Ride and Attraction Reviews and Information

Primeval Whirl Disney Animal Kingdom AK Review Information

by josh on September 2, 2010

Opened: April 18, 2002

Location: Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama in DinoLand USA.  It’s located across from TriceraTop Spin in the middle of the area.

Extra Magic Hours: Morning

FASTPASS: Yes.  FASTPASS return times are generally 40 to 60 minutes out, making this a low priority.

Type: Spinning Roller Coaster

Similar To: Nothing similar at Disney World.  It’s basically a “Wild-Mouse” roller coaster similar to ones found at many state or county fairs, except the ride vehicles spin throughout the ride.

Requirements: Must be 48” tall to ride

Scary Factor: Medium.  Primeval Whirl isn’t as intense as Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, Dinosaur, or other roller coasters, but it is more thrilling than Peter Pan’s Flight or Pirates of the Caribbean.

When To Go: Try to ride before 11am, after 4pm, or with FASTPASS in the afternoon.  Because it loads slower, has a lower capacity, and is shorter than DINOSAUR, ride before DINOSAUR in the morning.

Expect to Wait: Lines are usually 20 minutes or less before 12pm and may increase to 30+ minutes in the afternoon.  Wait times longer than that are rare.

Length: About two minutes with a 30 second ascension at the beginning.

What to Expect: Primeval Whirl is a short, spinning, “Wild Mouse” type ride that seems like it belongs in a carnival rather than a billion dollar Disney World Park.  Nonetheless, this is precisely what Disney wanted and it fits in with the overall theme of the area which is full of other carnival games and rides.  The idea behind it is that Chester and Hester wanted to capitalize on the popularity of the nearby archaeological dig.  Primeval Whirl is themed to be a cheap knockoff of the much more spectacular DINOSAUR attraction nearby.  The one problem with Primeval Whirl is that it’s extremely jerky and the attraction can stop abruptly, causing the head and body to snap back and forth against the restraints.  Anyone with even a hint of back problems should avoid this ride.  Despite potential jerkiness, it is a fun ride and the theme is distinctly funky.

Where to Sit: Each vehicle seats a maximum of four people.  If you would prefer the ride to spin less, try to even out the weight on both sides of the ride vehicle.  For example, have one adult and one child on each side rather than two children on one side and two adults on the other.  This will result in the ride spinning less.  Conversely, load one side heavier if you would like the vehicle to spin more.  There is no way to manually control the amount of spinning like at Mad Tea Party.  The ride does what it wants.

Oops: Reverchon Industries, the amusement ride company that Disney purchased the Primeval Whirl from, filed bankruptcy in 2008 and closed down all manufacturing and operations.

Rating: 6/10

Commentary: Primeval Whirl isn’t a headlining ride, but it’s worth doing if there’s a relatively short wait or if you can FASTPASS it.  It’s extremely short and will be over before you know it.  The ride is jerky though, so if you don’t like spinning or have a particularly bad back or neck then I would consider skipping it altogether.

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Rafiki’s Planet Watch Disney Animal Kingdom AK Review Info

by josh on September 2, 2010

Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Opened: This area used to be called “Conservation Station,” but was renamed “Rafiki’s Planet Watch” in 2001 due to its fledgling popularity.

Location: Planet Watch is only accessible by riding the slow-moving Wildlife Express train that boards in the Africa section of the Animal Kingdom to the right of the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris.  The Wildlife Express ride is about seven minutes each way.  It is not possible to walk to Planet Watch.

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Exhibition, back-stage look at how the Animal Kingdom operates.

Similar To: Innoventions

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero, but some visitors may not appreciate the live animal surgeries that go on during the day.  They are easily ignored if that is the case.

When To Go: Visit once you’ve completed everything else you want to accomplish at the Animal Kingdom.  If you are particularly interested in talking with the veterinarians and wildlife experts, consider making your trek here early in the morning because this is when the majority of the procedures and surgeries will take place.  The area will also be much less busy.  Planet Watch opens 30 minutes after the rest of the Park, so you could ride Kilimanjaro Safaris first and get on one of the first trains to Planet Watch.  Planet Watch usually opens 30 minutes after the rest of the Park and will likely close around dusk.  Check your Times Guide to verify times if you’re planning to head over very early or late.

Expect to Wait: You will need to wait for the Wildlife Express both going and returning from Planet Watch.  Expect to wait about ten minutes minutes each way (for a total wait of 20-30 minutes) unless you time it perfectly and the train arrives just as you walk up.  Planet Watch is not accessible by foot.

