Magic Kingdom

Dumbo the Flying Elephant Review at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Opened: October 1, 1971

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: No

Type: Carousel

Similar To: TriceraTop Spin, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a hub and spoke midway style ride with a central hub and 16 Dumbo-themed vehicles that spin slowly counter-clockwise.  Each Dumbo holds two people (or potentially three very squished people) that can control whether the vehicle travels up or down with a control stick.

When To Go: If Dumbo is a priority then you’ll want to head here as quickly after Park opening as possible.  The line is excruciatingly slow moving and extremely long in the afternoon.  Unlike other popular rides like Splash Mountain or Space Mountain, there is also no FASTPASS option so you’re stuck in line no matter when you go.  Seriously, if Dumbo is a must-ride for your group then this is one you’ll want to get to as quickly as possible.  You may also want to check back in the final hour the Magic Kingdom is open or during the final hour of evening Extra Magic Hours when most of the young kids are already in bed.  The parade or fireworks may also be a good time if you’re willing to potentially miss those events, but the line may be so long that a short lull in traffic won’t do much good.

Expect to Wait: Oh lord, you’re in for one unless you ride during a recommended time.  Dumbo is one of the three slowest loading rides at the Magic Kingdom.  It’s also one of the most popular because kids are somehow born with the innate and undying desire to ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant before their sixth birthday.  Expect waits to balloon to 60 minutes within an hour of the Magic Kingdom opening and in the 90 minute range in the afternoon, unless the Park is extremely uncrowded.  Lines may be even longer during Holiday season.

Length: 90 seconds

Rating: 2/10 for most adults, 10/10 for preschool age children

Dumbo 2.0: The Fantasyland expansion is bringing a new Dumbo ride to the Magic Kingdom, complete with two separate rides connected by a large circus tent.

Commentary: Dumbo is a favorite among preschool age children and they are going to want to ride it.  This presents a problem if your group also wants to ride the headlining rides.  I would recommend visiting Dumbo the Elephant first thing if it’s a must-do.  Not only will you not have to listen to “Mommy, when will we ride Dumbo?” all day, but you’ll also get the ride with the worst queue done without a long wait.  You can always FASTPASS the other rides throughout the day if necessary.  Dumbo is also situated right in the middle of the Magic Kingdom, so you can also choose to move towards either Space Mountain or Splash Mountain next or ride the other Fantasyland rides (namely Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan’s Flight, Cinderella’s Golden Carousel, and Indy Speedway) with minimal wait.  If your group consists of people that don’t care much about whether or not they ride Dumbo, I would save it for the end of the evening or during evening Extra Magic Hours.  You do not want to find yourself in this line in the middle of the day.  Also note the short duration of the ride.  It is over much too soon.

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It’s A Small World Review Rating Disney Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

It’s A Small World

Opened: October 1, 1971

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: No

Type: Dark ride

Similar To: Vaguely similar to The Great Movie Ride and Living with the Land

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero, but you may lose your sanity

What to Expect: The queue for “it’s a small world” is covered and mostly indoors, but there isn’t a lot to see or do while in line.  Once you make it to the front of the line you will board a slow-moving boat that seats about 20 people.  The boat will take you through a number of scenes featuring about 300 audio-animatronic dolls dressed up in costumes from over 100 nations.  Each of the dolls sings the same “it’s a small world” theme song non-stop throughout the ride while dancing to the tune.

When To Go: This is another good ride to visit in the afternoon or while you’re waiting for a FASTPASS time to become due for another Fantasyland ride.  Riding this along with Mickey’s PhilharMagic in the afternoon should give you a nice break from the heat and crowds.  Lines should also be nonexistent in the late evening and during evening Extra Magic Hours, which is an even better time to visit if you don’t get a chance to ride in the afternoon or don’t require a break

Expect to Wait: Waits are rarely longer than 20 minutes and should be ten minutes or less in the late evening.

Length: 11 minutes

Rating: 5/10

Closed for Refurbishment: “it’s a small world” will be closed for refurbishment from 8/1/10 to 10/22/10.  It’s expected that Disney characters will be worked into the scenes, the boats will be replaced, and the costumed animatronics will be updated.

