There are a stunning variety of rides that fly beneath the radar at Walt Disney World, having brief traces whereas close by thrill rides have multi-hour wait occasions and aggressive Lightning Lanes. That is our record of the highest 10 underrated points of interest in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, all of that are routinely walk-ons (or near it) and are nice additions to your itinerary.
By its very nature, this record is sure to be controversial. If one thing is unpopular at Walt Disney World, there’s often a purpose for it. Within the case of those points of interest, visitors are voting with their ft and opting to do the high-profile headliners like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, TRON Lightcycle Run, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Avatar Flight of Passage–you get the thought.
Level being, it’s no accident that some rides have 60+ minute wait occasions whereas others have 5-minute traces. There isn’t any such factor as a “secret” experience at Walt Disney World, so extra visitors are essentially selecting to attend in lengthy traces for the favored rides and shunning the unpopular ones. There’s sure to be numerous disagreement a couple of record like this because of this, as most visitors are skipping these points of interest on function. Accordingly, we’re ranging from a fairly easy however presumptuous premise: what if everybody else is improper?!
It’s not far-fetched to contend that simply because one thing is in style doesn’t essentially imply it’s high-quality. It’s honest to say that the Kardashians, Actual Housewives of [Insert City], Love Island, The Bachelor, The Voice, and so forth. usually are not precisely the head of programming. Even most viewers of these reveals acknowledge them as responsible pleasures.
The concept is totally different, however at the least considerably comparable, with Walt Disney World points of interest. Don’t get us improper–we love Slinky Canine Sprint and suppose it’s a must-do attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Similar goes for Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster or Area Mountain. Curler coasters are crowd pleasers and have a spot at Walt Disney World, serving to provide much-needed selection.
We wouldn’t need complete parks consisting of nothing however these kinds of thrill rides, although. All of them have a good quantity of ‘thematic packaging,’ however they’re additionally comparatively easy and easy curler coasters. If that’s all Walt Disney World provided, frankly, we might not go to within the first place. Different amusement and theme parks do thrill rides higher than Disney, so why not go for a less expensive regional park as an alternative should you’re a thrill junkie?
Whereas we make some extent of doing the joys rides, for us, one of many massive causes to pay the premium pricing of Walt Disney World is for the points of interest that solely Imagineering can create. Experiences that distinguish Disney from the competitors–which are distinctive and in contrast to something you’ll discover at Six Flags, Cedar Level, Busch Gardens, and so forth.
All of these parks can do curler coasters–and actually, they will do them significantly better than Disney (and for cheaper). You might not experience round on the again of a dachshund or hurtle via outer house, however the essence of these rides is the thrills–not the theme–and people chains are all doing it pretty much as good or higher than Disney. And why wouldn’t they? That’s their specialty!
Walt Disney World’s specialty is one thing else solely–immersively themed experiences that droop disbelief and transport you to a different time or place. Imagineering’s greatest points of interest are ones you gained’t discover anyplace else, with a degree of worldbuilding or uniqueness that regional amusement parks aren’t even making an attempt.
If wait occasions are any indication, most visitors disagree with these assessments. However in equity, a really excessive share of Walt Disney World guests on any given day are first-time, one-and-done visitors. They’d doing Disney as a ceremony of passage trip to examine a field or to see characters their children love. Most usually are not drawn to Walt Disney World for the distinctive points of interest or Imagineering’s consideration to element.
So while you take these visitors who’re visiting for the spotlight reel and add to them the Disney diehards (like us!) who additionally make some extent of doing every thing, it’s no shock the joys rides and different in style points of interest have longer traces and better wait occasions than what’s on this record.
However we’d hazard a guess that should you checked out which points of interest are the perfect predictors of being a lifelong Walt Disney World fan (those with the very best ratio of repeat guests vs. one-and-done visitors), lots of the rides beneath can be close to the highest of that record. In that regard, it’s not a lot about everybody else being improper–it’s concerning the individuals who see Disney as one thing particular recognizing these as ‘sleeper points of interest’ which are price doing even because the lots move by…
Carousel of Progress – This can be a record of underrated rides relatively than points of interest, which is a purposeful approach of excluding stage reveals. In any other case, your entire record may very well be populated by these. Since stage reveals don’t transfer, they technically usually are not rides–however they’re points of interest. (It’s sorta like how each sq. is a rectangle, however not each rectangle is a sq..)
