In my last column (Overrated and Underrated at Walt Disney World – Part 1), I looked at the shows and attractions in and around the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, with an eye toward what I might consider over- or underrated. Keep in mind, I’m not assessing the attractions or their value, simply providing my view as to whether the attraction is better or worse than what I perceive as popular opinion. Right, wrong, or indifferent, it’s certainly fodder for conversation and debate. To make sure we’re all on the same page, here are the definitions I’ve used:
Something overrated is generally regarded as better, more capable or greater than is in fact the case; when something is considered underrated, we could say that most people don’t recognize how good that ride or show really is.
In this column, I’ll restrict comments to those items found in or around the Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a few services that apply across the Walt Disney World resort. Got all that? Let’s start with…
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
DeVine is one of the hidden treasures in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Photo by Steve Russo.
I’ve often heard that it’s only a half-day park and, with the possible exception of Expedition Everest, there are no good rides. For all its “Nahtazu” advertising, I know many people still consider it just that; and if you come from a city that has an excellent zoo, I can understand how you might be underwhelmed by some of the animal viewing opportunities. However…
C’mon, people. Disney’s Animal Kingdom boasts two of the finest (maybe the two finest) live shows on property with the Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: the Musical. It has a very entertaining 3D film (It’s Tough to be a Bug) and let’s not forget the chance to get wet, possibly very wet, on Kali River Rapids. All that comes before we even mention the spectacular theming of Harambe and Anandapur. Additionally, you have the opportunity to see elephants, gorillas, tigers, African fruit bats, Komodo dragons and more on the Kilimanjaro Safari, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and the Maharajah Jungle Trek. I may be in the minority but I consider Disney’s Animal Kingdom to be grossly underrated by most people… and speaking of underrated at the Animal Kingdom…
Flights of Wonder
The bald eagle is just one of the highlights of Flights of Wonder. Photo by Steve Russo.
I was guilty of walking by this little gem a number of times before stopping… and I only ventured in because a show was about to begin. I’ve been back several times and have enjoyed it on each visit. Yes, it has a contrived storyline and some of the humor is groan-worthy, but it’s good clean fun and you will be dazzled by some up close and personal looks at several very exotic birds—and the American bald eagle. For these reasons, I consider Flights of Wonder to be underrated.
The Great Movie Ride
Arguably, the Wizard of Oz set is the most recognizable to all. Photo by Steve Russo.
Oh, how I wrestled with this one… I like the Great Movie Ride; always have. I also think it’s long overdue for a significant refurbishment. I understand the intent to pay tribute to many genres and films of the past, but how many visitors today have even seen a James Cagney or Busby Berkley film? Or know Clint Eastwood as someone other than a director—or the curmudgeon from Gran Torino?
So if we agree it needs to be upgraded, do we call it overrated or underrated? As I said, I’ve wrestled with that one and I don’t have a clear answer. I’ll leave this one up to you.
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream
One of the sets in One Man’s Dream. Photo by Steve Russo.
This one is easy. I’m starting a petition that would enact legislation to make it illegal for anyone to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios without spending a minimum of 15 minutes in here—and viewing the film. I’m of an age where I can remember Walt Disney. I watched him open and close the weekly show, The Wonderful World of Disney and, later, Disney’s Wonderful World of Color. I’ve read books and articles about his life, his work, and his countless contributions, and all of that has given me a deep appreciation for what he’s left for us.
I see far too many people bypass this attraction because “it’s not a ride.” If you haven’t already, I urge you to spend a few minutes inside viewing the many artifacts that provide a glimpse into Walt Disney’s life, work, vision and genius. Then watch the film—mostly narrated by Walt himself, to appreciate the path he followed to his dream. There’s no doubt that this attraction is significantly underrated.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
I appreciate the effort here. I’m one of those people that long for the days when they tried to make this park a real working studio. Remember when you could walk through soundstages on the Backlot Tour and see a real television show being filmed? How about the days when a tour through the Animation building allowed you to look over the shoulder of a real animator working on the next film from Walt Disney Pictures? The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is one of the few remaining attractions here that offers a behind the scenes look at filmmaking.
Unfortunately, if you’ve seen it once, there’s very little to drag you back in. It’s a 35-minute show, so assuming you get there early enough to get seats, you’re investing an hour or more of your day. I think I’d rather spend that hour at the Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. This one’s overrated.
I’d also place the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show in this category, but to be honest, I’ve only seen it once so I’ll give it a pass on calling it overrated.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Photo by Steve Russo.
The Voyage of the Little Mermaid, in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is frequently thought of as a children’s attraction. It is, but don’t let that stop you from seeing it. Through special effects, projected film, live actors, and puppets, this 17-minute show takes you through the entire storyline of the film—sort of the Readers’ Digest version, if you will. It’s fun and entertaining for young and old alike. I admit I have a soft spot for The Little Mermaid soundtrack; I believe the Howard Ashman /Alan Menken songs, “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” and “Kiss the Girl,” place it at the top of any Disney musical list—so I might be just a bit biased. In any event, I believe this attraction is underrated.
The Disney Dining Plan
I know the Dining Plan comes in many shapes and sizes, but overall I tend to think of it as overrated. I know many people think these plans are the best things since we started slicing our bread, especially when it’s offered free of charge. Personally, I believe it forces the user to change their dining style completely—and maybe even their touring style.
First of all, it’s almost essential to book reservations 180 days in advance to ensure you get your favorite restaurants. Secondly, you have to modify your touring plans to accommodate those reservations usually meaning the ability to do something on a whim goes out the window. Additionally, people wind up consuming more food than they otherwise would have. Lastly, the plans have taken significant hits in value since they were introduced. The chief example is when the Basic Dining Plan lost the included appetizer and gratuity while maintaining the same price…and since then the price has gone up. And haven’t we all heard of participants trying desperately to use up the last of their Dining Plan credits on their last day—before they expire? People still flock to the Dining Plans, so overall, I have to consider them overrated.
Resort Airline Check-In
OK, this really is the best thing since sliced bread. It’s the bee’s knees (I never understood that saying) and the cat’s meow (or that one) rolled into one.
As the only non-stop service between Albany and Orlando, I tend to fly exclusively on Southwest Airlines, and much to my chagrin, Southwest and Disney took forever to synchronize their baggage systems so I could use this service. Previously on departure day I’d have Bell Services schlep my luggage down to storage (tipping the Bellman, of course). Later in the day, I’d need to retrieve it from Bell Services (another tip) and schlep it out to the curb. Eventually, a Disney’s Magical Express bus would pull up and I’d schlep those bags over to the driver so he could store them in the bowels of the bus.
Upon arrival at Orlando International Airport, I’d retrieve my bags from said driver (yet another tip) and make the decision to schlep the bags upstairs and get into the 50-deep line at the counter or bring them to a Sky Cap station for check-in (and yet another tip.) That’s a lot of schlepping and tipping.
Now, on the morning of departure, I effortlessly roll my wheeled luggage to the Resort Airline Check-In desk and check said luggage while my boarding passes are printed for me. When it’s time to head to the airport, I roll unencumbered. OK, I should have said, “schlep” here as well and I realize this service does involve a tip but you can see how much easier this really is. I know this service is a favorite of many but I don’t care how many people feel as I do, it’s still underrated.
Disney’s Magical Express
Nah, I’ve already written that column and I’m not going there again.
So there it is—my list of the over and underrated attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios—with a few programs and services thrown in. Feel free to have at it. Do you agree or disagree with my assessments? Can you point out the attractions or services I missed that are on your list? Those are my opinions and I’d love to hear yours.
As always, thanks for reading.
