Magic Kingdom Part 3 Advanture Land

WELCOME TO THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE ON EARTH.........WALT DISNEY WORLD!

"When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicity and unquestionable"

-Walt Disney

Magic Kingdom theme park, one of 4 Theme Parks in Walt Disney World Resort, captures the enchantment of fairy tales with exciting entertainment, classic attractions, backstage tours and beloved Disney Characters. Designed like a wheel with the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, pathways spoke out across the 107 acres of Magic Kingdom theme park and lead to these 7 whimsical lands: The second land I am going to talk about is Adventureland.

Adventureland is hard to describe. It's part jungle, part tropical island and there's a desert oasis thrown in as well.

From Main Street, you enter Adventureland by crossing a wooden planked bridge. One thing you notice about this section, the walkways where you first enter tend to be narrow and congested. It's easy to overlook the authentic landscaping as you're kept busy avoiding strollers and other guests.

Characters often found in Adventureland are Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, Rafiki and Timon. (Check the day's schedule.)


Enchanted Tiki Room (Picture below)

Year Opened: 1971

Fun Fact: The original plan for the Tiki Room was to have it as a Disney restaurant, not an attraction."The Enchanted Tiki Room- Under New Management" is a bit of a misnomer. The "new" part was the addition of Zazu from the Lion King and Iago from Aladdin back in '98.

This sentimental favorite was the first Disney attraction to use Audio-animatronic exclusively. It originally opened in Disneyland in 1963 as "The Enchanted Tiki Room - Tropical Serenade."
The show combines elements of that original attraction with some now familiar characters and songs. Aladdin's abrasive Iago and the Lion King's sensible Zazu join Jose, Michael, Pierre and Fritz, the original hosts of the Tiki Birds. There's singing, jokes and a tropical storm during the performance.

If the Magic Kingdom is busy and you're looking for a relaxing break, this 20 minute show fits the beak, I mean bill. It's rarely crowded and all ages can enjoy it. It's especially cute for the little kids (although the "big kids" may end up looking for the nearest exit.)

True story: When my two girls were young, while they pretty much had outgrown this attraction, they asked to go. Amidst all of the singing, drums, thunder and lightning, I look down and my youngest is sound asleep. You've got to love those Mickey memories.

The Tiki Birds is wheelchair accessible. For guests requiring assistance with hearing, assistive listening devices to amplify the sound are available from Guest Services.


The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Picture Below)

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin has you take flight over Agrabah on an 'enchanted' carpet.
Basically, it's the Dumbo ride converted into throw rugs that can accommodate a party of 4 per 'carpet.'

The sixteen 'rugs' surround a giant Genie lamp. The riders in the front seat control the up and down motion, while the back seat controls the pitch of the carpet from front to back.
There are some attractions that you do once, and this falls into that category. If you have little ones, they'll probably like it but if time is tight, you're better off fitting in another ride other than this one.

Adventureland isn't known for 'wide open spaces' and this attraction makes the congestion worse. Still, if you're not too busy dodging strollers take a look down. There are some 'gems' imbedded in the walkways.

You'll also want to keep an eye on those camels. They'll "spit" on you when you're least expecting it.

Guests in wheelchairs must be able to transfer in order to ride.

Swiss Family Tree House (Picture Below)

Year Opened: 1971

The "Swiss Family Treehouse" is based on the 1960 live action Disney feature film "Swiss Family Robinson."

The first thing you think when you visit this "attraction" is "why?" Next you wonder why they also built it at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo. At least it's predecessor at Disneyland Anaheim was converted it to a Tarzan theme. No such luck in Florida.
Make no mistake, this is a treehouse and it doesn't come with an elevator. That means navigating the 116 steps.

Along your never ending trek will be such exciting scenes as the pulley system that uses bamboo buckets and a water wheel to get water to the top of the tree. When your attention isn't riveted on this and the other "amazing innovations", you're probably considering backtracking. (Sorry, once you start, you have to keep going.) While it does have some devotees, the "Swiss Family Treehouse" is one of those attractions that you're most likely to try once and never bother with again.

