Disneyland Guide: Adventureland

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Credit: Disney

When you enter Disneyland Park, the original Magic Kingdom in California, do you go right toward Tomorrowland or left toward Adventureland? For those seeking adventure, this guide is made just for you. Here, we set a course for the rivers of the Jungle Cruise as we share everything you need to know about Adventureland at Disneyland.

Adventureland sign
Credit: Disney

About Adventureland

Adventureland is one of the most beloved lands at Disneyland for the sense of wonder and exploration it brings. Over the years, the land has undergone its fair share of changes, but the true spirit of Adventureland — adventure itself — has remained intact.

From Disneyland: Memories of a Lifetime:

As brave Disneyland Park guests enter Adventureland their senses are stirred by the sights of intense jungle foliage, the harrowing sounds of not-too-distant wild animals, and the aromas of tropical blossoms. In this remarkable realm of adventure and exploration guests experience n amazing amalgam of many of the world’s far-off places and uncharted regions. 

“Here is adventure,” Walt Disney commented. “Here is romance. Here is mystery. Tropical rivers…silently flowing into the unknown. The unbelievable splendor of exotic flowers…the eerie sound of the jungle…with eyes that are always watching. This is Adventureland.”

walt disney in adventureland
Walt Disney standing at entrance to Adventureland.

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What to see while in Adventureland at Disneyland

Here are some of our must-sees in Adventureland, one of our favorite areas in Disneyland Park.

Hidden Gems

As you meander the streets of Adventureland, there are plenty of hidden gems to be on the lookout for. No matter where you look, there is something to see. Every sign, statue, figurine, and piece of writing is intentionally placed. While you are waiting in line for an attraction or sipping on a Dole Whip float, keep your eyes peeled. This is probably one of the best lands in the park for a game of I Spy!

Loaded dole whip tropical hideaway disneyland
Credit: Inside the Magic

Be sure to pay a visit to Rosita at visit when you stop by The Tropical Hideaway. A former Tiki Room bird, she has gone on plenty of adventures and now spends her days greeting Guests at The Tropical Hideaway as Jungle Cruise skippers pass her by.

Hidden Indiana jones reference Adventureland
Credit: Inside the Magic

Also, the Adventureland Bazaar is one of the best gift shops in the park as it sells merchandise specific to the Adventureland attractions (Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones Adventure, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room) as well as tropical-inspired merchandise, like Aulani-inspired Minnie ears and tropical patterned clothing. You can also find very fun and unique toys for kids at the Bazaar, so if there is an animal lover in your family, this is the gift shop to stop at while on your Disneyland vacation.

Great Views

tarzans treehouse disneyland
Credit: Disney

Tarzan’s Treehouse is a walkthrough attraction in Adventureland. It is highly popular among kids as it allows them a place to play while at the park, and the scenes throughout depict the classic characters from the animated film Tarzan. But this area actually offers some of the best views in all of Disneyland. You can see New Orleans Square, Adventureland, and even Big Thunder Mountain and the Rivers of America, as well as other classic Disneyland landmarks.

Adventureland in Disneyland
Credit: Inside the Magic

Additionally, the Jungle Cruise queue offers some pretty great views of Adventureland. This is because the queue is two stories and takes you up some stairs, allowing you to catch glimpse of the bustling Adventureland below as well as the Jungle Cruise boats as they pass by in the water.

disneyland crowds
Credit: Inside the Magic

What to eat while in Adventureland at Disneyland

Want to know what to eat while you are in Adventureland (or particular, what sweet, ice cream treat you can buy here)? Two words: Dole Whip.

Loaded dole whip tropical hideaway disneyland
Credit: Inside the Magic

There are a couple of notable dining options here, including two Guest-favorite places to eat in the theme park that also happen to be located in Adventureland.

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The Tropical Hideaway

Although Dole Whip is sold at a few different locations on Disneyland Resort property, our favorite place to purchase this sweet treat is at the Tropical Hideaway. This quick-service dining location offers a variety of Dole Whip snacks, as well as bao and lumpia. Click here to view the full menu.

rosita and dole whip at the tropical hideaway
Credit: ITM

Bengal Barbecue

If you are craving a high-protein snack, we recommend Bengal Barbecue. Here, you will find meat or vegetable skewers that are sure to satisfy every savory craving. Plus, you can take them on the go, or there is plenty of seating nearby!

bengal barbecue disneyland
Credit: Disney

Attractions in Adventureland

Some of the most popular and historic attractions at Disneyland Park are located in Adventureland. This area of the original Magic Kingdom truly has it all — amazing animatronics, popular rides, and of course, adventure!

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Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Enchanted Tiki Room
Credit: Disney

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is a historic attraction that paved the way for audio-animatronics in Disney Parks around the world.

Per the official Disney website:

A Musical Paradise
An extravagant feast for your eyes and ears, this theater-in-the-round show invites you to experience the beauty and magic of the Pacific Islands.

Take your seat in an air-conditioned ceremonial house in the heart of Polynesia. As the lights dim, 4 talking macaws spring to life. Before long, the chorus of crooning birds is joined by an enchanting cast of over 225 choreographed Audio-Animatronics performers.

Sing along and enjoy the magic of this jubilant Disney classic!

