Festival of the Lion King’s Veryl E. Jones, AKA VJ, Ends Over 28 Year Run with the Hit Show

After a nearly 30 year long run with the show, Veryl E. Jones has finished his “Circle of Life” at Festival of the Lion King. 

What’s Happening:

• Back in April of 1998, Walt Disney World opened their fourth theme park, Disney's Animal Kingdom. 
• Debuting with the park was a show inspired by The Lion King, bringing guests into an interactive Broadway-style show filled with singers, dancers, and acrobats. 
• Originally opening in Camp Minnie Mickey, Festival of the Lion King moved to the parks Africa section as the park prepared to welcome guests to Pandora: The World of Avatar. 
• Well, over 28 years later, one performer had been bringing the animated hit to life since its opening day.
• Veryl E. Jones (VJ) was cast as one of the production's lead hosts and singers, and even developed his own fan base from regulars to the show!
• Yesterday, July 2nd, VJ celebrated his final performance with the show, and fans are celebrating his run. 
• Thanks to ThatDisneyBoi on X, we have some clips celebrating VJ’s finally trip through the “Circle of Life” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

• Thanks for nearly three decades of magic to VJ and we hope he has an equally magical retirement!

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