A Ride-by-Ride Guide to the Disney World Theme Parks

If you've visited Disney World fifty times or only once you know it's an ever changing theme park, new rides are being added annually while the beloved older rides are updated or refurbished often. When preparing for a family vacation at Disney World it is always best to be prepared. Here is a list and review of the current rides and attractions offered at the four Disney World Theme Park. In this article the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland.

Disney's Adventureland is located to the left of Cinderella's castle. The rides and attractions that can be found in Adventureland are: the Enchanted Tiki Room, the Jungle Cruise, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Swiss Family Tree house.

The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management

The Enchanted Tiki Room is a musical attraction featuring animatronics birds, flowers, and one mean Hawaiian goddess. While waiting in line for the show you will be treated to a little bird banter between to "fowl" agents (voiced by Don Rickles and the late Phil Hartman). The two birds exchange light hearted jabs and debate on who's client is better, Zazu (voiced by Rowan Atkinson) or the parrot Lago (voiced by Gilbert Gottfried).

Once inside the theater the birds will sing and dance while Zazu warns Lago not to disturb the island spirits. Lago of course doesn't listen and the island spirits make themselves known. The show has had a serious update in the past decade, with new characters, new décor, and new updated music.

Wait time: The wait time for this is never too long. You will really only be waiting for the show to complete and the theater to empty.

Age: Children will enjoy this show, but very young ones may be startled or afraid by some loud noises and scary theatrics.

See or Skip: You can definitely skip this one. Kids really won't be missing out and you won't have to sit through 10 minutes of Gilbert Godfrey.

The Jungle Cruise

The Jungle Cruise is a favorite ride for most Disney vacationers. You'll travel by boat down a dirty river as you explore Asia, Africa, and South America. While on this ride you'll come across, lions, mischievous monkeys, and a head hunter. The boat ride takes about 7 minutes and comes complete with a joke telling skipper.

Wait time: It's a long one. Even though this is a continuous ride, the boats do have to stop to allow people to board and depart. If you go to Disney World in the off season your wait will probably be between 10 and 30 minutes. If you go during peak season then you're going to wait at the minimum 60 minutes. There is a fastpass available for this ride.

Age: This ride is suitable for all ages.

See or Skip: This is a must see for kids and adults. I would suggest making this one of the first attractions you see.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin know by most as the Aladdin ride, is a high flying adventure in the sky that will bring a smile to anyone's face. Once at the front of the line you will board your magic carpet which seats four very comfortably. You will find a lever in the front seat of the carpet that controls how high or low you fly, while there is a button in the back that controls how far out or in you can go. There are several camel heads that spit water at you as you fly by. This ride is comparable to the Dumbo Ride and the Astro Orbiter.

Wait time: Because this ride is so popular with the kiddies there is almost always a long wait. If you visit Disney on the off season you are looking at 15 to 30 minute wait. During peak season you're looking at 60 minutes on up. There is no fastpass available for this ride.

Age: This ride is fun for young children and adults who like to see their children smile. Because this is not a thrill ride, the average teenager may find the Magic Carpets of Aladdin too tame.

See or Skip: Your trip certainly won't be ruined if you miss this one.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean has always been a popular ride enjoyed by most. Since the films of the same name have been released things have changed somewhat for this indoor boat ride.

Once you reach the head of the line you will board your boat and float along slowly listening to the sounds of the wind and warnings coming from none other than Davey Jones. After one quick dive down a short flume you find yourself in Port Royal as Captain Barbossa and his crew terrorizes the town and search for Captain Jack Sparrow. You'll soon find yourself in Tortuga, the pirate island watching how pirates really live. Side note: Jack Sparrow shows up three times on this ride and it may be the best animatronics that Disney has ever produced.

Wait time: Bring a book because it's a long one! Regardless of what time of year you visit you are going to have to wait a minimum of 30 minutes. Fastpass is available for this ride and I suggest that you use it.

Age: This ride can be enjoyed by all. Because this is an indoor ride, it is quite dark and may frighten children under 8.

See of Skip: This is another must see. You're Disney family vacation would not be complete if you missed this one.

The Swiss Family Tree House

The Swiss Family Robinson have been stranded on a deserted island and have apparently made their home in a large tree. With this boring attraction you will climb about seven flights of stairs as you see how the Swiss Family Robinson was able to survive. There are several well themed rooms for you to look at and there are many steps that you can climb. Side note: I've been going to Disney for over three decades and I just realized a few years ago that this was an attraction.

Wait time: Absolutely none. This is a continuous attraction.

Age: This attraction is suitable for all ages, though I doubt that it can keep many people's interest.

See of Skip: its definitely one that you can skip. If you feel like you just have to see everything at the Magic Kingdom then I would suggest doing this ride in the evening time when the temperature has cooled down.

Adventureland Shopping

Agrabah Bazaar- offers clothing and gifts of an Indian nature. Located next to the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, here you can also buy Aladdin character merchandise.

Island Supply- here you can by clothing, hats, jewelry, and etcetera. Most items here have a Polynesian theme.

Pirate's Bazaar- this shop offers clothing, jewelry, toys and more all with a pirate theme. This is one of the best shops in the entire Magic Kingdom Park.

Where to eat?

El Pirata Y el Perico Resturante-this restaurant is located right across from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. They serve Mexican food in a counter service environment.

Sunshine Tree Terrace- is a large hut style store where you can get beverages and snacks.