Expedition Everest - Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World

One of the most intriguing rides at Disney's Animal Kingdom is Expedition Everest, a high-speed roller coaster train ride to the top of the world guarded by the ferocious Yeti. The visual effects on this one are remarkable. As you enter the country of Nepal you feel as though you left Florida and are climbing into the Himalayas.  The cultural accuracy of this part of the park is so cool that you get into the mood for the ride long before you get on it.

You'll get in line at the train station and wind through the building until you board the train.  As you're walking there are all kinds of examples of artifacts and photos from real expeditions into the Himalayas to keep you interested.  It's laid out in an intelligent display so you can not only enjoy the ride but educate yourself along the way.

The ride takes you straight to the summit and then plunges you backward into darkness with hairpin turns and screaming beasts culminating in a huge plunge down the mountain.  I don't want to describe it any more but I don't thing a could possibly ruin it for you!

This is one of the funnest rides in the park and may well be worth using Fast Pass due to it's popularity. The kids will love it - guaranteed! There are health restrictions but it's also wheelchair accessible like all the rides so check your program or the signs as you enter the ride.  Any questions there are always cast members to help you.  Parents may wish to consider if it's an appropriate ride for children under 7 but I've seen smaller kids on it before. 

Country Bear Jamboree - Walt Disney World

The County Bear Jamboree is one of the original attractions at Walt Disney World. Located in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom, the bears have been one of the most popular attractions since 1971 when Disney first opened up in Central Florida.  I first saw the show when I was 11 years old and I still enjoy taking my family.
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The show is on an 1800's western stage and has about 20 different bears who sing and play.  There are three mounted heads on the wall who start the show and introduce the characters.  It's amazing to me that they have hardly changed the whole show in so many years but it's still immensely popular even today.  The Bear Jamboree is a show so you can gauge your time since it runs about every half hour.  If you have a Fast Pass

you need to use or anything else you want to do you can come back.  The lines can be long for this one so consider going during parades or dinner hours but usually not too long a wait. I did the "kid test"  on this one and they loved it.  It's always been a happy childhood memory for me and I hope you make it one too. 

Theme Park Fast Pass (short line) Policies

Here is a short video comparing the Fast Pass policies for Disney World, Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, and Sea World/Busch Gardens.  I hope this explanation is informative:

Theme Parks in Central Florida

Having grown up in Orlando I was in the shadow of Walt Disney from the age of 10.  My family and I were at the opening of Walt Disney World and I've been to all the parks numerous times.  When we were little we had small parks like Six Gun Territory, Weeki Watchie Springs,   Cypress Gardens, and many more.  A lot has changed since the 60's as things tend to do and while the smaller parks have either gone under or faded to smaller crowds they still have their Florida charm. 

As an adult I've had some extensive Quality Assurance experience while working for the government and I apply what I learned to the number one past time from my childhood.  I don't work for the parks or endorse one over the other, they all have their qualities, but I'll narrate what I as a tourist and native see and place value on during my many excursions. 

My focus today is on Universal Studios which also includes the adjacent Islands of Adventure.  These are two superb venues for family entertainment and adult night life.  Universal Studios is a live action movie studio which has lots designed like the big studios in California but cater to rides and entertainment.  No expense has been spared in the design and sparkle of this spectacular park.  It is not as vast as other parks which is nice as you don't have to be an athlete or buy a new pair of running shoes to see it all.  The rides are all typical of the filmmakers expertise in creating whatever illusion they want you to enjoy, whether horror, comedy, or adventure, the rides are all awesome.  The on site restaurants are as good as it gets, and pricing is not the great sticker shock one might expect since you get a face full of fun for your buck.  Islands of Adventure has the world class Hogwart's and Harry Potter rides just opened in 2010, and for the European traveller especially, it makes the long trip extremely memorable.  Universal Studios boasts 3 world class hotels on the property.  Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, and the Royal Pacific, which, if booked with theme park tickets, also gives you express passes to all the rides.  This is a great complement, especially in the summer season when the lines can be long.  Pricing is a little more than to be expected outside the park but what you spend up front you will save in time travelling, gas, and aggravation from competing with our summertime traffic. 

All in all the experience is one in a lifetime for some and will leave you with lasting memories.