Length: There are a variety of exhibits at Rafiki’s Planet Watch and you can do as many or as few as you like.  Expect to spend about five minutes at “Habitat Habitat!” five minutes at “Sounds of the Rainforest,” and 30 minutes or more with the other various exhibits and activities.

What to Expect: Rafiki’s Planet Watch is similar to Innoventions at Epcot in that it’s a nice air-conditioned diversion from long waits in the hot sun.  You’ll find a variety of exhibits that you’ll need to take some time with if you want to get anything out of them.  There are no rides, thrills, or excitement at Planet Watch – just educational exhibits.  Here’s what’s available:

“Affection Section” is a petting zoo of sorts.  While the sheep and goats that are usually present may seem ordinary, most of them are actually species that are endangered or otherwise in danger for some reason.  Be sure to ask the attendants about the species and they’ll tell you about what makes these animals so special.

“Sounds of the Rainforest” takes place in small, dark rooms that seat up to six people.  You put on a headset that plays authentic sounds of the rainforest.  Grandmother Willow from “Disney’s Pocahontas” narrates this auditory exhibit that lasts about five minutes.

“Conservation Station” is the main building at Rafiki’s Planet Watch that houses the majority of the live and hands-on exhibits.  Veterinarians and wildlife experts will be on hand to answer your questions and give insight into how the Animal Kingdom operates.  You can view live camera feeds of backstage areas where the animals are kept as well as a variety of other exhibits featuring a wealth of information on conservation efforts around the globe.  Exhibits and activities can change on a daily basis because the area is actually used for live preparation and animal surgeries, so you never know what you’ll see.

Rating: 5/10

Commentary: Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an out-of-the-way diversion that is not easily accessible.  You will probably want to complete the rest of your itinerary before you make your way over because it isn’t a make it or break it area of the Animal Kingdom for the vast majority of visitors.  While many of the exhibits are interesting and fun, it may be difficult to get a good look at what’s going on because of all of the other guests surrounding the small exhibits.  Consider Planet Watch if you have a particular interest in animals and how they are taken care of or during peak times in the Park when it’s hot and lines are long.

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Tree of Life Disney Animal Kingdom AK Review Information

by josh on September 2, 2010

Tree of Life

Opened: April 22, 1998

Location: Discovery Island

Extra Magic Hours: Sort of.  It’s present 24/7.

FASTPASS: No

Type: Artificial scenery

Similar To: Unique

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

When To Go: On your way to “It’s Tough To Be A Bug” or any other time that’s convenient.

Expect to Wait: No wait

Length: As much or as little time as you like.

What to Expect: The Tree of Life, located near the center of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is a 145-foot tall handcrafted tree.  The Tree is made up of about 9,000 branches with more than 100,000 man-made leaves attached.  Even more impressive than its size is the fact that 325 animals have been meticulously carved into the tree.  You can walk one of the many trails that encircle the Tree of Life and try to identify as many of the animals as possible.

Rating: 10/10

Commentary: Since “It’s Tough To Be A Bug” is located inside of the Tree’s root system, many visitors will quickly walk by without paying any attention to the detailed carvings that cover the Tree.  This is a shame, because the Tree of Life is one of the most impressive spectacles found in any of Disney’s Parks around the world.  Make sure to spend some time admiring the carvings because you won’t see something like this anywhere else.

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TriceraTop Spin Disney Animal Kingdom AK Review Information

by josh on September 2, 2010

TriceraTop Spin

Opened: November 1, 2001

Location: Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama in DinoLand USA across from Primeval Whirl.  It’s smack dab in the middle of DinoLand.

Extra Magic Hours: Morning

FASTPASS: No

Type: Carousel

Similar To: Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Minimal.  Although the ride does move up, down, and side to side, it’s geared towards young children and it shouldn’t frighten anyone.

When To Go: Within the first two hours the Park is open or after 4pm.  This ride is most popular with the preschool age crowd that generally leaves the Park after the Parade.

Expect to Wait: 10 minutes or less during recommended times, up to 20 minutes in the afternoon.

Length: 90 seconds

What to Expect: TriceraTop Spin is similar to the popular Dumbo ride at the Magic Kingdom.  Visitors enter four-person dinosaur vehicles with two rows of two people.  Each row has a joystick that can slightly alter the way the vehicle moves – either up and down or back and forth.  The ride vehicles slowly move around the base of the ride in a circle.

Rating: 2/10 for adults and 9/10 for very young children.