Now for some facts: The tree is known as Disneyodendron eximus, which means "out of the ordinary Disney tree". It's manmade with concrete roots. The 1400 limbs are constructed of steel coated in cement. The 300,000 plastic leaves were attached by hand. The tree is 90 feet high and 60 feet wide. The "Swiss Family Treehouse" is one of the few attractions that are totally inaccessible for people who are not ambulatory.

Pirates of the Caribbean (Jack Sparrow)

Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most popular rides in Adventure land!

Year Opened: 1973

If you haven't heard about 'Pirates of the Caribbean', you probably just arrived from another planet. Pirates is the attraction that the incredibly popular 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movies are based on which has now become the attraction that is based on the movies.
Sounds confusing? It really isn't and this ride has only gotten better with the addition of Captain Jack Sparrow.

The imposing fortress at the end of Adventureland is home to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The queue twists and turns in a darkened, cool underground cavern that leads to the boat ride. Once you're onboard, you'll float through a cave that heads to a quick, dark plunge.

As your boat enters the main area, you'll find yourself in the midst of a battle with cannon shots whizzing by. Captain Barbossa himself shouts orders from the pirate ship.

Be on the lookout for Captain Jack Sparrow. He'll pop up from a barrel, peek from behind a mannequin and at the conclusion of the ride, he's atop a mountain of booty. (You'll also get to see an image of Davy Jones from the latest Pirates of the Caribbean blockbuster.)

The ten minute cruise is fun for all ages. While the original Audio-animatronics are a bit simplistic in comparison to the latest additions, the detail is amazing. There's realistic costuming, unique facial features and even hairy legs on the pirate swinging his leg from the bridge.

Listen and you'll hear a familiar song made even more popular by the movie, "Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates' life for me."
Fortunately, while the ride purists initially objected to the planned changes, the Pirates of the Caribbean movies have only made this attraction better. (Think of the movie version of The Country Bears and you see what a disaster it might have been.)

With popularity comes an increase in wait times. Pirates of the Caribbean never was too bad when it came to crowds, but that has changed now that Johnny Depp, I mean, Jack Sparrow, has come onboard.

The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction is quick loading and each boat holds about 30 people. Guests in wheelchairs must be able to transfer to the ride vehicle.

If you need a Johnny Depp fix, anything and everything that's Pirates of the Caribbean themed is sold here.

Speaking of Jack Sparrow, there's a fun Pirate Tutorial that takes place throughout the day. Other characters often found in Adventureland are Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook, Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, Rafiki and Timon. (Check the day's schedule.) Arguably one of the best features at Adventureland is the Aloha Isle. This is the only spot in all of WDW where you can purchase the very popular Dole Whip soft serve pineapple flavored ice cream. Be warned, this stuff is addictive. Other refreshing fruit flavored treats are on the menu at the Sunshine Tree Terrace.

As you can see, Adventureland is sort of a mishmash of themes. You can climb a tree, fly over the desert, explore the jungle, sail on the high seas and visit a tropical island where birds talk and sing. No matter which adventure you choose, its a fun area to visit.

The Pirates League
Celebrate your inner pirate!The Pirates League allows boys and girls to transform themselves into Pirates, and allows their dreams to come true as they join Captain Jack Sparrow's crew. Participants receive a pirate identity, are transformed into a pirate by a WDW Pirate Master, and have access to a secret treasure room. They are also able to unlock clues to additional pirate encounters in Magic Kingdom.

Recreation:
The Pirates League
Have you ever wanted to be a pirate? Well, now you've got the opportunity! In the Magic Kingdomnext to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, a new adventure is available for fulfilling your pirate dreams. In just about an hour, you can transform yourself into a pirate (or empress) complete with a new pirate name and a bag of pirate booty.

There are 3 packages available - each includes a sword and sheath, earring and eye patch, tattoo, pirate coin necklace, map case folder, and a personalized pirate oath!