Carousel of Progress–the stage present that strikes–is the lone exception to that, and we couldn’t resist together with it. Carousel of Progress speaks to the optimists, and provides hope concerning the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Not as a result of it options something resembling futurism at this level, however as a result of it highlights the evolution of society and what prior generations have produced–whilst they confronted their very own challenges–and the way the lives of extraordinary Individuals modified for the higher.
The 2 different massive promoting factors are historical past and humor. A Walt Disney-era authentic that was first designed many years in the past for the 1964 World’s Truthful, Carousel of Progress is without doubt one of the most essential points of interest within the historical past of theme parks. From the music by the Sherman Brothers (Disney Legends who mainly wrote the soundtrack for generations of childhoods) to little particulars, it oozes historical past. For followers like us, there’s additionally our private historical past–and nostalgia–with Carousel of Progress.
That sentimentality wouldn’t exist if Carousel of Progress had been a forgettable snooze. It endures as a result of the attraction has a lot humor, and since the Carousel of Progress characters have a lot character. Most likely greater than another attraction at Walt Disney World, the ‘Progress’ household has character, and it’s pleasing to develop previous with them, so to talk.
Like so many entries on this record, Carousel of Progress is a ‘warts and all’ attraction, and we’re not pretending that it’s good or has aged gracefully. Our fondness for Carousel of Progress seemingly has to do with our deal with its strengths and being okay with datedness. Whereas the first-timers who unwittingly wander into this slow-paced present most likely deal with the antiquated references to laser discs and automotive telephones, and marvel why it nonetheless exists. Both approach, it’s price not skipping as a spot to get off your ft and recharge throughout an extended day at MK.
Underneath the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid — Not every thing on this record goes to be a favourite of lifelong Walt Disney World followers, and that is most likely the perfect instance of that. Underneath the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid is the most recent attraction on this record, having opened a couple of decade in the past in New Fantasyland. Upon debuting, it was not notably well-received by WDW diehards, who had been anticipating one thing extra out of the primary new main experience at Magic Kingdom in ages.
We predict it’s time for a vital reappraisal of Underneath the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid. Opinions of this darkish experience are nonetheless tainted by the preliminary impression, which was understandably harsh given the circumstances on the time. However rather a lot has modified since then, and numerous new points of interest have been added at Walt Disney World. But judging by wait occasions, this has by no means totally recovered from these harsh first critiques.
In our view, Underneath the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid is fairly removed from good. The Audio Animatronics are a bit lifeless, some scenes fail to have interaction, and the fashion does it no favors. Each single certainly one of these critiques is also leveled at Peter Pan’s Flight. Like that darkish experience, this additionally has a transportive issue–taking visitors beneath the ocean as an alternative of hovering above London. In contrast to that, there are just a few wow moments within the Little Mermaid darkish experience, together with the titular music’s scene and a few jaw-dropping Audio Animatronics. (Each have underrated queues, however we’d give the sting to Little Mermaid.)
To wit, if somebody requested me whether or not they need to wait 60 minutes for Peter Pan’s Flight or 10 minutes for Underneath the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, I’m recommending the latter instantly. Actually, should you take away nostalgia from the combo…I’m most likely recommending Journey of the Little Mermaid even when wait occasions are equivalent. However they by no means are! With this ceaselessly being a walk-on, it’s to not be skipped!
Dinosaur – That is such a tough one, as Dinosaur is each objectively underrated and subjectively overrated. On common, the wait time is low–decrease than it must be given the standard of Dinosaur because it exists. And to make sure, that is among the many prime 33% of points of interest at Walt Disney World by way of high quality. There are some nice Audio Animatronics, the pre-show is a cult basic, the premise is intelligent, and the experience is simply flat-out enjoyable.
With that stated, Dinosaur is subjectively overrated within the sense that numerous followers actually like it and are going to be devastated when Dinosaur closes. We really feel for these followers, and wouldn’t dare make mild of what they’re going to lose in a yr or so. We’ve additionally mourned the closure of underrated, outdated, or in any other case underperforming points of interest.