Commentary: This is another Disney ride that has been kept mostly the same since it opened nearly 40 years ago.  It will be popular with kids and adults that appreciate classic Disney attractions, but won’t be enjoyed much by people who are looking for the latest in technology and thrills.  It’s a perfectly pleasant ride and a nice relaxing break, but the repetitious song will likely get on the nerves of most by the time the ten minute ride is over.  Even worse, chances are good that you’ll have to sit and wait for a few minutes to unload from your boat due to backups at the end of the ride, so you’ll have to sit and listen to the song even when there’s nothing to look at.  All in all, I would recommend “it’s a small world” because it is one of those classic rides that people will ask about when you return home to tell them about your vacation.  Even though it’s not particularly enjoyable for most, it should serve as a nice diversion in the middle of the day.  If the line is long or you’re worried about completing your itinerary, then you may want to skip and visit rides with a higher rating.

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Mad Tea Party Rating Review at Disney World Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

Mad Tea Party

Opened: October 1, 1971

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Although it isn’t listed, it’s usually open in the evening

FASTPASS: No

Type: Spinning tea cup

Similar To: Unique

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Low.  This ride isn’t scary, but it’s liable to make people prone to motion sickness extremely uncomfortable.  Even people that don’t normally have problems with motion may be slightly uncomfortable, especially if you choose to spin your individual tea cup.  My recommendation would be to skip the Tea Party if you have serious motion sickness issues and make sure everyone riding in the same cup is on the same page as far as spinning the individual cup.  If you don’t want to spin fast then don’t get in the same cup as a child who wants to spin as fast as they can.  Neither of you will have any fun.

What to Expect: The queue for Mad Tea Party is covered, but it’s still extremely hot in the spring and summer months because it doesn’t block the sun out from the sides.  Once you make it to the front of the line you will be placed in an oversized tea cup that seats 2-4 people, depending on the size of the individuals.  The cups spin mildly no matter what, but there is a turntable in the middle of the ride that can be turned to spin the individual tea cup even faster.  There isn’t much more to it than that.

When To Go: Avoid this in the afternoon when it’s hot and crowded.  Try after 6pm when Fantasyland is generally less busy or during the first hour of Extra Magic Hours when it should be open as well.

Expect to Wait: This is one of the slowest loading rides at Disney World, so even relatively short looking lines can mean long waits.  Expect to wait 30 minutes soon after Park opening and 45 minutes plus in the afternoon.  Waits in the late evening should be shorter – in the 20 minute or less range.

Length: 90 seconds

Rating: 5/10

Commentary: This is another midway-style carnival ride with a Disney theme.  It’s mildly fun, but certainly won’t make or break most vacations.  If you can ride with a short wait and don’t mind a little spinning then it’s a go.  If the line is long or you don’t enjoy spinning then you’re probably better off skipping.  The late evening and Extra Magic Hours are your best bets.

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Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Review Disney World

by josh on May 15, 2010

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Ride Closure: Winnie the Pooh is scheduled to close Monday October 25, 2010 for refurbishment.  It should reopen Monday November 15, 2010.

Opened: June 4, 1999

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: Yes

Type: Dark ride

Similar To: Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow White’s Scary Adventures

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is similar to other Fantasyland dark rides like Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Peter Pan’s Flight, only the theme is obviously based on Winnie the Pooh.  Riders board slow moving four-person “hunny pot” vehicles that move slowly through several scenes featuring Winnie, Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger, Owl and other characters from the series.  This is a lighthearted ride with some neat special effects, especially the scene with Tigger.

When To Go: This is a tough one because Winnie the Pooh is a slow loading ride with long lines throughout the day.  If you aren’t planning to ride the roller coasters or thrill rides then you’ll want to head here first in the morning along with Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo, and Cinderella’s Carousel.  If you do plan to ride Splash and Space Mountain then you’ll want to do those first in the morning and return here for a FASTPASS in the afternoon or ride in the last hour the Park is open or during evening Extra Magic Hours.

Expect to Wait: Expect waits slightly shorter than Peter Pan’s Flight, but still in the 45 minute range by lunch and 60+ minutes in the afternoon, unless the Magic Kingdom is less crowded than usual.

Length: 3 minutes

Rating: 6/10

Pooh’s Hunny Hunt: Pooh’s Hunny Hunt opened at Tokyo Disneyland on September 4, 2000.  It is the only ride in the world to use a “trackless” local positioning system to move ride vehicles.  With a rumored budget of over 130 million dollars, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt is one of Disney’s most expensive rides and is only found in Japan.  Hopefully a similar ride will be built in the United States soon.  Read all about it here.

Commentary: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is superior to Snow White’s Scary Adventures in almost every way, but it is still not particularly exciting or engaging for most adults.  The ride is definitely cute, but it isn’t worth waiting a long time for unless you have kids that will particularly enjoy it.  There’s nothing scary about the ride and most youngsters thoroughly enjoy it.  Adult riders who have an affinity for Winnie the Pooh will enjoy it as well.  Expect long lines in the afternoon, so use a FASTPASS or return late into the evening.  Most families with young children usually leave the Park in the evening or are waiting for the fireworks show by 8pm.  This presents an excellent opportunity to hit the Fantasyland rides aimed at youngsters.

