Disney Just Shared a NEW Look at the ‘Lion King’ and ‘Up’ Rides Coming in 2026

By Jaden Green
Posted on April 12, 2025

Disney made some huge announcements about its Disneyland Paris theme park!

Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris is currently undergoing its biggest transformation since the park’s opening 33 years ago. New experiences and attractions are on the horizon, and saying we’re excited would be an understatement! Wanna see the latest news on the NEW attractions coming soon? Let’s dive in!

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All the Disneyland Paris buzz has been around the reimagining of its second park, changing from Walt Disney Studios Park to Disney Adventure World! It’s shocking to say that the massive transformation is almost near completion. The new park will offer us new rides, experiences, and a brand-new WORLD! Disney has given us an early look at some of the new things coming, and we can’t wait.

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Be prepared! Disney has released new details and concept art for the brand-new Lion King ride. There isn’t much representation of the Disney animated classic The Lion King in the Disney parks, so we just can’t wait to experience this ride in person. Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a few experiences, including a stage show and Rafiki’s Planet Watch, but there isn’t much else outside of that. Well, no more, as Disney will be opening its very first Lion King ride at the new Disney Adventure World.

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This brand-new water attraction will plunge guests deep into the heart of the Pride Lands. The ride will feature some of our favorite characters from the film, including Simba! What’s interesting is that the original concept art displayed at the 2024 D23 Expo hinted that the ride would be themed after Disney’s 2019 live-action remake.

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However, that idea was recently clarified. New concept art revealed by Disney showed that the ride will be themed to the iconic 1994 animated film — and fans couldn’t be happier. You will adventure beneath the 120-foot-high Pride Rock, where guests will find their way in the Circle of Life. The journey will take you through iconic scenes from the beloved animated movie — containing memorable and iconic songs. Disney, we can feel the love tonight!

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We know our favorite characters are going to be brought to life by Disney Imagineering’s advanced audio animatronics, and it’s going to look amazing! Similar to Disney World’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the ride will have thrilling drops –- finishing with a 50-plus foot plunge! Disney said a ride wasn’t enough for Lion King fans, as Pride Rock will be a new immersive world, featuring dining, shopping, and opportunities to meet our favorite characters. We can’t wait to stroll through this new land with not a worry in the world — Hakuna Matata!

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Adventure is out there! Not only will Disney Adventure World be home to Disney’s only Lion King ride, but it will also open Disney’s first and only ride themed to Disney Pixar’s UP. This high, soaring swing ride looks like it’ll be blast.

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The new Up ride will be located right across from the Raiponce Tangled Spin.

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Disney Imagineers are also finalizing Anna and Elsa’s Kingdom of Arendelle as World of Frozen nears its completion. This new land will take up most of Adventure World, and it will be the experience of a lifetime! Arendelle will feature gorgeous décor, and the world’s main attraction, Frozen Ever After, will contain advanced audio animatronics. We can’t wait to celebrate our coronation day at Arendelle when it opens in 2026.

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Disney Adventure World is going to be an experience like no other and will feature new attractions that you won’t find at any other Disney Park. Adventure World opens in 2026 — GET READY!

Learn more about the NEW Lion King ride HERE!

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