Dinosaurs deserved higher. It’s a travesty this experience and the land it occupies by no means lived as much as their full potential. Worse but, that Walt Disney World is changing them relatively than enhancing the land based mostly on the awesomest animal of all-time (edging out hammerhead sharks, that are mainly aquatic dinosaur reboots).
Nonetheless, there’s additionally the truth that Dinosaur squanders most of its potential. It looks like a knock-off of Indiana Jones Journey, however with 75% of the experience in darkness. Regardless of utilizing the identical experience system and having a considerably comparable monitor structure, Dinosaur is “solely” within the prime 33% of Walt Disney World rides, whereas Indiana Jones Journey is within the prime 5% of Disneyland rides. See? Each underrated and overrated–the Dinosaur paradox!
Astro Orbiter — Right here’s one other one which most likely gained’t resonate with the lifelong followers. Nonetheless, in that rambling preface, one of many key factors I used to be attempting to make is that it takes all kinds of rides to spherical out the Walt Disney World expertise. Spinners and flat rides are one such kind!
With out query, the preferred of this fashion of attraction is Dumbo and Mad Tea Occasion. These are two iconic Walt Disney World points of interest for good purpose, and are essential for any rite-of-passage journey for the recollections and taking enjoyable images whereas using. Alien Swirling Saucers can be in style…however arguably not for good purpose.
Whereas we’d by no means suggest anybody skip Dumbo or Mad Tea Occasion, we’d argue that the perfect and most memorable expertise–if setting apart nostalgia and sentimentality–is Astro Orbiter at night time. There’s nothing like blasting off in a rocket excessive above Tomorrowland, amidst the glow of neon and sounds of this vibrant land. If something, the diehards don’t give Astro Orbiter practically sufficient credit score. Easy, sensible, and value not skipping.
Star Excursions: The Adventures Proceed — That is previous information now that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has opened. Understandably, as that land is anchored by Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which we’ve ranked because the #1 experience out of all 91 points of interest at Walt Disney World. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is typically referred to as “Star Excursions on Steroids.”
However is it, actually? We love Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and suppose it’s a greater general attraction from begin to end, with tons of Imagineered depth and element (all of which issues rather a lot–see above!) plus the want achievement of getting into the cockpit and flying the Millennium Falcon.
Star Excursions is the higher experience, although. The settings are superior, is jam-packed with characters, and has a fairly good start-to-finish packaging of its personal with an excellent queue and pre-show. And in contrast to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, the experience portion of Star Excursions will not be the Star Wars equal of being an “interactive” for UPS supply individual. Each time I do Star Excursions, I’m reminded of how good it’s. That isn’t practically usually sufficient, both, particularly on condition that Star Excursions usually has a 5-minute wait when Smugglers Run is over an hour!
Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin — It’s exhausting to argue that that is underrated, because it has the #7 highest wait time at Magic Kingdom. Each followers and first-timers appear to love Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin nicely sufficient. However hear me out.
Gamified points of interest are extremely in style, and inside that class, Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin underperforms. (For this similar purpose, you might argue that Massive Thunder Mountain Railroad is objectively underrated–it lags behind all different main curler coasters at Walt Disney World. We predict it that iconic experience is fairly well-loved and it will pressure credulity to name it underrated, although.)
In any case, Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin is much much less in style than Toy Story Mania or the overwhelming majority of different game-based points of interest at different Disney parks. Once more, it comes right down to being a ‘warts and all’ attraction. There’s a lot about it that’s antiquated as in comparison with different shooters, with holdovers from prior incarnations of the attraction.
Nonetheless, Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin additionally has promoting factors not present in most different game-based rides. We love the way it makes use of bodily present scenes to make it participating for visitors who wish to expertise the attraction passively. A few of the staging, props, and Audio Animatronics are actually cool. The interactivity is enjoyable however enjoyment will not be predicated upon it–you might sit again and watch, and nonetheless have enjoyable. That’s not the case with Toy Story Mania or different screen-based sport rides. Walt Disney World may use extra points of interest like this–it simply wants some TLC.
