but Recently the website Travel & Leisure wrote an article ranking the 53 attractions of Walt Disney World. This article was polarizing for a number of Disney attraction fans due to rankings that go against what a large number of fans believe. Although it was an op/ed piece, which is based on the author's opinion, I would like to counter by doing my own piece. The original article only ranked attractions that were not live shows or Circlevision films from the World Showcase, so I did not include those in my rankings as well. I did, however, add four attractions that fit the same criteria used by the original author to my list, making the total 57. I also made sure that I could justify why each attraction was placed in the location that it is in.
*Update* I have also added in the two brand new attractions from Pandora: The World of Avatar to the list, making the total number of attractions 59.
So, without further ado, here are all 59 Attractions of Walt Disney World ranked in order from 59 - 1.
59. Stitch's Great Escape (Magic Kingdom)
*Update* I have also added in the two brand new attractions from Pandora: The World of Avatar to the list, making the total number of attractions 59.
So, without further ado, here are all 59 Attractions of Walt Disney World ranked in order from 59 - 1.
59. Stitch's Great Escape (Magic Kingdom)
Stitch's Great Escape was the easy overlay replacement for cult favorite Magic Kingdom attraction Extra Terrorestrial Alien Encounter, which the company believed was too scary and didn't belong in Magic Kingdom. Regardless of how you feel about Alien Encounter, Stitch was a pretty poor replacement. It took what was good about Alien Encounter and tried to make it funny and more kid friendly. The result was an attraction that just couldn't find an audience to appeal to and is the single worst attraction currently operating at Walt Disney World. Stitch has recently transitioned to Seasonal Status, which basically means it will open for peak times but that is it. It is essentially the kiss of death for an attraction, as evidenced by Wonders of Life and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which were both seasonal until they closed permanently. Hopefully a solid replacement for Stitch will come along soon.
58. Circle of Life (Epcot)
58. Circle of Life (Epcot)
Circle of Life is an environmental film inside Epcot's Land Pavilion. The film features Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King learning about the importance of protecting the planet from Simba. It's a somewhat enjoyable film, but has become nothing more than a time waster and is extremely out of date. It would be great for a newer IP such as Wall-E to take over for a new environmental film.
57. Disney/Pixar Short Film Festival (Epcot)
57. Disney/Pixar Short Film Festival (Epcot)
This attraction was clearly a stop gap to replace Captain EO, whose revival long overstayed it's welcome (although I personally loved it). It is essentially a collection of animated short films that are presented in 3-D and very occasionally use the Magic Eye Theater's special effects. It's not a great attraction and will hopefully be replaced soon or at least updated with different short films on a somewhat regular basis.
56. Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse (Magic Kingdom)
56. Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse (Magic Kingdom)
This walkthrough attraction in Adventureland is nothing more than a time waster while waiting for a Fast Pass for Jungle Cruise or Pirates. It would make a great queue line for an attraction, but isn't anything impressive this day and age and takes up valuable space to build something new and exciting in a land that hasn't been updated in decades.
55. Star Wars: Path of the Jedi (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
55. Star Wars: Path of the Jedi (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
Path of the Jedi is a super cut of important moments of all seven currently released Star Wars films, not including Rogue One. It's a nice time waster to watch while you wait for your Star Tours Fast Pass or a good way to get a very simplified summary of the Star Wars Saga, but that's about it.
54. Tomorrowland Speedway (Magic Kingdom)
54. Tomorrowland Speedway (Magic Kingdom)
Back in the day when Magic Kingdom first opened, Tomorrowland Speedway (then called Grand Prix Raceway) was a huge highlight because it allowed children to drive a race car. Today, that feeling can be found using virtual reality or video games. The attraction's vehicles all still run on gas motors and do not look futuristic in any way. All in all, this one needs to go to open up a good chuck of land for a future Tomorrowland expansion.
53. Prince Charming's Regal Carousel (Magic Kingdom)
53. Prince Charming's Regal Carousel (Magic Kingdom)
It's a very simple carousel ride. You can ride one of these at pretty much any amusement park or county fair. It is considered a classic to some, but it isn't exactly unique in any way.
