Adventureland

For this writer, Adventureland is a favorite corner of the Magic Kingdom. It’s a contrast to Disneyland, where once you’ve entered this land, you’ve exited it. The pedestrian space is so small. Here, at the Magic Kingdom, Adventureland unfolds through several themes: one that is Bahamian, a corner that is fantasy Polynesia, a marketplace that is Moroccan, a gateway to Colonial Africa, and an entire plaza centered on the Caribbean. There’s so much Adventureland to immerse yourself in–it’s simply a jungle out there!

Stepping over the bridge one sees in the distance a towering treehouse. It invites climbing, but not on an empty appetite. A quick solution is the Sunshine Tree Terrace, home to citrus specialties, and sponsored by Orange Bird–a character unique to Walt Disney World.

Those with a bigger appetite will head on over to the land’s only sit down restaurant, Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen. The same skippers who guided your steamer down the Nile, Amazon and Congo Rivers have opened the doors and kitchens of their tropical headquarters to fellow adventurers and famished families like your own! Ask to sit in one of the rooms in the back. You will feel like you are in another world.

Now about that treehouse. It’s the Swiss Family Treehouse, based on the film created by Walt Disney himself. This is the ultimate home away from home, only in the jungle. You’ll work off your meal, climbing and descending the stairs, all the while enjoying beautiful vistas of the Magic Kingdom.

Exiting from there, we pass by spitting camels and skirt pass a Middle Eastern Bazaar full of Disney tropical treasures.

It’s here we encounter the Flying Carpets of Aladdin.

Stepping down into the boat landing area, we encounter the world famous Jungle Cruise. Here passengers embark on a unique Disney journey, hosted by a boat captain with a really bad sense of humor. Elephants, apes, lions, and hippos are just a few of the animals you encounter.

Then on to the infamous Schweitzer Falls–named after Dr. Falls himself! Only on the Jungle Cruise can one appreciate the backside of water.

But the real charm of this park’s Jungle Cruise is found in its Bali like abandoned temple, lorded over by a tiger and playful monkeys.

Returning to civilization, we find Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. This unique attraction, first established at Disneyland was where Walt Disney debut Audio Animatronics, a signature feature found in many Disney attractions. This is a great escape on hot and muggy afternoons.

Another great escape on hot and muggy afternoons is the adjacent Aloha Isle Refreshments, home of the infamous Dole Whip. Do not be surprised by long lines. Hint! Use the mobile dining app which allows you to order while in line at The Enchanted Tiki Room. Put your order in while the show is finishing up and then pick up afterwards without waiting in line. That’s a move any tiki god would approve of!

Carrying on we wander toward Caribbean Plaza, home of the Pirates of the Caribbean.

It’s a favorite of those who have seen it first here. For those from Disneyland, it’s a much shorter version because it is not possible in Florida to dig deep into the earth. But it’s still one of the most immersive experiences to be found in Magic Kingdom. Moreover, it has a terrific queue that keeps you out of the heat and a wonderful shopping courtyard filled with pillaged plunders, awaiting your purchase.

Still need to play pirate further? Young ones can become a pirate at Pirate’s League, Magic Kingdom’s version of Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boutique for those looking to bring to surface their inner scalawag. A simpler choice is grabbing a bite to eat at Tortuga Tavern, a counter service option opened seasonally.

Another possibility is A Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas. You grab a map in search of treasures and magical wonders. You’ll never know what you’ll discover–so many hidden details throughout Adventureland.

Tiki birds, magic carpets, plundering pirates, jungle cruise skippers and Dole whips. That’s what makes Adventureland so wonderful–there’s a jungle of magic waiting for you. You could spend many hours discovering every corner. You likely won’t see it all when you visit the Magic Kingdom for the first time, but you’ll find new worlds every time you return.M

More Treasures

We have a podcast that celebrates Pirates of the Caribbean. You’ll be surprised how this favored attraction shows up in parks all over. Visit this show page to locate Podcast #5!

You can also find a great article on the Swiss Family Treehouse and on the subject of trust in my DisneyatWork.com site.