Kali River Rapids Review

Kali River Rapids is one of the most popular attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Wait times can easily max out to 120 minutes on a hot summer day. So dive into this review of the only rapids ride in Walt Disney World! Also, no photos or videos are mine. If you want them taken down, then I will do so.

You may get wet

Queue:
The queue for Kali River Rapids can be categorized into three parts: the rocks/forest, the temple, the shop, and the expedition offices. The forest section includes rocks, small statues, plant life, and small views of the expedition. This area begins where large rocks are positioned for leaning on. If your line starts in this area, than be prepared for waiting. You soon continue into the forest where small statues sit. This section of the line when filled up takes about 40 minutes to get through.

Small statue in the forest area

The next section of the queue is the temple. In the temple there are many unique and real artifacts from many Asian countries. Some are red and gold ribbons representing prayers from passing travelers. Others are masks from ancient plays. But the largest of them all is a statue of a tiger.

Masks from ancient theatre in Asia

More Statues

Large statue of a tiger in the temple

Here is the bike of a local vendor, he has probably gone to the temple to sell his product and pray

There is even more to explore in the temple. They have fountains of snakes which in Hinduism are considered to be the protectors of water. Next to the fountain there is a water fountain. Clearly this water has not been overlooked by the snakes because it is metallic Florida water.

Snakes are the protectors of water in Hinduism

The final room in the temple is a small room with a winding queue. It may seem very boring and empty on the ground, but on the ceiling there are detailed paintings. Note: this section only opens up if it is very crowded

Magnificent paintings on the ceiling

You leave the temple and enter Mr. Panika's shop. Here there are numerous pans/plates, tabletop sculptures, masks, birdcages, and expedition gear for sale. Note: this section only opens up if it is really crowded

Some of the things on sale at Mr. Panika's 

In the end of the queue you finally leave the shop after seeing the offices of Mr. Panika's for a brief moment. You enter the office for the Kali River Expedition. Here they have paintings of some of the many rivers you will travel down. 

Painting of the Sherpa Surfer rapids

They also have tea brewing for the staff, and listen for the sound of chainsaws in the distance. 

Your tea is ready, or is that the sound of deforestation ahead

Overall the queue is very detailed and I would not mind waiting 70 minutes in it again. The queue is just as much an experience as the ride. I have not braised the surface, for there is much more out there and spending time in a 45 minute queue for this is not really bad. This is one of the best queues of all of Walt Disney World! Queue: 9.5/10!

The Rapids:
What matters when scoring a water attraction are how wet you get, the intensity of the rapids, and the length of the attraction. I will give each category out of ten, and then I will give my overall opinion of the ride.

I will start off with a summery of the ride. The ride begins when you board a twelve person raft. You then travel off onto a large conveyer belt that appears to be made of wood. During your ride on the lift, your raft sees many statues of Hindu symbols. They are all old and deteriorating. Once you are at the top of the hill you slowly move down and you hit a large geyser.

The first wet part of the attraction

This geyser does not soak many, if not no people in the raft. You then turn right into the lush and forest. 

The lush forest

The raft begins to spin with some intensity, and rapids are getting choppier. The only problem is no water comes on board, leaving many disappointed. Your raft soon turns around a bend and become aware of the effects of deforestation. 

Deforestation

The muddy banks are covered with dead trees that were once full or life and providing to the ecosystem. Illegal deforestation has taken place and it has ruined that beauty of the forest. Mother Nature has fought back and lit some of the dead wood on fire, and halted a truck full of wood. 

The forest fights back

The theming in this area is very detailed and what amazed me was the scale of this scene. The forest decides to fight back with water. So the largest most loved element begins. This 31 foot drop brings the raft down at high speeds and plenty of air time. 

A huge wave of water summons and it drenches a variable amount of people. In the winter, only a few people get wet. But when it is hot in the summer there are the soaked and the super soaked. This one element singlehandedly makes turns this from a sub-par water ride to an amazing attraction. 

After the drop there are more rapids. They shake up the boat, but no water joins your crew. You then complete you Kali River Expedition. This ride is not that long, so hopefully you get soaked on the drop.

