Ranking the Magic Kingdom Animatronic Shows 1-4
OK, let me lay out some ground rules. We are only talking about the shows in Magic Kingdom that have Animatronics as their main performers. Also, the show needs to be more show than ride, so I am including the Carousel of progress.
Before I give you my rankings, let me first say, all four of these attractions are must do’s. I know Derek is a big-time rides guy, but I guess I find the joy in sitting in the AC for about 20 minutes and enjoying the magic.
4- The Hall of Presidents
Okay so right away I put this attraction 4 out of 4. Here is why. Mass appeal. I know that most kids do not want to sit in a living history lesson which really plays well to adults. The Hall of Presidents makes you leave feeling super patriotic and let’s face it, it’s the best place to cool off in The Magic Kingdom. The show gets better every 4-8 years when a new President joins the ranks of the Hall. Also, it is still cool to see Lincoln give the Gettysburg Address and stand up and sit back down. Nevertheless, the Hall will stay at 4 for me as it lacks catchy tunes and comedy. I understand that it is meant to be educational, but I need songs to be stuck in my head so badly my wife is staring daggers into my back.
3- The Enchanted Tiki Room
Now that the Tiki room is no longer under new Management and back to its “original” glory, I have returned to the attraction. Disney tried to stick Zazu and Iago into this classic attraction and let’s face it, the show was not as good. Now if you have a fear of bird, this is probably not the show for you. However, the birds are fake and sing the hits. Tiki room has that amazing theme song that will have you singing it for the remainder of the day, even on to the wonderful packed bus at the end of the night where the guy with 5 toddlers is ready to pummel you. (Please, when on a bus, stand up and give your seat to kids, elderly, and pregnant women. Unless you are on that marathon ride to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Loge, then all bets are off… Just kidding.) Don’t miss out on the joy of seeing José and the other birds serenade you while breathing in that nice cool air. Also, if you are lucky, maybe it will be your kid to get the chance to wake up José.
2- The Carousel of Progress
I can already hear my father-in-law in my head, “Wow, the Carousel of Progress I remember when I saw it at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.” Yes, this classic Disney attraction has been entertaining guests for a very long time. The Carousel of Progress is the longest running stage show in American Theater and the oldest attraction at Walt Disney World. You sit down and are taken from the 1920s to the 21st century. To be fair, the 21st century scene is a little dated and could use an upgrade, but it would be a crime to touch this classic. “Anyone Up for Frozen Pizza!” Also, good old Uncle Orval, we learned, invented Air Conditioning in this attraction but “it will never work…” claims John. Perfectly depicting the American dream and playing a haymaker of a song, the Carousel of progress has painted itself as one of the staples of a trip to Walt Disney World.
1-The County Bear Jamboree
Sorry Doug…. NOT! How can you not love these singing bears? It is literally hit, after hit, after hit. They’re talking stars too. Liver Lips McGrowl, Trixie, Big Al, and there is a ton of comedy. The Sun Bonnet Trio literally says, “Every guy that turns them on turns them down”, that is darn funny. Then, follow up with some Tears will be the casher for your wine. (Personal experience, I was once in this amazing show, and Trixie came out and right on que some young boy asked his mom “Is that Grandma?” The entire theater erupted in laughter.) Anyway, the Country Bear Jamboree is a classic and should be enjoyed multiple times while at the most magical place on earth. And if you are not sold yet the last song the bears sing is the Ballad of Davy Crockett which is the best Disney song there ever was.
Okay, now here comes the fun part. Do you agree with my rankings? Leave a comment with your rankings. I had so much fun writing this that I can not wait for the next one already.
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Thank you for reading.
