Pridelands: Feast of the The Lion King

Pridelands was created with a deep commitment to musical authenticity, cultural representation, and artistic detail. Central to the production is a drum pit featuring more than 50 instruments, with approximately 120 instruments purchased for rehearsals and installation aboard the Disney Destiny.

Many percussion instruments were handcrafted using traditional African methods. Among them are three West African Dunun drums: the Kenkeni, which provides high-pitched rhythms; the Sangban, a medium bass drum; and the Dundunba, known for its deep, resonant tones. Historically used for storytelling, communication, celebration, and dance, these instruments add cultural and emotional richness to the score.

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To ensure authenticity, the production worked closely with Baba the Storyteller, a Griot and practitioner of the West African storytelling tradition known as Jaliyaa. As Cultural Consultant, he guided the creative team in culturally informed storytelling and representation. Cast members also trained with a dialect coach to accurately incorporate elements of Xhosa, Swahili, Setswana, and Zulu into the performance.

Music rehearsals focused on connecting the score to traditional West African djembe rhythms. Working alongside the Music Director and Cultural Consultant, performers learned the rhythms’ historical origins, names, and meanings, strengthening the show's cultural foundation. Further enhancing authenticity, prerecorded background vocals were recorded by members of the Broadway cast specifically for Pridelands. Guests can also experience “Serengeti Rain,” an exclusive musical piece arranged and orchestrated by Jim Abbott for the production.

Attention to detail extends throughout the venue. Restroom signage features costume renderings of the two Storytellers, while hidden Mickey silhouettes can be spotted among the trees depicted in the rear windows.

The costumes incorporate symbolism and inspirations from diverse African cultures. Scar’s costume is the only one featuring black accents, referencing his iconic black mane, while a single red feather above his left eye symbolizes his scar. The Storytellers, Mwongozo and Shaha, wear complementary ombré garments representing sunrise and sunset over Pride Rock, reinforcing the theme of the Circle of Life.

Additional costume influences include the Dinka people of South Sudan, whose beadwork inspired Nala’s corset, and the Maasai and Samburu peoples of Kenya and Tanzania, whose vibrant jewelry inspired accessories worn by Simba and Scar. The Storytellers’ robes draw from the Yoruba agbada tradition of Nigeria and the grand boubou styles of Francophone West Africa, particularly Senegal. Cowrie shell embellishments, inspired by traditions from Benin, symbolize wealth, prosperity, and spiritual guidance.

Dance and movement were developed in collaboration with an African dance specialist, emphasizing the cultural principle that every gesture and movement carries meaning. The environmental design further immerses guests through large windows that create the illusion of looking out from a traditional boma onto the African savanna, where silhouettes of Simba and other characters can be seen. Hand-carved wooden animal sculptures at the restaurant entrance add another layer of craftsmanship and authenticity.

Bringing Pridelands to life required approximately 400 hours of rehearsals, including staging, music, technical integration, costume fittings, and dress rehearsals. The result is a richly immersive theatrical experience that combines storytelling, music, dance, design, and cultural celebration.