Yeah, I've noticed the reference too, actually XD
Though hmm... When I'm talking about not liking the direction the story may take, I'm not talking about the dragon romance, even though that romance may be a step towards what I'm talking about. But I'd rather not tell it now in case someone who doesn't like that kind of stuff and haven't noticed the same things as me reads the post.
I'm excited about the Lion King too, though I must admit I actually don't like the first movie, except as an introduction to the second one and to Lion Guard. But the Lion King 2 IS actually one of my favorite Disney movies ever. I hope the new movie will change the elements that I disliked about the original Lion King. That would be great!