Disney Lion King Welcomes One-Millionth Guest
Disney’s The Lion King at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas welcomed its one-millionth guest this weekend during “Fan Appreciation Month” as part of its two-year anniversary celebration.
The Lion King’s run in Las Vegas marks the production’s longest sit-down engagement off Broadway in North America.
The Welch family of Las Vegas was named the lucky winner and received an ultimate summer getaway. The family – comprised of parents Robert and Shaneka, and daughters Rachael, 7, and Kaitlynn, 6 – saw The Lion King for the first time as their Mother’s Day gift to Shaneka.
[ Also Visit: RMN Kids – Edutainment Site for Children ]The 16-year Vegas residents’ prize package includes an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City where they will enjoy Disney’s Mary Poppins and The Lion King on Broadway. Before jetting off to the Big Apple, the family will celebrate with a relaxing two-night staycation at Mandalay Bay in a luxurious suite.
“I saw The Lion King for the first time [today], and it was fantastic,” said winner Robert Welch.
The Lion King has been seen by more than 55 million people in 18 different productions worldwide since its 1997 premiere. The Lion King productions have grossed more than $4.3 billion to date and have cumulatively run 83 years
Thomas Schumacher, producer of The Lion King and president of Disney Theatrical Group said, “We’d like to thank the Las Vegas locals and tourists who’ve embraced The Lion King at Mandalay Bay, helping us to reach this significant milestone.”
Mandalay Bay’s production of The Lion King continues to reign as a landmark musical event. The show is performed Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday shows at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Lion King Las Vegas will perform its final show Dec. 30, 2011.