The Verdict (Overall Experience):

Theming: This ride has so much theming in the queue that the ride does not even need it. But the theme on the ride combined with the queue make this one of the most detailed attractions. I think the detail in the queue is far superior than in the attraction. While the ride may not be up to the Disney par or detail it is still good. Queue: 9.5/10, Ride: 4.5/10, Overall: 7/10

Quality of the Rapids/Elements:

Out of all the rapids rides I have been on, the rapids on this ride are some of the worst. They may shake the boat a little bit, but I did not wait in line for the shaking, I waited to get soaked on a hot day. On the other hand, I did love the drop. When I rode it in the winter, I did not get a drop on me because I was on the side opposite of the splash. When I rode it in the summer I was in the same position, but the water shot over the raft and all over me. This one element makes this so popular. If it was not present, than the ride would be disliked. Rapids 3/10, Drop 8/10, Overall Elements 5/10

Length:

The biggest complaint about this ride is it is to short. This one complaint brings down the score a lot. The lift to the top is a little longer than the ride itself. Length: 2/10

My Overall Experience:

I think Kali River Rapids does not live up to my expectations. I think one good element does not make a fantastic ride. Because of this, many say it is overrated. The queue is so beautiful and it makes me feel like there is so much beauty in Asia. The ride is very fun, but it does not consistently get you wet nor last a long time. I definitely recommend getting a Fastpass+ because this is the longest line at Animal Kingdom (but not in winter). Because Animal Kingdom does not have many rides, this is a must do. I would not wait more than an hour again, unless it is over 95 degrees. It is refreshing, but sadly not a great ride. 5.5/10

I hope you enjoyed my review of Kali River Rapids. I have another review of Peter Pan's Flight on my blog. Please continue reading for histories and other fun articles. Please comment what I should write about next. Thank you!

The History of the Imagination Pavilion

The Imagination Pavilion used to be one of the most popular pavilions at EPCOT. Now many believe that it is boring and ironically unimaginative. The pavilion has gone through nine different attractions. Here we will delve into the secrets and history of the Imagination Pavilion.

The outside of the pavilion

The first stage of its history was during opening day of EPCOT, October 1, 1982. There was only one attraction at the pavilion at this time. There was a 3D movie called Magic Journeys. Magic Journeys was the world shown from the eyes of a child. It had many imaginary transformations making one object turn into another.

Journey into Imagination debuted a year after EPCOT opened. The ride was so successful that the pavilion was called the "Journey into Imagination Pavilion." The ride began when guests soared above the clouds and met Dreamfinder. Dreamfinder uses his flying vehicle, the Dreamcatcher, to collect dreams, thoughts, and ideas to create all sorts of things. Than he conjures up the Figment of Imagination "two tiny wings, eyes big and yellow, horns of a steer, but a lovable fellow! From head to tail, he's royal purple pigment, and there, voilà! You've got a Figment!"

Dreamfinder's Dreamcather

After the guests are introduced to Figment, they explore where all of the dreams are kept. Than you travel through the imaginative rooms of arts, literature, preforming arts, and science. I will not get into detail of all these rooms because that would take to long, but I can provide you a video of the ride. At the end Dreamfinder reveals to both you and Figment that imagination is they key to unlock hidden wonders of the world. You do one final scene, and then you exit into Imageworks! An interactive exhibit. Here is a video of the now "abandoned" Imageworks.

The famous "Rainbow tunnel" inside the old Imageworks

The Imagination Pavilion was left untouched until 1986. Earlier, a new 3D film was being developed directed by George Lucas starring Michael Jackson. This film was called Captain EO. This film replaced Magic Journeys and it was infinitely more popular than its predecessor. The film is very complex, so it is hard to explain. I will have a video of it here, and please do not skip it on your trip to EPCOT. It stayed until 1994 and it came back, but I will talk about that later.

Michael Jackson in Captain EO

In 1994 Captain EO was replaced by a new 3D attraction: Honey I Shrunk the Audience. It takes place when the Imagination Institute hosts the Inventor of the Year ceremony. Wayne Szalinski, the scientist behind the shrinking gun, receives the award. In classic Disney fashion something goes "terribly wrong" and the gun gets out of control. After you are shrunk down, many special effects are demonstrated in the theatre. This attraction was liked but not loved like Captain EO was, so in 2010 Captain EO was placed back into its home.

Honey I Shrunk the Audience

In 1998 Journey into Imagination closed for refurbishment, and the upstairs Imageworks was closed. The outside of the pavilion was repainted and it was now called Imagination! The famous leap frog fountains were shrunk in size to accommodate a new gift shop. In 1999 one of the most infamous and hated changes was made. Journey into YOUR Imagination came out and Dreamfinder and Figment were kicked to the curb. 

The new Leapfrog fountains

Journey into YOUR Imagination begins when you get scanned to see your imagination. The scanner says you have none, so Dr. Nigel Channing, played by Eric Idle, sends you through many labs. They include sound, illusion, color, gravity, and connections. After you learn about imagination, the scanner explodes because you have so much imagination. Here is a video of Journey into YOUR Imagination. 

