A hint of chestnut spools through the air as we wander through the gates of Africa. Carefully crafted creatures nestle in the crevices of the opened wooden doors. Swahili tunes flutter over the bridge as children dance to the intoxicatingly happy rhythm. We take a left and find a large crowd gathered at the Harambe Theater’s entrance. Voices of young and old mutter their excitement.
We muddle inside to an open cement floor. Four walls each hold a set of bleachers, patiently awaiting the eager souls. I slip my name tag on with pride and twirl across the theater. “Jambo! Welcome to the Festival of the Lion King!”. From day one, I knew my summer college program was going to be something special.
As the herds run in we take our places. It wasn’t just about telling people where to sit. We were a part of something bigger. Something more special than any of us could truly understand. Being a part of the number one show on Disney property was the most rewarding opportunity I have ever stumbled upon. From running around pumping up the crowd before the show began, to watching guests become captivated by the powers of the Circle of Life made coming to work, never actually feel like work.
The theater swirls into a realm of hazy blue. The zebra leaps her way into the air as the crocodile performer lurks his way inside, swiping his arms and legs across the floor. They gather in the center, rising the cheetah high with pride, “Let the procession begin!” Vibrant hues of red, yellow and blue come alive filling our world with uplifting energy. No matter how many times we saw the show, smiling was uncontrollable.
People come here for a reason. It’s not in the average human’s daily routine to come to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and watch this show. From only getting the opportunity to let it take their breath away once in a lifetime, or maybe it’s their hundredth time watching it. Regardless of how many times, they came here to feel something. You never know the story of why someone is visiting Walt Disney World, but if you sit and listen just for a few seconds— I can promise you, you will hear some truly incredible pathways.
Every story starts somewhere. Remember that. From massive family reunions of returning troops, to cancer survivors and the gleaming faces of so many Make-a-Wish kids, this is the place where dreams do come true. Waking up every day with the opportunity to be the best part of so many families’ get aways was absolutely remarkable. People save and save to come here, and I got to be a part of so many memories that will last a lifetime. It never takes much to bring a smile to someone’s face, and you never realize how long of a way it goes— until you hear the stories behind the sparkles in their eyes.
We’d walk down to the bottom of the bleachers, clapping along to the beat of the wimba-ways. Children from all over were pulled to parade around with the performers. This is the part that always got me. From wheelchair bound, to burn victims, to brothers and sisters holding hands as they skipped together around the round— they all came from somewhere, but in this moment the biggest smiles stretched upon their faces, together. Timon would reach for one lucky kid, arching from the tip of the stage and tell them they were perfect.
That’s what magic is all about. Not yelling about a ride having a 180 minute wait time with no fast passes available, or making a fuss about standing during a completely packed show that you showed up late for. It’s letting what this place has to offer take its course, taking you in and allowing you to believe— even just for a few moments. Stop and embrace everything for what is it. I can promise you, if you let go of the worries of the world, you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you, Festival Of The Lion King, for teaching me how to stop and listen to the world around me. Thank you for allowing me to become part of the show, thank you for believing in magic and thank you for carrying it day in and out. We’re all just on “the path unwinding”. Goodbyes seem too harsh, so instead, we'll say Kwaherini, which means to go well and with all hopes, I'll see ya real soon.
