Disney Adventureland

The Disney Adventureland is an area inhabited by spirits, pirates, poachers, and who know what else. You can ride on a Jungle Cruise with th Pirates of the Caribbean dodging Zazu from the Tiki Room ... Laugh it up Fuzzball (oops, wrong movie).

The Disney Adventureland Sign

Beware all who enter here

In Adventureland you can explore far away lands that are full of interesting characters that offer interesting adventures to kids of all ages. You can train to be a pirate, take a ride on a flying carpet, challenge the mighty Tiki gods, or even climb into a tropical tree house that has running water. Most of these attractions have been here since the park opened and are copies of Disneyland rides. These are timeless classics that get better with age.

Attractions

There is something for all ages in Disney Adventureland. The small ones will won't want to miss -

• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin - a small carnival ride like Dumbo only this one has a spitting camel. The Carpet ride is much like Dumbo in Fantasyland.
• Swiss Family Robinson Tree House . Swiss Family Robinson was one of Uncle Walt's first action adventure movies that featured real (not animated people). Hop in line and climb the tree and see how the Robinson family lived. It's amazing. It even has running water.
• Enchanted Tiki Room. This class attraction is under new management. The new management works to come to an agreement with the Tiki gods. Come and watch as José and the Glee Club try to keep Zazu (from the Lion King) out of trouble.

The big rides in this area are some of Disney's best. They appeal to kids of all ages. Here a a couple of blockbusters -

• Jungle Cruise - designed by Uncle Walt himself. It takes passengers into the depths of the jungles of the world. You get to see all the jungle life up close and plastical (Dad just made that word up). The "captain" of the shop will regale you with stories (some of them are even funny) of past expeditions. It's really a hoot and not to be missed.
• Pirates of the Caribbean is the attraction that spawned not one, not two, but three (soon to be four) blockbuster movies, and one bigger than life hero. What little boy doesn't want to be just like Captain Jack Sparrow. (He's my personal hero.) Yo, Ho, Yo, Ho, a pirates life for me... It's hard to believe that song has been around for over 30 years.

Shopping

Disney Adventureland Sign - by JeffB

Shopping is quite unique in Disney Adventureland. The shops are more like you would see in the Indiana Jones movies only not nearly as dusty. Agara Bazaar, The House of Treasure, an The Pirates Bazaar are full of great nick nacks that you can't find everywhere. Who doesn't want a pirates eye patch or thier own flying carpet (motor not included).

There is also the best souviner stands at Walt Disney World. Bwana Bob's the Man-Child's favorite souvenir shop anywhere. He has to buy something there every time we go to Disney World. It features safari gear, including hats and the like.

Dining

Disney Adventureland is not a great place for fine Disney Dining. Fast food and snacks is all that's available in this area. El Pirata Y el Perico has a limited menu of Mexican flavored fast food while the Sunshine Tree Terrace has snacks and drinks. Aloha Isle serves ice cream and drinks.

Entertainment

This is home to Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial. Several times a day pirate lessons are given, sometime led by Captain Jack Sparrow himself to children of all ages. Men and Women, Boys and Girls who want to learn to be a proper pirate. (That's an oxymoron if I ever heard one.) It's a 30 minute lesson on pirate behavior and maybe even a tutorial on those "fuzzy pirate rules".

During the day there is a steady stream of Disney characters that come and sign autographs. You will find characters here that are from the movies that are represented in this area. Mickey and Minnie and some of the regulars show up too. Make sure you have a pen and camera handy.

Every time we visit we have to drive those pesky boats that you'll find beside the Jungle Cruise. Yes, I know, you have to pay an additional dollar or something, but, well, you just have to. It's in our DNA.

Crowds

This area tends to get late crowds. Why? Because they are all following Dad's touring plan, that's why. THE PLAN we use has Disney Adventureland as our last stop of the day. It works for us.

See Dad's Guide to Magic Kingdom Crowds

Take a video tour of Adventureland