Gravity room in Journey into YOUR Imagination

The new imageworks was also created, but many say it lacked the magic that the original had. Here is a video of the new Imageworks that still stands today. Many of the small exhibits in Imageworks are neither unique nor revolutionary.

Journey into YOUR Imagination was unpopular and disliked, so in 2001 the Imagineers created yet another renovation. In this new version, called Journey into Imagination with Figment, Dr. Nigel Channing takes you on a tour of the new Imagination Institute. There are five labs related to the five senses: sight, sound, taste, touch, smell.

In the sound lab Dr. Channing wants to test your hearing with a series of tones, but lovable Figment pops up and shows you what you can hear with your imagination. 

In the sight labs, Dr. Nigel Channing wants to test your sight with an eye chart, but Figment shows you that you can see with your imagination. Next there is a very cool effect taken from the original version. In this effect there is a large butterfly in a cage which disappears like magic. The secret is one way mirrors and half of a butterfly.

The last of the labs is the smell lab. Here figment releases the smell of a skunk to show that your nose can turn smells into thoughts.

Dr. Channing does not want to send you into the touch and taste labs because who knows what Figment will do. So then you travel to Figment's house. It is all upside down, as it was in the gravity room of the past version of the ride.

Figments open house is upside down

 Channing soon learns that imagination should be let free so then guests travel into a room with many imaginative Figments. In this scene the famous song "One Little Spark" plays. 

The final scene in Journey into Imagination with Figment

The ride concludes as you enter the new Imageworks (1999-present) and the gift shop. This ride still operates and it while not loved as much as the original, still brings smiles to younger kids faces.

After Michael Jackson's death in 2009, Disney brought back Captain EO untouched from the original. It, still not as popular as it was in the 1980s, is still loved by many Michael Jackson fans.

Captain EO is back in business

This brings us to the present, where Figments roam and Michael Jackson is still alive. The Imagination Pavilion is the pavilion with the most history of any in EPCOT. I hope you visit it some time, but in the meantime please like, share, comment, and follow. Thank you! And let Imagination runs free!

5 Magic Kingdom Attractions that Need Refurbishment

The Magic Kingdom has the most rides of the Walt Disney World parks. Therefore some of the rides have become dated and less of a priority for guests. I am here to showcase some of the rides that should receive a refurbishment to bring back life to the park. I hope you enjoy this article and please like, share, and comment! Here we go!

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is a fun ride. With great lighting effects and interactive properties, this ride is very well loved and very popular. My biggest complaint about the ride is the guns. Many of the blasters do not function properly. When I recently went, my sister's score was only in the 1,000s while mine was in the 100,000s. You may think she was just bad, but upon trying again she beat me. The blasters not working could have made our 40 minute wait worth nothing. If this happens to you simply tell the cast members and they will let you try again.

Battle Zurg, but remember the guns may not work!

Mad Tea Party
This ride is pure fun, and while it may not get crowded, the capacity is low. My suggestion is the park should add another one, but one is fast and one is slow. This could let people push the limits of how fast they can go. Also, it would get more thrill seekers on the ride. When I rode it I was disappointed of the speed, so I think they could easily increase it.

Spin around and around with the Mad Hatter himself!

Peter Pan's Flight
Let me be honest, I love this ride. It is beautiful and the effects work very well. My complaint is that it is very short. Many people wait in a 90 minute queue for a ride that lasts only 2 minutes. My proposition is add another scene or two, or even make some scenes longer. Many may say that it would ruin the originality of the ride, and I suppose that would be a little controversial. I do not think Disney will ever do this, but that is one refurbishment that I would like.

Soar high over Neverland, but only for 2 minutes!

Stitch's Great Escape
This ride is terrible. This is one of the worst attractions the Imagineers have ever created. There are only a few ways to make it better. One, take away the chili dog smell. It reeks and no-one thinks its funny or cute. Two, make it less scary for kids. I am 14 and terrified of this ride. Finally, get ride of the ride altogether. Barely anyone likes it and many think it ruins Tommorowland. Replace it with an intuitive dark ride with feels of the future.

Become a guard of the Galactic Federation in this sub-par attraction!

The Main Street Electrical Parade

The Main Street Electrical Parade is a Disney World classic. It debuted in 1977, almost 38 years ago. While it has been de(light)ing crowds for a long time, its technology is dated. There have been new breakthroughs in lighting, screens, and other special effects, so why can't there be a new parade utilizing them. Paint the night at Disneyland has been massively successful, same with Dreamlights at Tokyo Disneyland. I think a new parade, with new tech, would delight guests and make them feel happy! 

