopening. That cast members tell you when you enter the queue which show you are likely to get into.

Does the entire family need to wait in the queue the entire time? We are very much looking forward to this show, but I won’t take 2-3 hours out of an AK day, with three little grandkids, to see it. We will be there in about 4 weeks, and even if I wanted to take the time, the heat will be a deal-breaker for me. I am hoping that they increase some capacity in the theater by then, and/or set up some kind of virtual queue for the different showtimes.

Thanks for any insights!

 

[Kerr84]

Following! I need to know too. We can't wait in line all day with 2 kids under 2. I heard everyone has to stay together in line. That would be miserable. I wish they would do a virtual queue, but I know the logistics would be a nightmare.

 

[ILuvCrush]

We just went through the queue and are inside waiting for the show to start. We were on the bridge to Pandora about 1/2 way. We are one of the last to get in. The cast member at the end of the line couldn’t tell us when we got in line if we had a chance of getting in or not.

my suggestion.... get in line about 1130 with a snack for the 1230 show. That way you get a snack/break while waiting.

 

[starry_solo]

Have the VIP packages come back?

 

[KNovacovschi]

I understand that there are very long lines (hours) for the Festival of the Lion King reopening. That cast members tell you when you enter the queue which show you are likely to get into.

Does the entire family need to wait in the queue the entire time? We are very much looking forward to this show, but I won’t take 2-3 hours out of an AK day, with three little grandkids, to see it. We will be there in about 4 weeks, and even if I wanted to take the time, the heat will be a deal-breaker for me. I am hoping that they increase some capacity in the theater by then, and/or set up some kind of virtual queue for the different showtimes.

Thanks for any insights!

I would say yes just like any ride, you are to enter with your entire party and if unable to wait until you can. For a show I would think it’s more important so they have an accurate number of people to know how to advise each party entering the line.

 

[Wdwfan2016]

I know the other day they were stating the entire party must be in line or they couldn’t attend the show.

 

[2minny]

Yes, the entire party must be in line, so they can try to figure out how many for each show. When we walked by, people were in line at 12 for the 1:30 show. No one had entered for the 12:30 show, but the CM said "those in line form this point on will not make the next show " and there were 50 people behind the CM for the 1:30 show. I also overheard people in line at Everest saying they were told to go to the back of the line when their party joined them in the lion king line, they were mad because they said half their party went to the bathroom while waiting, the CM made them move to the back of the line with the entire group. So, they were not allowing a few to hold a place for others. But it might depend on the CM and how well they are paying attention. I would say, you should probably have your entire group, like any Disney ride line.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Can a stroller stay with you for part of the extended queue, like Safari?

 

[KNovacovschi]

I just watched a vlog that showed a sign that specifically stated your entire party has to enter together.

 

[jbrinkm]

What if someone in your party needs to use the restroom?

 

[KNovacovschi]

What if someone in your party needs to use the restroom?

Then speak with a CM.

 

[carlosalonsor]

This sounds terrible...

They should use a virtual queue for this, what a miserable way to treat your very loyal customers.

 

[lovethattink]

We saw the show on Saturday at 5pm and they were telling people to come back an hour before the show starts. We rode Kilimanjaro Safari and came back an hour before and they were already filling the queue.

ETA: The 5pm show was not completely filled. There was still half a section left.

 

[Shellyred8]

I just watched a vlog that showed a sign that specifically stated your entire party has to enter together.

This. There are several "sandwhich" boards up around the theater that say you need to have your entire party together before entering the line.

 

[TikiRob]

The increased capacity should help the waits for this show. Can't wait to see it in June!