Friday, February 24, 2012

Ride Matchup #4 - It's Tough To Be A Bug vs. Kali River Rapids


The 4th Matchup in our tournament (you can find the whole bracket here) is our first Disney’s Animal Kingdom as a pair of attractions that are very different from each other face off. Here are the reviews of two of Animal Kindom’s original attractions; Kali River Rapids and It’s Tough to be a bug.
It’s Tough To Be A Bug Review
1. Visual Theming - Taking place inside the Tree of Life definitely makes It’s Tough to be a bug a unique experience. The queue line is great as you can get some awesome close up views of the tree and its detailed animal carvings and the theater inside is just as good as once you enter you will really feel like you are underground with your bug hosts.  Score 9.25 out of 10
2. Audio Theming - It’s Tough to be a bug is not only a visual immersive show but it also has some great audio effects as many times throughout the show the sound effects will make you feel like you are really in a swarm of ants, spiders, bees, beetles, and other bugs. Score 8.5 out of 10
3. Story Telling - Like most Disney shows, It’s Tough to be a bug does a great job of telling its story although the story of Bug’s Life may be a little outdated today as it is no longer a popular movie. Score 7.5 out of 10
4. Popularity - Bug’s Life was released in 1998 and was only a moderately popular movie at the time and now 14 years later it is a story that isn’t recognized by many of the young kids who visit the park. Therefore, the show is not very popular today either a fact which is shown by the recent removal of it’s fast pass kiosks. Score 7 out of 10
5. Age Range - Although this show is based off an animated movie which was loved by many kids, It's Tough To Be A Bug maybe scare away some younger visitors due to its intense effects. These effects are cool and make the show immersive but they can be a little much for some guests. Score 7.5 out of 10
6. Lasting Appeal - It's Tough To Be A Bug does not seem to have much lasting appeal at this point as its story is outdated and the show itself is no longer very popular with guests. It would certainly not be surprising to see a new show take over the theater inside the tree of life in the near future. Score 6.5 out 10
7. Intangibles - It's Tough To Be A Bug is a pretty good show and has some unique experiences such as a queue that winds around the tree of life but it is a show which is becoming outdated and is simply not a favorite of Animal Kingdom visitors anymore. Score 7.5 out 10

Kali River Rapids Review
1. Visual Theming - Kali River Rapids is located in the back of the park and is therefore somewhat secluded, this works perfectly with the theme of the ride as you'll truly feel as if you are traveling through the jungles of southern Aisa. Score 9 out of 10
2. Audio Theming - Music and sound effects don't play a huge role in the ride but the soundtrack that is present in the background helps to enhance the rides story. Score 8 out of 10
3. Story Telling - Disney is great at incorporating a story into everything, even a simple water ride such as Kali River Rapids. On this ride you will follow the story of a Asian village that is fighting against illegal loggers and you will see the destruction they have caused along your trip. This story certainly isn't Disney's greatest story but it is a nice addition to the ride nevertheless. Score 8 out of 10
4. Popularity - Given the Animal Kingdom's relatively low number of rides, Kali River Rapids has managed to stay pretty popular among guests even though it opened in 1999. Score 8.5 out of 10
5. Age Range - Kali River Rapids is a basic water raft ride and therefore it sometimes doesn't appeal to older and younger guests but for the most it is pretty mild and family friendly although those who want to stay dry definitely shouldn't ride. Score 7.75 out of 10
6. Lasting Appeal - Kali River Rapids is the only water ride in the Animal Kingdom and one of the few rides in general so unless some new attractions are built in the park it is likely that this ride will stay around for a while but at the same time at 13 years old this ride is getting a little dated. Score 7.75 out of 10
7. Intangibles - Even though Disney enhances Kali River Rapids with a nice queue and a storyline at its core this ride is simply a basic raft ride that is solid but unspectacular. Score 7.5 out of 10

Scores
It's Tough To Be A Bug - 7.5 out of 10
vs. 
Kali River Rapids - 8 out of 10

Winner - Kali River Rapids wins this matchup because although it is nearly as old as It's Tough To Be A Bug it has managed to still be popular and be a key ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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