Birt Family Focus

Legend of the Lion King, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and The Mad Tea Party -- 2/19/02
Photos by Paul

Sadly, since the writing of this "Focus," Legend of the Lion King has joined the growing list of retired Magic Kingdom rides and attractions.

Today we will conclude our tour of Fantasyland with a look at the last three attractions- Legend of the Lion King, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and The Mad Tea Party.

I will briefly describe Lion King as I understand it is either down or will be shortly, to change the venue in that space. Basically, this area is a small theater that generally has a combination animated show and puppetry to a Disney theme. Most recently is was The Legend of the Lion King, featuring the voice talent of Robert Guillaume as Rafikki, the Narrator. It was presented with some animation, some physical costumed actors, and some wonderful puppetry and special effects. The show is 25 minutes long and makes a great place to get off your feet. DH invariable takes a power nap and misses the whole thing. Originally this area was called the Mickey Mouse Theater and had a show with Mickey and the gang. I don't know what is planned to replace Lion King, but what ever it is, is sure to be worth seeing.This theatre sets 500 so if the line looks long, don't worry.

The same cannot be said for the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. If the line looks long, it is. Get your fastpass for this one and get it early. Seems EVERYONE wants to check this out. I have ridden this and can only say that if I had kids under, say..7, they would probably love it to death. Kids and die hard Pooh fans will love it, that is. Me- I can take him or leave him so while it was cute, it's not worth waiting 3 hours for, IMO. My whole family felt the same way. We wanted to ride once and check it out, but none of us really cares whether we do it again or not. Now that I'm a grandma, I'm sure I'll be riding it again next year with my little Ashley and loving HER loving the ride, though. ;-)

Those of us who remember Mr. Toad's Wild Ride that used to be here, will fondly note he is well represented in the artwork on the walls inside. One rides in bouncing Hunny Pots now instead of really cool convertibles, but that's progress, Disney Style.

Mr Toad fans will want to watch for this image.

The Mad Tea Party is a carny ride pure and simple. If you get motion sick- stay away! Gaily painted tea cups which hold 3 or 4 passengers each revolve around a big teapot. Each cup can be individually rotated to quite a speed- hold on to hats and glasses if your cup spinner is like mine. DH likes to give you plenty of spin for your money. Watch the teapot in the middle (if you can without throwing up, that is) and you will see the door mouse emerge drunkenly from the top. He obviously rode too long!

Mr Toad fans will want to watch for this image.