Beast to Brawn : Hercules Parade at Disneyland Will Muscle Out the Lion King

Move over, Simba. Hello, Hercules.

Disneyland’s “The Lion King Celebration” parade, which has run for nearly three years at the Anaheim park, will make its farewell performance Sunday, June 1, according to park officials.

The jungle-themed parade will be replaced by the new “Hercules Victory Parade” later that month to coincide with the summer release of “Hercules,” the Walt Disney Co.’s upcoming animated feature film.

The Lion King parade made its Disneyland debut in summer 1994. More than 75 costumed performers tell the story of Simba the lion, who overcomes an evil uncle and some beastly rivals to assume his rightful place as king of the jungle.

The remaining show schedule for Simba and company will be 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays through May 25, then on May 26, May 31 and June 1.

The new “Hercules Victory Parade” will feature who else but Hercules, the original superhero whose feats of strength and daring made him the toast of the ancient world.

The irreverent, tongue-in-cheek procession will include a cast of humorous sidekicks, Greek gods and goddesses, assorted monsters, and Hercules’ nemesis, Hades, lord of the underworld.

A rock-gospel score by Alan Menken will set the pace for the parade’s floats, giant interactive puppets, costumed characters and dancers. The new parade will run daily through the summer.