52. Triceratops Spin (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
52. Triceratops Spin (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
Triceratops Spin is one of 5 (!!!) spinner attractions at Walt Disney World and the one that has the least appeal. It does add one more attraction to Animal Kingdom, but that's about it.
51. Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Magic Kingdom)
51. Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Magic Kingdom)
Here's another spinner, this time in Adventureland. It's kinda cool to ride in a magic carpet, but unlike the other two (technically three) spinners on this list, this one doesn't have much nostalgia value.
50. It's Tough to Be a Bug (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
50. It's Tough to Be a Bug (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
The first of a number of 3-D films to make this list. This one falls to near the bottom because many of the special effects are designed simply to startle guests and scare small children. The result is a film that is honestly not very enjoyable, which is a shame because the concept of a film about bugs in the roots of the Tree of Life is so awesome.
49. Journey Into Imagination with Figment (Epcot)
49. Journey Into Imagination with Figment (Epcot)
This one hurts a bit because the original Journey Into Imagination was one of the best dark rides Epcot had to offer, back when it was mostly dark rides. The current version, although better than the ill fated and simply awful Journey Into Your Imagination, still doesn't hold a candle to the original and just isn't anything you have to see, which is a shame considering it is the attraction of Epcot's unofficial mascot, Figment.
48. Walt Disney World Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
48. Walt Disney World Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
Although this is mostly considered a mode of transportation around the park and less a ride, it is often faster to just walk to your destination than take the railroad. As a ride, it's somewhat enjoyable with a couple show scenes thrown in for good measure, but it just doesn't compare to many of the other attractions on this list.
47. Universe of Energy: Ellen's Energy Adventure (Epcot)
47. Universe of Energy: Ellen's Energy Adventure (Epcot)
Ah Energy, you make the world go 'round. Energy is basically a victim of a time where most guests just don't have the attention span to enjoy a 45 minute attraction with a 37 minute ride. It is also victim of not being updated since the mid 90s, which clearly shows. Although the entire attraction could use a major update, a full replacement is most likely.
46. Astro Orbiter (Magic Kingdom)
46. Astro Orbiter (Magic Kingdom)
Another spinner ride. This one is a bit higher on the list because there is some nostalgic value and it does offer a pretty nice view of Magic Kingdom, but the long waits for this low capacity attraction just aren't worth it.
45. Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room (Magic Kingdom)
45. Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room (Magic Kingdom)
The Tiki Room is back under original management and still remains a classic attraction. The problem is that an audio animatronic show just doesn't have the appeal that it use to and this one, although classic, is the weakest of the other similar shows on this list. I hope the tiki gods won't get too mad at me for that...
44. Turtle Talk with Crush (Epcot)
44. Turtle Talk with Crush (Epcot)
Turtle Talk originally showed off some impressive technology by allowing animated characters to interact with guests. This attraction is designed for young children, and it still very much appeals to them, but it doesn't really hit the spot for families or older audiences. It also has been surpassed by a different attraction that uses the same technology (more on that later).
43. Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Magic Kingdom)
43. Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Magic Kingdom)
So up until this point I feel like most of my readers kinda agree with my list. This is where I shake things up. Dumbo is a Disney classic and a very iconic attraction, but honestly it is just a simple spinner attraction that isn't that exciting. Again, this attraction primarily appeals to families with young children and nostalgic adults hoping to relive their childhood, but as an attraction it just isn't as exciting or enjoyable as the other attractions ranked higher on this list. Nostalgic value does play a factor in my rankings, but it can only get you so far.
42. Hall of Presidents (Magic Kingdom)
42. Hall of Presidents (Magic Kingdom)
Politics aside, Hall of Presidents is a very impressive and classic attraction. The 2008 update that added Barack Obama did a great job of modernizing the attraction but still keeping it's classic spirit. It will be very interesting to see how the updated version turns out later this year.
41. Country Bear Jamboree (Magic Kingdom)
41. Country Bear Jamboree (Magic Kingdom)
Country Bears is a classic audio animatronic show that is clearly a show of the times, but is still amusing and pretty funny today. A few of the songs just wouldn't fly today, but that kinda adds to the charm of the show. It's not a top tier attraction, but it's still worth your time when exploring Frontierland.
