Lion King Broadway NYC: all you need to know about the musical

Who hasn’t hummed the song “Hakuna Matata” from the movie The Lion King at some point? Now you have the chance to hear it again in the Broadway show, at one of the most impressive theaters in the world. Because seeing a musical is an experience you have to have at least once in your life. I guarantee you’ll want to go again!

The production of The Lion King is one of Broadway’s greatest musicals, having captivated more than 100 million viewers worldwide. It has been roaring for over two decades with Simba on the Broadway stage—the mecca of New York theater—where it has become a true classic.

If you’ve already decided to see the most acclaimed show of all time—whether you’re traveling alone or with your family—in this article I’ll explain how to get tickets at the best price to see the musical “The Lion King” on Broadway.

** Ticket prices for The Lion King** typically start around 90–120 € if you book in advance and choose side seats, upper-level seats, or seats with less-than-central views. If you want a more balanced seat with a good view of the stage and the production, tickets usually start at around 150–220 €, depending on the date.

Center seats and the best-located seats can easily exceed 250–300 €, especially on weekends or during peak demand periods. You don’t have to choose the most expensive ticket to enjoy the musical, but it’s best to avoid buying at the last minute if you want to get the best value for your money.

Prices also vary significantly depending on the time of year. During Christmas in New York, long weekends, school breaks, and weekends, even the cheapest tickets can rise to around 130–170 € or more. If you’re traveling during those times, book as early as possible; if you have flexibility, compare different showtimes, because it’s usually easier to find better prices on weekdays.

Save money: buy tickets in advance

The most important tip I can give you to save money on tickets for The Lion King is to buy them online as far in advance as possible. This is similar to booking a flight to New York. If demand is high and few seats remain, the price of the flight will go up, while on days with few passengers, ticket prices will go down. Well, it works exactly the same way with this musical. In general, the closer the show date gets, the higher the price goes.

You should also keep in mind that this musical, inspired by the African savanna, is the quintessential Broadway show. If you try to buy tickets at the box office, it could take hours to get them, and you’ll likely only be able to get the seats furthest away with the worst views. Just a heads-up.

Save time: skip the long lines at one of the world’s most famous theaters

What’s the advantage of buying tickets online? You’ll avoid endless lines on Broadway—something you’ll especially appreciate in winter, when the Big Apple gets cold. That way, all you’ll have to do is sing along to “Hakuna Matata” from the comfort of your seat—which you’ll have secured at the best price and with much better visibility than if you’d bought it at the last minute.

Here are the two seating categories available, from the cheapest to the most expensive:

• Mezzanine: If you’re looking for affordable tickets, this is the option for you. This section is on the theater’s first floor and is more economical than the main auditorium. Don’t worry, though—the front seats still offer a great view of the stage.
• Orchestra: On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more exclusive and want a first-class experience—because, as the song goes, “you only live once”—this is the place for you. This section is located in the main auditorium directly in front of the stage and offers the best views in the entire theater.

Generally, The Lion King has eight performances a week at the Minskoff Theatre. Performances typically run from Tuesday through Sunday, with multiple shows on some days—especially Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Mondays are usually a day off.

The show lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including an intermission, so it’s a good idea to keep this in mind if you want to combine the musical with dinner, a visit to Times Square, or any other plans in the area.

As a general guideline, there are usually evening performances on weekdays and matinee or early afternoon shows on weekends. However, schedules may vary depending on the season, holidays, or availability, so it’s best to always check the exact time of your performance before booking.

The Minskoff Theatre is located at 200 West 45th Street (at the corner of 45th Street and Broadway). Personally, I think the easiest way to get there is by subway. Several lines stop nearby, including the N, Q, R, and W, as well as the 1, 2, and 3, which stop at Times Square–42nd Street. You can also take the A, C, or E to 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Here are some basic tips to help you find your way around the subway and make the most of the Big Apple’s fastest form of transportation. To start, I suggest downloading the subway map to your phone so you can always have it with you. A ticket costs around €2.60.

The Lion King is a magnificent stage adaptation of the 1994 Oscar-winning Disney film. Is it worth it? Yes, yes, and yes. It’s a unique show brimming with family values, showcasing the connection each of us has to our roots—and what better place to see it than where it all began: in New York.

With spectacular staging and music by Elton John, it has won six Tony Awards and an Evening Standard Award. If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll know Simba’s story by heart: a lion cub destined to become king of the African savanna, whose evil uncle Scar wants to steal the throne from him and forces the young lion to flee to distant lands.

During his long exile, Simba grows up living a carefree and wild lifestyle, accompanied by his two loyal friends Timon and Pumbaa, and without looking back at the past. But as an adult, he discovers he cannot escape his destiny and decides to return to his homeland to confront Scar and reclaim his place in “the circle of life.”

Can the musical The Lion King still impress me if I’ve already seen the movie?

Yes, it’s been wowing millions of people for nearly 25 years, many of whom come back again and again. There must be a reason for that. For me, it was like a dream come true, and I’m sure you’ll experience that same feeling and end up wondering if Simba, Mufasa, and the rest are real. Immerse yourself in the exotic African wilderness with its animals and… Enjoy! Grrrrr!

