It does resemble Splash, but it's much bulkier and the top section a lot bigger too. While Splash had the tree, this Pride Rock looks HUGE compared to it. This model and angle is an outstanding way to comprehend just how big this ride façade, if you can even call it that, will be. Also, note the lack of animals around the mountains, I wonder if that could've been an area they cut some of the budget on, wouldn't be too bad if that means a more impressive attraction.
I really hope they cut animal figures from the outside of the "mountain", to be honest. Given that they're going to be sitting out in the cold and wet Parisian weather, we can't really hope for much animation beyond a Jungle Cruise figure if there is any at all. Moreover, they're liable to start getting very mossy if they don't clean them regularly, which is not a given.
I agree, to a certain extent. Big Thunder Mountain has several animal animatronics that work all year round, eg: the donkeys on the second lift hill. I'd love if the animals were on some kind of elevator that together with Simba all had a mini show happening every once in a while, kinda like the IASW clock. However, if that's where a part of the budget had to be cut to meet TWDC's budget, I'd be happy to say goodbye to them if that means a more impressive attraction.
I have just watched the actual 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Webcast. They are also still showing the smaller model with the animals on it. I assume the new model is more accurate and relevant for structural elements like the rock work and does not include all the decorations (yet?). Maybe we will get even more details at the next DLP presentation on April 12.
I think this is an issue for the land more generally and I probably beat this perspective into the ground already when a Lion King land was still a rumour. In short, it always struck me as an odd choice as the world of the film does not include any manmade structures, or humans at all. Whether they can turn a landscape of rocks, vegetation, and hills and mountains into something compelling remains to be seen as it will be difficult to replicate the grandeur of the African savannah and the animals that inhabit it in the film.
I have just watched the actual 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Webcast. They are also still showing the smaller model with the animals on it. I assume the new model is more accurate and relevant for structural elements like the rock work and does not include all the decorations (yet?). Maybe we will get even more details at the next DLP presentation on April 12.
I would be also interested to see if/how they can add some more kinetic energy to the new land - which in my opinion still lacks at WDS/DAW in general compared to others Disney parks. Yes, there will be the ride vehicle dropping down the waterfall every couple of seconds. Though if you compare it to the original Splash Mt. - due to the weather conditions in Paris - they have to skip the additional outdoor sections from the beginning of the ride with boats floating by on multiple levels, there is no moving mill wheel, etc. In contrast they now have this massive rock work with the iconic hill from the movie but not much else to look at. Hopefully they will add some additional water falls to make it more lively.
Better yet, reduce Kilimanjaro Safaris and add this ride to it but still let the live animals roam around in front of it.
Reduce Kilimanjaro Safaris?! Why?! There is so much room in Animal Kingdom that is not used.
As long as the log ride has live animals I guess it doesn't matter where it is.
That would never happen. But anyway we’re way off topic.
Sure, but in that case they are working both with a land of floating islands and other spectacular scenery as well as reasonable explanation for there to be structures and other human/navi created items around the place. With a Lion King land, this is the world they are trying to recreate as a compelling theme park land in which to walk around in the usually-gloomy Parisian weather:
