If I Can Ride It, You Can Ride It: Hipster Mom's Guide to Disney Theme Park Attractions

     I'm a self-proclaimed ride-weenie, and I feel no shame in that.  Roller coasters and overly jerky rides give me not only that dizzying motion sickness, but any coasters with even the slightest drop make my stomach hurt in this weirdly specific way.  I have some sort of overly-sensitive reflex or something, so when I just go over a little speed-bump in the road, I get that stomach-drop, 'woo-hoo' feeling, that I imagine is what makes roller coasted so exciting for others.  But on a roller coaster, that 'woo-hoo' feeling turns to strange pain in the large and extreme doses a roller coaster provides.  I've met a few others with this same odd phenomenon, but we seem to be in the minority.  As a kid, I was the one more than happy to hold the coats and sunglasses of my various party members as they rode those ridiculous excuses for fun they had at Cedar Point, where I really learned to hone my hate for those metallic contraptions of torture.  You could find me perusing the gift shops, standing in line for the children's mine cart ride, or dipping candles in the "frontier" section of the park.  Basically doing anything but, riding roller coasters.
     But then I visited Disney World, for the first time, in my early twenties; this dream-like place I always wanted to go to as a kid, but never could.  I wanted to experience all the World had to offer, so I researched and researched which rides I would be able to ride, not knowing what to expect.  The internet and society had not yet been inundated with the digital media overload we have today, so I had to rely on pictures, descriptions and testimonials from fan sites and friends who had been there.  Now there are nothing but YouTube ride-through clips on every possible coaster in Disney World and all around the globe.  But I mostly had to just experience the rides myself to get a feel for what I could handle.  Thankfully, Disney World caters to all kids of all ages, so they have plenty of "mild but wild" options to suit my medium-amount-of-thrills taste.
     So here is a comprehensive list, by park, of chicken-rides for those of you that hate roller coasters as much as I do.  This list doesn't contain any shows or walk-through attractions, for brevity's sake, but they are certainly great and fun alternatives to check out while your family is chugging up some monolithic mountain.

Animal Kingdom

1) Kilimanjaro Safaris- This open-air safari ride is more pleasant than bumpy, and even if you are prone to motion sickness, the fresh air will help to off-set any minor dizziness when crossing some of the rickety bridges or traversing rugged roads.  And the beauty and majesty of the animals is well-worth it.

2) Kali River Rapids- This water ride is certainly thrilling, but without being overly jerky and sans any big drops.  There is a small drop; it will seem a bit bigger than it actually is as the tub chunks and chugs up a hill, but it levels off before the drop, so it's fairly mild.  I can't handle any type of large drop, and this is actually fun for me, not painful.  And getting wet; the coolness of the water and open air, lessen any motion sickness possibilities.  I would highly recommend this ride for those who don't like roller coasters, but still want a little excitement, and to enjoy rides with the whole family.

3) TriceraTop Spin- This DinoLand U.S.A. hub-and-spoke ride is fun for kids and adults alike.  I like these particular types of rides because you can control the up-and-down motion with a lever at the front, so you can pretty much pick your own adventure.   The centrifugal motion is also very light and mild, so it isn't very dizzying, especially as it is outside in the fresh air.

4) Dinosaur-  This anchor attraction in DinoLand U.S.A. is certainly the most thrilling of my AK endorsements.  It does have a few jerky moments in the ride vehicle, but I tend to handle that better than any type of drop, so I am okay with that.  It is a really fun attraction, and if you or anyone in your party like dinosaurs, it's really cool.  There are some dark portions of the ride, and some dinosaurs that pop out to surprise guests, which may scare little ones or those who don't like that kind of thing.  Granted, after you have rode this once, you kind of know what to expect, so that particular thrill is lost.  But it is kind of fun to watch family and friends' reactions at that part!  This is not a ride I have to ride every time, but if you are looking for something more wild, than mild, this is a good choice.

Epcot

1) Spaceship Earth-  This is the ride that lies within the iconic geodesic sphere.  It is a gentle and cool trip back in time throughout the ages to learn about the history of human communication through various animatronic vignettes.  There is an interactive screen in all the ride vehicles that help to personalize the experience.  This is a fun and kitschy ride without any jerky movements or drops of any kind, so this is adequate for everyone.

2) The Seas with Nemo and Friends- Climb aboard your 'clamobiles' and set sail throughout a serene underwater world with all the characters from Finding Nemo.  This is a very gentle ride that takes you to the Living Seas exhibits, which include manatees and sea turtles as well as several other aquarium habitats. 
 

3) Soarin'- This main attraction in Future World is a breezy hang-gliding experience over California's iconic landscapes.  You are taken on a sensory journey with not only sights, and sounds, but aromas, the rush of wind on your face and the spray of the sea.  You do ascend pretty high in the air in the ride vehicles, but there are no jerky movements or notable drops.  It's really a remarkable experience, if you don't mind heights.  It is set to debut a new movie which features landmarks from all around the globe, opening in June.

Hollywood Studios

1) The Great Movie Ride- The Great Movie Ride is a temperate tram ride through some of the most memorable cinematic moments in Hollywood history.  With scenes from Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, among others, it is a fun and nostalgic look at film.

2) Toy Story Midway Mania- This 3-D shoot-out arcade ride is as fun as it is dizzying.  There are some jerky movements and spinning in the ride vehicles at times, and it is in 3-D, so it can add to the dizzying effect, but it is very air-conditioned, which helps with motion sickness, as you may know.  The game within the ride is very fun, and it is quite engaging, so that tends to take my mind off any dizzy feelings I may have for a few seconds.  I always want to ride it again after, so I would say, unless you are extremely sensitive to motion and 3-D animation, give this major attraction a try.

Magic Kingdom


1) Dumbo/Magic Carpets of Aladdin/Astro Orbiter-  These are all similar hub-and-spoke rides with a lever to control the up-and-down motion of the individual car, so I am grouping them together.  Dumbo is my favorite, simply because I love the movie, and they have two separate Dumbo rides, so you can essentially ride in half the time.  But if you or your kids enjoy rides like this like we do, then there are different options across several lands of the Magic Kingdom.  Dumbo is in Fantasyland, while the Magic Carpets of Aladdin is in Adventureland, with Astro Orbiter in, you guessed it, Tomorrowland.  Each one is a very similar ride experience, but I will say that Astro Orbiter is elevated higher than the other two, so you do feel a bit more of a rush of adrenaline when riding at that height.  Also, the ride cars on Astro Orbiter seem to be the smallest of the three, so leg room is pretty much non-existent. 

 2) Pirates of the Caribbean-  This is a swashbuckling cruise upon the sea in this indoor aquatic ride.  It's a fairly tranquil sail through multiple animatronic scenes, but it does have a sizeable dip toward the beginning of the ride that can make your stomach drop a bit and often dimly lit.

3) Jungle Cruise- The Jungle Cruise in Adventureland is a classic attraction that takes you on a boat ride through several different river vignettes, like the Congo in central Africa to the Amazon in South America, full of native animals and architecture. I like to think of this ride as proto-Animal Kingdom Park. It's a tranquil river cruise; the only thing that might make you seasick are the skipper's cornball jokes.

4) The Many Adventures of Winne the Pooh- This ride is a journey through the 100-Acre Wood in a honey pot.  It's placid and serene; suitable for just about everyone.

5) Peter Pan's Flight-  This is a breezy ride through various scene's in Disney's Peter Pan in a high-flying pirate ship, as you may have guessed.  It is pretty tame, though the ride vehicles are elevated, so if you have trouble with heights this may not be the most fun.

6)Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA)- This is basically a people-mover that takes you around a narrated ten-minute loop in Tomorrowland.  It's very calm, and a cool respite from the heat.  It travels both outside and inside through some of Tomorrowland's attraction.  If you are a fan of nostalgia, there are model prototypes for what would become Epcot on display, and can only be viewed from the TTA. 

7) Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin- This ride is an intergalactic mission to help Buzz Lightyear stop Zurg and his space army, by aiming infrared canons at various targets throughout the ride to earn points.  It is a fun, arcade style ride, though there are a few jerky movements and some dizzying parts. 

8) Walt Disney World Railroad- The railroad is an often over-looked attraction that has detailed theming that varies from station to station as you are transported to the different lands in the Magic Kingdom.  It's a very gentle and scenic ride that is especially welcome in the heat of midday and an easy way to travel between the lands if you just want a break.  I love trains, and this particular railway is really nostalgic and sweet.

So, those are my picks for all you ride-weenies out there.  No, they may not be as exhilarating as tracking Yetis in the Himalayas or careening down the Briar Patch, but it sure beats holding coats while your family and friends squeal with delight from atop some metallic monstrosity.  There are also plenty of shows, exhibits, and souvenir shops to keep entertained.

Hipster Mom's Guide to Disney's Port Orleans Resort: Riverside and French Quarter

Disney's Port Orleans Resort evokes the spirit and flavor of Louisiana with its riverboats, piping hot beignets, and leisurely, hospitable atmosphere.  Port Orleans is seated on the Sassagoula River; a waterway that connects both sections of Port Orleans with Disney Springs, along with Disney's Old Key West and Saratoga Springs Resorts, nestled in between.

     Port Orleans is in Disney's 'moderate' resort category, which translates to more resort amenities like a full-service restaurant in addition to a quick-service food court, highly themed-pools, larger rooms, and a median price tag versus 'value' resorts and 'deluxe.'  Room rates start around $190 per night, before tax, and run up to $275, depending on room location, type, and season.  Port Orleans Resort is ostensibly broken up into two separate hotels, Riverside and French Quarter.  However, they are within walking distance of one another, and the stroll is quite pleasant along the Sassagoula River.  The beautiful landscaping and architectural details transport you to a lazy river somewhere in the antebellum South.

If that isn't convoluted enough, Port Orleans Riverside is then broken into two sections based on room theme; Alligator Bayou and Magnolia Bend.  The Alligator Bayou rooms, which as the name suggests, is more rustic in its aesthetic, knotty, rough-hewn timbers, plaids in deep hunter greens, crocodile motifs, and squared-off furniture.  The landscape is rural and verdant, with lanky conifers dotting the lodge exteriors that lend to the authentic feel of being on the Louisiana bayou.

Where Alligator Bayou takes its thematic cues from "Cajun Country," Magnolia Bend draws inspiration from the grand and elegant antiquated mansions of the deep south.  Manicured landscapes, Georgian columns, and tranquil fountains create a breezy gentility.  The furniture is more ornately carved in a serene cherry finish, bright white wainscoting, and billowy ecru drapes lend to the under-stated, soft color palette. 

 But to further complicate things, Magnolia Bend has two separate themed room types, the original mansion rooms and the Royal Guest rooms, that were converted to fit a Disney Princess theme.  They also have more of a monarch's price point, as they are priced around $50 more per night, than the regular Mansion or Alligator Bayou rooms.  Washed in dark woods, rich fabrics in regal blues and golds and opulent finishes, the Royal Guest rooms are not overly-princess-y.  It's more stately in tone; the Royal Guest rooms are fit for any prince or princess.   And the headboards contain a special surprise; fiber-optic fireworks!

The Royal Guest rooms are reserved specifically at booking, but you can request Alligator Bayou or Magnolia Bend at check-in, or by calling a Disney reservationist to add the request to the reservation prior to check-in.  Though they may not always be able to accommodate location requests, they have, in my experience, been able to accommodate my room requests. 

      On this particular visit to Disney's Port Orleans Resort, we stayed at Riverside in the Magnolia Bend section in the original mansion rooms.  I really enjoyed the landscaping, theming, and room furnishings, but the rooms themselves are a little small for three people.  There was plenty of room for suitcases and the like, but it just felt like we were constantly bumping into one another walking from one end of the room to the other.  And the beds were supremely uncomfortable.  They were in desperate need of new mattresses, and these were lumpy, hard, and provided no support.  It didn't help matters that these were queen-sized beds instead of the usual king-sized bed we normally reserve.  My husband is 6'5, and I'm 6'1, so the queen bed was just too small for us.  My daughter, on the other hand, loved her "big" queen bed, but she's only a toddler.

