Top 10 Disney's Animal Kingdom Attractions

Once again, here is one of my highly subjective top 10 lists, this time I attempt to rank my favorite rides/attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom:

1. Expedition Everest: Expedition Everest is a high-speed train adventure that combines roller coaster-like thrills with a theme based on the folklore of the ferocious yeti or abominable snowman.

2. Kilimanjaro Safaris: An open-sided, 32-passenger safari jeep takes you on a fascinating adventure through the 100-acre “Harambe Reserve” in the remotest regions of Africa during Kilimanjaro Safaris, where you can view some of the earth’s most incredible creatures.

3. Festival of the Lion King: Based on the extremely popular animated movie, this production features songs from the film and a cast of familiar faces, including Simba, Timon and Pumbaa.

4. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail: The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is a walk-through attraction that takes you through a beautiful tropical forest with many interesting animal habitats along with way.

5. Maharajah Jungle Trek: The Maharajah Jungle Trek is a walk-through attraction that winds through the ruins of an Indian temple and takes you through a variety of exotic animal habitats.

6. Kali River Rapids: Climb aboard a 12-passenger raft and prepare to get soaked as you experience the turbulent rapids of the Chakranadi River during the Kali River Rapids flume ride – an amazing whitewater adventure!

7. DINOSAUR: The DINOSAUR thrill ride allows you to travel back in time 65 million years and come face to face with a variety of menacing prehistoric creatures!

8. Primeval Whirl: A wacky roller coaster, Primeval Whirl allows you to take a spin through time and features plenty of sharp turns, curves and dips along the way!

9. It's Tough to be a Bug!: This incredible 3-D adventure features characters such as Flik, Hopper and Princess Atta from Disney’s 1998 animated film, A Bug’s Life.

10. Tree of Life: The icon of Disney's Animal Kingdom, Tree of Life is a 14-story, 50-foot-wide tree sculpted with animal carvings by more than a dozen skilled artisans.

Expedition Everest Video

Jungle Cruise Riverboats

During your Jungle Cruise river adventure at Adventureland in Disney's Magic Kingdom, pay special attention to the name of your riverboat, which might be Amazon Annie, Bomokandi Bertha, Congo Connie, Ganges Gertie, Irrawaddy Irma, Kwango Kate, Mongala Millie, Nile Nelly, Orinoco Ida, Rutshuru Ruby, Sankuru Sadie, Senegal Sal, Ucvali Lolly, Volta Val, Wamba Wanda or Zambesi Zelda.

Remember the Mickey Mouse Revue?

One of the original attractions at Disney's Magic Kingdom when the theme park first opened its doors in 1971, The Mickey Mouse Revue in Fantasyland closed in 1980 and was shipped to Tokyo Disneyland. Mickey's PhilharMagic now occupies the former site of The Mickey Mouse Revue.

For more interesting Disney World history, visit the Walt Disney World Timeline.

Top 10 Orlando Kiddie Rides

I asked my kids (ages 6 and 7) to rank their favorite rides at Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. Not too surprisingly, kiddie coasters dominated their highly subjective list!

1. The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm - Disney's Magic Kingdom
A “mild but wild,” kid-friendly roller coaster, The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm involves a 1920’s-era, crop-dusting biplane that takes off from Goofy’s barn and winds its way erratically around a zany course.

2. Shamu Express - SeaWorld Orlando
Shamu’s Happy Harbor is home to the Shamu Express, a fun-filled kiddie roller coaster.

3. Flying Unicorn - Universal's Islands of Adventure
The Flying Unicorn is a kiddie roller coaster that takes you on a magical coaster adventure through an enchanted forest – with plenty of surprises along the way!

4. Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster - Universal Studios
Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster takes you on a family-friendly, one-minute adventure aboard the eight-car Knothead Express.

5. Cinderella's Golden Carousel - Disney's Magic Kingdom
The fully restored carousel features intricate hand-carved designs, 90 brightly decorated horses, more than 2,300 lights and hand-painted murals based on the Cinderella story.

6. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - Disney's Magic Kingdom
Visit Pooh and all of his friends – including Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga, Rabbit, Baby Roo and Owl – and join them on a fun-filled adventure through the Hundred-Acre Wood.

7. Magic Carpets of Aladdin - Disney's Magic Kingdom
Take a “whimsical spin” aboard a magic carpet high above the mythical city of Agrabah.

8. Pteranodon Flyers - Universal's Islands of Adventure
A “suspended” or “hanging” roller coaster located in Jurassic Park, Pteranodon Flyers allows you to soar over the Camp Jurassic play area and get a bird’s-eye view of Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

9. The Cat in the Hat - Universal's Islands of Adventure
Take a fun-filled journey through the pages of this classic childhood storybook aboard a spinning couch as The Cat in the Hat and his two mischievous friends – Thing One and Thing Two – try to bring down the house!

10. Caro-Seuss-El - Universal's Islands of Adventure
Not your typical carousel, the colorful Caro-Seuss-El features all of your favorite animals (54 in all!) from such classic Dr. Seuss stories.

2008 Disney's Pirate & Princess Party

The 2008 Disney's Pirate & Princess Party will take place at Disney's Magic Kingdom on select nights starting January 21 through March 14, 2008. This fun-filled after-hours event (separate admission required) allows kids to dress up in costume as their favorite Disney princess or character from Pirate's of the Caribbean and includes a multitude of specially themed entertainment such as Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade and "Magic, Music and Mayhem" fireworks display.

Advance ticket prices for Disney's Pirate & Princess Party are $43.95 plus tax for ages 10 and over and $37.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Day of event ticket prices are $45.95 plus tax for ages 10 and over and $39.95 plus tax for ages 3-9.

For more information about Disney's Pirate & Princess Party, visit the Disney's Pirate & Princess Party Guide.

Disney's Pirate & Princess Party Video

Disney Announces "Toy Story" Musical

"Toy Story - The Musical" will make its debut aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship in April 2008. Read "Disney's Musical 'Toy Story' Takes to the Stage" for more information.

Victoria & Albert's: No Kids Allowed!

Kudos to Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Spa and Resort for instituting a new policy banning kids under the age of 10 from the restaurant. This is a world-class dining establishment with a AAA five-diamond rating, so it seems like a no-brainer to me. I for one have two young kids and I would never consider taking them to a place like Victoria & Albert's even though they are moderately well-behaved in restaurants (as long as we bring along coloring books and their Nintendo DS!). Let's face it, couples make reservations for such a place for a special dining experience that features a seven-course meal (starting at approximately $125 a person!), which can get totally ruined if they are sitting next to some loud, boorish family with hyperactive kids who don't appreciate the place anyway. They'd rather be at the Rainforest Cafe or some character dinner. None of the other Disney World restaurants have the no-kids policy, so there are plenty of other options to take families.

Walt Disney: Motivational Speaker

In addition to being an innovator, visionary and genius, Walt Disney was one heck of a motivational speaker! Below are 10 of my favorite Walt Disney quotes:

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."

"We are not trying to entertain the critics. I'll take my chances with the public."

"Tomorrow will be better as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life."

"I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment. I am never satisfied with my work. I resent the limitations of my own imagination."

"Of all the things I've done, the most vital is coordinating the talents of those who work for us and pointing them toward a certain goal."

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles have strengthened me."

"Get a good idea, and stay with it. Dog it, and work at it until it's done, and done right."

"People often ask me if I know the secret of success and if I could tell others how to make their dreams come true. My answer is, you do it by working."

"If you can dream it, you can do it."

Liberty Tree Tavern Review

Nestled across from the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square, the Liberty Tree Tavern is the perfect spot for a relaxing meal at Disney's Magic Kingdom. It's one of the few Magic Kingdom restaurants with table service, along with a menu full of delicious entrees such as traditional roast turkey (my personal recommendation!), as well as fresh seafood, chicken, sandwiches and salads. In addition, a very popular "character dining" experience takes place nightly at the Liberty Tree Tavern. Due to the popularity of the Liberty Tree Tavern (especially the character dining), I suggest that you make advance reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463). Reservations at any of Disney World's table service restaurants can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Bon appetit!

Top 10 Closed Disney World Attractions

Below is my personal top 10 list of defunct Disney World attractions. I've added videos of these attractions (when I was able to find them on YouTube) on a special Disney World Graveyard page. Check it out!

1. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: Despite an extensive “Save the Toad” campaign, Disney’s Magic Kingdom replaced Mr. Toad with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in 1998 (see Mr. Toad video below).

2. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: One of the original attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, 20,000 Leagues closed in 1994 and has been partially replaced by a Winnie the Pooh playground and Disney character meet & greet area.

3. If You Had Wings: Sponsored by Eastern Airlines, If You Had Wings was one of the few rides at Disney’s Magic Kingdom that rarely drew a line. It was replaced by If You Could Fly in 1987 and now Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin stands on the site.

4. Captain EO: A big-budget 3-D movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Captain EO starred Michael Jackson and Anjelica Huston. It closed down in 1994 and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience now stands on the site in Epcot’s Future World.

5. ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter: This thrilling attraction opened at the site of the former Mission to Mars in Tomorrowland in 1995. ExtraTERRORestrial gained a cult following but has since been replaced by Stitch’s Great Escape.

6. World of Motion: Sponsored by General Motors, World of Motion was one of Epcot’s original attractions. The ride offered a humorous look at the history of transportation and closed in 1996 to make way for Test Track.

7. Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It!: Based on the hit ABC TV show, this Disney-MGM Studios attraction closed in 2006 along Mickey Avenue. A new, yet-unnamed attraction is scheduled to occupy the soundstage in the near future.

8. Plaza Swan Boats: Opened in 1973, the D-ticket Plaza Swan Boats embarked from two Magic Kingdom loading docks: one near the entrance to Tomorrowland and the other near the Plaza Restaurant. The Plaza Swan Boats stopped running in 1983.

9. Mickey Mouse Revue: One of the Magic Kingdom’s original attractions, Mickey Mouse Revue opened in Fantasyland in 1971 and featured an audio-animatronic orchestra of popular Disney characters singing such classics as “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee.” The Mickey Mouse Revue closed in 1980 and was shipped to Tokyo Disneyland. Mickey’s PhilharMagic now occupies the site.

10. Flight to the Moon: Hosted by Mr. Tom Morrow, this “state-of-the-art” Tomorrowland attraction opened on Christmas Eve, 1971 and became hopelessly outdated by 1975 when it was replaced by Mission to Mars. Stitch’s Great Escape now occupies the site.

HONORABLE MENTION: Horizons. This Epcot ride made its debut in 1983 and closed in 1999 to make way for Mission: SPACE. It has developed somewhat of a cult following over the years, although I remember it as a mediocre Future World attraction that dated very quickly.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride Video