Is This Disney World’s Most Divisive and Controversial Ride?

Is this the most divisive ride at Walt Disney World?

The Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park in front of a clear blue sky. — Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the Magic

Walt Disney World is filled with dozens of attractions, ranging from thrilling live shows and performances to classic dark rides and intense roller coasters. Despite the somewhat daunting number of things to do in Disney World, most of the resort’s offerings are popular and enjoyed by thousands of guests daily.

From Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom to Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the magic never truly ends.

However, this is not to say Walt Disney World isn’t home to a few divisive and downright controversial experiences as well, with Kali River Rapids finding itself at the top of that list for many guests.

Kali River Rapids

Kali River Rapids is a water-based attraction located in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests are invited to board a large water raft and take a guided trip with the fictional travel company known as “Kali River Expeditions.”

Of course, as is the case with most theme park rides, not everything goes to plan, and guests discover that parts of the trail have become damaged due to deforestation and bad environmental practices.

Guests are then sent down a large hill, with the ride culminating in a quick spin through the surrounding jungle.

If this doesn’t sound that controversial or divisive, you’re right: it isn’t. What makes Kali River Rapids so infamous in Disney theme park circles isn’t its theming, thrill factor, or story, but its splash factor.

Guests in a round vehicle on Kali River Rapids — Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World is home to a few water-based attractions, with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure being the best and newest example. While guests are sent flying down a 50-foot drop, they are able to come off the ride mostly dry. The same cannot be said about Kali River Rapids, which usually ends with a third of the raft getting absolutely drenched.

Kali River Rapids sends guests plummeting down a 30ft drop at a fairly brisk speed. If you happen to be unlucky (or lucky, we don’t judge) group of guests who fall backward down the drop, then prepare to get absolutely soaked.

Kali River Rapids is unlike Disney’s other water rides. It resembles something found in a non-Disney theme park, designed to get guests as wet as possible. It’s quite common to spot guests put on ponchos before taking the plunge.

For this reason, Kali River Rapids remains the most divisive ride in Walt Disney World. Guests who love it love it, and those who don’t, well, don’t. We don’t blame guests for not wanting to spend their day at “The Most Magical Place on Earth” soaked right down to their shoes, but we also can’t deny that Kali River Rapids is a fun, albeit short experience.

The ride’s brevity is another reason Kali River Rapids remains controversial and divisive.

Lots of guests simply don’t see the point in waiting for a ride that caps out around five minutes in length. Regardless, Kali River Rapids remains an important part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, both functionally and thematically, furthering the park’s message about nature and conservation while also adding to the park’s overall capacity.

Do you enjoy riding Kali River Rapids? What’s your favorite attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?