Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland – Part Two of Three

Jack Spence Masthead

In Part One of this article I discussed the history of Adventureland, the entrance into this exotic land, the Adventureland Verandah restaurant, and Aloha Isle, home of the Dole whip. Today I’m going to continue my journey through this colorful area of the Magic Kingdom.

The Swiss Family Treehouse was an opening day Magic Kingdom attraction. Although it is skipped by many, others consider it a “must see” on every visit. This simple walk-thru attraction can also be found at Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland offer a similar attraction with Tarzan’s Treehouse. Since I have written an entire article on the Swiss Family Treehouse in the past, I will not be covering it here. To find out more about this Disneyodendron eximus (out-of-the-ordinary Disney tree), click here.

Swiss Family Treehouse

One of the busiest set of restrooms at the Magic Kingdom can be found in the breezeway that connects Adventureland with Frontierland. Recently updated and expanded, these facilities are convenient to most of the nearby attractions. In addition, the breezeway is one of the best areas for those waiting for friends and family to finish their business. Even on the hottest days, it’s usually somewhat comfortable inside this corridor.

Adventureland Restrooms

Adventureland Restrooms

To the east of this breezeway, the buildings have a tropical feel (as seen in Part One of this article). To the west they take on an arid quality that might suggest Northern Africa.

Adventureland Architecture

Adventureland Architecture

Adventureland Architecture

Adventureland Architecture

Inside these buildings are Island Supply Imports and Zanzibar Trading Company. These convincingly themed shops carry a wide variety of tropical and explorer-style clothing. And unlike so many other shops, you can also find a decent selection of non-Disney merchandise. Of course, the typical souvenirs are also available.

Adventureland Shops

Adventureland Shops

Adventureland Shops

Adventureland Shops

Adventureland Shops

As we continue exploring the north side of Adventureland, the buildings take on a distinctive Middle Eastern look. Merchants have set up colorful tents to tempt the passing caravans.

Adventureland Shops

Adventureland Shops

Adventureland Shops

Elephant Tales can be found beneath these canopies. Besides more Disney souvenirs, this shop offers exotic items like drums, bamboo wind chines, and rubber snakes.

Elephant Tales

Elephant Tales

Elephant Tales

Elephant Tales

Elephant Tales

When browsing any of the Adventureland shops, be sure to look up and notice the ceilings. Just like everything else, they are themed appropriately.

Adventureland Shop Ceilings

Adventureland Shop Ceilings

Adventureland Shop Ceilings

Adventureland Shop Ceilings

Next to Elephant Tales is Agrabah Bazaar. This is a meet-&-greet site for Aladdin and Jasmine.

Agrabah Bazaar

Agrabah Bazaar

While in this area, be sure to look at the ground. Jewels, tiles, and coins can be found imbedded into the pavement.

Adventureland Pavement

Adventureland Pavement

Adventureland Pavement

And while you’re looking down, don’t forget to look up again. There is an abundance of details to be seen on the second stories and roofs.

Adventureland Second Floors and Roofs

Adventureland Second Floors and Roofs

Adventureland Second Floors and Roofs

Adventureland Second Floors and Roofs

Adventureland Second Floors and Roofs

Adventureland Second Floors and Roofs

Of course, this section of Adventureland didn’t always look like this. Before 2001, this area had a completely different feel — a feel more of Africa than Agrabah. In fact, if you look closely at the third picture below, you just might be able to make out the word “LION” as in “LION KING.”

Early Adventureland

Early Adventureland

Early Adventureland

Early Adventureland

Early Adventureland

Early Adventureland

On May 24, 2001, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin opened. With this new attraction came a re-theming of the surrounding buildings. Now the mysterious Middle East would be included in this land of adventure.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Although the courtyard here was large, it wasn’t quite large enough to hold this new attraction. A sizable planter and tree needed to be removed and part of the rockwork lining the Tiki Room had to be repositioned before construction could begin. Although I applaud the decision to add a new attraction into Adventureland, the area is now tight and very congested on busy days.