Alternatively, Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter is themed around that 'je ne said quoi' of New Orleans.  The spirit of jazz, the buzz of Mardi Gras, the distinctive architecture with its delicate wrought iron and flickering lampposts all add to the romance of this 19th century port city.  And Disney's French Quarter captures that essence, right down to the piping hot beignets.

The colorful buildings, the cascading fountains, and manicured squares create a dreamy exterior.  The room interiors are rife with purples and golds with hints of green, evoking the colors of Mardi Gras.   
 

The rooms at French Quarter are similarly sized and priced as the rooms at Port Orleans Riverside, though French Quarter is a smaller resort, thereby having a lesser number of rooms, than the expansive Riverside.  Both halves of Disney's Port Orleans resort are within walking distance of each other, and I highly recommend meandering between the two resorts, as the scenic pathway lay along the smooth Sassagoula River.  There is also ferryboat transportation and bus transportation that can be used to travel between resorts.

There are also many unique amenities and recreational activities between the two Port Orleans Resorts to enjoy.  There are carriage rides, bicycle rentals, an arcade on both properties, and surrey bikes for additional fees, but there are plenty of activities included in your room package.  There are nightly campfires, Disney movies under the stars, and a playground on Ol' Man Island, at Riverside near the main pool.  There are several pools at each resort.  The main pool at Riverside is the Ol' Man Island Pool, near the lobby.  At French Quarter, the Doubloon Lagoon is a fantastically themed pool central to the resort.  There are also a number of quiet pools at Port Orleans Riverside for those looking for a less whimsical dip.

Clockwise from top: Doubloon Lagoon at French Quarter, quiet pool in Alligator Bayou, Ol' Man Island Pool at Riverside.

Dining options are numerous between the two resorts, with both boasting a Cajun/Creole flavor.  Port Orleans French Quarter's Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is a quick-service food court, and the only dining choice at the French Quarter.  It has typical food court fare, like hamburgers, pasta and chicken nuggets, but it also has a few Creole specialties like jambalaya, gumbo, and beignets.  I was actually happy we were staying at Port Orleans Riverside, because each morning we would walk down to French Quarter to get beignets for breakfast, thus assuaging any lingering guilt I had about scarfing down pillowy squares of powdered sugar delight for breakfast.

There is also an intimate lounge at French Quarter called Scat Cat's Club with a small menu of  appetizers and Creole cocktails that hosts a rotating list of jazz musicians playing nightly, where you can laissez bon temp rouler!

Port Orleans Riverside has more dining options, as it needs to accommodate more guests due to its sprawling size.  They have both a full service restaurant, Boatwright's Dining Hall and The Riverside Mill, a quick-service food court.  Boatwright's serves Cajun dishes like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, and catfish and desserts like bread pudding and pecan pie under the hull of the bones of a large ship that hangs from the ceiling.   The Riverside Mill serves up more pedestrian fare in a bustling market atmosphere, with a slight Cajun twist, like pimiento cheeseurgers, Cajun chicken sandwiches or Shrimp Salad Po' Boys, along with a limited selection of grab-and-go items.  The few mornings we stopped at the Riverside Mill to grab a few items it was always packed to the brim, with long lines, which led us to walk to French Quarter in the first place, where the pace was more manageable. 

Port Orleans Riverside's dining complex is also home to the River's Roost Lounge where you get nibble appetizers and sip specialty cocktails while "Ye Haa" Bob performs piano and light comedy, most nights.

For all the current or recovering shopaholics out there, each resort has a respective gift shop for your perusal.  Riverside has Fulton's General Store, while French Quarter has Jackson's Square Gifts and Desires.  Each sells a limited amount of resort-specific merchandise, and a limited amount of theme-specific merchandise, which greatly disappoints me. 
   