Commentary: TriceraTop Spin is almost identical to Dumbo, except the ride is dinosaur themed, each vehicle holds four people, the line moves faster, and there are two sets of controls in the vehicle.  Groups of teens and adults won’t be missing much if they skip the Spin, but this will be at the top of many younger visitors’ lists.  Unlike Dumbo or Aladdin’s Magical Carpets, there isn’t a whole lot to see once you’re up in the air.  But the wait is mercifully short in the afternoon and it’s not a bad expenditure of five minutes if you’re in DinoLand before 11am.

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Main Street USA Introduction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park

by josh on May 15, 2010

Main Street, USA is the section visitors walk through as they enter and leave the Magic Kingdom.  It generally opens about one half hour prior to the rest of the Park and closes about one hour after the stated closing time, to make sure everyone has a chance to complete their souvenir purchases and finish their meal.  There are no rides or attractions here other than the Walt Disney World Railroad station, but you will find plenty of places to part with your money and the majority of the Magic Kingdom’s sit-down restaurants.  The Photopass center is housed inside of the Town Hall Exposition Center and guest relations is located inside of City Hall.  You will want to agree on a meeting place in case one of the members of your group gets lost and the City Hall is an excellent choice because there will also be people here that can help reunite the lost with the rest of their group.  Main Street is themed like an early 20th century small town and is inspired by Walt Disney’s own childhood.  The buildings look taller than they actually are due to the clever use of forced perspective.  In other words, the second and third floors are shorter than the ground floor, giving the impression that they are taller.  A similar technique is used throughout all of Disney’s theme parks and is most apparent when looking at Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom and Expedition Everest at the Animal Kingdom.

For my full reviews of all of the Magic Kingdom’s sit-down table service restaurants click here and for counter service locations click here.

In short, the Plaza Restaurant is the cheapest sit-down meal at Disney World and serves mostly sandwiches and ice cream.  It’s an excellent and relaxing alternative to a counter service meal with prices in the same ball park.  Tony’s Town Square Restaurant serves basic Italian food similar to what you would receive at the Olive Garden or similar restaurant, but the atmosphere is hard to beat.  The Crystal Palace serves an excellent breakfast buffet and a decent lunch and dinner buffet featuring characters from Winnie the Pooh.  With an early breakfast reservation before the Magic Kingdom officially opens, you will be allowed to enter the Park before anyone else and get some fantastic photo opportunities on Main Street, USA without anyone else in the picture (though you won’t be allowed to leave Main Street).  Casey’s Corner is the baseball-themed counter service location at the end of Main Street that serves below average hot dogs, corn dog nuggets, and not much else.  Finally, the Main Street Bakery serves delicious snacks and desserts and is an excellent location to use Disney Dining Plan snack credits.  The only downside is the slow service and limited seating.

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Walt Disney World Railroad Rating Review at The Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

Walt Disney World Railroad

Opened: October 1, 1971

Location: Main Street, USA with stops in Frontierland and Mickey’s Toontown Fair

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Public transportation

Similar To: Unique

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: The Walt Disney World Railroad is a scenic train ride around the perimeter of the Magic Kingdom.  You can get on at any of the three stations and ride for as long as you like around the 1.5 mile track.  It’s an excellent attraction when you need a cool, seated break from the crowds and heat, but don’t want to sit in a theater.  The train travels at about 10 miles per hour and it takes about 20 minutes to make a complete circle, including stops.  Be aware that rental strollers are not allowed on the train.  You will need to remove your belongings, name card, and have your receipt handy to pick up a new stroller at your final destination.

When To Go: Visit whenever you need a break or want to travel to Frontierland, Mickey’s Toontown Fair, or Main Street USA without walking.  The trains usually stop running one hour prior to the beginning of the fireworks show due to the track’s proximity to the fireworks staging area and do not resume service after.  Also avoid prior to parades because the trains do not run then either.

Expect to Wait: The shortest waits are usually at the Main Street, USA stop.  Lines may exceed 20 minutes at the other stops, depending on time of day and season.  Consider walking where you’re going if you’re in a hurry – it will probably be quicker.

Length: 20 minutes for a full rotation, but you can stay on as long as you like or get off at any of the stops.

Rating: 7/10

Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia: Like Cinderella’s Golden Carousel, the four trains that service the Walt Disney Railroad are authentic, originally built by Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia between 1916 and 1928.  In 1968, The Disney Company purchased the trains from the Ferrocarriles Unidos de Yucatan where they hauled freight and passengers on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.   The trains carry more than 1.5 million people per year, making this one of the busiest railways in the United States.

Commentary: The Disney World Railroad is a relaxing way to get off your feet for a while and end up in another part of the Magic Kingdom.  Be wary of long waits because you can probably walk where you’re going faster than it would take to wait and ride the train.  Still, it’s the easiest way to get to Toontown and a fun chance to see parts of the Magic Kingdom that you might miss by simply walking around in a hurry.

