How to participate in Lion King?

[carolrie]

I was hoping someone would have some tips on how my girls could participate in the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom. I know they just pick some random kids out of the audience, but does anyone know if there is a system to this? Last time we were there it looked like they asked kids sitting on the sides of the audience. My girls would love to be in it if they could, so I would love to gather any advice on where to sit for the best chance. Thanks!

 

[hockey mom]

When we sat in the front row all 3 of my kids were asked.

 

[kg66]

I read about this before here on the boards, and someone suggested get there very early. Find out when they open the doors and be there ! Supposedly they have CM's that go around and pick kids for the show. Good luck.

 

[poochie]

Kind of takes the "random picking" out of it. I am sure just about every parent wants their child in the show. My thought is just go to enjoy the show that way if they are not picked there will be no hurt feelings.

 

[Mickey]

We got there early last time and was first in line, and we did get the only last front row seat left. The reason there were no other seats was because the wheelchair/scotters are loaded first, so there families took all the front seats. This is a subject on another post. The only reason I am saying this is don't count on getting up front if you are first in line. As for getting in the parade; if you are withing the first four rows, stand your kid up to be recongnized and most likely you will have a chance to get in the parade. I have never seen them turn a child away.

 

[blessedby3]

I think they always pick whatever kids are in the first few rows. We did this twice in 1999 and my DD was picked both times 2 days in a row. My DM was in a wheelchair scooter (she cut her foot open on a screen door a couple of days before we left for Disney and ended up with lots of stitches in her foot and couldnt walk!!) and we were seated in the front wheelchair rows. DD was picked both days we were there to be in the show and help the CM with the "animal" sound. She thoroughly loved it. The last two visits (2003 and 2005) we noticed the same front rows being picked each time, although we werent sitting in them. I have a friend from church that said her DD was picked to be in it because she was wearing her birthday button, but her DD wouldnt do it- too shy. I dont know where they were sitting though. Good luck getting picked. It is one of the highlights of my DD9 (at that time) trip.

 

[kydisneyfans]

Out of 6 trips to the show, the only time our DS was chosen is when we went with our uncle to the show-he was in an ECV and we sat in the 2nd row. Keep the kids close to the ends and as close to the front as possible.

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

We have been to the show Three times in three years and DD was picked each time. I think you need to be in the first few rows although this last time
we we were back a ways. I also think you need to be on the end they just don't have time to walk though the rows looking for kids. Also, DD's favorite movie was the LK so when the show starts she is singing and dancing right along with the actors I think enthusiasm helps. JMHO Good Luck

 

[kpk89]

My ds5 was chosen, and we were in the 3rd or 4th row. We were clueless about the show, and a cast member suggested staying near the end of the row. We didn't know why, but we did it and he was picked. He was also ALL smiles even as we walked in, so perhaps the enthusiasm factored in. It was absolutely our best moment of that trip!

 

[wyoears]

My husband was picked to be the elephant in Nov 2003. We were about 4 or 5 rows up right in the middle. He just said "you sir, in the white hat come on down". My DD and I couldn't believe it! He is very quiet usually, but he made a great elephant.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

My children were also picked twice when we were able to sit in the first two rows. The other times they were not picked we where higher up.

 

[GoofyDad869]

My daughter was picked too (in 2001). My son was asked too, but he had a sudden attack of the "shy's". We were in the second row, near the middle. If you do get picked (and if possible depending on how crowded the theater is), try to get someone in your party up higher in the stands to videotape.

 

[speakupjc]

We were seated in the very front row and my dd did not get selected. I think it had to do with her age 2 1/2. They generally picked kids that were 4 and up.

 

[zachnlucy]

How old do they go? My kids are 9 and 11. Would they be too old to be picked?

 

[SammieG]

They have changed this over the last year or so.. perhaps even less time than that...
It used to be that they had many children in the "parade" but now they only take 3 or 4 from each section. Consequently its much harder to get into the parade.

 

[speakupjc]

My observations were that they picked children from 4-8.

 

[disneyeveryyear]

How old do they go? My kids are 9 and 11. Would they be too old to be picked?

My DS11, DD6 and DN22 were chosen for the parade in November. DD6 was too shy to go, but DS and DN were all about it. (She doesn't look 22, but she doesn't look 8 either.) We were in about the 3rd or 4th row, toward the end.

Here they are:

Representing the warthog section:

 

[disneyeveryyear]

How old do they go? My kids are 9 and 11. Would they be too old to be picked?

My DS11, DD6 and DN22 were chosen for the parade in November. DD6 was too shy to go, but DS and DN were all about it. (She doesn't look 22, but she doesn't look 8 either.) We were in about the 3rd or 4th row, toward the end.

Here they are:

Representing the warthog section:

 

[carolrie]

Thanks for all your help. We will try for a front end and hope for a bit of pixie dust.

 

[texaslover]

DS was chosen when he was 5 and we were 5 or 6 rows back on the aisle. I think the aisle and the child's enthusiasm have a lot to do with it. He was singing and having a great time and talking to everyone around him ! I cried, it was a truly magical moment!