How do we determine our favorite Walt Disney World attractions? Are thrills the big draw? Is it nostalgia for experiences we had during vacations as kids? These questions have remained in my mind since I decided to write this post. I also considered which attractions I would miss the most if they closed. Successful theme parks need a few cornerstone rides to anchor everything else. For example, EPCOT has Spaceship Earth right at the front of the park. Despite losing a lot of its early favorite attractions, EPCOT connects to 1982 with a modified version of its flagship experience.
This Top 10 only includes attractions currently operating at Walt Disney World. Sorry Horizons; you’ll have to take a break for a little while. It also represents my current favorites and could change anytime. I would not have considered The Jungle Cruise, but we had a great time riding it on our last trip. It did not make the list, sadly. The example just shows how my opinions are fluid. On the flip side, I would have definitely ranked Soarin’ before it changed. The newer version just fails to match the original due to awkward CGI and odd transitions.
I experienced Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, Flight of Passage, and Slinky Dog Dash on a quick trip in September 2019 and rode Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Rise of the Resistance on our latest trip. It’s time to update this list! I suspect this post may change even more in the next few years with more expansions coming. Even as I write this paragraph, I am already re-considering some choices. It’s that close and should make for a fun dialogue. I would love to hear from you about these picks and which ones are wrong. Let’s get to the updated list!
Special Mention: Impressions de France
I have a soft spot for all the early EPCOT Center films, and Impressions de France represents Disney’s finest work in this format. There is a reason that we have not seen an updated version of this film. It’s that good. Unlike the China and Canada movies, this presentation matches what guests experienced in October 1982. With the exception of a few odd fashion choices from people on screen, scenes aren’t tied to the particular time. The presentation feels universal and reminds us what is possible.
From the opening flute sounds of Claude Debussy’s “Syrinx”, we take a graceful journey through the beautiful French countryside. The London Symphony Orchestra performs the elegant score of both famous songs and new compositions by the legendary Buddy Baker. We begin at Étretat in Normandy and glide through stunning looks at Chaumont Castle alongside hot air balloons, Mont St. Michel as a beacon in the night sky, and ultimately the wonders of Paris. Director Rick Harper crafts a gorgeous film that immerses you in the culture of France. It is a true masterpiece.
Honorable Mention: Flight of Passage
I did not expect Flight of Passage to near the top ten. I expected it to be impressive, but I underestimated just how spectacular it would be. After experiencing this epic attraction in 2019, it’s definitely among my favorite attractions. I placed Flight of Passage in my top ten after that ride, but it slipped a bit after my recent trip. I still enjoyed it a lot, but it didn’t grab me emotionally in the same way. The experience is still much more than sitting in front of a large screen. There is a lot to enjoy throughout Flight of Passage.
The queue and pre-show (despite the strange performance from the actor) set the stage perfectly. Each step closer to the main event builds the anticipation for what’s to come. The gorgeous design outside and intricate sets within the queue enhance the experience. The odd set-up of the banshee vehicle also puts you closer to the action. On our recent podcast, Imagineer Daniel Joseph explained how all the details on the ride vehicle purposefully set you up for the big surprise. The mix of air, smells, water, and stunning visuals help to deliver a one-of-a-kind attraction. I can’t wait to ride it again.
10. Expedition Everest
In our IP-driven world, Expedition Everest stands out as a fairly recent classic. Opening in 2006, this remarkable attraction represents one of the best examples of how to mix thrills and place making. Joe Rohde and his team of Imagineers went far above expectations to create the village of Serka Zong. The theming sets just the right mood for our journey to the Forbidden Mountain. The queue includes a wealth of artifacts from Nepal; you could easily spend time just looking at all the pieces within this space. It also sets up the encounter with the Yeti.
The reason that Expedition Everest ranks only as #10 is Disney’s inability to fix the Yeti. I experienced the original version, and the full-motion Yeti made a big difference in selling the final scenes. I was hopeful that we would see this change now that Pandora is open, but even the current refurb won’t address the Yeti. Regardless, there’s still so much to enjoy on this attraction. The opening ascent past Everest offers a stunning view of the mountain and the park. Once chaos breaks out, the fast-paced coaster packs a punch, especially in its backwards section. It’s a thrilling experience that never feels cheap, and that’s a key factor in making Expedition Everest a favorite.
9. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This “wildest ride in the wilderness” is suitable for most guests, and that fact only adds to the fun. I appreciate Big Thunder Mountain Railroad more every time I ride it. The main reason is the way it immerses you within the experience without overdoing it. You fly by the small touches of the mountain, including goats and a man in a bathtub. It’s easy to miss all the little details, and that helps make riding Big Thunder again even more interesting. It’s easy to imagine taking a journey into the 19th century and working for the Big Thunder Mining Company.
Looking beyond the setting, Big Thunder is just great fun. My girls both had a blast riding it at night on our latest trip, and I love it too. The hills are small yet have enough thrills to keep us engaged. The rocky setting also leads us to believe we’re traveling a lot faster than 35 miles per hour. The runaway mine train is hardly a new idea, but it seems fresh in this setting. I never grow tired of riding this train through the dips and turns of the rocky mountain.
8. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
What more can I add at this point about Rise of the Resistance? I can’t fully wrap my brain around the logistics and technological complexity to make the attraction work properly. It’s great to see cast members directly involved in selling the story of our capture on the Star Destroyer. They’re still guiding us through a theme park attraction, but it’s a lot more than just giving basic instructions. The multiple ride systems help to serve the larger story and aren’t just a cool way to present the technology.
Beyond the technical success, what really makes Rise of the Resistance click is how much fun we have while inside the Star Wars universe. There’s so much happening while our trackless ride vehicles try to escape that I couldn’t see it all in one ride. There’s a good chance this crazily ambitious attraction will move up my rankings after I’ve experienced it a few more times. Rise of the Resistance again proves the potential for the future of theme park attractions and works even if you aren’t a huge Star Wars fan. I’m glad that the Imagineers went all out and exceeded our expectations for what is possible.
7. Spaceship Earth
If I was creating this list before 2008, Spaceship Earth would rank even higher on this list. I grew up with the Walter Cronkite version and “Tomorrow’s Child”, and loved the inspiring finale of the Jeremy Irons incarnation. That does not mean the current Judi Dench edition is a disappointment. The animatronics upgrades are stunning, and the new scenes about computers fit comfortably in the storyline. The shift from communications to innovation works out well, and Dench’s warm delivery helps build the optimistic atmosphere. The script is a little simpler, but only a few lines (“the first backup system!”) seem forced.
Despite the changes, Spaceship Earth represents one of the last remnants of the original EPCOT Center. The slow-moving Omnimover still connects with guests of all ages. Bruce Broughton’s new score is grand and beautiful throughout the different eras presented. The descent is disappointing because of the lack of physical sets. Within such a grand structure, the last thing we should be doing is looking at screens. Even with its lackluster finale and general wear and tear, Spaceship Earth is still a classic Disney attraction. I must ride it on every visit and never tire of the experience. I hope the next version retains the original’s spirit and provides an even more complete experience.
6. The Haunted Mansion
I appreciate the remarkable mix of talents that helped create The Haunted Mansion more every time I ride it. The attraction’s backstory is fascinating, and it’s a miracle that it came together so well. The Mansion is also a rare case where an update made the experience even stronger. The Endless Staircase and Attic scenes fit comfortably inside the attraction, and the sound enhancements in The Stretching Room are incredible. The Mansion has never looked better, and its popularity keeps growing. There’s nothing else like it.
The mix of humor and horror flows together seamlessly. Our minds can imagine horrors inside a coffin or behind a door and fill in the blanks. Vintage effects like the Pepper’s Ghost still work together and just reinforce the skills behind this attraction. The mix of styles from Marc Davis, Claude Coats, Yale Gracey, and Rolly Crump create an experience that has no equal. The differences between the Mansion versions on both coasts also feel natural and make them seem original. I remember being a little creeped out as a kid by the Mansion, but I always rode it. As an adult, I love the experience and learning the background of this classic attraction. Even today, I keep learning new things about this favorite.
5. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
So much of Tomorrowland’s early success came from its “world on the move” theme. The Skyway flew overhead while the PeopleMover offered previews closer to the ground. Attractions focused on flights into space and journeys across the world by plane. The spirit of adventure was everywhere! Despite some unfortunate changes, that excitement remains in Tomorrowland today. A main reason is the PeopleMover, which has undergone several updates to its name and narration. We don’t see as much of the attractions as we used to, but it still provides great fun.
