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Beloved Festival of the Lion King Performer Veryl E. Jones Retiring After More Than 20 Years at Walt Disney World
After more than two decades of bringing the spirit of the Pride Lands to life, one of Disney’s most recognizable live performers is preparing to take his final bow. Veryl E. Jones, who has portrayed Kiume in Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for over 20 years, is officially retiring from Walt Disney World.
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Jones has long been a fan favorite as Kiume, the leader of the elephant section during the high-energy stage spectacular. His powerful performance of Scar’s iconic song “Be Prepared” became one of the show’s standout moments, helping make Festival of the Lion King one of the most beloved live entertainment offerings at Walt Disney World. Fellow cast members recently celebrated his incredible career with a heartfelt farewell inside the Harambe Theater, recognizing the lasting impact he has made on both audiences and his Disney family.
Beyond his work at Disney, Jones has also appeared in several Hollywood films, including Bad Boys II, The Punisher (2004), and Out of Time. His career has spanned both stage and screen, but for countless Disney guests, he will always be remembered as one of the unforgettable voices of Festival of the Lion King.
Festival of the Lion King has been entertaining guests since Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened on April 22, 1998. Originally located in Camp Minnie-Mickey before moving to the Harambe Theater in Africa, the show combines live singing, acrobatics, giant puppets, dancers, fire performers, and unforgettable music from The Lion King. The production reached a remarkable milestone last year by welcoming its 80 millionth guest.
As Veryl E. Jones steps away from the stage, he leaves behind a legacy that has inspired millions of guests over the years. We wish him a well-earned retirement and thank him for helping make every performance a roaring success.
If you’re planning a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to experience Festival of the Lion King and all the incredible entertainment Walt Disney World has to offer, be sure to contact our friends at Get Away Today to start planning your next magical vacation.
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