I missed my chance to watch The Lion King in Los Angeles so I was glad they were performing at the Mandalay Bay hotel on my recent trip to Las Vegas.
I really enjoyed The Lion King. It is a nice alternative to the typical Vegas shows. I did need a can of Red Bull to stay awake but it was mostly due to gambling and drinking rather than the show itself.
I really don't get some of the bad reviews. Complaining about the puppeteer? Do you really expect Zazu and Timon to be flying and walking around the stage on their own? Disappointed by some of the costumes of the characters? You want them walking around in full lion costumes that looks exactly like the characters in the movie? Go to freaking Disneyland! The show does require you to use some of your imagination but it really isn't that difficult. If it does, maybe you shouldn't be watching any Broadway type shows. Then you got people complaining the story is just like the movie. Uh... really? It is a Disney production based on the movie. Your two year old didn't like it? Um... maybe cuz he is two years old? You really wanna base a review on a two year old's opinion?
The venue in Mandalay Bay isn't the greatest but if you missed it in your hometown, I recommend watching it when you are in Vegas.
There is a great deal for students for $25 per ticket and they are pretty good. I expected it to be all the way against the back wall but it was actually only a few rows from the front. I rather spend $25 on a two hour show than on a hand of Blackjack. It is definitely worth the money. Even if you don't have student discount, you can still get great seats for less than your typical Vegas shows. The venue isn't too big, you'll be able to enjoy the show from any section.