     Fulton's General Store is themed as the name implies, like an old-timey general store, complete with Mickey and friends, in period dress, hanging off displays on stacks of cargo.  There is so much thought and effort put into the design and details of the spacious store, that I guess they ran out of steam for the resort and theme-specific merchandise, as it is severely lacking. 

 Jackson Square, though smaller, seemed to have a least a few items unique to the resort, like Mardi Gras masks, Cafe du Monde beignet mix, and hot sauce, with resort-specific shot glasses and t-shirts, but still overflowing with general merchandise found just about everywhere else on the property.

     As I mentioned, a continual complaint I have is lack of resort-specific or specialized merchandise for sale at the various gift shops.  As a pretty seasoned shopper, it's really a let-down when all the shops seem to stock the exact same, generic Disney wares.  I understand a small selection of various Mickey t-shirts or princess/pirate toys, but it's mostly these items rather than the draw of unique merchandise. I would really like to see resort-specific towels, apparel, and accessories beyond the customary coffee mug and maybe a magnet or trading pin.  I am hoping they will  move away from this general merchandise concept, as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with its huge success, has integrated solely theme-specific merchandise into their shops for total immersion and as not to ruin the illusion.

Port Orleans is a great resort for couples or families alike, no matter which side you choose; the laid-back tranquility of Riverside, or the vibrant atmosphere of French Quarter.  It's reasonably priced in the mid-range of Disney Resorts, without compromising on many of the amenities.  There are plenty of activities, recreation, and pools to keep every member of the family content, along with several dining choices, to keep bellies full.  
      Also, if you would like to take a more in-depth look at the Port Orleans Resort complex, check out this unofficial fan site, www.portorleans.org  It has a ton of information and little-known history about the resort.

Though the rooms were a bit small for my husband and I (and the mattresses in dire need of replacement), it's the ambience of the resort that made our stay so enjoyable.  It's very well-themed with just enough attention to detail to make you feel transported down on the bayou.

Hipster Mom's Guide to Disney's Animal Kingdom Park: Part II

 In Part One of my guide to Disney's Animal Kingdom, we explored the Oasis exhibits, Discovery Island, Africa, and the proposed Pandora: World of Avatar, currently under construction.  In this installment, I will cover Rafiki's Planet Watch, Asia, DinoLand U.S.A., and a look at the new Rivers of Light attraction slated to open soon.

Rafiki's Planet Watch is sort of an anomaly at Disney's Animal Kingdom, mostly because of it's out-of-the-way location.  It's only accessible by train, the Wildlife Express, from a platform in the Africa section of the park, to the right of the entrance to the Kilimanjaro Safari.  The best part of the whole Rafiki Planet Watch experience I think, is actually the train ride itself.   You face to the side, rather than forward or backward, so everyone has a fine view of the scenery.  I enjoy trains anyway, but this ride does offer some cool glimpses behind the scenes at the Kilimanjaro Safari, as you snake your way through the back of the enclosures, and past the animal night buildings.  You may even espy a few animals chilling in their respective paddocks.

It's certainly more educational in nature, (everyone's favorite!), without much draw for thrill-seekers, or even animal lovers, really.  There aren't many 'attractions,' so to speak, or captivating animal exhibits, either.   Upon pulling into the Conservation Station, you will immediately notice the large, colorful animal murals that dominate the landscape.  The murals continue on to the interior of the main building, almost to a dizzying degree, but there are a few cute photo-ops with the large cut-out animals that pepper the room.  It is rather science-center-esque, with various little exhibits or interactive screens teaching different things on conservation and wildlife care.  Occasionally they do have a short talk about a certain animal, which they bring out for a more intimate look.  There are several viewing windows where you can look in on different veterinary work or animal research.  Though every time I've ever been through the exhibit, there's never really much going on in there.  They try to bill it like you can see vet procedures being performed or what-not, but it's rarely the case.  They do have a few reptiles tanks with the occasional turtle, but that's kind of the extent of it.  It's mostly just an air-conditioned place for adults to wander while their kids runs around.