40. The Seas with Nemo and Friends (Epcot)
40. The Seas with Nemo and Friends (Epcot)
The Nemo update to The Living Seas did a good job of making a classic Epcot pavilion feel new again by adding in characters from a popular film. The ride portion itself relies a bit too heavily on screens, which lowers it's appeal. There are some good moments in the ride, but it is one of the weakest dark rides at Walt Disney World.
39. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (Epcot)
39. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (Epcot)
Gran Fiesta Tour was an update to the original Mexico boat ride that hoped to broaden the appeal by adding recognizable characters. The result was pretty solid, but it's not exactly a top tier boat ride, although the addition of animatonic caballeros to the finale certainly did help.
38. Living with the Land (Epcot)
38. Living with the Land (Epcot)
Back in it's day, Living with the Land was a top tier attraction that always had long lines. Today, interest has weakened substantially due to many park guests not being interested in "edutainment" experiences at Epcot. Living with the Land is still a very relaxing and enjoyable ride that allows guests to check out the greenhouses, which are constantly updated and show off impressive farming technology and techniques. It's not the most exciting ride, but it's certainly not the worst.
37. The Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom)
37. The Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom)
The Barnstormer is a roller coaster designed for children, and it does a good job of appealing to children and the adults riding with them. It's a very simple ride, but is still a solid first coaster for young children and worth a ride with a short wait.
36. Kali River Rapids (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
36. Kali River Rapids (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
Kali is a rapids ride with barely any rapids and one big drop. It is honestly kinda a disappointment, especially when compared to the far superior Popeye and Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges at Islands of Adventure. It's still an enjoyable water ride if you want to get wet on a hot summer day, but there are a number of better water attractions at Disney.
35. Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress (Magic Kingdom)
35. Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress (Magic Kingdom)
It's a great big beautiful tomorrow! Those words are always shining at the end of every day. Carousel of Progress is an underrated classic and the last surviving version of the attraction that Walt himself built. It is part ride, part show and still pretty enjoyable. The final scene could use an update, but it still holds up pretty well and is well worth your time at the Magic Kingdom.
34. Primeval Whirl (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
34. Primeval Whirl (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
Although many feel that the Dinorama section of Dinoland just felt shoehorned in to add attractions to Animal Kingdom, Primeval Whirl is a very enjoyable spinning wild mouse roller coaster. The theming of the attraction isn't anything special, but it is still a fun coaster and well worth your time for thrill seekers looking for things to do at DAK.
33. it's a Small World (Magic Kingdom)
33. it's a Small World (Magic Kingdom)
Small World is a polarizing attraction. Some people love it, some people hate it. Personally, I am not a big fan, but I understand it's appeal and appreciate it's nostalgic value. It is still a classic Fantasyland attraction that has a devout fanbase, but it isn't an attraction that appeals to everyone.
32. Jim Henson's Muppet-Vision 3-D (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
32. Jim Henson's Muppet-Vision 3-D (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
The final project Jim Henson worked on remains a classic attraction at the ever changing landscape of Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is still one of the best 3-D films out there due to the excellent humor and well done special effects. 3-D films are less of a novelty today then they were in the 90s when this attraction opened, but it is still a solid attraction.
31. Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom)
31. Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom)
Another classic Magic Kingdom attraction that I ranked much lower than many would. The Tea Cups as many call it is a very simple flat ride that can be experienced at a huge number of theme parks and fairs across the country. None are more famous than Disney's version, which is why it is ranked as highly as it is. It is a fun attraction, but I just don't consider it as fun as those ranked above it.
30. Mickey's Philharmagic (Magic Kingdom)
30. Mickey's Philharmagic (Magic Kingdom)
Philharmagic is the best and most recent 3-D film Disney has released for the parks. The twist of Donald taking the Sorcerer's Hat and having to get it back is a fun storyline and it is told by taking guests through some timeless moments from classic Disney animated films. It's a great film and well worth the low wait it would surely have to experience it.
29. The American Adventure (Epcot)
29. The American Adventure (Epcot)
The focal point for the World Showcase is The American Adventure, a huge animatronic show that focuses on many great moments of American History. It is super patriotic and features an ever changing and moving set. Some may not have the patience for it, but those who do will find it to be a very well done show.
28. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Magic Kingdom)
28. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Magic Kingdom)
Although it replaced one of my favorite attractions as a child (Mr. Toad's Wild Ride), I freely admit Winnie the Pooh is a solid dark ride that retells a classic story. With fun hopping and bobbing in water vehicle movement and well done show scenes, Pooh is one of the best Fantasyland dark rides.
27. Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid (Magic Kingdom)
27. Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid (Magic Kingdom)
This clone of the California Adventure dark ride has a very impressive queue inside Prince Eric's Castle and showcases some impressive advances in dark ride technology. The finale of the ride is a bit lacking, but the rest of it is very strong and features some excellent set pieces.
26. Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover (Magic Kingdom)
26. Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover (Magic Kingdom)
This Tomorrowland classic is the last of it's kind and is a great way to take a load off during a busy day at Magic Kingdom as well as enjoy previews of many of the Tomorrowland attractions. I only wish the more highly themed spiels would return to make it an even better experience.
25. Monsters Inc Laugh Floor (Magic Kingdom)
25. Monsters Inc Laugh Floor (Magic Kingdom)
The Laugh Floor took the already impressive tech used in Turtle Talk with Crush and applied it to an interactive comedy show that is always different each time you see it. You can also get your jokes read when you text them in, which is a nice touch. How Monsters Inc fits in Tomorrowland is a bit debatable, but the attraction itself is quite enjoyable.
24. Peter Pan's Flight (Magic Kingdom)
24. Peter Pan's Flight (Magic Kingdom)
Here we go with another classic ranked much lower than a lot of people would rank it. Peter Pan is a classic and there is something about flying above Neverland that you can't help but feel nostalgic for, but the Magic Kingdom version very badly needs to be updated and just doesn't look nearly as good as the rides listed above it. It is still a classic, but being a classic can only get you so far.
23. Na'vi River Journey (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
23. Na'vi River Journey (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
The first Pandora attraction to make the list is a slow moving boat ride through the bioluminescent forests. It is an absolutely beautiful attraction and features one of the most impressive animatronic figures ever built, which is saying a lot. The ride has no thrill factor and is fairly short at 4.5 min, but it is a fantastic boat ride that showcases some excellent new technology.
22. Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
22. Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
Jungle Cruise is one of three spieling attractions left at Walt Disney World. It is a classic and is typically enjoyable, but that enjoyment depends mostly on the performance of your skipper. Often times, the Skipper is funny and their jokes hit, but when you have a Skipper who isn't as enthusiastic, this hurts the experience. Jungle Cruise is also a bit more dependent on the Skipper's performance than the other two spieling attractions on this list, which is why it is ranked lower than both of them.
21. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)
21. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)
Magic Kingdom's latest addition just barely misses the Top 20 thanks to some new additions. Mine Train is a fun, but simple coaster with an impressive show scene. As a pure roller coaster, it is a decent kiddie coaster. As a dark ride, it only has one scene, but that one scene is pretty good. Overall, it is a solid attraction, but not worth waiting in hour plus waits for.
Still hanging in there? Good! It is now time for the Top 20! These attractions are the best of the best. The rankings from this point forward will probably be up for some serious debate, but I tried to rank them based on their best and most unique qualities as well as overall enjoyment. Let's kick this off with...
20. Mission: SPACE (Epcot)
Still hanging in there? Good! It is now time for the Top 20! These attractions are the best of the best. The rankings from this point forward will probably be up for some serious debate, but I tried to rank them based on their best and most unique qualities as well as overall enjoyment. Let's kick this off with...
20. Mission: SPACE (Epcot)
Here is an attraction I ranked a lot higher than most because of how unique it actually is. Mission: SPACE is a simulator that is intense and offers a unique experience not available anywhere else. It is also the most authentic space travel simulation available for those not training at NASA. It is a bit out of date, so it will be interesting to see how it turns out after it's upcoming refurbishment in June of this year.
19. Frozen Ever After (Epcot)
19. Frozen Ever After (Epcot)
Disney's latest Epcot attraction impresses with it's super impressive animatronics and special effects. This attraction was expected to be a simple retheme of Maelstrom, but turned out to be much better than that and a great example of how dark rides can improve today. I do wish the ride itself was longer (although they did add an additional scene), but it is still an impressive ride. It's just not worth the hour plus waits it has had over the last year.