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Adventureland Introduction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Theme Park

by josh on May 15, 2010

When walking up Main Street, USA, Adventureland is the first land on the left, directly underneath Frontierland.  Its theme is a hodgepodge of exotic locales, including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, South America, and the Pacific Islands.  There are two distinct areas in the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland – The Arabian Village and Caribbean Plaza.  Most people are in too much of a hurry to appreciate the lush surroundings, so do yourself a favor and take at least a few minutes to look around in between dodging strollers and eating Mickey ice cream bars.  Adventureland features five attractions.  The two best and most popular are the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean.  The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) is a somewhat relaxing audio-animatronics theater show that is both seated and air-conditioned, making it a nice stop during hot afternoons.  The Magical Carpets of Aladdin is almost a carbon copy of other hub and spoke carousel rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and TriceraTop Spin, only this one has a distinctly Arabian theme.  Finally, the Swiss Family Treehouse is a walking exhibit that towers high over the Magic Kingdom.  Although not particularly awesome, it does offer some outstanding views from the top and anyone who has seen the Swiss Family Robinson movie will enjoy it.

There are “only” three places to shop in Adventureland. Luckily, they offer a wide range of goods, including a wealth of merchandise from the popular Pirates of the Caribbean franchise that will be popular with young boys (and perhaps grown men as well).  Adventureland does not have a sit-down restaurant and no reliable counter-service option either, making it a poor destination for lunch.  El Pirata Y el Perico Restaurante is the quick service that sells Mexican type food, but it’s only open “seasonally” which translates to “probably not open when you want to eat there.”  If it is open and you’re in the mood for a taco then it is a fine choice.  You’ll also find Aloha Isle here, home of the famous Dole Whip.

I would recommend visiting Adventureland in the afternoon.  There’s really nothing here that needs to be ridden immediately in the morning, although the Jungle Cruise does have long lines in the afternoon.  Getting a FASTPASS for Jungle Cruise and then riding Pirates of the Caribbean and visiting the Enchanted Tiki Room usually works well, although your FASTPASS time may be later in the day during Peak and Holiday season.

Scroll down to view the full reviews of the rides and attractions mentioned in this post or click here if you’ve landed on this post from a source other than the categories to your right.  There are also reviews of every other attraction, restaurant, and resort at Disney World on this website.

Must visit: Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean

Visit in the Afternoon for a Break if Time Allows: Enchanted Tiki Room

Skippable: The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Swiss Family Treehouse

FASTPASS Available: Jungle Cruise

Morning Extra Magic Hours: None

Evening Extra Magic Hours: Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean

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Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management Review Disney World

by josh on May 15, 2010

Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management

Opened: Originally opened October 1, 1971 and reopened “Under New Management” April 5, 1998

Location: Adventureland

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Animatronic theater show

Similar To: Country Bear Jamboree

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Low.  There is a short scene with lightning, thunder, and momentary darkness, but it shouldn’t overwhelm most kids.  If your child is easily frightened then this may be another to skip, but everyone over the age of six or so should be fine.

What to Expect: The Enchanted Tiki Room is another animatronics theater show.  This time, the main characters are Zazu from The Lion King and Iago from Aladdin.  The theater is air-conditioned, but the seats are uncomfortable and have no back, which makes this much more uncomfortable than The Hall of Presidents or other similar theater shows.  Also be aware that most of the show goes on above you, so you’ll need to be looking up if you want to see what’s going on.  The show is mostly a musical with prerecorded audio and some jokes and filler narrative to piece together the story of the two birds trying to run a successful theater show.

When To Go: Visit in the mid-afternoon, before or after the Pirates of the Caribbean (depending on the line for Pirates).  The show is air-conditioned and relaxed, which makes it a good place to get out of the heat and away from the crowds.

Expect to Wait: This isn’t a popular attraction so waits shouldn’t exceed 20 minutes.  Most likely, you’ll just have to wait for the previous show to end before being let into the theater.

Length: 10 minutes

Rating: 4/10

The Original: Whenever Disney changes anything, they get hundreds, if not thousands of letters begging the company to keep things the way they were.  The same thing happened with the Enchanted Tiki Room.  The original attraction was a carbon copy of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland, which opened in 1963 and marked their first use of audio-animatronics.  Disney went ahead with the renovation in September of 1997 and reopened the show “under new management” eight months later.  To this day you’ll hear complaints about how the “new show” pales in comparison to the original.