Tiki Room Remodel

Based on the 1992 film “Aladdin,” The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a ride similar in design to Dumbo. Here, a rotating center pylon supports 16 flying carpets, each capable of holding four guests. The front seat features a joystick that controls the height of the carpet and the backseat has a lever that regulates the forward and backward pitch. The ride lasts approximately ninety seconds. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin opened on May 24, 2001 and was recently added to the FastPass+ roster of attractions.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Positioned around the attraction are two spitting camels. One aims for passing pedestrians while the other targets those flying by. Don’t worry. The camels are smart enough to stop their mischievous ways when the weather is cool.

Spitting Camel

Spitting Camel

Spitting Camel

Check out this two minute video of the Flying Carpets of Aladdin.

Across from The Flying Carpets of Aladdin is a unique outdoor-foods cart. This one sells both pork and vegetable eggrolls (and corn dogs). The eggrolls taste pretty good and are definitely a change from so much of the other quick service food found around the park.

Outdoor Food Cart

Egg Rolls

Further down the pathway we come across six tiki gods designed by Disney Legend Marc Davis. When originally installed, these humorous fellows were simply a show piece with no water feature. However, rain, humidity, and human contact took their toll on these wooden fellows and eventually they needed to be replaced.

Within WDI (Walt Disney Imagineering) is a program called SQS (Show Quality Standards). It is these operating standards that insure that any replacement, change, or addition made within the parks is consistent with the original design intent.

When it came time to replace these tikis, the Imagineers knew they wanted to retain the humor Marc Davis was going for when he created them years earlier. However, the Imagineers also knew they wanted to “plus” the exhibit. Working with Park Operations and SQS, they crafted new tikis out of more durable fiberglass. They also enhanced the tikis with the ability to create a steamy backdrop and squirt passersby with streams of water.

If you look closely at the first two pictures below, you can see a few differences. The first picture depicts how the exhibit looks today. The second shows how it looked a number of years ago. Notice the color difference. Also notice that the first picture has a drain hole for the water while the second does not.

Tiki Gods

Tiki Gods

Tiki Gods

The tikis offer another wonderful photo opportunity. By the way, that’s a much younger me in the second picture.

These tiki gods act as a tie-in to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room which is located just across the walkway. They were/are a transition from the African/Middle Eastern backdrop of the plaza area to the more tropical environment of birds, flowers, and more tikis found in the nearby attraction.

At Disneyland, the Tiki Room was tucked into a small space just past the Adventureland entrance. Considering it was the first real Audio-Animatronics attraction, its location was rather uninspiring. When it came time to build the Magic Kingdom, the Imagineers wanted to give this attraction the exterior façade it deserved. To that end, an eight-story pagoda was created to anchor the show. In addition, the exterior walls were ornately decorated with a South Pacific tribal motif.

Tiki Room Exterior

Tiki Room Exterior

Tiki Room Exterior

Tiki Room Exterior

Tiki Room Exterior

The finials on the roof of the Tiki Room are another great example of Disney detailing. Since they would be seen from both Adventureland and Frontierland, they had to be appropriate for both locales. But how do you make the South Pacific blend with the American West? By placing water buffalos on the roof peaks. From Adventureland, they fit in perfectly. And in Frontierland, where they are only seen from a distance, they resemble longhorn steer. The first two pictures were taken from Adventureland, the next two from Frontierland.

Water Buffalos

Water Buffalos

Water Buffalos.jpg

Water Buffalos

Since I have already written an extensive article about the Tiki Room, I will not be discussing it in detail here. To read this piece, click here.

Next to the Tiki Room is the Sunshine Tree Terrace. This is a wonderful place to grab a bite to eat and a refreshing drink. Their specialty is the Citrus Swirl (orange slush with vanilla soft-serve ice cream). It’s kind of the “orange” version of a Dole Whip. To see their full menu, click here.

Sunshine Tree Terrace

Sunshine Tree Terrace

Located next to this establishment are a few tables and chairs. Note, this is a popular place and finding a vacancy here can be tricky. While enjoying your Citrus Swirl, be sure to look around and notice some of the detailing. Some of it is rather macabre.

Sunshine Tree Terrace

Sunshine Tree Terrace

Sunshine Tree Terrace

Sunshine Tree Terrace

You might also notice a cute little bird perched above the restaurant’s main sign. This is the Little Orange Bird and it pays homage to some of Adventureland’s early history.

