I’ve been going to Disney World for over 30 years, and by this point, you’d think I’d have been on every single ride.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Call me a bad Disney Adult if you’d like, but the truth is: there’s one Disney World attraction I’ve still never been on — and it’s not exactly one I’m in a hurry to ride anytime soon. I’m a HUGE ride junkie, too, so believe me when I say I have a very, very good — and very blunt — reason for not riding this Disney World ride.
I must admit — I’ve never been on Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This river raft ride is located in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom, and while this park has quickly climbed the ranks and become one of my favorites, Kali River Rapids could fall into oblivion and I wouldn’t even bat an eye. Sure, I don’t want to yuck anyone else’s yum, but let’s be real here — is this anyone’s favorite Disney World ride?
Kali River Rapids
At Kali River Rapids, you and 11 of your closest friends are launched on rafts into the turbulent Chakranadi River for a wild ride through a jungle jeopardized by illegal logging. YOU WILL GET WET — and therein lies my problem.
Kali River Rapids
I’m no stranger to “water rides” at Disney World. A cannonball splash on Pirates of the Caribbean? Sure. A thrilling drop on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? I’ll risk it if I’m feeling particularly festive (or warm) on any given day. But, the prospect of potentially getting drenched by multiple river rapids, waterfalls, and people squirting water at me from a bridge? That’s gonna be a no from me, dog.
Kali River Rapids
If you don’t get wet enough going through the actual ride… people standing on the bridge as you approach the disembarking station will shoot water at you through the elephants! I can’t promise that I wouldn’t stare down the child who dared to squirt me with water if I were to ride Kali River Rapids — so it’s really just better for everyone if I don’t ride it.
Kali River Rapids
Luckily for me, Kali River Rapids is closed for its yearly refurbishment and will reopen sometime in March. This is an annual event for the attraction, as — like with most water rides — it’s too cold for most riders during January and February (yes, even in Florida), so Disney takes the opportunity to refresh and repair what needs maintenance.
Kali River Rapids
In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss any more of my rants about why water rides are the worst. And check back here for more Disney news!
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I’m with you-I hate getting wet in the parks! Only rode Kali once years ago when it was so hot I couldn’t take it anymore.;))
You are all wet, that’s one of the rides I always look forward to and I am 84 years old. Get with it.
Totally agree!
We used to ride it when our son was little simply because he loved it. One time I got so wet it looked as if I’d jumped into a swimming pool – not exaggerating. I was miserable, even on a very hot August day. Of course our son thought it was hilarious ?. The things we do for our kids!
Now that he’s an adult, we haven’t ridden it in years and have zero plans to. Well, until we want to humor our possibly future grandkids someday.
A decent attraction, but should be upgraded to 2 or 3 different river trek paths with a few new tricks to mix it up for the guests. Could be a gotta go attraction, but now it is just a get wet attraction.
Kali is my favorite WDW ride. I ride it multiple times every time when in AK. Getting soaked in the Florida heat is a welcome relief. However, the elephants shooting water has been disabled. Perhaps Disney has gotten too woosy to let people shoot at each other even with water.
That was a ride that was on our must do list. Even multiple times if possible. In order to fully appreciate the experience it needs to be the last ride before you return to your hotel, then you can get cleaned up and go out to a signature restaurant for a relaxing meal. You don’t have to be a child to enjoy squirting people with the elephants.
Our ride here in DCA is the Grizzly River Run. My family does not don the plastic ponchos but instead braces the water. We have been known to shut down the park by riding the rafts. I carry the extra extra large zip lock to put our purses in, but for the rest, you will dry! We always have spare clothes in the lockers if needed. It took us two years to get my daughter on the incredicoaster and now can’t get her off. And she’s 41! So AJ, give it another try. I do understand your feelings tho. She rode the Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout once. ONLY once! She has never been on it since.