Disney has shown off new model displays for the Lion King ride heading to Disney Adventure World, Disneyland Paris, as part of the "Imagineering: Horizons" pavilion at D23 2026. Imagineers have shared a ride vehicle model and a scale model of Rafiki's Tree, giving fans a new look yet at how the attraction will look.
Article Summary
- What's new: Disney has revealed a ride vehicle maquette and a scale model of Rafiki's Tree from the Lion King attraction at D23 2026.
- Where it was shown: Inside the "Imagineering: Horizons" pavilion at D23, The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, running 14th to 16th August 2026 in Anaheim.
- Construction status: Imagineers confirm building work is well underway at Disney Adventure World.
- Opening date: Still unconfirmed. The Lion King land follows the opening of World of Frozen, which arrived in 2026.
- What it is: A water based attraction using Audio-Animatronics technology, taking guests through scenes inspired by the 1994 film.
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Read on for what the new models show, what Rafiki's Tree adds to the attraction, and what any of this means for a Disneyland Paris trip you've already got planned.
What New Lion King Details Were Shown At D23 2026
Disney has used D23 2026 to give fans their most detailed look yet at the Lion King attraction coming to Disney Adventure World. The models sit inside "Imagineering: Horizons," where projects from parks around the world are on display. For Disneyland Paris, that means a ride vehicle model and a scale model of Rafiki's Tree.
What Is Rafiki's Tree In The Lion King Ride
Rafiki's Tree is one of the scenes built into the attraction, and the version shown at D23 2026 came as a standalone scale model. In the film, Rafiki's tree acts as a kind of spiritual home for the Pride Lands.
It joins a ride vehicle model that was also on show, which looks similar to the ride vehicle featured on Tiana's Bayou Adventure (previously Splash Mountain) at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World..
How Is Construction Going On The Lion King Ride
When Disney first announced this attraction, it confirmed construction would begin in Autumn 2025, with the ride built beneath a 37 metre Pride Rock and featuring three slopes, including a 16 metre drop. Imagineers have now confirmed that construction is well underway at Disney Adventure World,
"From the moment the sun rose on the big screen in theaters all around the world, audiences were captivated by the story of The Lion King, and its characters, and it has not lost any momentum since. Our goal as Imagineers is to translate the emotional core of the film into this exciting project and have you relive that feeling all over again as you experience this unique attraction. I'm thrilled and excited that The Lion King will make its attraction debut here at Disneyland Paris."
- Michel Den Dulk, Portfolio Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering Paris
Disney still hasn't set a firm opening date for the Lion King attraction.
What Does This Mean For Your Disneyland Paris Trip
None of this changes what's open at Disney Adventure World right now. A few things worth knowing:
- The new area will be closed during construction and will not interfere with the rest of the park.
- There's still no firm opening date, so it isn't one to build a trip around just yet.
If you're planning a Disneyland Paris trip in the meantime, see current transport, hotel and ticket packages here to compare what's available for your dates.
For the full detail on the attraction itself, including the Pride Rock design and the water based ride system, Disney's official announcement.
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Lion King Ride Disneyland Paris: Your Questions Answered
Has construction started on the Lion King ride at Disneyland Paris?
Yes. Imagineers confirmed at D23 2026 that construction is well underway at Disney Adventure World, alongside new models including a ride vehicle maquette and a Rafiki's Tree scale model.
What is Rafiki's Tree in the Lion King attraction?
Rafiki's Tree is one of the scenes built into the ride, shown as its own scale model at D23 2026 rather than as part of the wider land layout.
When will the Lion King ride open at Disneyland Paris?
Disney hasn't confirmed an opening date. The land follows the opening of World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World, which Disney has said arrives in 2026.
Can you ride the Lion King attraction at Disneyland Paris now?
No. The attraction is still under construction and isn't open to guests yet.
Where were the new Lion King models shown?
Inside the "Imagineering: Horizons" pavilion at D23, The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026, which ran from 14th to 16th August in Anaheim, California.
What kind of ride will the Lion King attraction be?
Disney has described it as a water based attraction combined with Audio-Animatronics technology, taking guests through scenes inspired by the 1994 film, with a route including a 16 metre descent beneath a 37 metre Pride Rock.