Orange Bird

In 1970, WED Enterprises created the Orange Bird character to serve as the Florida Citrus Growers’ mascot at the park and in other promotional advertisements. The Orange Bird could often be seen at the Sunshine Tree Terrace greeting guests and posing for pictures. The Sherman Brothers wrote a song about our feathered friend and Anita Bryant recorded it.

Orange Bird

Orange Bird

Notice in the above picture, the Orange Bird is standing where The Magic Carpets of Aladdin sits today.

Florida Citrus Growers ended their sponsorship in 1986 and the Orange Bird slipped into Disney history. However, this character had a resurgence at Tokyo Disneyland in 2004 to coincide with Japan’s annual Orange Day celebration held on April 14th.

To help recognize Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary in 2011, the Orange Bird was brought back in a small way at Sunshine Tree Pavilion with souvenir Orange Bird cups. Other new merchandise can be found in the nearby shops.

Orange Bird Cup

Next to Sunshine Tree Terrace is a cut through to Frontierland. This can be a handy route in which to traverse between the two lands.

Walkway to Frontierland

Behind the Marc Davis tikis is a large expanse. This is another example of the Imagineers greatly increasing the Magic Kingdom’s version of Adventureland as compared to the original Disneyland edition.

Jungle Cruise Expanse

Some of you might have noticed a small shack in this area. Called “The Oasis,” this stand sold soft drinks and sandwiches in the early years of Adventureland.

The Oasis

The Oasis

Behind this shack is a body of water. This “river” was originally used by the Swan Boats as they circled Swiss Family Treehouse on their way back to the Hub. Years later, this waterway was cordoned off and Shrunken Ned’s Junior Jungle Boats was installed.

Shrunken Ned’s Junior Jungle Boats allowed wannabe skippers the ability to pilot miniature boats via radio controlled remote controls. Captains would pilot their boats through a number of obstacles and of course, try to ram other boats while in the process. This attraction was not included in the basic admission price and required additional funds to play.

Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats

Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats

Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats

Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats

Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats

Several years ago, Shrunken Ned’s Junior Jungle Boats was closed and removed. It was a tired attraction and Disney needed this space for stroller parking. If you look around, you can see the original signpost for Shrunken Ned’s, minus the lettering.

Stroller Parking

Former Shrunken Ned's Sign

To the west of this waterway is one of the most famous of all Disney attractions, the Jungle Cruise.

Jungle Cruise Entrance

The Jungle Cruise is a very popular attraction. However, in the morning, most guests skip it for the more popular “Mountains of the Magic Kingdom.” This attraction is usually a “walk on” for the first 30-45 minutes after park opening.

Like the Swiss Family Treehouse and the Tiki Room, I have already written about the Jungle Cruise in detail. To check it out, click here.

Note, the old FastPass distribution area near the entrance to the Jungle Cruise has been converted into a FastPass+ distribution area.

Leaving the Jungle Cruise and the Tiki Room, we stroll down a long walkway towards Pirates of the Caribbean. Because of the proliferation of strollers over the years, Disney has had to dedicate a large section of this area to their parking. If you want to capture a picture of this section of Adventureland without strollers, you need to do it first thing in the morning.

Stroller Parking

Stroller Parking

Next to the stroller parking is another yummy outdoor food cart. This one sells cinnamon glazed almonds. They’re delicious.

Outdoor Food Cart

Cinnamon Glazed Almonds

Pirates of the Caribbean was never intended to be a Magic Kingdom attraction. The powers-that-be felt that Orlando’s proximity to the real Caribbean would lessen the appeal of this Disneyland classic. Instead, the Imagineers wanted to build Western River Expedition, an “E” ticket attraction to be located in Frontierland.

This next picture is an excerpt from the first souvenir map sold of the Magic Kingdom. As you can see, there is nothing in the area that would someday be occupied by Pirates of the Caribbean.

First Magic Kingdom Map

Western River Expedition would have been similar in scope and design to Pirates of the Caribbean. But instead of featuring swashbucklers, it would showcase cowboys and Indians in numerous comical scenes, many designed by Marc Davis. Guests would ride in boats through the American West and encounter a brand new set of characters unique to the Magic Kingdom. The attraction would have been part of a huge complex to be known as Thunder Mesa. Western River Expedition would have been located at ground level and Big Thunder Mountain would sit on top. However, things didn’t work out that way.

