How to participate in Lion King?

[SueM in MN]

In the times we have been there we have NOT seen kids chosen from the front rows (which is where users of wheelchairs and ecvs have to be since the higher up rows are not wheelchair accessible). One reason they sometime don't chose from the front rows is that is where they also place families who have kids/party members with special needs like autism.
I have seen what some others mentioned -kids chosen who were on the ends of rows or near the aisle. And, kids who appeared to be outgoing and enthusiastic.

 

[sjpwhelan]

2 of my daughters (6 & 12) were picked last week. We were seated in the 2nd row of the giraffe section and both were near the end of the row. My mil is in a wheelchair and received the 1st hug from Timon! (she was surprised but delighted) My daughters also received huge hugs from Timon, this occurred in the beginning of the show. At the end of the show, they were picked by a LK CM to be in the parade. Priceless experience for them and a great memory for me!

 

[AngieBelle]

The performers are the ones who choose who gets to participate so a lot depends on their personal preference for selecting. Generally, it's people on or near the front row, but I know of at least one Elephant section leader who will go up the bleachers to choose. The Warthog leader generally picks an adult man whom she flirts with. For the parade, the performers are instructed to pick from one side of each section, but I can't remember specifically who picks from where. It's been nearly 2 years since I was an attractions CM over there.