FOLK is Staying! About This Page:

[TraD4Disney]

My question is...if they are planning on moving FOTLK (I don't believe it will be a permanent shut down) why don't they go ahead and build the new space for it then move it? That show is way too popular to shut it down during transition IMO.

[NOT A PACKER'S FAN]

Yay Best News Today!!!!! Love it!!!!

[mickeyfans]

Just heard a radio commercial for a special free exhibit on the Lion King in NYC the next three weekends. It is near the main library on 42nd Street at 6th Avenue. For any Passporter friends living near NYC or planning to visit, this sounds wonderful. Here is the link: Inside the Lion King Exhibit

[Nova]

Read the post and it had a site to go to about the new Fantasyland opening and it was mentioned then that there is going to be Avatar land. But glad they are keeping Lion King, want Grandson to be able to experience it.

[HiddenMickey]

Here is a new article about the Lion King Show at AK.

It will be located behind Tusker House in Africa.

http://thedisneyblog.com/2013/01/04/...Disney+Blog%29

[Dave Marx]

Nice to get that info.

I'm not sure I agree with the speculation regarding whether the attraction will be closed during the "move." It's not necessarily cheaper to move the entire structure. That would depend, among other things, on whether the structure was built to accommodate disassembly, and whether they want to maintain the same seating capacity or expand it. The overall shape of the building on the plans does seem very consistent with the current building - to run the same show, they do need those backstage areas to house the floats, for example. It's not likely they'd recycle electrical and HVAC equipment, the foundations and floor slabs (whether concrete or asphalt) also have to be all-new... which means savings would be limited to the building's shell and, perhaps, the bleacher seating. The show elements (theatrical lighting, rigging for the flying performers, and the show floats themselves) are relatively easy (and fast) to move - those seem much more likely to be reused.

I suspect they'd need more than 3-4 months to disassemble and fully reassemble the same building - time to disassemble and reassemble the building shell, followed by installation of electrical and HVAC. In my estimation, they'd need 2-3 months just to disassemble, move, and reinstall the bleachers, show lighting, audio systems and other theatrical equipment, plus rehearse a new cast in the new location (if they close the show at all, they'll probably be re-casting) in an all-new building shell.

Well, I guess we'll see what happens when it happens.

[Luvsun]

Thank you for the link and the info!
I am so happy to read that it is staying!!! I can't imagine going to AK and not seeing this show! It is my favorite!

[dsruton]

I think they would cost themselves money trying to reuse the building. Cheaper and easier to build new and update in the process.

[ilovedisney0_0]

Originally Posted by jlhill4444

Yay!! I have not desire to see an Avatar Land. It just doesn't seem Disney to me. Sounds more like something that would be at Universal.

I am SOOOO EXCITED that FOLK will be staying - this is one of my must do's at AK!

[mechurchlady]

One main problem is the disabled section. Disabled guests sit right next to walkways were performers come close to hitting guests. Disabled guests sit on the flat section so that kids and short people end up unable to see. Tall scooters and guests end up blocking the first row of the bleacher section.

I feel that based on CMs in management that they are going to build a whole new state of the art theater. Possibly even add special effects and lighting. Instead of a makeshift theater that is more of a giant warehouse they will have more room to move and disabled guests, all guests would be out of the way. Building one theater while the show goes on allows them to have very little down time. Plus a custom build stroller parking lot would be nice.

The current building can be turned into offices. They can do shows, meet and greets, almost anything in that building.

[Haleyboo99]

Good to hear that!!

[Irenaroo]

I hope they don't recast. I think the current cast is amazing... Glad to hear the show is staying. It's my "must do" everytime I visit that park, along with the Safari.