Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King – Disney Cruise Line – Disney Destiny
Submitted by: Karleigh Golinowski
Lead Designer: Jason Abruzzese
Studio: Walt Disney Imagineering
Outfitter: TSI – Total Solutions Interiors
Shipyard: Meyer Werft
Completion Date: 20/11/202
“Circle of Life” – and other great songs and legendary moments from The Lion King – come to dramatic life in this theatrically resplendent restaurant. A stylized version of a boma (an “outdoor” gathering space for dining, socializing and performances) becomes the stage and backdrop for a dramatic reimagining of the classic story of Simba and his family. It’s a new twist on a familiar tale, incorporating elements from the original film, its sequel and the Broadway musical stage production.
The hallway leading to the boma sports grasses along the outfacing walls, as well as wainscoting featuring Rafiki and lions. Hand-carved teak sculptures, bas relief-style, of scenes from the animated film, including Pride Rock, the gorge and acacia and baobab trees, are integrated above the wainscoting. Torch columns, when lit up, reveal such animals as Baby Simba, a warthog, a giraffe, a rhino, an elephant and a zebra.
Window boxes along the perimeter of the dining area showcase animals against backgrounds of the savanna fashioned from metal. These window boxes are covered with scrims that, through lighting, come to life with projections. Roll down shades fronted by metal acacia trees across the aft windows also provide backgrounds for projections.
The show in the restaurant, “Pride Lands,” is a retelling of a tale, “The Cub Who Would Be King,” that “has been shared countless times over the centuries … and each time someone tells it, it changes just a little. Like adding your own bit of spice to the recipe!”