18. Toy Story Midway Mania (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
18. Toy Story Midway Mania (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
Toy Story has become a huge attraction at Hollywood Studios and is a well done evolution of the shooter attraction. The carnival style is a lot of fun and it does have a lot of re-ride ability due to it being a shooter, but the reliance on screens does dampen the experience just a bit and when the screens aren't working perfectly, it does diminish one's enjoyment.
17. Kilimanjaro Safaris (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
17. Kilimanjaro Safaris (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
Safaris was a game changer when Animal Kingdom opened in 1998. The idea of taking guests visiting Florida on an African Safari seemed too good to be true and for the most part it worked out really well. It's an enjoying and lengthy ride where real animals take the spotlight from Disney's typically fake ones. The decision to remove the attraction's storyline in recent years does hurt the enjoyment due to there not being any narrative whatsoever. Still, it's a good attraction and a must do for those first visiting Animal Kingdom.
16. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom)
16. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom)
Buzz is the first ever shooter ride. It helped create a genre of theme park attractions and still holds up extremely well due to it's excellent visuals and constant challenge to beat your best score. Although laser and shooter attraction technology has improved greatly over the years and the ride could use an update, it still is one of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom, and for good reason.
15. Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom)
15. Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom)
Pirates is a classic. There is no doubt about that. The only reason it is ranked as low as it is and not a Top 10 attraction is that a number of the changes made to it over the years have hurt the attraction's narrative. The addition of Jack Sparrow and the PCing of a certain scene took away some moments that worked from a narrative perspective and just aren't as effective today. It's still a great attraction, but has lost some of it's luster over the years.
14. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
14. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness brings up the rear in a four pack of excellent Disney roller coasters on this list. Thunder is a very enjoyable and very well done coaster, but visually it isn't as exciting as the other three ranked above it. It's tough being an excellent roller coaster in a park filled with excellent roller coasters...
13. Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
13. Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
Space comes in just ahead of Thunder because of nostalgia and being just a tad more fun, although that is debatable. Space Mountain being in the dark and featuring two unique tracks makes it a bit more re-ride able as well. The 2009 addition of a booming futuristic soundtrack just added icing to the cake.
12. Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
12. Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
There is no question that Everest is an excellent coaster. Why this attraction isn't higher on this list is simply because it's signature moment is broken and very well may never be fixed. I was able to experience the Yeti working properly back in 2007 and it made that ride something more than just a great roller coaster. Without the Yeti, it is still solid, but does feel lacking compared to what it use to be. Maybe one day we will see the Yeti move again, but probably never the same way she used to.
11. Rockin' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
11. Rockin' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
Studios coaster reigns as the king of the Disney Coasters because it is one of the best looping coasters out there. The launch, the music and great indoor theming just put it above other similar coasters. It is a fantastic ride and one of the best thrill rides Disney has to offer.
10. Dinosaur (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
10. Dinosaur (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
I'm probably going to get some flack for ranking this one so highly, but Dinosaur (although it isn't Disneyland's Indiana Jones) is a fantastic dark ride and thrill ride that feels different from most Disney attractions. It is thrilling, exciting, features some excellent animatronics and brings a really exciting thrill attraction to Animal Kingdom. The enhancements made late last year made it even better, so go check it out if you haven't yet.
9. Spaceship Earth (Epcot)
9. Spaceship Earth (Epcot)
Like a grand and miraculous space ship, the signature attraction at Epcot is still one of Disney's best dark rides. Filled with tons of animatronics and very impressive set pieces, Spaceship Earth continues to impress and remain one of the most popular attractions at Epcot.
8. Soarin' Around the World (Epcot)
8. Soarin' Around the World (Epcot)
I freely admit that I enjoyed the original Soarin', but never though it was worth the long waits it experienced on a daily basis. The 2016 update to Soarin' Around the World was everything I wanted out of Soarin' and more. It is visually stunning, features a cleverly updated musical score, a large number of visually stunning locations and an excellent finale at Epcot. It is well worth waiting for and one of Disney's best attractions.