Western River Expedition

Western River Expedition

From day one, Guest Relations was inundated with complaints about the omission of Pirates of the Caribbean. When it became obvious that these negative comments weren’t going to subside, Card Walker (Disney CEO) decided to put the Thunder Mesa complex on hold and build a scaled down version of the California Pirate attraction in Adventureland. Plans were hastily drawn up and within six months of the Magic Kingdom opening, the announcement was made that Pirates of the Caribbean was coming to Walt Disney World. To help spread the news, the cast members working in City Hall started wearing buttons that said, “The Pirates Are Coming! Christmas 1973!” And sure enough, they opened just in time, December 15, 1973.

Pirates of the Caribbean

That’s it for Part Two. Check back Monday for Part Three.

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9 Replies to “Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland – Part Two of Three”

  1. Great blog as always. Disney has always done a wonderful job with the details but, you never know just how well until you read an blog like this. Great job as always!

  2. Hi Jack! As a kid, the Tiki Room use to be my absolute favorite attraction. I know, it may sound corny, but I still enjoy it today. I’m glad it was restored back to the original version after the fire. I never really liked Zazu and Iago in it.
    Also, totally LOVE the spitting camels. They weren’t on when I was there in March, so I felt a little cheated. LOL!!!

    Jack’s Comment:

    BTW, in case you’re not aware, the Tiki Room is not completely back to the original. Disney cut 7 minutes from the original to create what you see now.

  3. Another great article, Jack. You are now officially my favorite blogger.

    I wish they would get the waterworks in the Swiss Family Treehouse running again. That would improve the attraction 100%.

    Do you know why the stream where the Swan boats used to run is dry?

    Jack’s Answer:

    I agree, the water hasn’t worked correctly on Swiss Family Treehouse for a long time. Shame on Disney.

    The water surrounding the Hub has been drained as Disney is reimagining this area to accommodate more viewers for the nighttime castle show and fireworks. I don’t know the details.

  4. Another good read, Jack! I hadn’t noticed that the little riverboats were gone nor that the slope on the walkway from the hub was lessened. Your articles prove that at Disney World change is constant.

    I don’t know if you have any nighttime shots, but Adventureland at night is my favorite land. (And yes my favorite land at daytime and nighttime, differ!) It’s so mysterious and dimly lit, I can hardly believe for safety reasons it hasn’t been changed. When I’m back there at night when it’s less crowded, I am truly transported. Magic.

    When I visited WDW on my high school band trip (all the way via bus from WI, no less), a shop in Adventureland sold shrunken heads carved from a coconut husk. Do you, by chance, recall them? I had to buy one for my Dad, and he absolutely loved that thing. It hung in our back hall over the door. It currently hangs in my back hall, and now that he’s gone it’s a constant reminder of our shared sense of humor.

  5. Another fantastic article! As much as I love the Pirates of the Caribbean, the Western River Expedition would have been an awesome addition, I hope they consider adding this now that they are almost done with the New Fantasyland.

    Jack’s Comment:

    You will never see Western River Expedition. At least not at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Maybe they’ll put it in at Shanghai or the second park that will eventually go into Hong Kong Disneyland. But not in Florida.

    The next expenditure/announcement for Walt Disney World will probably be for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This park desperately needs some new attractions.

  6. Love this piece. Looking forward to part 3. Adventureland is probably my favorite land in the Magic Kindgom. Mainly for two reasons… the pineapple Dole Whip (Yum) and POTC attraction which has always been my favorite. The rest of the land is great of course.

  7. It’s sad that I didn’t even realize Shrunken Neds was gone. It does make sense given all the stroller parking needs around the area, and I don’t really miss it. Despite enjoying Pirates (even in its shorter than DLR version), I’m still intrigued by the idea of the Western River Expedition. It’s too bad that both couldn’t have existed at Disney World.

  8. You are making me antsy for a new camera with super zoom!! So many fantastic details to see!! Thanks for the reminder to look up! 🙂

    I’ve been to Disney my entire life (starting in the mid 70’s) and I still see something new every time I go!

  9. Hey Jack
    I love all of the attractions in adventureland, especially Jungle Cruise and Pirates. It is full of so much detail all around. I can’t wait to see what part 3 brings and as always keep up the great work.