Just about the only neat feature is a small petting zoo, called the 'Affection Section, that may appeal to little ones.  There is a cordoned off barnyard of sorts, with some free-roaming goats, sheep, chubby pigs, and a couple donkeys, that guests can pet, feed and brush.

There is certainly room for improvement at the remote Rafiki's Planet Watch, but if you're just looking for a welcome seat in the shade with the cool breeze generated by the train chugging through the foliage and backstage areas, Rafiki's Planet Watch is worth a trip.

After your leisurely train ride back to Harambe, and a short stroll, the land of Asia is the next section of park you'll come upon.  It is markedly different in architecture and aesthetic from the land of Africa, so you really do feel liked you've walked to a completely separate continent.  The mood is altogether distinct, yet equally as beautiful.  Where Africa is a bustling, equatorial marketplace full of sun-washed shops, Asia has a smokier, shadier; more arcane feel to it.  (Which really adds to the Yeti's mystique.)  Cooler colors abound, along with several ruins and remnants of an ancient and storied culture.  Mythical dragons adorn buildings, signs and even the World's most awesome bench.

After taking in the initial romantic essence of Asia, there are several main draws to be experienced.  Flights of Wonder is the first to be encountered on the path from Africa to Asia.  It is an animal show featuring various exotic birds both on stage and flying overhead.  Macaws, African Grey Parrots, and Hornbilled Hawks are in full display in the peregrine ampitheatre. Shows play throughout the day at various times, which will be posted in the Daily Times Guide for the park.

The next big ticket attraction is Kali River Rapids, which was the anchor ride in the Asia section of the park, until Expedition Everest came along.  It remains a very popular ride, with long wait times in the standby line, especially on hot days, so Fastpass is recommended.  You may want to ride multiple times though, as it is really fun, and you will get pretty soaked, so you may wind up in the standby line anyway.  You are seated in ten-person rafts, that look like large floating tubs, that are sent careening down a serious of rapids and though several waterfalls.  I am a self-proclaimed ride-weenie; I seriously hate roller coasters, but this ride has just the right amount of excitement, without any big drops or dizzying moments.
     The theme, or story behind the ride, which isn't immediately apparent, is a look at the devastation caused by deforestation and illegal logging.  The ride starts out as a tranquil float down a lush river, but soon turns chaotic as the rapids and waterfalls become more intense, and a fire hotly burns, as you rocket past forests being poached, leaving the inhabitants of said forest without home.  A view of a stark landscape then makes its way back to the tropical jungle as conservation efforts commence.  Though Dumbo is my favorite ride, for nostalgic reasons, I think Kali River Rapids is a close second because it has just the right level of adventure for my tastes.

Rushing down Kali River Rapids can build quite an appetite, and there are a few options in the land of Asia to quell that hunger.  There are a couple food stalls or carts dotted throughout the land; but the Yak and Yeti Restaurant is the only sit-down dining spot. Though, it also has a quick-service window for those looking to grab a fast bite.  The architecture has a far-away allure, a calming lilac exterior gives way to an interior full of dark woods contrasted with bright gold metallic sculpture.  It's menu has an Asian flair to it, akin to entrees you'd find at your neighborhood Chinese restaurant, like Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Hoisin, Eggrolls, Wok-fried Green Beans, Tempura Shrimp or a variety of Lo-Mein bowls.  The dishes are very flavorful, but they are a bit restrained when it comes to spice or heat level, to appeal to a broader clientele, I suppose.  The Mango Pie in shortbread crust, or Cream Cheese Wontons with Pineapple are a nice way to cap off the meal.

The Maharajah Jungle Trek is so beautifully themed and detailed, but I think it can sometimes be overlooked as is it nestled among two big-ticket attractions.  It's a mixture of tropical pathways, crumbling ruins, bright prayer flags flapping overhead, and wild animals that seem to have taken over the once-inhabited land.  There are gibbons, giant fruit backs, water buffalo, tigers, and even komodo dragons to discover. It's a relaxing and idyllic meander through expertly-themed habitats.

