It’s no secret. I’m a notorious list-maker. (As a travel planner, it’s kind of in my DNA). I love lists of all kinds: to-do lists, grocery lists, bucket lists, top 10 lists, just to name a few. Today, I thought it would be fun to create a top 10 list for rides at WDW. Who doesn’t love talking about their favorite experiences? Am I right? Ok, so here we go… ranking my top 10 rides at Walt Disney World. Starting with number 1.
1. Carousel of Progress
This is my favorite ride in all of Walt Disney World. It’s the ride that holds the most nostalgia for me. And as I’ve gotten older, it’s reminded me of what a crowning achievement it was in Walt’s day. This ride encourages me to dream. And even though it’s old and outdated, the principals it embodies will never be. After all, “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day.”
2. Rise of the Resistance
If this isn’t at the top of everyone’s list then there is just something wrong. Hahaha. (But seriously). I would only consider myself a 50% Star Wars fan and yet, I have a deep profound appreciation for this ride (ahem “experience”). The first time I went on this, I actually cried. It’s just so immersive and innovative. Walt would be proud.
3. Flight of Passage
Rise of the Resistance is to Star Wars fans as Flight of Passage is to Avatar fans. Wow, this ride is BEAUTIFUL. I would wait in line for over an hour to do this (something I NEVER do). I recently re-watched Avatar and was just astounded at what an incredible job Disney Imagineers did on this experience. It’s truly remarkable.
4. Tower of Terror
This ride is a classic. I will always remember the first time I did this as a kid. The anticipation of that first drop was terrifying but once I was off the ride, I wanted to go again and again and again. I love how the story of the Twilight Zone is weaved throughout this experience and I love the details that went into designing both the exterior and interior of this ride. (If you geek out over stuff like this too, then check out this post on the real-life Los Angeles locations that inspired this ride.)
5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
This is the ride Magic Kingdom had been missing for a long time. It’s just thrilling enough for adults and mild enough for kids. I love being able to go deep inside the Seven Dwarfs mine to see them at work collecting those dazzling gems. It’s something I always imagined doing as a child.
6. Splash Mountain
Of all the versions of Splash Mountain at the various Disney parks around the world, this is the best. I love how long this ride is and how many layers of the story you get to experience as you go through it. I’m extremely excited about the Princess & the Frog renovation project and can’t wait to see what Disney Imagineers do with it!
7. Expedition Everest
When it comes to “thrills”, Expedition Everest is it. This ride is a traditional roller coaster but there are enough twists and turns that make it feel very original and distinctly Disney. This is the one ride I will do over and over again as an adult. (And the only one I still feel scared to take pictures on.)
8. Soarin’
As an avid traveler, Soarin’ actually makes me cry. I love being able to “soar” all around the world with a birds-eye view. It’s also a great reminder to me of places I’ve been and places I have yet to go. It makes me want to get on an airplane STAT and also leaves me feeling grateful that travel is as available to us as it is today. Also that smell of fresh grass…. Mmmm.
9. Frozen Ever After
I think this ride is just beautiful. The sparkle of the ice in every scene gives it an extra magical feeling. I love how cute Elsa and Anna look throughout and how the bond of sisterhood is the central theme of this ride. This is definitely an experience Epcot has needed in World Showcase for a LONG time.
10. Country Bear Jamboree
I can’t think of a show that I have more fun at in Magic Kingdom. I love the Country Bears so much. Their songs of sorrow are absolutely ridiculous and remind me that things aren’t really so bad in my own life. 😛 This is also a great place to sit down and cool off when I desperately need a break from running around the park all day. This was another one of my favorite attractions as a child, so it carries a lot of nostalgia for me.
Honorable Mentions:
Haunted Mansion
I would be remiss not to mention the Haunted Mansion on this list. This ride is just so genius. It holds up over time and is the true test of “growing up” for many kids.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Even though this is the world’s shortest ride, it’s still so cute that I can’t help but wait in line for it. I love the idea of flying over Neverland in a pixie dust ship! Was a favorite of mine as a kid, and is still a favorite of mine as an adult.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
The newest thrill ride to hit Walt Disney World is Cosmic Rewind in Epcot. Not only are the Guardians of the Galaxy my favorite superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but they now also have one of the most-fun rides in all of Walt Disney World too. This innovative experience is unlike any other rollercoaster type ride at the park and with the option of getting one of six songs, the element of surprise prevents it from ever getting boring!
Ok, that’s it for ranking my top 10 rides at Walt Disney World. Now it’s your turn! Which of these do you agree with and which rides would you have added?
For more ranking fun, check out my Ranking All 12 Disney Theme Parks Around the World post!