The First Mate Package at $49.95 plus tax also includes:
Bandana (reversible)
Choice of Facial Effect look: Cursed Pirate, Captain Hook or Captain Jack
Fake Teeth
One (1) 5x7 picture

Empress Package at $49.95 plus tax also includes:
Bandana (reversible)
Shimmering Makeup Makeover
Face Gem
Nail Polish
One (1) 5x7 picture
Additional pirate costumes for this package are available for purchase at The Pirates League.

The Captains Package at $124.95 plus tax also includes:
Choice of pirate costume
Choice of Facial Effect look: Cursed Pirate, Captain Hook or Captain Jack
Fake Teeth
Three (3) 5" x 7" pictures
Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-CREW. Theme park admission is required. This is open 7 days a week from 9 am- 7 pm. Ages 3 and up (adults welcome too).

The Jungle Cruise (picture Below)

The Jungle Cruise is the other attraction that is most popular along with Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland.

Year Opened: 1971Fun Fact: Walt Disney originally wanted live animals to be a part of the Disney Jungle Cruise attraction. Once he realized that he couldn't control their movements, audio-animatronics were used. The Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom takes you on a 10 minute tour of four continents. The early version of the Jungle Cruise was serious and based on Disney's True Life Adventure Series. More than likely, it wasn't packing them in since this ride is now one of the funniest at Disney World.

You'll board a boat with names like "Amazon Annie" with your trusted guide at the helm. While they all follow the same "shtick", the guides are what make this attraction so much fun, especially if they add a few ad-libs. Even when you've heard the same corny joke a thousand times before, you can't help but laugh.

You'll pass through hippo infested waters, but don't worry, they'll only attack if their ears are wiggling (which they always are.) On the shore there's a rhino keeping the hunters "busy," lions lounging on a rock outcropping, headhunters, zebras, snakes and giant butterflies all amidst a tropical landscape that any jungle would be proud of.

If you manage to stay dry by the waterfall, watch out for the elephants. Will they douse you or are you safe? Only you know the secret if you've gone on a Jungle Cruise.
Take a close look at the airplane that's in one of the scenes. If you're wondering where the other half went, look no further than the Casablanca scene in the Great Movie Ride over at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Eventually you'll pass through a darkened Cambodian temple where tigers are watching over ancient treasures. Once you emerge from this tunnel, you head back to civilization.

This is a Fast Pass attraction. If it's a hot day, you'll want to use this option. This attraction is outdoors and the queue, while covered, can get very uncomfortable. The Jungle Cruise boats are relatively quick loading. Guests in wheelchairs or ECV's can remain in them. Sign Language interpreters for the deaf are available on special days.

*Fast Pass is offered for Jungle Cruise.

Restaurants:

El Pirata Y el Perico Restaurante:

Food/Dining Type: Mexican
Meals: Lunch, Dinner,
Location: Magic Kingdom / Adventureland opposite the Pirates of the Caribbea
Reservations: Not Accepted
Hours: Varies- seasonal
Disney Dining Plan: YES (Quick Service/Snack Credit)

Sunshine Tree Terrace

Food/Dining Type: Snacks
Location: Magic Kingdom / Adventureland, Adjacent to the Enchanted Tiki Room
Reservations: Not Accepted
Hours: 9:00am- Varies
Disney Dining Plan: NO

Aloha Isle

Food/Dining Type: Snacks
Location: Magic Kingdom / Adventureland
Reservations: Not Accepted
Hours: 11:00am- 7pm
Disney Dining Plan: NO

Shopping:

Island Supply - Apparel, hats, grass skirts, leis, jewelry.
Agrabah Bazaar - Clothing and costumes. Aladdin souvenirs.
House of Treasure - Pirate souvenirs, novelties, jewelry, toys and bags
Pirate's Bazaar - Pirates of the Caribbean merchandise, candy, sunglasses, hats, accessories and toy guns