D23 Expo Lion King Panel Recap

The panel was FULL of surprises including some of the voice actors taking the stage including Ernie Sabella, the voice of Pumbaa; Whoopie Goldberg the voice of Shenzi; and Jim Cummings who did Ed the Hyena (he kinda looked like him too!). Whoopie’s entrance onto stage was a bit of a surprise, as she wasn’t listed to arrive (but she had been in the building a couple days before to accept her Disney Legends Award, so it was a possibility…).

The panel ended with a beautiful performance of The Circle of Life where I LITERALLY shed tears. It didn’t help that there was a woman in a wheelchair with her service dog – WEARING A FREAKING GOWN LIKE THE REST OF THE PEOPLE – right in front of me. It was touching.

The panel was one of the highlights of the trip for me. It was fascinating to hear about how The Lion King came to fruition from start to finish from everything including animation, music, and casting. But my favorite moment, and one I talk about often now that I’m home, is how one of my favorite lines and jingles from the movie came to be. Watch below:

My friend, Jana at Merlot Mommy got the whole closing number on video, and I really want you to see it, so check it out here:

Audiences will fall in love all over again with the treasured classic, and a new generation of fans will laugh with Timon and Pumbaa, cry with Simba and Mufasa, burst into song, and find their place in the “Circle of Life.” The Walt Disney Signature Collection release includes over 3 hours of classic bonus material and exclusive, brand new features inviting viewers to sing along with the film’s award-winning music, observe recording sessions, step inside the story room, witness the evolution of a villain, and join Nathan Lane (voice of Timon) and Matthew Broderick (voice of Adult Simba) for an extended conversation regarding the legacy of The Lion King.

The coming-of-age masterpiece, filled with humor and heart, breathtaking animation, and soul-stirring Academy Award®-winning music (1994: Best Original Score and Best Original Song, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”) is a family classic you need to add to your collection. Make sure to grab your own copy of The Lion King while it’s available!