There are few experiences better than gliding above Tomorrowland at night. We can escape the crowds and just enjoy being at Walt Disney World. You can really feel what’s missing at Disneyland without its PeopleMover. When I was younger, I expected us to have PeopleMover vehicles everywhere by now. They show us the promise of a better world free of traffic and pollution. We can just hop on the PeopleMover and travel to our next destination without a care in the world! I still long for that world, even as it feels more like a lost dream each day.
4. Living with the Land
When I visited EPCOT Center as a kid, The Land pavilion did not rank highly on my list. It easily fell behind Spaceship Earth, World of Motion, Horizons, Imagination, and more. Listen to the Land in particular fell short because the ride hosts often had little enthusiasm. Adding the automated narrators was a surprisingly brilliant move. Living with the Land is an improvement about its past self, and it stands out more because so many other attractions are gone. The waterfall scene in the opening is now one of my favorite spots in Walt Disney World.
The pastoral scenes in the dark ride section are also relaxing and well crafted. It’s the small touches that make Living with the Land so memorable. Seeing all the plants grown through hydroponics gives me hope for new approaches to farming. This technology has been around for a while, but it’s hardly commonplace everywhere. The aquaculture section is also a favorite; seeing the fish brings another real-life use into play. My love for Living with the Land is about more than just nostalgia for EPCOT Center. It’s about hope for a better experience both at Walt Disney World and in our daily lives.
3. Space Mountain
Why is Space Mountain so popular more than 40 years after it opened? It only goes about 30 miles per hour and includes no big drops or inversions. The Walt Disney World version doesn’t even include on-board audio. It’s a pretty rough ride and often has long lines due to breakdowns. My enjoyment comes from the complete adventure. From the moment you enter the stunning exterior, it’s easy to feel like you’re heading into space. The darkened queue and wonderful background music sell the idea of a journey into a different environment.
When we board our vehicles the quick ride through the tunnel and up the lift hill sets the mood perfectly for excitement. By the time we take off and start blitzing through the dark, our anticipation has reached an all-time high. I love that I can ride Space Mountain with my daughters and enjoy it just as much as they do. It’s a family coaster with a convincing atmosphere that’s pure fun. Space Mountain is a quintessential Disney attraction and never gets old.
2. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
My favorite Walt Disney World thrill rides never feel like they’re designed just for a cheap thrill. The experience transcends the actual gimmick; it’s just part of the full experience. The best example of that approach is the Tower of Terror, which offers so much before you even reach the drops. The queue line includes small details that convince us we’re entering a decrepit old Hollywood hotel. The worn-down lobby sets up our trip onto a maintenance service elevator and into The Twilight Zone. Why would we step into such an unsafe environment?
The Walt Disney World version of this attraction stands out because of its Fifth Dimension sequence. When the elevator moves forward onto a dark ride track, it’s another way the Tower confounds expectations. That creepy sequence prepares us for the excitement to come. I love the reactions of other guests when we reach the final drop shaft. The shared experience of this terrifying (and exhilarating) ride never gets old. The attraction photos tell the story. The attraction transcends its source material and remains a favorite no matter how many times you ride it.
1. Splash Mountain
The top three choices on this list represent everything that I love about Disney attractions. The mix of theming, thrills, and fun is extremely difficult to duplicate. Splash Mountain is the best example because it adds the log flume component. I love a good water ride, and one with animatronics, music, and a big drop has to be a classic. Disney uses components of a typical log flume yet enhances them with the story of Brer Rabbit. It’s based on the rightfully controversial Song of the South film, and Disney has announced that Splash Mountain will be rethemed to The Princess and the Frog.
Another reason that Splash Mountain stands out from other log flumes is the length of the experience. There’s a lot more than just the big drop in the 10-minute ride. The opening segments before the initial Slippin’ Falls drop are quite relaxing, and the fun animatronic scenes make us forget about fears of the large hill on the way. The drop is also not the end of our journey. The “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” finale sends us out on just the right note. We may be wet but still exit with smiles on our faces. All the components of a favorite attraction for me come together into a single experience.