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Mickey’s PhilharMagic 3D Theater Show at Disney World Orlando

by josh on May 15, 2010

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Opened: October 3, 2003

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: Yes, but not usually necessary

Type: 3D Theater show

Similar To: Muppet Vision 3D

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Low.  The 3D effects may disturb the very young.  If they do, try taking the 3D glasses off.

What to Expect: Mickey’s PhilharMagic takes place in a large, comfortable, air-conditioned theater that seats about 500 people.  The enormous screen in the front of the theatre measures about 150-feet across and was the largest of its kind when it was constructed (there’s now a similar show at Hong Kong Disneyland).  This is Disney’s newest 3D show and by far their most clever and entertaining.  There are also several “4D” effects throughout the show to make it an even more immersive experience.  As you might expect, Mickey’s PhilharMagic stars Mickey Mouse with special appearances by Donald, Ariel, Aladdin, Simba, Lumiere and many other classic Disney characters.  Unlike It’s Tough to be a Bug or Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, there is nothing here that will scare youngsters.

When To Go: Visit in the late afternoon or whenever you need a break from the crowds and heat.  This is one of the most relaxing areas at the Magic Kingdom so take advantage of it.

Expect to Wait: Mickey’s PhilharMagic is overlooked by many who assume it’s just another “kiddie Fantasyland ride.”  Coupled with the fact that it seats about 500 people per show, waits are generally less than 20 minutes and you will usually only have to wait for the next show to start.

Length: 12 minutes

Rating: 10/10

A Lot of Talent Went Into This One: Sir Timothy Miles Bindon Rice, who wrote the lyrics for Aladdin and The Lion King returned to arrange the music for Mickey’s PhilharMagic with the help of composer Alan Menken, who has won Oscars for his work on The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas.  Original animators were used to pen the scenes whenever possible.

Commentary: Hands down, this is the best 3D show at Disney World and one of the top five attractions at the Magic Kingdom.  It’s a delightful show and one that all visitors should enjoy immensely.  Although the novelty of 3D has waned a bit with the emergence of so many 3D films, Mickey’s PhilharMagic is still an amazing achievement and succeeds because of the quality of the writing, music, and animation.  This is a must-do attraction, so make sure you don’t overlook it like so many other people.

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Peter Pan’s Flight Rating Review at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

Peter Pan’s Flight

Opened: October 3, 1971

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: Yes and you definitely want one if you aren’t riding during a recommended time. Unless you’re visiting on a particularly uncrowded day, you’ll want to pick up your FASTPASS before lunch as well.  They often sell out by the early afternoon.  You absolutely do not want to find yourself in the regular line during afternoon hours.

Type: Dark ride

Similar To: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Snow White’s Scary Adventures

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: The queue for Peter Pan’s Flight offers little entertainment and moves extremely slowly.  Once you finally make to the front of the line, you will board a slow moving vehicle themed like a pirate galleon that seats two to three people in a single row.  The best effect this ride offers is the sense that you’re actually flying through Peter Pan’s world because the vehicles are suspended from the ceiling.  The galleon will take you through several scenes from the Peter Pan story and features animatronic versions of Peter, along with Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, and the Lost Boys.

When To Go: You’ll want to visit this ride with a FASTPASS unless you hit it early in the morning or late into the evening.  Since it’s on the way between Space Mountain and Splash Mountain you may be able to sneak it in between riding the two in the early morning.  If the wait is 10 minutes or less when you pass it then I would recommend riding.  Also consider visiting during the last two hours of evening Extra Magic Hours when the line should be much shorter.

Expect to Wait: It’s not uncommon for Peter Pan’s Flight to have the longest wait at the Magic Kingdom, despite not being a major attraction.  This is due to Peter Pan’s popularity and the fact that each vehicle only holds two people.  Expect lines to exceed 60 minutes by lunch and be in the 90 minute range in the afternoon and evening, even during slow seasons.