7. Test Track (Epcot)
7. Test Track (Epcot)
Test Track has been one of my favorite attractions since I first road it in the mid 2000s. The 2012 update turned what was already an excellent thrill ride and made it the attraction that best fit the Future World theme. It focuses on future technology, teaches guests about how vehicles are designed, offers interactivity and awesome Tron inspired visuals to improve the ride experience. It is still the extremely enjoyable thrill ride it always was, but made better and I absolutely love it. It is ranked lower on this list than the Top 5 simply because the ones above it are the best of the best.
6. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
6. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
The 2011 update to Star Tours turned what was a fun, but repetitive simulator and made it one of the best attractions at Walt Disney World. Featuring randomized scenes and fantastic visuals and 3-D effects, Star Tours was the benchmark for 3-D simulators, until the next attraction on our list arrived. It is also the best way to experience the Star Wars Universe until Star Wars Land opens (supposedly) in 2019.
Speaking of the best of the best, we have reached the Top 5! These are the absolute best attractions at Walt Disney World and all are absolute must visit whenever you visit the parks. Let's get right to it!
5. Avatar Flight of Passage (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
Speaking of the best of the best, we have reached the Top 5! These are the absolute best attractions at Walt Disney World and all are absolute must visit whenever you visit the parks. Let's get right to it!
5. Avatar Flight of Passage (Disney's Animal Kingdom)
Disney's latest E-Ticket attraction is a wonder to behold. Guests journey through the most impressive queue in Disney History and link to an Avatar in order to ride on the back of a Banshee. The ride is an interesting fusion of Soarin' and Star Tours, but with incredible visuals, special effects and smooth, but exciting motion on a super unique ride vehicle. The restraint system is a bit restrictive, and that can be an issue but it is a super impressive simulator ride that is absolutely one of Disney's best attractions. It only trails the Top 4 due to the restraint system and the nostalgic value of these attractions.
4. The Great Movie Ride (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
4. The Great Movie Ride (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
GMR is a one of a kind attraction that will never be replicated. It's a slow moving dark ride with a live tour guide who interacts with animatronics, show scenes and other live performers. The result is one of the most unique ride experiences you cannot enjoy anywhere else. Some feel that the 2015 TCM update hurt the attraction, and in some ways they are correct, but GMR remains the signature attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios and one of the most unique dark rides ever made.
3. The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
3. The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror (Disney's Hollywood Studios)
There is no question that Tower of Terror (now a Florida exclusive in the US) is one of the most impressively themed attractions at Walt Disney World. Although at first glimpse, it may seem like a simple drop tower, Tower of Terror features so many super impressive details in it's queue and loading areas that it's hard not to be constantly looking out for more secrets. The ride itself is unique, highly themed and super enjoyable. It is also one of the best kept attractions in all four parks and certainly doesn't look like it opened in 1994. If it wasn't for the Top 2, this would be a fairly easy choice for best Disney attraction.
2. Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
2. Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
Splash Mountain is the best flume ride of all time. There, I said it. Based on characters from Song of the South, a film which you currently cannot see legally, it tells the story of Brier Rabbit and his journey to find his laughing place. Featuring many excellent animatronics, a wonderful finale and fantastic drop sequences, there is no question that Splash is one of the two best rides at Disney. I debated several times on if it should be number 1, but it was just too hard to pick it over the Best Attraction at Walt Disney World.
1. Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom)
1. Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom)
I know you've been "dying" to hear what the number 1 attraction is and I hope you agree it's to "die" for. Haunted Mansion is a masterpiece on so many levels. It is easily one of the best and most iconic dark rides Disney has ever created and has an atmosphere that is simply unmatched in theme park attractions. There are so many super iconic moments in this ride along with an iconic song, that it is almost impossible not to smile as you depart.
Well, there you have it, my rankings of all 59 attractions of Walt Disney World! This list took about 3 hours or so to compile, edit and write, so I hope you enjoyed it. I might do a similar list for Universal someday...
Thanks for reading!
Written by Chris Coburn
Source: Travel+Leisure
Well, there you have it, my rankings of all 59 attractions of Walt Disney World! This list took about 3 hours or so to compile, edit and write, so I hope you enjoyed it. I might do a similar list for Universal someday...
Thanks for reading!
Written by Chris Coburn
Source: Travel+Leisure