It may surprise you that I’m good with Disney’s choice to retheme Splash Mountain. I love the attraction, but I also recognize that the source material is a racist film. Disney refuses to release Song of the South on Disney Plus for a good reason. I’m also excited to see how Disney updates a classic attraction. If it’s done well, there’s great potential for The Princess and the Frog to fit within this structure. I mentioned the fun “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” scene above, and while it’s a fun moment, that song is extremely problematic. My hope that the new version will be strong enough to remain a favorite when it’s added in the future.
Five Sentimental Favorites That I Hated Leaving Off This List: The American Adventure, Carousel of Progress, “it’s a small world”, Pirates of the Caribbean, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Five Enjoyable, Well-Designed Attractions That Are Worthy of This Type of List: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Jungle Cruise, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Test Track
Five Attractions with Potential That Could Be Contenders with Significant Improvements: Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, Na’vi River Journey, Mission: Space, Dinosaur, Toy Story Mania
Creating a list of my favorite attractions is challenging because it will vary based on the parameters. After our next Walt Disney World trip, I will probably change my mind about a few of these choices again. In particular, the bottom few spots are fluid and could shift between today’s picks and honorable mentions. Regardless, it’s a fun exercise to consider which attractions stand out the most for me. My favorite attractions represent what I love about Walt Disney World, and I’d hate to lose them.
What do you think of this list? What are your favorite Walt Disney World attractions?
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Ranking Walt Disney World’s Rollercoasters
How everyone decides is unique to them. If I were judging by some objective criteria a ‘best ride’, I’d choose Flight of Passage, even when including Universal’s Orlando rides. However, I would probably list Tower of Terror and Splash as my 1-2 in terms of favorites. FoP would be 3. RnRC 4, Everest 5.6-10: Safari, Kali River Rapids, Mine Train, Thunder Mtn, Space Mtn. My older daughter’s list would be similar to mine, but my younger daughter refuses them (for now). Pirates & People Mover would be on my wife’s list. I really should put Star Tours on my list, as it was my favorite ride on a one-day trip to MGM in the late 90’s.
Nostalgia and memory play a role. I remember waiting in the Splash Mountain line with my brother, uncle and a friend. I even remember the crude joke the friend told! I also remember my first ride on Tower of Terror. One of the few rides that scared me. I screamed, ‘not again’, when there was another drop after a big one. Somehow it doesn’t scare me like it used to. 6/10 of my list I hadn’t ridden until 5 years ago. I don’t imagine slinky dog getting onto my list, but I imagine both SW attractions moving in, as well as Tron & possibly the Guardians coaster. I remember Space and Thunder being the only thrill rides at WDW and soon they will be on the less thrilling end of the thrill attraction category.
There’s definitely a difference between “best” and “favorite”. With this list, I was totally going with rides I enjoy the most today. Splash is the clear #1, but it gets trickier as I go down the list. It was hard to leave off the Safari especially because it’s so well done. It will be interesting to see how all the new attractions fare for me. I’m most excited for Tron, but part of that is because we know what it is. Galaxy’s Edge should bring in two contenders; I’m more excited for the Battle Attraction because you’re moving through physical spaces. It’s going to be fun!
Riding Flight of Passage has me psyched for what they’ll do with Galaxy’s Edge. It’s also got a queue that makes the > 2hr wait more tolerable. The Galaxy’s Edge rides will need that too!
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Flight of Passage. When we last went in January, I could have gotten FastPasses for like 6 p.m. that night. But my one daughter is too young, and my wife gets motion sickness. So we just decided to all get Na’vi River and not split up. Pandora was incredible, so I’m looking forward to seeing the queue and experiencing Flight of Passage sometime soon. I’m sure Disney will do great with Galaxy’s Edge. The insane crowds we’ll likely see scare me a bit. Who knows how long the waits will be?
Flight of passage IS INDEED incredible. Managed to snag a fast pass for it last spring and absolutely loved it. But I don’t think anything can make a 2 hour wait acceptable. I’m not the youngster I used to be, so I’m only good for 8 hours a day at the park. I can’t see waiting 25% of my time for a 5 minute ride.
Guess we can’t blame Disney for being popular, but I wish they would turn their attention back to high capacity rides (Omnimover?). Or if that’s not realistic… then double the number of theaters for these very popular attractions. I’m sure most of the cost of Flight of Passage was in the R&D and initial production. Making a few more rooms so they can move the line faster shouldn’t be that hard.
