The Lion King stage musical is one of the most popular and beloved Broadway shows of all time. Based on the 1994 Disney animated film, the show brings the story and characters to life in an incredible live performance featuring extravagant costumes,props, and state-of-the-art visual effects. While The Lion King tickets can be quite expensive, especially for premium seats, there are ways savvy theatergoers can save money on tickets and score deals and discounts. Here are some of the best tips and tricks for finding cheap Lion King tickets in any city.
Buy Early
One of the best ways to get good seats at lower prices is to buy your Lion King tickets early. As soon as tickets go on sale to the general public, usually a few months before opening night, you’ll have access to seats before they sell out or get bid up higher on resale sites. While the prime locations may already be gone by the opening sale date, you can still score good orchestra or front mezzanine seats at face value if you act fast. Buying early ensures you get tickets before inflated third-party prices kick in.
Join Mailing Lists
Sign up for The Lion King official mailing list and mailing lists of the theaters where it’s performing. When new blocks of tickets are released or special promotions are announced, subscribers to these mailing lists usually get first dibs or codes for early access. You’ll get notifications for advance seat sales and other ticket offers before the general public even knows about them. This insider access gives you an upper hand in scoring tickets for less.
Check for Lotteries, Rush Tickets, and Standing Room
Many Broadway shows, including The Lion King, offer discounted tickets through lotteries, rush tickets, and standing room options. The Lion King holds a daily lottery 2 1/2 hours before each performance where a limited number of tickets are sold for $30 each. Rush tickets are sold at box office windows on the day of each show for heavily reduced prices, usually around $40. Standing room tickets can also be purchased for around $50. These limited options let you see the show for a fraction of the regular price if you’re willing to take a chance and put in some extra effort.
Look for Discounts and Codes
Certain groups, such as students, military, seniors, and more can access special discount codes for reduced price Lion King tickets. Make sure to check out membership programs you’re part of, employers, special groups, etc to see if they offer any type of Lion King ticket discounts or promo codes. You can often save 25-50% on tickets this way. Some authorized ticket seller websites also periodically offer promo codes, discounts for joining their site, and other promotions that can help take a chunk off full price tickets.
Purchase Resale Tickets
If shows are sold out or you struck out getting cheap tickets directly, one more option is to check the resale market. Resellers and ticket brokers will often drop prices on unsold ticket inventory as shows approach, especially for less in-demand midweek performances. This can provide access to marked down last minute deals. Just make sure to compare listings across a few sites to ensure you’re getting the best price available. Popular resale sites for Broadway tickets include StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster.
When to Find Cheap Tickets
Knowing the best times to look for discounted Lion King tickets can help you score the absolute lowest prices. Here are some tips on timing:
Off-Peak Dates
Tickets will be cheaper for performances on less popular days/times. Midweek shows on Tuesdays through Thursdays tend to be less expensive than weekend shows. Matinees also tend to be cheaper than evening performances. Targeting off-peak dates is one of the easiest ways to save.
Low Demand Weeks
Certain weeks during a show’s run will have lower demand than others, translating to better pricing. When a new block of tickets is first released, early weeks of shows often have more availability and lower prices. Holiday weeks also tend to be more expensive due to higher demand, so look for deals in the weeks before and after major holidays instead.
Winter Months
In major theater cities like NYC, ticket prices are generally higher during the busy spring and summer Broadway seasons. You’ll typically find better pricing during the slower fall and winter months when there is less competition for seats and tourists.
Last Minute
While last minute Lion King tickets are risky, if shows haven’t sold out, prices often drop in the last 1-2 weeks as brokers and the box office try to unload inventory. Check regularly right up until showtime to find rock bottom pricing.
| Time Frame | Perks | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Early On-Sale | Best selection | No discounts |
| Off-Peak | Discounts available | Limited dates |
| Last Minute | Deep discounts | Limited options |
1-2 Months Out
A good window to balance selection and pricing is 1-2 months before showtime. This allows enough time for discounts to start popping up as shows fill up inventory, but still gives you solid options before the last minute scramble.
Where to Buy Cheap Lion King Tickets
Knowing the best places to buy tickets can make a big difference in the deals and prices you’ll find. Here are some of the top options for purchasing discounted Lion King show tickets:
Box Office
Purchasing directly from the theater box office, either online or in person, can provide access to face value tickets during early sales. They also offer promotions like lotteries and rush tickets not available elsewhere.
Group Sales
Getting a group of 12+ people together can qualify you for bulk ticket discounts. Group discounts are usually 10-30% off full price tickets.
Authorized Resellers
Many ticket retailers are authorized sellers with access to official inventory they can discount and bundle in package deals. Examples include Goldstar and Season Ticket.
Discount Codes
Look for Lion King ticket discount codes you can apply to online orders on authorized seller sites. Codes can offer $10-$50+ off each ticket.
Ticket Brokers
While prices can be inflated at first, brokers will discount unsold inventory closer to shows. Comparison shop brokers like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek.
Promotions
Ongoing promotions like Disney on Broadway ticket offers, Amex Offers, etc can provide members/cardholders access to discounted tickets.
| Ticket Source | Price Range | Perks | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box Office | $50-$200 | Official inventory | Limited discounts |
| Group Sales | $80-$150 | Bulk discounts | Need large group |
| Authorized Resellers | $60-$170 | Bundles/packages | Fees |
| Brokers | $75-$300 | Last minute deals | High service fees |
Save on Additional Costs
Beyond just the ticket price, you can save on related costs like fees, transportation, and more:
Avoid Fees
Ticketing fees can add $10-$30 to each Lion King ticket price. Buy direct from the box office to avoid fees found at most brokers and resellers.
Use Public Transit
Taking the subway or bus to the theater is vastly cheaper than parking, rideshares, or taxis. You can completely avoid transportation costs by using public transit.
Eat Before/After
Bring your own snacks and eat before or after the show to avoid pricey concessions and theater district dining. You can eat for a fraction of the cost offsite.
Get Discounts on Merch
Look for coupons and opening week specials to save on souvenirs and merchandise at the theater. Disney stores also often run promotions on Lion King gear.
See a Matinee
Afternoon shows are almost always cheaper than evening performances. You can save $20+ per ticket for a matinee.
Join Rewards Programs
Signing up for free theater loyalty programs can provide members-only access to discounted tickets. Here are some to join:
Disney on Broadway
Disney’s official Broadway rewards program gives members ticket lotteries, early access to seats, and other perks for Lion King and other Disney shows.
Broadway Roulette
This program provides mystery tickets to sold out shows, including The Lion King, at discounted rates to members.
TodayTix Lottery
Enter this app’s digital lotteries to win $40 Lion King tickets. They also offer $10 off first order codes.
Theater Development Fund
Become a TDF member for access to its TKTS booth with discounted day-of Broadway tickets, including last minute Lion King deals.
Plays Perks
This free program for theatergoers provides access to unsold tickets discounted up to 65%. They often offer low priced Lion King seats.
Conclusion
While Lion King tickets can be expensive, especially in cities like NYC and London, there are many insider tips travelers can use to get discounts, save on additional costs, and see the show on a budget. Buying early, targeting off-peak dates, checking for promotions, joining rewards programs, and comparison shopping can help theater fans find the best Lion King ticket deals. With flexible dates and smart planning, you can land cheap tickets to this incredibly popular Broadway spectacle.