This bright parade is a little bit dated, but still is a crowd pleaser!

I hope you have enjoyed my list of 5 attractions that should receive refurbishment in the Magic Kingdom! Please like, share, and comment on this list with your opinions and suggestions! 

Dole Whip vs Citrus Swirl

You are in adventureland, craving a frozen treat that is nice and sweet. You only have one snack credit on your magic band. This leaves you with a dilemma… what snack do you choose? Your two snack options are the Pineapple Dole Whip soft serve at Aloha Isle and the Citrus Swirl at Sunshine Tree Terrace. Here we will analyze what each are, how good it is, and what is a better deal.

Dole Whip Soft Serve (left) and the Citrus Swirl (right)

Dole Whip Soft Serve
The Dole Whip Soft Serve ice cream is a non-dairy pineapple treat that is cold, soft, and creamy. It is as delicious as it is iconic. For many a day at the Magic Kingdom is not complete without a Dole Whip. Same can be said about the Citrus Swirl. This is simply sweet, creamy, and refreshing, so it can really cool you off.

A creamy Dole Whip Soft Serve cup

Citrus Swirl
The Citrus Swirl is vanilla soft serve ice cream twisted with frozen orange juice. This flavor combination has many Disney World fans wanting more and more. This is very iconic also because of the Orange Bird is a beloved character to hardcore Disney fans. One half is tart and the other is sweet, making a combination destined by the stars.

The Little Orange Bird sitting next to the Citrus Swirl

Price and Portions

Both the regular Dole Whip and Citrus Swirl are 3.79, or 1 snack on the dining plan. The portions for the Citrus Swirl are usually bigger than that of the Dole Whip. So the Citrus Swirl takes the point.

Options/Variety
As you can see the Citrus Swirl only has no variations of itself. But you can get 3 different Dole Whip flavors, swirl it, or put it in pineapple juice. The Dole Whip receives the point.

Rarity
The Citrus Swirl is only available at Sunshine Tree Terrace at Magic Kingdom, therefore it is the only place to get one in the world! The Dole Whip can get at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disneyland, Animal Kingdom, Polynesian Village Resort, Alunai, the Dole Plantation in Hawaii. You can even get the mix if you have a soft serve machine. To some this makes it easier to get it, but to me it is not as special as the Citrus Swirl. So the Citrus Swirl takes the point.

Flavor

This the hardest category to judge, because my opinion may not apply to everyone. The Citrus Swirl is more tart, but it also has it sweet side on the soft serve. The Dole Whip pleases more palates than the Citrus Swirl. It is creamy, sweet, and cold. I prefer the Dole Whip for its flavor, but it depends on what flavors you like.

The Verdict

I personally like the Dole Whip better because of its options and flavor. The Dole Whip can please mostly any guest that walks into Adventureland. The Citrus Swirl is also amazing and I have a suggestion. Share a Dole Whip and a Citrus Swirl with someone, you can decide which snack is better and someone else can enjoy it with you. Thank you and please read the rest of my blog. I hope to see you again and have fun with your frozen snacks!

The Dole Whip reigns supreme!

The Most Popular Attractions at Disneyland Part 1

Disneyland Resort has many amazing attractions. Here I will showcase what I think are the best and most popular attractions. This is a two part list because there are so many fantastic rides. These are not necessarily my favorite, but expect pretty long waits at each one!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Step into the abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel and travel into the 13th story. This thrilling attraction includes a haunted elevator shaft and many drops. Fly into the Twilight Zone as Rod Sterling narrates your haunted journey. 

Drop into the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and maybe into… The Twilight Zone

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
The 2011 refurbishment makes Star Tours one of the best rides on property. Board a Starspeeder 1000 and go on one of 50 different adventures. Battle with Darth Vader, be in the action on Hoth, and encounter many favorite  Star Wars Heroes! 

Battle Darth Vader or travel at Light-Speed

California Screamin
This outdoor coaster launches you fast and furiously! With one breathtaking launch and gravity defying loop, this is one of the most thrilling Disneyland attractions! 

Launch from 0 to 62 in just a few seconds

Matterhorn Bobsleds

This recently refurbished Disneyland Classic was the first tubular steel tracked roller coaster in the world. Themed to a mountain with a mysterious yeti, this roller coaster has long lines and big thrills. To beat the lines go single rider to turn a 60 minute wait to a 5 minute wait.