The capacity question has been on my mind a lot, especially on recent trips during times that should be less popular. I don’t believe that Disney is focusing that much on creating high capacity attractions right now. From what I’m reading, even the new Star Wars attractions will be in a similar boat as Flight of Passage. A good counter example is Forbidden Journey at Universal, which is very popular but has had fairly manageable lines. That one can take thousands of people an hour. Looking ahead at TRON, Guardians, and Galaxy’s Edge, I don’t see anything similar on the horizon that will have that kind of capacity.
Hmnn, so hard to pick a top 10. I can’t resist dipping into the past, even extinct attractions. I have to say them all. So here goes…
10 – Jungle Cruise
Cuz I never tire of seeing the backside of water.
9- The liberty square river boat (and tom sawyer island)
Sorry, I cheated…but I love this general area along the waterways.
8 – Expedition Everest
Not too many thrill rides on my list, but imho this is the most fun and best themed ride of its type at Disney.
7- The original Journey into Imagination
How I miss the days when Figment was the face of Epcot, and he was such a charmer along with his pal Dreamfinder. It was a weird attraction, but that unbridled whimsy and burst of creativity cannot be denied. Bonus, captain EO was a blast too.
6 – If you had wings
This one probably isn’t actually as good as I remember. But the song is seared into my brain, and I have fond memories of riding into the globe and being whisked away by the birds. It was just a very happy ride.
5 – The Mexico Pavillon
I can spend all day camped out at the blue fountain. There’s something about the ambiance of this place that I just can’t get enough of. El Rio De Tiempo always made me smile. I like the new version too, but miss the old song.
4 – Spaceship Earth
This probably would have been higher, but years of neglect and downgrades has made it slip a few notches. Still love it though, as one of the few reminders of Epcot Centers original greatness.
3 – Splash Mountain
Love getting my old-school classic Disney fix at splash mountain. Love the characters, the music, and silliness of it all. In the days of short sub 5 minute rides, this one is a real value.
2 – Its a Small World
Sure, it’s corny but it’s always on my must see list. Such an optimistic and positive experience. Why can’t we all just get along?
1 – Horizons!
What can I say about Horizons that hasn’t already been said. I saw the future, and it was marvelous. I just wanted to just stay in that world. Favorite moments; those future everyday life scenes, in the city, at the farm, and under the sea. And that moment that you turned the corner and you were out in space (with the space station off in the distance) always took my breath away.
Great list, Chris! I decided to just stick to attractions that remain in the parks for mine because I’d end up just listing old Tomorrowland and EPCOT Center attractions in there. Looking at your choices, the Liberty Square Riverboat is an inspired pick. I’ve enjoyed it a lot more in recent years; it’s relaxing a nice break from the crowds. I’m also a fan of “it’s a small world”, especially since I’ve started visiting with my daughters. We rode If You Had Wings so much when I was a kid in the ’80s. Horizons is also my #1 choice, and I’ve written about it a lot here. Last year, I recorded a podcast where I listed my top five extinct attractions. It’s located here if you’re interested: https://tomorrowsociety.com/extinct-attractions-podcast/.
A few of your picks are definitely mentioned during that podcast. Thanks for the great comment!
Great list! And fun exercise. Hard to commit to 10, but here’s an attempt:
1. Carousel of Progress
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Space Mountain
4. The American Adventure
5. Pirates of the Caribbean
6. The Haunted Mansion
7. Star Tours
8. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
9. Living with the Land
10. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Awesome list! I love Carousel of Progress and could have easily placed it on my list. Star Tours also didn’t make my list, but I think that Disney did a great job with “The Adventure Continues” version. I can ride it over and over. And I haven’t seen the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular lately (don’t spend enough time in that park), but I saw it a lot when I was younger in the earlier Disney/MGM days. It’s a lot of fun. I can’t argue with any of your picks at all.
From your list, TTA, Pirates, Carousel, and the Land were all honorable mentions for me as well. But alas, had to stop at 10 🙂
It’s kind of hard to leave off anything that Walt himself dreamed up. Ok, dumbo the flying elephants might be a stretch