Enter an Enchanted Garden
As you gather on the lush patio before the show, carved totem poles representing island gods spring to life and introduce themselves.

Don’t forget to treat yourself to a world-famous Pineapple Dole Whip® from the patio-side Tiki Juice Bar while you wait!

An Animation First
The Audio-Animatronics technology that powers the show was introduced to the world when Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room debuted in 1963 at Disneyland Park.

This groundbreaking technology allowed animators to synchronize movement, audio and visual effects, paving the way for other classic attractions like “it’s a small world”, Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion.

Dinner with the Birds
Walt Disney originally envisioned the Enchanted Tiki Room as a dinner show. However, he knew the attraction would be so popular that he changed the format to accommodate more Guests before it opened.

Today in the Tiki Room
The current show has been enhanced with a state-of-the-art show-control system, remastered audio and energy-efficient lighting—while maintaining all the charm and wit of the original.

Guests can now dine on the flavors of the tropics at The Tropical Hideaway restaurant right next door. You lucky people you!

Indiana Jones Adventure

Indiana Jones Adventure
Credit: Disney

Indiana Jones Adventure is certainly one of the most thrilling attractions at Disneyland, even decades after it first opened. It continues to anchor Adventureland as a must-visit land in Disneyland Park and draws long lines daily.

Per the official Disneyland website:

An Ancient Legend
Follow Indy’s footsteps into the crumbling Temple of the Forbidden Eye past intricate booby traps. Inspect carvings and frescos that tell the story of Mara, a powerful deity who promises great treasures—and vengeance to those foolish enough to gaze into its all-seeing eyes.

Brave Unimaginable Perils
Board a rugged troop transport and enter the Chamber of Destiny. Confront inconceivable dangers, like precarious precipices over molten lava, screaming mummies, swarms of giant insects, spear-throwing wraiths, collapsing bridges, slithering snakes—and a massive rolling boulder.

If you find yourself in jeopardy, only one man is brave enough—or crazy enough—to save you… Dr. Jones!

Know Before You Go
Indiana Jones Adventure is neither a roller coaster nor a typical slow-speed attraction like Haunted Mansion. You’ll board a 12-person vehicle for a fast-paced thrill ride that realistically simulates quick driving over rough terrain.

Jungle Cruise

jungle cruise
Credit: Disney

A classic Disneyland attraction, Jungle Cruise is often a can’t-miss ride on a day at the park. But recently, Disney announced that the Jungle Cruise would be undergoing some changes — click here to read more about that!

Per the official Disneyland website:

Head off to Adventure
Board a canopied tramp steamer and leave civilization behind on a tongue-in-cheek journey through the globe’s most “treacherous” rivers—and oldest gags.
Highlights of your unforgettable adventure include:

  • The Mekong River
    Explore an age-old shrine, home to baboons, cobras and crocodiles.
  • The African Congo
    Cruise past a camp overrun by explosively curious gorillas.
  • The Nile River
    Behold bathing elephants, angry hippos and hungry lions guarding a sleeping zebra.
  • The Amazon in South America
    A canopy of green trees opens up to a native shrine, a mammoth anaconda and ravenous piranha.

Throughout your voyage, you’ll enjoy lively narration from your brave and trusty skipper. It’s a sometimes perilous, always hilarious 10,000-mile journey you won’t soon forget!

A Classic Cruise
The original Jungle Cruise opened on July 17, 1955 at Disneyland Park. Based on Disney’s award-winning True-Life Adventure films, the attraction had a more educational tone. In the early 1960s, Walt Disney introduced more drama and asked animator Marc Davis to sketch some humorous gags.

Over the years, more “wildlife”—and new wisecracks—were added. These updates, along with our talented skippers, make for fun surprises on every trip down the river.

Tarzan’s Treehouse at Adventureland

tarzans treehouse disneyland
Credit: Disney

Formerly the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, Tarzan’s Treehouse is a favorite play area among younger Guests.

Per the official Disneyland website:

At Home in the Jungle
Your adventure begins as you clamber up a tree stump and cross a rope bridge high in the sky. Overgrown with vines and constructed out of parts salvaged from his tragic shipwreck, the tree house features ingenious inventions and vignettes from Tarzan’s epic life story.

Peruse drawings from Jane’s sketchbook that tell the tale of the young English lord who was marooned in the jungle, orphaned and raised by a tribe of gorillas. The tree’s scientific name is Disneydendron semperflorens grandis or “large ever-blooming Disney tree” and some incredible views await you at the top!

Explore the high life at this airy abode from a bygone time!

“TARZAN” owned by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and used by permission. ©Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. and Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Stay and Play at Base Camp
Down below, explore the gear Tarzan and Jane left behind at Base Camp.

Investigate Jane’s collection of scientific equipment and improvised cooking gear. Inspect a magic lantern, play with musical pots and pull on the vines to discover fun surprises.

jungle cruise disneyland
Credit: Inside the Magic

Book a Trip

Want to book a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth so you can experience all of the adventures that Disneyland has in store? Click here to work with our favorite Disney travel agents at Academy Travel to make your vacation dreams come true! 

For more help with trip planning, check out our other Disneyland guides linked below:

Adventureland disneyland
Credit: Inside the Magic

What is your favorite land in Disneyland? Let us know in the comments!

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