For children of the 1990s, there will never be a better Disney film than the Lion King, and with the live-action version released in cinemas this summer, it’s even easier to find costume ideas inspired by Simba and friends.
The film spawned so many iconic moments, from the opening number showing African animals bowing down to their new king, to the tear-inducing moment of Mufasa’s tragic death, so it’s no wonder the live musical has drawn in thousands of visitors over the years.
If you’re going all-out and throwing a Lion King party, don’t forget to buy fake bugs to scatter on the table, get the soundtrack blasting (especially now it contains Beyonce!) and serve African snacks – biltong, anyone? Make a watering hole (paddling pool to you and I) filled with ice and drinks, or create themed cocktails such as ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’, ‘when I was a young warthog’ and ‘Hakuna Matata’.
Whichever character you most identify with – brave Nala, naggy Zazu, wise Mufasa, hilarious Timon, or hygienically-challenged Pumba, there’s a perfect costume out there for you.
Roar-some Lion King inspired costumes for the whole family
1 of 5Lion Headband Tail Headband Fancy Dress
On a budget? This little kit is a subtle nod to the theme that kids and adults alike can wear. It has everything you need to become Simba at short notice, thanks to the cute headband and tail. Totally roar-some.
2 of 5Rubie’s Official Disney Simba 18-24 months one piece
Get the smallest member of the family involved in the fun with this utterly adorable toddler onesie. For bonus points: dress your baby up as young Simba, dad as the grown-up Simba and mum as Nala, for a full family set of cuteness. Reviews say it comes up large, so there's growing room to reuse this outfit over the coming months too.
3 of 5Adult Deluxe Lion Costume
Let's travel back to before the whisper it wildebeest incident, to when Mufasa reigned supreme. Pop on this regal mane, brush your tail, paint on a black nose and give your best roar. Just stay away from gorges and don't listen to your brother's advice. (You might need to get someone to help you hold your drink though, those gloves are tricky!)
4 of 5Adult Warthog Fancy Dress
Sweet, earnest and (let's be honest) stinky Pumba is a firm fan favourite. The gentle warthog is one of the only animals to really nurture Simba after his father's death, albeit nurturing that involves eating insects… Pay homage to this noble pig with this hilarious outfit. It's complete with rounded hips and a belly for that uniquely porcine shape. Just don't hog all the buffet.
5 of 5Baboon Mask
If your favourite Lion King character is cheeky – albeit clever – baboon Rafiki, then this mask could be the one for you. Sadly it doesn't come with a big red bottom so you'll have to sort that out yourself.
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