Commentary: If you enjoy Gilbert Gottfried, the voice of Iago, you’ll enjoy this attraction much more than someone who doesn’t.  It’s not necessarily “bad,” but it certainly isn’t an attraction in the same league as most of the other rides at the Magic Kingdom.  It also isn’t as comfortable.  If you’ve never seen it and have extra time or need something to tide you over while you wait for your Jungle Cruise FASTPASS time, then this is a decent diversion.  Otherwise, I wouldn’t make a point of getting here if you’re in a time crunch and don’t enjoy dated audio-animatronics shows.

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Jungle Cruise Rating Review at Disney World Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

Jungle Cruise

Opened: October 1, 1971

Location: Adventureland

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: Yes

Type: Boat ride

Similar To: Living With the Land, The Great Movie Ride

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: The queue for the Jungle Cruise is deceptively long and winding so don’t ignore the posted wait time if the line appears short at first glance.  The queue is covered and cooler than many other parts of the Park, but it isn’t indoors or air-conditioned.  Once you make it to the front of the line you will board a slow-moving tramp-steamer themed boat that holds about 40 passengers and has a maximum speed of just over two miles per hour.  The boat will travel through several scenes that feature audio-animatronic animals from three continents and lush tropical landscaping.  Each boat features a live cast member that will narrate your voyage and tell a variety of bad jokes and puns.

When To Go: I would recommend getting a FASTPASS for this ride in the early afternoon and then getting in line to ride Pirates of the Caribbean or another close by Adventureland attraction with a minimal wait.  “Aloha Isle” is nearby as well and serves the ever-popular Dole Whip http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dole_Whip which you may want to try as well.  Otherwise, return in the late evening when the line is shorter.  You don’t want to be stuck in the regular line in the afternoon because it’s long, boring, and still fairly hot.

Expect to Wait: This is a slow-loading ride that’s popular with families because of its proximity to Pirates of the Caribbean and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin.  Expect waits in the 30 minute range by lunch and 45 minute range in the afternoon.

Why So Serious? The original version of the Jungle Cruise featured a much more serious narrative, rather than the slightly humorous version you’ll hear today.  In addition, the water is dyed the dark color so you can’t tell that the water is less than five feet deep in most places.

Length: 9 minutes

Rating: 5/10

Commentary: This is another difficult ride to rate because it’s a classic Disney attraction that certain types of people will enjoy much more than others.  Be aware that this is a slow ride with what could be considered “dated” animatronics and effects.  The Jungle Cruise is basically the same as it was 40 years ago so it’s not going to knock your socks off like newer rides might.  The narrative is purposefully corny which may or may not amuse people.  It’s best to go into these classic kinds of rides with an open mind and appreciate them for what they are.  Most kids are mesmerized by the scenes, effects, and sounds, but it probably won’t impress most adults.  Ride if it sounds like it’s something you might enjoy, but skip it if you don’t have kids or the line is too long.

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Magic Carpets of Aladdin Rating Review Disney Magic Kingdom

by josh on May 15, 2010

Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Opened: May 24, 2001

Location: Adventureland

Extra Magic Hours: Evening

FASTPASS: No

Type: Carousel

Similar To: Dumbo the Flying Elephant, TriceraTop Spin

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is almost an exact replica of TriceraTop Spin and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.  Riders board magic carpet themed vehicles attached to the middle hub.  The hub spins and the vehicles in turn spin slowly along with it.  Riders in front can move the carpet up or down and riders in the back control whether or not the carpet is slightly tilted forward or backward.  One slightly fun addition is the camel that spits water.  Riders can try to position their carpet to hit or miss the water stream.  The water stream is relatively weak, so don’t expect to get too wet even with multiple direct hits.

When To Go: If you’re skipping the roller coasters and Splash Mountain then you’ll want to make your way here after completing the child-friendly Fantasyland rides in the morning.  Otherwise, save this for after dinner, during a parade, or during evening Extra Magic Hours.

Expect to Wait: This is an extremely slow loading ride, but isn’t as popular as Dumbo so lines are shorter.  Expect waits in the 30 minute range throughout the day except for the early morning and late evening when they should be considerably shorter.  If the line exceeds 20 minutes I would return later.

Length: 90 seconds

Rating: 4/10

Commentary: This will be an entertaining ride for the younger set, but an easy skip for adults unless there’s virtually no line.  The ride itself is not much more than a generic midway ride with a Disney theme.  For adults, I would save this for evening Extra Magic Hours when it should be a walk-on.  If there’s still a long line then you won’t be missing much and won’t have wasted precious time waiting in line during the day.

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