The million-dollar question: is it better with kids or without them? If you’re traveling to New York with kids, you should know that The Lion King is a musical for everyone—and both kids and adults will enjoy it equally. In fact, seeing The Lion King as a family is a wonderful outing and will instill values in them, such as the importance of friendship, family ties, and a love for nature and animals. It’s a true celebration of life!

I’m sure it will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. When I was there, there were several kids around me who didn’t even blink. They’ll love Simba’s story! Keep in mind, though, that children under 4 aren’t allowed in the theater, and the show is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Tips for Seeing The Lion King on Broadway with Kids

Broadway will be like an amusement park for kids—with all its lights, colors, and people. But every outing with kids has its own little tricks. Here are some tips to make your visit to the musical a complete success:

• Before going to the musical: to get your child interested in the story, watch the movie with them first and talk about the plot.
• When buying tickets, it’s best to book them in advance online—kids can have a really hard time waiting in line!
• Before the show starts: I suggest taking your child to the restroom and, finally, explaining the importance of staying quiet in the theater. That’s the golden rule!
• During the show: What if my child has a tantrum? Don’t worry—the ushers are used to these situations and will let you know the best time to step out of the auditorium for a moment.

Nuria’s Traveler Tip

A great plan after the musical is to head to the Top of the Rock, the city’s most famous skyscraper, and go up to the 70th floor. You’ll get the best panoramic views of Manhattan!

None at all—you’ll enjoy the show just the same. It’s been New York’s number-one musical since 1997—do you think everyone spoke English back then? Of course not. In this musical, words are literally unnecessary. The set design, makeup, and music will be more than enough.

In fact, English-language musicals—with their combination of film, dance, and music—are an entertaining and highly effective way to practice and learn the language. After all, it’s been proven that music activates more parts of the brain than any other human stimulus. So you’ll get two benefits for the price of one!

The great story of Disney’s “The Lion King” makes it the best musical for learning English thanks to its simple dialogue and vocabulary, as well as the perfect blend of British and American English, which will help you recognize different accents. It’s like taking a crash course.

Did you know…?

Simba’s name means “lion” in Swahili, a language spoken by nearly 45 million people in Africa. And what about the beautiful Nala? Nala means “gift.”

Yes, it’s one of the most accessible musicals on Broadway. Specifically, it offers wheelchair-accessible seating, hearing assistance devices, handheld captions, and audio description for people with hearing impairments. Additionally, for theatergoers who are blind or have low vision, a pre-recorded narration is provided via headphones. The philosophy is that everyone, regardless of their disability, should have access to the performing arts. I love that idea!

If you want to check the accessibility of a show, the Theatre Access NYC platform has launched a pioneering initiative that lets you use its website to see which performances offer accommodations and which do not. You can also find out if a performance is autism-friendly, the location of wheelchair-accessible seats, and the accessible route you should follow inside the venue.

If you’re the type who doesn’t even like wearing a suit to weddings, you can rest easy. There’s no specific dress code for entering the Minskoff Theatre, and you don’t have to dress up too much. Although you can dress up a bit if you want, no one will require it, and you won’t stand out.

At the theater, you’ll find everyone from elegantly dressed New Yorkers to tourists in their “everyday clothes”: comfortable jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers. So if you’re unsure what to pack, my recommendation is to bring something comfortable yet stylish that will get you through a full day of sightseeing and then let you end the day at the theater with a nice fast-food dinner on Broadway.

Nuria’s Traveler Tip

If you’re going in the summer, don’t forget to bring a light jacket for the show—otherwise, you’ll freeze from the air conditioning. In New York, they crank it up to the max!

Hard Rock Café

If all that excitement has worked up your appetite, I suggest you recharge with some great fast food at Hard Rock. You know what they say: when in Rome, do as the Romans do. The bar has become one of Times Square’s main attractions with its rock-inspired decor. It’s a great spot to enjoy a delicious burger and try some American classics.

• Prices: starting at €25 per person
• Where: in Times Square, at 1501 Broadway.
• Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bubba Gump

If fish is your thing and you’re tired of all those burgers, your best bet is to stop by Bubba Gump, a restaurant inspired by the iconic movie Forrest Gump that offers a wide variety of fish and seafood. You can enjoy their shrimp-based dishes in a fun atmosphere filled with memorabilia from the wonderful film. After all, “life is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get.” The same goes for Broadway. And for those on a budget: here’s an important tip— Happy Hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

• Prices: on average, from €17 to €25 per person.
• Where: in Times Square, at 1501 Broadway.
• Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If, after having a blast at The Lion King, you’re already thinking about which show to see next to keep daydreaming, here’s the ultimate guide to the 10 best Broadway musicals in New York.

List of the best Broadway musicals:

• The Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (highly recommended for Christmas)
• Aladdin
• The Phantom of the Opera
• Chicago, considered the longest-running American musical in the history of the industry.