There are a few Broadway shows that have really stood the test of time, and the Lion King on Broadways is one of them. The first time we saw it I really wasn’t very excited. I expected a grand puppet show and something that our kids would just enjoy. I grew up with the Lion King movie so went into the show expecting the same thing, but on stage. I was wrong. On stage the Lion King was so much better and more engaging than the movie, so that’s what we’re talking about today.
Have you gotten to see the Lion King on Broadway? Have you seen any other Disney stage shows, and how do you think this compares? There’s only one Disney on Broadway show I’ve seen that I liked more (I’ll share below). If you have any questions about seeing the Lion King on Broadway or need any other recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great trip to NYC!
Why see the Lion King on Broadway?
The Lion King on Broadway is absolutely a safe bet if you’re visiting New York City with kids. The show is beautiful, familiar and fun, and you know that it’s clean from start to finish. It’s a great introduction to going to the theater and because it’s known to be so family friendly, kids are very welcome and people are very patient with them. I’m one of the people that throws stank glances when people bring kids to a show and they either can’t sit still or they’re making noise the whole time.
When you’re seeing a show that is inclusive of the child-theater experience, the vibe is different and kid-ness is very understood. Don’t get me wrong, in no way is seeing the Lion King on Broadway a free for all and the audience is not wrought with bad behavior, but in general everyone understands that this is an experience for diverse families of all ages. In no way does the audience makeup detract from the Broadway experiences when you see the Lion King.
Get Lion King on Broadway tickets here!
Tips for Enjoying the Lion King in NYC
Like with Wicked on Broadway, when you go to see the Lion King there are some cool displays and a shop if you’re interested in checking them out. The costumes for the show are remarkable, as they’re part clothing and part puppet, so be sure to check those out. In the shop you’ll find any manner of garb, whether you’re looking for a t-shirt or a souvenir ornament. People collect all sorts of things from the Broadway shows they see.
When it comes to enjoying the production of the Lion King on Broadway, I’ll say that there’s both NOT a bad seat in the house and that the more center and close to the front you can get, the better. This is such a grand production that you can enjoy the whole picture better from further back, but also the combination of actors and puppets makes the closer seats really incredible. You’ll see that the performance is both dedicated, exceptional acting AND puppetry. It’s so unique and worth getting the closer tickets if available and within your budget.
How is the Lion King on Broadway Different from the Movie
Aside from the obvious element of the movie being an animated (and then CGI) film, the Lion King on Broadway does have to it. There are additional songs and there are extensions to original songs. This both adds to the total show time and enhances the story experience. I can watch the Lion King films and it’s old hat, not that moving or nostalgic for me. The stage production is so much more grand, emotional, and beautifully put together that when you sit down to watch it, wherever your seats may be, it triggers and emotional response. I think the Lion King on Broadway completes the overall storytelling and painting a vivid picture with the music, costumes and additional elements that the films miss out on.
Being Ready for the Lion King with Kids
Luckily with seeing the Lion King on Broadway there’s not much pre-work to do. If you’re taking kids (or adults) to see SIX then it’s good to know the backstory of Henry VIII, or if you’re seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on stage, then it’s good to make sure everyone knows the Harry Potter stories and how the original series ended. With the Lion King, it’s a story you can just happen into without any preparation and probably minimal questions from kids about the story.
When it comes to bringing anything with you, I always like my family to be ready for the theater to be cold, which it typically stays a good temperature. I haven’t experienced the Minskoff Theater in NYC, where the Lion King on Broadway happens, to be a hot theater. Where your seats are will impact the temperature though. The front few rows and the upper rear rows tend to be the warmest seats in the house.
I always talk about snacks when I’m writing about seeing Broadway shows with kids, as kids are always hungry. In any situation, it’s always courteous to have quiet snacks if you must eat in the theater, but really, the best option for everyone is to snack before the performance starts and then top off the tank at intermission if you must. I get it that all families are different with different needs, but if you fall into the group that requires snacks continually, find a way to be quietly courteous about it.
How do other Disney shows stack up to the Lion King on Broadway?
Every performance of every sort has an audience. What I love about the Lion King on Broadway is that its audience is everyone, whether you’re a family with small kids or a snooty, seasoned theater goer. That’s not the case with every show in the Disney on Broadway canon. I would absolutely see the Lion King again with my professional friends or my kids. I would NOT see Frozen on Broadway again with my professional friends. Or Beauty and the Beast. Or Little Mermaid. Maybe Mary Poppins (there’s some stuff in there that adults need to hear repeatedly).
The Lion King is much more artful and relatable than the other Disney shows. The exception to this is Disney’s Aida, if ever it returns to Broadway or touring. Aida is the retelling of Verdi’s opera, Aida, but with music by Elton John and Tim Rice. It’s one of the best shows I’ve ever seen and it would be amazing to see again. In the meantime, the Lion King remains the best of the Disney on Broadway options, either in NYC or touring.
Get Lion King on Broadway tickets here!
More NYC Fun With Kids
I used to not like going to New York City at all… and then I started bringing my kids when I had to travel to NYC for work and I love it. There is no shame in having a stereotypical New York trip with kids, whether you’re seeing the Lion King on Broadway or you’re visiting Times Square at night to see the craziness, it’s all fun. Here are our top picks for activities with kids when you’re in NYC, and a few of them really add to the fun of being in such a big city.
- do the Empire State Building experience (it’s much more than just going up to the Observation Deck)
- visit the Harry Potter New York Store – it’s shopping, photo ops, Butterbeer and magical fun)
- have a meal at Ellen’s Stardust Diner – live singing all through the restaurant
- go out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- check out the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian (I love this place)
- take the kids to the Nintendo and Lego stores
- do the Museum of Modern Art (better with kids than the Met)
- enjoy the Museum of Natural History and Central Park
If you do half of these activities paired with an awesome Broadway show like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child you’ll have a great trip to New York City with kids. For more ideas and suggestions for visiting NYC with older kids, check out our article about NYC with a Preteen. Lot’s of insights into what makes a trip with older kids fun.
Other Kid-friendly Broadway Shows to Consider
Not all Broadway shows are as kid-friendly as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but there are some good ones… and we’ve seen them so we can share our opinions with you! Like with anything in life, you know your kids best and know what they’ll be into and down for. When it comes to choosing a Broadway show to see with kids, try to think about these three things:
- Appropriateness – every kid has a different level of maturity and every household has a different level of joking / age-appropriate comedy. Read up on a show to gauge the level of adult content before planning to take kids to it.
- Consider the timing of a show – afternoon shows are great with kids and you’ll often see more families at these shows. If you’re concerned about your kids talking in the theater and such, look for an afternoon show when other families may be in attendance too.
- Visual – kids love bright, fun shows with catchy songs and cool effects. Drab, moody shows aren’t great with kids (or me), but fun, upbeat, colorful shows are sure to keep kids’ attention.
If you’re concerned that there may be too much adult content in a Broadway show, because there often is, these shows are solid choices to see with kids and if they aren’t on Broadway in NYC at the moment, you may be able to see them as they tour. Touring productions are just as skillful, but may be slightly less grand than productions in residence due to the need to be flexible.
- any Disney Broadway show – Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Frozen, Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins
- Christmas productions – Elf, White Christmas, A Christmas Story – NYC at Christmas is so fun!
- Classic Shows – Cinderella, Oklahoma, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Anything Goes, Music Man…
If you have any questions about seeing SIX on Broadway, other shows or putting together your ideal NYC plan for your family, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and love to help other have amazing adventure
