Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
199
Earning Your Ears
Tips
Mouse ears are practically a staple at Disney, but for those who prefer for some-
thing a bit more unique, the
Chapeau
on Main Street features a “create your
own” twist on the classic headwear. Starting with a base ($7.50), you simply add
on the pieces you like, choosing from 19 different ears, various colors, and trims
($3.50 for a pack of lettering; $2.95 for stickers sealed with a hot press)—you can
even have your name embroidered on it ($3). If, however, you prefer the original
version, they're available too for $9.95.
Note:
At press time, a second “create your
own” mouse ears station had just opened at Disney's Wonderful World of Memo-
ries (Downtown Disney Marketplace).
The Enchanted Tiki Room—Under New Management
Frommer's Rating:
B for kids, C for adults in need of an amusing break
Recommended Ages:
2-10 and older adults
The large, hexagonal Tiki Room serves up a Polynesian atmosphere, with its thatched
roof, bamboo beams, tapa-bark murals, and torches. Inside guests are entertained by the
likes of Iago (from
Aladdin
) and Zazu (from
The
Lion King
), as well as an ensemble of
boisterous tropical birds (more than 200 of them, in fact), along with chanting totem
poles and singing flowers that whistle, warble, and tweet. Overall, it's good family fun,
but be aware that it's rather loud, and a brief simulated tropical storm, with crackling
thunder and flashes of lightning, combined with the multitude of audio and visual effects
may be a bit too overwhelming for very young children.
Jungle Cruise
Frommer's Rating:
C+ (B for the foot-weary)
Recommended Ages:
4-adult
This 10-minute ride's slower pace is a yawner for many older kids and teens, but it's a
nice break from the madness if the line isn't long or you use FASTPASS. You'll sail
through the African veldt in the Congo, an Amazon rainforest, and along the Nile in
Egypt as your boat captain offers somewhat corny but humorous commentary on your
travels. You'll encounter dozens of exotic animatronic animals, ranging from playful
elephants to lions and tigers, as you sail through dense tropical and subtropical foliage
(most of it is real). You'll pass a Cambodian temple guarded by snakes, a rhino chasing
terrified African beaters as they clamor up a totem pole for safety, and a jungle camp
taken over by apes. While you're waiting to board, read the prop menu; it includes fricas-
see of giant stag beetle and barbecued three-toed skink.
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Frommer's Rating:
A for tykes and parents
Recommended Ages:
2-8
Younger kids will appreciate this ride's gentle ups and downs as they fly through the sky on
the colorful magic carpets. The view of Agrabah from above is impressive, but be prepared
as you make your way around the genie's giant bottle—the spitting camels have pretty good
aim, making it likely that you'll get squirted with water (similar to One Fish, Two Fish, Red
Fish, Blue Fish at Universal Orlando's Islands of Adventure; see p. 285). There are only 16
four-passenger fiberglass carpets on the ride, which can make for extremely long lines
(though not nearly as unbearable as some you'll encounter in Fantasyland).
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