Length: 2 minutes 30 seconds

Rating: 7/10

Commentary: This is a tough one to rate because it’s an excellent attraction for young children and anyone else who will appreciate a bit of “Disney magic.”  On the other hand, it will do nothing for the die-hard thrill seekers or those who don’t appreciate a slow moving ride with dated animatronics.  The theme is excellent and the ride is fun, but don’t expect a roller coaster or thrills because you won’t find them here.  It’s not uncommon to overhear riders saying “Wow, I can’t believe I waited an hour for that.”  This may be the most overrated ride at Disney World, but families and those with young kids will probably love it.  Peter Pan’s Flight, like most rides, is best if you don’t have to wait long for it.  Be sure to get a FASTPASS or return at the end of the night if you aren’t here before 10am in the morning.

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Snow White’s Scary Adventure Review Disney Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

Snow White’s Scary Adventures

Opened: Originally opened on October 1, 1971 and reopened after a refurbishment in December 1994

Location: Fantasyland

Extra Magic Hours: Although it isn’t listed, it will likely be open in the evening.

FASTPASS: No

Type: Dark ride

Similar To: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan’s Flight

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Medium for kids under the age of six or so; low for everyone else.  This ride is dark and the evil witch is more prominently featured than you might expect.  If your kids were scared on other similar rides or are otherwise easily frightened then you may want to skip this one.  You won’t be missing much.

What to Expect: Riders board six-person, slow moving vehicles themed like mine cars.  The vehicles take riders through several scenes that tell the story of Snow White with the help of animatronics and special effects.  Generally speaking, Snow White’s Scary Adventures scares young riders and bores older ones.

When To Go: After dinner is usually best.  I wouldn’t waste precious morning time on this one because you should be able to ride in the evening with a nominal wait.

Expect to Wait:  Expect waits in the 20 minute range before lunch and 30 minutes after.  Lines may be nonexistent in the early morning and late evening.

You Died in the Original: The 1994 refurbishment brought many changes to Snow White’s Scary Adventure.  In the original, the evil witch throws a jewel at your mine car and the next scene insinuates that the large rock murdered your entire party.  In addition, Snow White was nowhere to be found.  Disney thought it would be clear that riders were experiencing the story as if they were Snow White.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get it and didn’t particularly appreciate the part where we were killed off either.  The current version has a much happier ending, but may still scare youngsters.

Length: 2 minutes

Rating: 4/10

Commentary: This is a short, dated ride with lousy special effects and a weak storyline.  If the wait is minimal then you might as well ride, unless your group includes kids that are easily frightened of witches or the dark.  Overall, this isn’t a must-do attraction and you won’t be missing much if you choose to skip it.

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Frontierland Introduction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park

by josh on May 14, 2010

Frontierland is located in the northwest corner of the Magic Kingdom, above Adventureland and to the left of Liberty Square.  The theme is the American Wild West in the early 1800s, which should be evident from the saloons (that don’t serve alcohol), red rock buttes, log buildings, and general cowboy and Indian vibe.  Frontierland is one of the most popular sections of the Magic Kingdom, despite only having two rides, a dated animatronics show, and an exploration and playground area.  This popularity, of course, is due to the fact that those two rides are Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which are among the best rides in all of Disney World.  Country Bear Jamboree, the 15 minute audio-animatronics show starring a variety of robotic wildlife, will serve as a nice air-conditioned break, but may not be worth visiting if you’re short on time.  Only accessible via a raft, Tom Sawyer’s Island is located in the middle of the Rivers of America.  On the Island, you’ll find a large fort-themed playground for kids, caves and wilderness to explore, a quick-service refreshment stand, and plenty of benches to relax on while enjoying a treat away from the much more crowded mainland.

Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Café is Frontierland’s main counter service and one of the three best at the Magic Kingdom, although it’s probably third on that list behind Columbia Harbor House and Cosmic Ray’s.  Visit primarily for hamburger/wrap/salad fare.  Of course, shops outnumber attractions or places to eat.  You’ll find five shops offering the usual merchandise as well as Old West themed goods.

Click the highlighted links throughout this post to read full reviews of the restaurants mentioned.  Read on for the full reviews of the rides and attractions, or click here if you’ve landed on this page from another source.  To the right you will also find categories leading to reviews of all the other attractions, restaurants, and resorts at Walt Disney World.

Must visit: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain

Visit in the afternoon or whenever you need a break from walking: Country Bear Jamboree, Tom Sawyer Island

FASTPASS Available: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain

Morning Extra Magic Hours: None

Evening Extra Magic Hours: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Review Disney Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 14, 2010

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Opened: September 23, 1980

Location: Frontierland

Extra Magic Hours: Evening

FASTPASS: Yes, and you’ll want one unless riding early in the morning

Type: Roller coaster

Similar To: Expedition Everest

Requirements: Must be 40” or taller to ride

Scary Factor: Medium.  Big Thunder Mountain is tame for a roller coaster by just about any definition, but it still moves forward with a maximum speed of about 30 miles per hour.  There are no corkscrews, inversions, or significant drops.  If you adamantly “hate” roller coasters then this probably won’t be for you, but anyone who enjoys Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, or any similar roller coaster will enjoy Thunder Mountain.  If Expedition Everest is a 7/10 on the intensity scale then Big Thunder Mountain is about a 4, if that.

