Disney's Jungle Trek

Sorry about the delay in getting this up, but here we go:

As some of you know, rumors have recently been swirling around Disney communities that Disney is gearing up for an adventure. Disney wants to build an exclusive experience theme park ala Discovery Cove, which is a Sea World domain. A niche park that appeals to a small number of people, but will cost a pretty fortune to enter.

This new park has seen some interesting transformations over the last few months though. At first, rumors were swirling that the park would be called "Night Kingdom." It was supposed to take place from the hours of 4 pm - midnight and you would get do things like feeding animals like hippos, go spelunking and see bats, go rock climbing. Ever wanted to try zip lining? You could do it here. Here, you would get themed lands, much like you do in the other parks. You were also supposed to get a gourmet meal at the end of your adventure.

Apparently there was a very lackluster response to this type of experience, so now, things have changed a little. The park hours have been extended...as now they will be open from noon to 2 a.m. They've also now changed the name from Night Kingdom to Disney's Jungle Trek (a better name in my opinion anyway...no matter whether it took place all at night or not!). Instead of individual adventures (with each activity being a separate entity), now your goal is to set off on an adventure where you encounter each one of these items during your trek (things like ancient ruins and rare animals) and then, once you reach the end, you will be able to spend time in Global Village. Here, you'll be able to eat and do some of the other activities advertised, such as rock climbing and zip lining, or simply relaxing. It will be a five hour total experience...with 2 hours being spent doing the actual trek and the remaining 3 hours spent doing whatever you see fit. However, the one thing is, Disney is still not changing the price of the adventure. Cost is still rumored to be around $250-$300 a person.

The one thing I will be excited about though...before, when it was Night Kingdom, it was rumored that the Adventurer's Club might go there. I hope that it's still being considered as part of Disney's Jungle Trek...and if it is...I really hope you'll be able to pay a cover and simply get into the Adventurer's Club and not have to pay the $300. (Disney...hear my cries! If the Adventurer's Club must go from Pleasure Island...please put it back here!!!)

So, now, it's opinion time. :)

How do I really feel about Night Kingdom/Disney's Jungle Trek?

Well, Night Kingdom, I'll be honest, didn't sit well with me. I thought that it was a very narrow reach and that there was really nothing that sucked you in. There seemed to be no story...it all seemed to be a bit disjointed. Also, that price tag is very off-putting. For just the two of us in my family, it would be at least $500 and I could think of a lot of other things I would want to do with $500 dollars! (I mean, feeding a hippo doesn't sound real exciting to me...and I can rock climb here in St. Louis!)

Disney Jungle Trek, however, I'm liking a little more. I think that at least it seems to have a purpose now...a mini-story. The fact that you're now going on an adventure, kinda like Indiana Jones would be kind of cool. And it's nice that they've decided to offer it as an all day option.

Will Disney's Jungle Trek be something I take part in...more than likely no. A park like this, even with all the changes, is still something that I have no interest in. I can't see spending that type of money just on a 5 hour experience...although, I could, of course, change my mind, if it ended up being cool enough. However, to each their own. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who really would enjoy this type of adventure. I guess we'll find out though...if Disney decides to go forward with it.