'Harambe Nights' featuring celebrity narrators is officially announced with reservations now available

May 02, 2014 in "Harambe Nights"

Gallery / 2 Photos
Harambe Nights concept art

Posted: Friday May 2, 2014 9:46am EDT by WDWMAGIC Staff

We first revealed details of Harambe Nights earlier this week, and it just got official. Disney has today announced the details, pricing, and that reservations are now available.

Harambe Nights - Lion King Concert in the Wild concept art

From the official Disney Parks Blog.

It all begins with a Welcome Reception in the park’s Harambe Village, including mouth-watering appetizers and African-inspired wine and beer. Then it’s time for the ‘mane’ event! Take your seat inside the newly built Harambe Theatre for an unforgettable performance of “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild.” This all-new, never-before-seen theatrical experience features a live orchestra and choir, dancers, digitally projected movie moments, and dramatic lighting and scenic elements – all hosted by a celebrity guest narrator. The show brings to life the humor, heart, and stirring emotional power of Simba’s journey to find his place as the Lion King.

The lineup of celebrity narrators for “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild” features stars from movies, TV, and Broadway. Those scheduled to appear each night of the event include*:

June 7 – Viola Davis: “The Help,” “Ender’s Game”
June 14 – TBD
June 21 – Montego Glover: “The Following,” “Memphis”
June 28 – David Alan Grier: “Porgy & Bess,” “In Living Color”
July 5 – Michael Beach: “ER,” “Third Watch,” “Sons of Anarchy”
July 12 – Harry Lennix: “The Blacklist,” “The Five Heartbeats”
July 19 – Joe Morton: “Scandal,” “American Gangster,” “The Good Wife”
July 26 – Alfre Woodard: “Desperate Housewives,” “Miss Evers Boys”
August 2 – Patina Miller: “Pippin,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1”
August 9 – Brian Stokes Mitchell: “Ragtime,” “Trapper John, M.D.,” “Glee”

After the show, the celebration continues with the Harambe Nights Street Party, filled with music, characters, and live performers, encouraging everyone to join in and “Go wild!” You can enjoy an all-inclusive buffet of sophisticated and flavorful African cuisine and gourmet desserts. Exclusive Lion King merchandise and collectibles will be available for purchase during the event, and you’ll want to stick around for a special finale to bid “kwaherini” to a magical evening that could only happen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Harambe Nights takes place every Saturday from June 7 – August 9, 2014, with the Welcome Reception starting at 7 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. show time. Tickets are $119 for adults, $79 for ages 3-9, plus tax. Tickets with premium floor seating are $134 for adults, $94 for ages 3-9, plus tax. Capacity is limited, so you’ll want to go ahead and get your tickets by visiting Disneyworld.com/HarambeNights or calling 407-939-1319.

Harambe Nights street party concept art

Discuss on the Forums

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startravelerJul 28, 2014

I was trying to get a reservation in Oct for Tusker House because the AK hours just changed until 8pm on the day we planned. Seemed like fun to stay late and eat there. "Unable to locate" or something like that was the response. Not "nothing available. " I did a search (internet) to see if it even stays open for dinner anymore and saw a post from today on a forum that said that no reservations until they make final decisions on the NEW harambe nights. Anybody heard anything about this for the fall?

EpcoTimJul 24, 2014

I would pay for this, but only for the drinks and atmosphere. Nightfall there truly is the best in all the parks. They need to have the rides open for this though. Of course......they should be doing that anyway.

RickP330Jul 24, 2014

Hi Gang, I am just wondering, where can I find out what dates the shows are, and what is the possibility of us picking up a ticket from someone who wants to cancel? RP

tsaintcJul 24, 2014

I believe the price is comparable... Cirque is fantastic show that has been heavily produced and rehearsed. Harambe is definitely not in that class, but WDW can get away with charging a premium for it because of its exclusivity. I know my kids loved the idea of being in the park when it was 'closed'. Add in the endless food, drinks, park admission, etc. and you can begin to understand their pricing model.

WildcatDenJul 22, 2014

Apples and Oranges, I know, but is this price comparable to Cirque?

tsaintcJul 22, 2014

Not to be critical, but have you actually seen the show? You stated that the show portion 'seems' disappointing... I am very curious to hear more about your experience if you did attend. With that being said, we (myself, wife, daughter (15) and son (11)) attended the event on June 21st. I will save you the long, detailed report, but I can honestly say the show was the highlight of the event to us. It included excellent narration, interpretive dance and top-notch live singing in a very intimate setting. It definitely did not feel like an 'extended music video'. Now, add in the food and street party atmosphere, and this was truly one of the best Disney experiences that we have had. Was it a little pricey??? Probably, but you definitely do not go to WDW to save money.

wdwmagicJul 22, 2014

Harambe Nights now fully sold out for all remaining dates

twebber55Jul 21, 2014

obviously this has been a huge hit.... I think people like the exclusivity as well as being in the park at night...looking forward to seeing DAK when all of the expansion is finished

wdwmagicJul 21, 2014

Only three Harambe Nights to go, and two of them are now sold out

omuriceJul 18, 2014

I have to agree with others - it has to be the food and street party atmosphere that is the draw, as well as being in the park after closing. The show portion alone (to me at least) seems very disappointing, has not generated any tremendous buzz among Disney fans. 20 minutes of Lion King clips is not going to wow me, I can watch that at home endless times for the price of a $20 blu-ray. So my question is why center this around an animated feature at all? Young families are (for the most part) not going to be springing for this, it's aiming for the wrong target. Trying to be all things to all people - this is the trap Disney so often falls into. This is something the F&W crowd are going to flock to. Food, bevs, being in the park after dark. So why not re-center this event around - Live Music. Some Aloha style event you might get African themed entertainment? There's an orchestra playing, but this is over 20 minutes of LK clips. It's trite and it's rushed. These performers could do something more fun without the screens and clips. Live entertainment should be the focus. Evening at the Pops style, or an African themed dinner show. Not Lion King the extended music video! Make it two nights a week, Friday and Sat. Have one night be NO KIDS allowed ;) They seem to have nailed it on the Food & Bev, but the Show should be the main event if this is going to last. Let's hope they plus up the show portion, and don't just keep plussing the price of this event!

Kman101Jul 17, 2014

In most of the reviews I've read, which aren't that many, it seems the food and atmosphere are the main draw. I haven't seen a ton of praise for the actual show portion. Narrator and performer praise but I don't think the movie playing is what is drawing people. It seems like a nice event but out of my budget unfortunately.

twebber55Jul 17, 2014

probably a little of both maybe a little more about food.... I think also because you re in the park when nobody else is brings some exclusivity to the event

note2001Jul 17, 2014

Is it the promise of included food and drink that is bringing folk in, or the entertainment? Watching the video clips of the event & there's just too much movie for my liking, We can pop in the Lion King movie at home anytime. I'd much rather the performers be the focus for 80-90% of the time. Betting the draw is really the food and drink.