What to Expect: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s queue is long, winding, and incredibly boring.  While mostly covered and relatively cool once you make it into the building, it’s still outside and there is very little to see or do while waiting.  The ride is themed like you’re on a runaway train as it careens down Thunder Mountain without a conductor or a crew.  Each train has five cars that can seat up to three people in each of its three rows, for a maximum of 45 people per train.  The emphasis is on the scenery and theme rather than exciting drops or turns.  Pay attention to the authentic mining equipment strewn throughout the ride and the 20 animatronic animals.  Unlike some coasters, the wildest ride is in the back row rather than the front, so request the front car for a tamer ride or the back car for a slightly more exciting trip.  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a good “beginner’s coaster” for people who aren’t sure what they can handle.  If this is too much for you, then you probably want to stay away from Disney’s other coasters.  If you thoroughly enjoy it, then you should enjoy Space Mountain and be ready to try Expedition Everest and Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster.

When To Go: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a headlining ride and one you’ll want to ride as early in the day as possible, with a FASTPASS, in the final hour the Magic Kingdom is open, or during evening Extra Magic Hours.  Avoid in the afternoon unless for some reason the line is 30 minutes or less.  This is also a ride that is even more fun in the dark, so you may want to return late in the evening if possible for a second ride.

Expect to Wait: Expect waits in the 40 minute range by lunch and in the 60 minute range in the afternoon.  Of course, lines will be longer during Peak and Holiday seasons.

Length: 3 minutes 30 seconds

Rating: 9/10

Commentary: While not really a thrill ride compared to coasters at Six Flags or Universal Studios, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of Disney’s best-themed rides and a real treat for anyone who appreciates Disney magic.  On the other hand, it may be a bit of a letdown for diehard “thrill junkies” because thrills aren’t what this ride is about.  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is also a good introduction to roller coasters for anyone who isn’t sure what they can handle and I would recommend it to people who are uncertain about whether they will enjoy Disney rides.  Do your best to get here during your vacation because this is really what Disney World is all about.

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Country Bear Jamboree Review Rating Disney Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 14, 2010

Country Bear Jamboree

Opened: October 1, 1971

Location: Frontierland

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Animatronic theater show

Similar To: Enchanted Tiki Room, Hall of Presidents

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: Country Bear Jamboree is another of the older audio-animatronic theater shows, this time featuring 18 bears, a buffalo, a raccoon, a stag, and a moose.  The bears put on a 17-minute show full of corny jokes, songs, and gags.  The theater is comfortable and air-conditioned. Refurbished in 2008, the Country Bears now have better audio and slightly improved animatronics, but the show otherwise remains the same.

When To Go: This is another good one to visit in the afternoon heat, whenever you need a break from standing, or while you’re waiting for a FASTPASS to become due.

Expect to Wait: Shows run continuously and it’s unlikely you’ll have to wait any longer than it takes for the previous show to end.

Length: 15 minutes

Rating: 4/10

Disney’s Mineral King Ski Resort: Ever heard of Disney’s Mineral King Ski Resort?  No?  It’s probably because it never came to fruition.  In the 1960s, Walt Disney wanted to open a ski resort.  The final plans included 27 ski lifts and housing for more than 2 million visitors per year.  Although the Sierra Club had originally backed a ski resort in the area, they changed their minds when they realized the size and scope of the plans.  After years of lawsuits the preservationists finally won and the land was annexed by the United States government and became part of Sequoia National Park.  Country Bear Jamboree was originally planned as entertainment for that resort, but was moved to Florida after the project was canceled.

Commentary: Country Bear Jamboree is more likely to be favored by kids under the age of ten and adults who appreciate classic Disney attractions.  Teenagers and adults that don’t care much for dated animatronics and corny jokes are better off skipping, unless an air-conditioned theater sounds like a pleasant place to spend 15 minutes in the middle of the day.  Country Bear Jamboree is somewhat popular due to its proximity to Splash Mountain, but it’s unlikely that you’ll have to wait for more than one show to end before admission.  If you enjoyed the Enchanted Tiki Room then you’ll enjoy this one as well.  On the plus side, Country Bear Jamboree is much more comfortable.

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