Leaving behind the dreamy charm of Fantasyland that we experienced yesterday, we were ready for something wilder on Day 2. Jake, still riding the high from Peter Pan’s Flight, declared it was time for “something cool” and led the charge toward Adventureland. I had a feeling that meant fewer princesses and more action—which, honestly, sounded like a great balance.
A Jungle Cruise Like No Other
Our first stop was Jungle Cruise because no trip to Adventureland is complete without a boat ride filled with dad-joke-level puns. The moment we boarded, our skipper wasted no time hitting us with the first of many groan-worthy jokes. Jake and Annie, who considers themselves too sophisticated for such humor, tried not to laugh—unsuccessfully. Meanwhile, little Bill and Ella kept pointing at the animatronic animals like they were seeing real jungle creatures for the first time. “Mom, did you see that elephant? It just sprayed water!” Yes, my love, and it does that every five minutes.
Indiana Jones and the Great Family Debate
Next up was Indiana Jones Adventure, which my oldest was beyond excited for—finally, something “not for babies.” My youngest was too short to ride, which led to some disappointment (and possibly a tiny tantrum as he was jealous of Ella), but we quickly regrouped. Henry and Jake tackled the ride first acting like the cool Dad-son duo, while I kept the younger ones entertained with a churro and a promise to browse the nearby shops. When it was my turn, I was not prepared for how intense the ride was! Between the bumpy ride, the giant boulder, and the creepy snakes, I was gripping onto the safety bar for dear life. But judging by Jake’s huge grin at the exit, it was officially deemed “the best ride yet.”
Dole Whip and a Much-Needed Break
After all the excitement, we needed to refuel. And what better way to do that than with a legendary Dole Whip? I don’t know what it is about this pineapple soft serve, but it’s pure magic. Bill and Ella insisted on getting one of their own, which seemed fair—until they decided they actually wanted mine instead. Typical.
Tarzan’s Treehouse—Or, the Ultimate Parent Workout
Feeling slightly more energized (and possibly on a sugar high), we took on Tarzan’s Treehouse. My younger two had no issue racing up the endless stairs, but I quickly realized that carrying a backpack full of snacks while chasing them was basically an extreme sport. Henry started carrying Bill on his shoulder to avoid helping me. But Jake being the Strong boy quickly took some of the weight off my shoulders. By the time I reached the top, I was considering sending a rescue team. But watching the kids explore and piece together Tarzan’s story made it all worth it.
A Wild, Unplanned Adventure
Not everything in Adventureland went according to plan. We may or may not have gotten slightly lost in the crowd while heading to Pirates of the Caribbean (don’t worry, we recovered quickly). Bill, inspired by the jungle surroundings, decided they were now a wild explorer and started leading the way—which mostly meant walking in circles. And somehow, we ended up back in front of Jungle Cruise, where the kids begged to ride it again just to hear new jokes.
Final Thoughts: Adventureland = A Hit!
Adventureland had a little bit of everything—laughs, thrills, snacks, and unexpected detours. My oldest got the action they were craving, my younger two had plenty to explore, and I got my much-needed Dole Whip. All in all, a solid win.
Next up? New Orleans Square! Time to set sail with pirates and uncover some Disneyland ghost stories.