Lake Buena Vista, FL — We are debuting a new series called “This or That” where we will contrast two topics, from snack foods to attractions and more! Our hope is to help you make an informed decision should you ever have to choose!
This week, we’ll look at two classic attractions from Magic Kingdom® Park, “it’s a small world”® and Jungle Cruise®. In each attraction, guests board a boat for a slow-moving journey as they are transported to various continents from around the world.
“it’s a small world”®
“it’s a small world”® was originally created for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair and was later recreated in 1971 as one of the opening day attractions at Magic Kingdom® Park in the Fantasyland® section. Known as the “The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed,” “it’s a small world”® takes guests on a 10-minute journey to all 7 continents.
With a cast of almost 300 animatronic children, “it’s a small world”® represents each region with traditional clothing and multi-colored backdrops crafted out of papier-mâché, glitter and fabric. Be aware, you may leave the attraction with the catchy theme song stuck in your head.
Jungle Cruise®
The Jungle Cruise®, based on Disney’s award-winning True-Life Adventure films, was also recreated in 1971 as one of the opening day attractions at Magic Kingdom® Park but this attraction is located in the Adventureland® section of the park. Guests will set sail on a 10-minute journey through some of the most exotic and “dangerous” rivers in Asia, Africa and South America.
A canopied tramp steamer guided by a trusty (and witty) skipper transports guests on an adventure featuring a camp overrun by curious gorillas on The African Congo, bathing elephants, angry hippos and hungry lions on the The Nile River. While on your journey, be on the lookout for a tribe of headhunters and a series of tongue-in-cheek jokes from the skipper.
Jungle Cruise®
Both attractions are perfect for families with small children as neither attraction has a height restriction. During the hotter months, “it’s a small world”® will offer some relief from the sun while Jungle Cruise® takes place outside.
So, which attraction do we prefer? Both are classic Walt attractions the entire family can enjoy; however, if we HAD to choose, we would pick the Jungle Cruise®. Since a skipper is narrating each tour on the Jungle Cruise®, one ride on the attraction can be a vastly different experience than the last.
Occasionally, a skipper may go the extra mile, ad-libbing jokes and creating a unique experience while the “it’s a small world”® attraction does not vary ride to ride. Plus, during the holidays, Jungle Cruise® transforms into a special holiday version known as Jingle Cruise!
Let us know what you think about these two classic attractions. Which ride would you choose?