THE LION KING to come to Shanghai Disneyland...literally

[disneybroadwayfan22]

This is the first time this show comes as an attraction to any of the parks.
Read more: 'The Lion King' to Open Productions at Shanghai Disney Resort, Mexico City

[bdn223]

You realize it says that it is going to open in the entertainment area adjacent to Disneyland and not in Disneyland right? It will be a production akin to Cique du Solei in Downtown Disney.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

It still counts as coming to S. Disneyland :)

[TheatreKid3]

I've been saying for years they should open a production of one of their closed Broadway shows at Downtown Disney, soon to be Disney Springs. It would make perfect sense and be a sure fire money maker.

[BroadwayNYC2]

I don't think it would be "sure fire" by any means

[FishermanBob]

"It still counts as coming to S. Disneyland :)"

But it will be performed in a standard theater that just happens to be located at Disneyland. It's NOT an "attraction" or a ride like Pirates of the Caribbean was at Disneyland. I don't really see what the significance of this is other than yet another production is opening in yet another city.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Its the first to be housed on a Disney Parks property. They are certainly trying to associate it with the Disney Parks experience, so i would argue that this is definitely significant.

[FishermanBob]

OK, I'll bite. If it is significant, what do you think it means? After 17 years and 20+ productions, do they feel it has to be at a Disney theme park in order to still be able to draw people going forward and can no longer stand on its own or do you think it's an attempt to prop up the Shanghai Resort which may not be doing well by giving it a strong draw to get people to come to the park? Why after 17 years did they just decide to do this now?

[Kad]

Oh, I thought The Lion King was coming to Shanghai Disney figuratively.

[TheatreKid3]

The Cirque du Soleil show "La Nouba" has been extremely successful and sells out weeks, even months, ahead of time after being open several years. If families had the option of seeing a Broadway production during their Disney vacation - you better believe they would jump on it.

[BroadwayNYC2]

I doubt people would be going to the park primarily to see the show, but it would certainly be a secondary plan. I would assume Disney is testing the waters to see how successful this is. I don't think we will see one in Disneyworld/land yet, but it may work in the international markets.