Careen through turns at high speed while escaping the grips of the yeti

Dumbo the Flying Elephant
This is one of the most classic and legendary theme park rides of all time. This simple spinner has delighted families and kids of all ages for over 60 years. This may not be thrilling, but it is a fun filled classic.

Soar in the sky in Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Thank you for reading my list of the most popular Disneyland attractions. Please continue this article and share comment or +1. Thank you!

Most Popular Disneyland Resort Attractions Part 2

Disneyland Resort has many amazing attractions. Here I will showcase what I think are the best and most popular attractions. This is a two part list because there are so many fantastic rides. These are not necessarily my favorite, but expect pretty long waits at each one!

Soarin' Over California
This immersive hang gliding simulator is now part of the new area "Grizzly Peak Airfield." This ride swoops you into a beautiful experience on hanging seats while your seats move, wind blows in your hair, and scents riddle the senses. As my sister puts it, "It's pretty chill."

The entrance at the new area "Grizzly Peak Airfield!"

The Haunted Mansion
This spooky ride takes you through an eerie manor. The floorboards creek while ghosts and ghouls lurk around the corner. The ghosts are both spooky and friendly, so they might hitch a ride with you back home. Come see the new Hatbox Ghost for a new effect!

There are 999 happy haunts, but there is room for one more!

Toy Story Midway Mania
This ride is very simple, but it is an amazing experience. The toys have set up a shooting gallery and they have shrunk you down so you can ride. 4D effects help immerse you and make you feel as if you are with the toys. Certain targets trigger 4D effects like wind, water, and smell. This is a great ride to see with friends and family, and it creates a great competition

An interactive Mr. Potato Head wants you to "Step right up!"

Radiator Springs Racers
Perhaps the best attraction in America, Radiator Springs Racers lets you venture into the world of Lightning McQueen. This attraction combines a detailed dark ride with lifelike animatronics and a white nuckle finale. This has the longest waits at Disneyland, so come early and run to the entrance, get a fastpass, or go right to single rider.

The fast paced finale of Radiator Springs Racers!

Most Popular Disneyland Resort Attractions Part 3

Disneyland Resort has some of the most popular theme park attractions in the world. From close encounters with a yeti at the Matterhorn, to looking into Mara's eyes on Indiana Jones Adventure, there is a popular attractions for each age with long lines. Here I will be listing the most popular rides and attractions (in no particular order), and I hope you enjoy reading this article. Please like, share, subscribe for more, and comment for new articles.

Space Mountain:
This pitch black coaster is a blast into space and beyond. While it may not be as intense as California Screamin', Space Mountain has been pleasing guests for years! The on board soundtrack really adds to the thrill. Because you cannot see where you are going, sudden drops and turns can surprise any Disneyland Veteran. Be sure to ride during Halloween to experience the spooky "Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy".

While it only goes less than 30mph, it is quite the thriller!

Indiana Jones Adventure:
Indiana Jones Adventure is defiantly one of the wildest rides in the world! It combines immersive storytelling with amazing special effects, full range of motion, and detailed visuals. This expedition makes this list because… it is simply amazing. This is one of the more intense rides at Disneyland Resort and it should not be missed!

Ride through The Temple of the Forbidden Eye in Indiana Jones Adventure!

"It's a Small World"
"It's a Small World," which debuted at the 1964 World's Fair is as classic as Disney attractions get. It appeals to children of all ages. The ride is memorable for almost all of its visitors, mainly because of the song you love to hate "It's a Small World." This is a must see at Disneyland if you have younger children, or if you want some nostalgia. It is a small world after all!

This beautiful facade, and the ride inside, should not be missed!

Pirates of the Caribbean
It's a classic, what else should I say? This mysterious boat ride tells the story of ravaging pirates pillaging and plundering richly detailed lands. Remember "Dead men tell no tales" as you venture through the many scenes with scurvy villains and friends. This is a classic and should not be missed!

"Dead men tell no tales!"

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
While wait times rarely exceed 45 minutes, this ride is both thrilling and detailed. It is very smooth but also intentionally jerks you into maneuvers. It is one of the best family roller coasters on the planet.

This here is the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness!

Splash Mountain
This "Song of the South" inspired Disneyland classic combines storytelling, thrills, water, and song. Splash Mountain is one of the fan favorites at Disneyland Resort. Be careful, you WILL get wet!

This ride will defiantly bring you to your "Happy Place!"

I hope you have enjoyed my list of the most popular attractions at Disneyland. If I am missing anything that you want on this list, please comment in the space below!