Geek Eats: ‘The Lion King’ 30th Anniversary Treats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s The Lion King first arrived in theaters 30 years ago! When it arrived in theaters, moviegoers were charmed by the characters, the music, and the story itself. It became an instant classic. Now, 30 years later, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be celebrating this iconic Disney film from June 10 through September 9, 2024. Part of this celebration will be a culinary celebration. This will include foods and beverages inspired by the characters of The Lion King, like Simba, Timon, Rafiki and Zazu. Check out all the offerings for this celebration below!

When exploring Discovery Island, there are multiple spots serving up can’t-miss “The Lion King” items. For a quick sip, Eight Spoon Café will be featuring The Simba. This refreshing mango-flavored slushy is combined with grenadine and topped with two gummy candies for some (sweet) grub. Over at Isle of Java, the culinary team has put together a truly unique dessert paying homage to none other than Timon’s iconic hula from the film. Timon’s Luau is a layered dessert with vanilla chiffon, passion fruit curd, guava jam, vanilla chantilly cream, an edible tropical flower for the lei and mint for the hula skirt.   

Before expanding your journey outside of Discovery Island, Tiffins Restaurant has a sweet sip to indulge in. Rafiki’s Squash Banana is a shake blended with squash bananas, baobab fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom. Yum!  Also, the “Remember Who You Are” The Lion King 30th Anniversary Dessert is a truly beautiful offering. The Kenyan coffee mousse is filled with caramelized bananas, chai chantilly, banana-caramel sauce, chocolate-coffee crumble, chocolate decoration, and sugar sun. It is not to be missed on your next outing to Tiffins Restaurant.  

As you venture over to Africa, you’ll come across several of these new treats. Tamu Tamu Refreshments will be home to the Zazu Ice Cream Sandwich. This refreshing bite sandwiches vanilla ice cream between two blue cake-coated sugar cookies with a chocolate medallion on top. Harambe Market also will have a sweet delight for you to try. The You Follow Old Rafiki Cheesecake is the perfect dish to give you “no worries.” This passion fruit-mango cheesecake has a coconut-lime crust, vanilla bean chantilly, and a chocolate medallion to finish it off. How adorable!  

As we continue our foodie adventure throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom for this momentous anniversary, we’re heading to DinoLand U.S.A. Here, there are multiple items worthy of a (lion) king. First, we’re dropping into Restaurantosaurus where there are two items on the way. The Shenzi Strawberry Lemonade is quite the refreshing sip and is inspired by one of the iconic members of the hyena trio in the film. It combines Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, Minute Maid Strawberry Smoothie, and blue curaçao syrup served with a souvenir glow cube.  

Next up, if you love red velvet and villains, you’re in for a treat. The Rightful Ruler Cupcake, which is available both here and at Pizzafari, draws inspiration from Scar himself, so be prepared to be met with flavor. It’s a red velvet cake with cookies ‘n cream cheesecake filling and chocolate icing topped with a chocolate medallion on chocolate rocks.  

Trilo-bites will be serving up a special item that also is available through September 9, and it features DOLE Whip! The Zazu DOLE Whip Lime and Coconut Float deliciously swirls DOLE Whip Lime into Sprite with coconut and blue curaçao syrup. It’s then topped with a white chocolate medallion. What could be better than “The Lion King” and DOLE Whip?  

Last but certainly not least, at various outdoor food carts throughout the park, you’ll be able to get your paws, I mean hands, on the Simba Paw Cookie! This sugar cookie is too cute to pass up.  

What do you think of all of these culinary delights? What are you most looking forward to trying? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!