The biggest, and most popular attraction in Asia, and arguably, all of Animal Kingdom Park, is Expedition Everest: Legend of Forbidden Mountain; a highly themed roller coaster adventure in search of the mythical Yeti that is said to lurk about the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.  As guests snake their way through base-camp, at the foot of the mountain, they are immersed in detail and story throughout the queue.  Gear and supplies fill the Royal Anandapur Tea Company's abandoned offices, while Tibetan temple sculpture hint at the fabled keeper of the mountain. 

As I mentioned, I'm pretty wimpy when it comes to roller coasters, so I don't really ride them, and would be a pretty lousy judge, even if I did.  The story-line, queue, and details injected into the attraction are what I enjoy, like the dork that I am.  The roller coaster ride itself is quite thrilling and wildly popular with typical tourists and roller coaster aficionados, alike.  But there are parts that could scare sensitive folks and kids, as it is dark and full of surprises, along with the drops, twists and turns.  This is a hot attraction, so Fastpass would be your best bet.  I am including a link to a ride-through clip from YouTube, if you would like to know what you are in for when riding for the first time, (or if you just like experiencing the ride again).  The clip contains many spoilers, which I purposefully left out of my review, so if you would prefer the surprise, just skip the link.

Expedition Everest Ride-Through

The long-awaited Rivers of Light Nighttime Spectacular is hopefully nearing an opening date.  There is a new seating area for the show near Expedition Everest.  The show was supposed to open in April, but it was pushed back to some indeterminate time.  Opening Memorial Day weekend will be a sort of Rivers of Light-Lite, featuring characters from the live-action remake of The Jungle Book being projected on a water wall.  Progress is coming along on the actual show in the meantime, so I included some construction updates and artist renderings from around the web, for reference.

The last land to discover in Disney's Animal Kingdom is prehistorically first; it's DinoLand U.S.A.

I didn't quite understand DinoLand when I first experienced it.  It seems out-of-place and sort of cheap-looking compared to the other areas of the park. But after reading up on the backstory a few years later, I totally changed my tune. It's kind of an Imagineer's ode to the kitschy Americana of Route 66's roadside attractions.  Once I read that, it just all clicked. The tacky over-sized dinos and flashy midway games buzzing obnoxiously all became suddenly delightful when viewed through the lense of kitsch and an all-but-forgotten American travel history.  

And it makes sense why they chose to go that route, as Universal has the lock on the Jurassic Park franchise, and it's subsequent Discovery Center, which I think the Dino Institute would seem to broach if it wasn't surrounded by Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama.  

     The premise for the land is that Chester and Hester are enterprising locals that cooked up a crafty scheme in the form of a dino-themed carnival to capitalize on the notoriety that Dino Institute has brought to the area, thanks to some notable fossil finds. 

     DinoLand U.S.A. is anchored by the Dinosaur attraction, where you are hurtled back through time in search of an iguanodon, but you also meet some vicious beasts along the way.  Even with my ride-weenie-ness, I thought this ride was really fun. It's action-packed, and there are a couple jerky movements and startling surprises, but there aren't any drops or spins, if you're sensitive to that kind of thing. 

In the Dino-Rama section of DinoLand, are not only the midway games, but also a dizzying roller coaster called the Primeval Whirl, and a hub-and-spoke ride akin to Dumbo, called Triceratop Spin. There is also a fun play area for the little ones, called the Boneyard where they can run around, climb and even dig for fossils.  There is a quick-service restaurant, aptly called Restaurantosaurus and a few other food booths, like the cleverly-named Trilo-Bites. 

I've come to love DinoLand U.S.A., just as I love all of the different lands and exhibits at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Every Disney World fan has their favorite park, but Animal Kingdom happens to be mine.  From its immersive animal exhibits,  authentic architecture, imaginative theming, or exciting thrill rides; Disney's Animal Kingdom is a wild time, featuring animals both real and vividly imagined.