Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King is an immersive dining experience debuting aboard the Disney Destiny cruise ship in November 2025. The restaurant’s design captures the essence of the African savanna, featuring dynamic lighting and special effects that transform the atmosphere from sunrise to sunset during the meal. The menu offers a fusion of traditional African dishes and familiar favorites, incorporating authentic spice blends, regional sauces, and customary grains.
Signature beverages feature the Can You Feel the Rum Tonight?, a rum-based cocktail with mango smoothie mix and cinnamon, and the non-alcoholic Slimy Yet Satisfying, a Sprite infused with lime gelatin and gummy garnishes.
Jason Abruzzese, Creative Director with Walt Disney Imagineering, has shared insights into the upcoming “Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King” dining experience aboard the Disney Destiny.
Jason emphasizes that the creative team drew inspiration from multiple sources within the Disney universe to craft the dining experience. Recognizing that The Lion King is beloved and widely known, the team wanted to build something that honors its rich legacy across different media and settings.
They looked to:
- Broadway Productions – for theatrical flair, choreography, and costume inspiration.
- Theme Parks – where live shows bring The Lion King to life in unique and energetic ways.
- Resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge – which offer immersive African theming and cultural touchpoints.
- The Films (all versions) – as a foundational narrative and visual reference, influencing everything from music to storytelling tone.
By blending elements from these various interpretations and environments, Imagineering aimed to create a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant experience that’s both familiar and fresh, celebrating the story of The Lion King in a way only Disney can deliver.
They’re not just pulling thematic and narrative inspiration from all corners of The Lion King legacy, but also physical, textural elements to ground the experience in something guests can see and feel.
According to Jason Abruzzese, the magic of Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King begins before you even sit down. As guests move through the ship toward the restaurant, they’re gradually transported—leaving behind the feel of a cruise ship and entering the African savanna.
The hallway becomes a transitional space, filled with environmental storytelling: thatched roofing, ambient lighting, textured materials, and even subtle sound cues create a sensory journey that deepens the illusion. The space isn’t static either—guests will discover hidden “Easter eggs” woven into the architecture and decor:
- Carvings on walls that hint at beloved characters.
- Silhouettes that illuminate during key moments in the show, revealing familiar faces in magical ways.
- Props and objects like woven baskets and cultural artifacts that feel authentically grounded in the world of The Lion King.
It’s a living environment, full of details meant to be uncovered bit by bit, making each visit feel a little different. As Abruzzese says, “You have to look a little carefully sometimes,” but that’s part of the joy. It’s a celebration of discovery, perfectly in line with Disney’s storytelling legacy.As Disney Destiny sets sail, Pride Lands: Feast of the Lion King promises to be more than just a meal, it’s a celebration of storytelling, culture, and discovery. With rich African-inspired cuisine, breathtaking performances, and immersive design details pulled from Broadway, the parks, the resorts, and the beloved films, this one-of-a-kind dining experience invites guests to step into the heart of the savanna. Whether you’re savoring the flavors, singing along to timeless songs, or spotting hidden Easter eggs carved into the walls, every moment is crafted to delight the senses and spark the imagination. It’s not just dinner, it’s a journey through the Circle of Life, and it’s only aboard the Disney Destiny.
