On a Disney World vacation, it is incredibly easy to get caught up in a “let’s hurry up and get to the next attraction” mindset, and that approach can be crucial if you want to experience some of the most popular attractions without long waits. However, I have found that an excellent way to enhance my enjoyment of the headliners is to take a few moments to experience a walk through attraction. By their very nature, these attractions invite you to slow down, take a break, and appreciate the details that make Disney World such a special place.
In our previous issue, I focused on walk through attractions in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. This time, we turn to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom parks and my favorite attractions there that will leave you refreshed and ready for some more Disney excitement.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
To me, Hollywood Studios always feels like a busy park, second to the Magic Kingdom only because there are fewer major attractions. There is the heart-pounding thrill of the Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster as well as the vibrant colors and energetic games of Toy Story Midway Mania. Like the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios does not have a lot of walk through attractions. So, where is my favorite place to find some respite after my family’s traditional multiple rides on Star Tours?
That answer is easy — Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream. Talk about slowing down to appreciate the details of Disney! In addition to all sorts of Disney artifacts, photos, art, and displays about Walt’s history and family life, the gallery has models of Main Street in Disneyland, the Jungle Cruise, and Spaceship Earth. It also features a replica of Sleeping Beauty Castle and the original Audio-Animatronic Abraham Lincoln.
You can end your tour relaxing in a nice dark theater watching an inspirational film tribute to Walt. Every time I go into One Man’s Dream, I am newly energized from learning about Walt Disney the man and his parks!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
It is no accident that I have saved the Animal Kingdom for last when considering the joy of walk through attractions. Indeed, much of this park can be seen as one great big walk through attraction, with its winding pathways, animal exhibits, and hidden quiet spots. Taking a slower pace can be a bit of a conscious effort during a Disney World vacation, but the Animal Kingdom is the park where I feel most invited to do so.
That invitation starts with the shaded paths of the Oasis Exhibits as you enter the park and continues through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, through the Discovery Island Trails, and in the intricate carvings on the Tree of Life.
My personal favorite is the Maharajah Jungle Trek, especially when walked in the quieter hours at twilight. The sights and smells of lush tropical plants, exotic animals including gibbons, flying foxes, and majestic tigers, waterfalls, the sounds of bird singing, and the mystique of ancient ruins all transport me to another world. Sitting on a quiet bench absorbing this place is exactly what I need while I look forward to another exciting day in the parks.