Spaceship Earth — One more ‘warts and all’ attraction. We’ve been vital of Spaceship Earth, which made our Record of 10 Sights That Have Aged Poorly at Walt Disney World. Exterior of the experience’s substance, there are numerous methods for it to enhance and proper previous wrongs from its final massive reimagining.
Regardless, we love this slow-moving darkish experience that highlights how human communication has developed by way of Audio Animatronics and historic scenes. We predict that humanity’s shared story is a compelling one and the experience’s location inside EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere is actually cool. Not solely that, but it surely’s one of many few remaining Audio Animatronics-heavy points of interest in all of Walt Disney World, and there’s one thing spectacular and novel about seeing dozens of robots in fully-realized bodily environments.
For us, there’s nonetheless a novelty to Disney’s Audio Animatronics, and it’s timeless know-how that also wows us. For a lot of first-timers with brief consideration spans, it’ll miss the mark solely and be boring–however those that give Spaceship Earth an opportunity and actually take note of its particulars and message, it is likely to be the spark that begins forming your fandom.
Dwelling with the Land – It’s a really comparable story right here, as Dwelling with the Land is the “Backyard Experience” at Walt Disney World. For those who clarify this attraction to informal visitors who dropped hundreds of {dollars} on a Disney journey, they could scoff on the notion of “losing” beneficial trip time to see vegetation. Worse but, don’t inform them what it’s about and allow them to uncover for themselves {that a} experience is making an attempt to train them one thing relatively than amuse and entertain. (The audacity!)
Actual ones know, although. Dwelling with the Land has all of it–Audio Animatronics animals, the historical past of horticulture, way forward for farming, and a behind-the-scenes take a look at the greenhouses of EPCOT. It’s enjoyable to see firsthand the modern rising strategies, cross-breeding of high-yield crops, and a cornucopia of greens, fruits and fish farmed world wide.
I really like Dwelling with the Land, and I hate gardening. The experience is informative, attention-grabbing and provoking–a real testomony to human ingenuity. It’s additionally a good way to get off your ft and chill out for a bit, and the best way it’s at all times altering retains issues contemporary and provides infinite re-rideability (most likely another excuse followers like it). Oh, and everybody mustn’t skip Dwelling with the Land when it’s decked out for Christmas!
Gran Fiesta Tour – This can be a boat experience that includes two of the Three Caballeros (Jose Carioca and Panchito) with Mexico’s tradition as a backdrop as they seek for the third caballero (Donald Duck). Gran Fiesta Tour weaves tradition along with Disney characters in a enjoyable expertise for anybody who likes boats, Mexico, fiestas, or waterfowl. And who doesn’t get pleasure from at the least one factor from that trio?!
Gran Fiesta Tour is tucked away into the Mexico pavilion, and the largest criticism is that it’s a minor attraction. The wait time displays that, although, as does nearly every thing related to the experience. It incorporates a tie-in to an obscure film, doesn’t provide Lightning Lane, and has zero hype.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — That is the attraction we do greater than another at Walt Disney World. What we love concerning the PeopleMover is that it “forces” us to decelerate, decompress, and converse. It’s the last word change of tempo attraction, and for us, it presents the right alternative to embrace why we go to Walt Disney World within the first place: to have enjoyable collectively. So many different points of interest have interaction you, individually, with the present scenes and experience expertise, itself.
As a result of the present scenes are weak to non-existent, the PeopleMover does this to a far lesser diploma than most different points of interest. Largely, the TTA is just about no matter you need it to be. If you need a spot to benefit from the nighttime ambiance of Tomorrowland, it’s that. If you need an attraction for socializing, it may be that. If you wish to get off your ft and really feel a pleasant breeze, it’s that. Heck, if you would like a leisurely place to make amends for work emails, it may be that.
Whereas we’ve got many fond recollections of the PeopleMover itself, what I believe is much more vital is that the experience has given us the chance to sit down again and replicate on experiences elsewhere in Magic Kingdom. In so doing, its significance might be understated, if something, because the PeopleMover has been a conduit for forming and strengthening these ‘core recollections.’ Consider it as Magic Kingdom’s meditative moments attraction.
BONUS: All Different Transportation Rides — First-timers are dismissive of all transportation rides, whether or not they be the Most important Road Autos, Walt Disney World Railroad, Liberty Sq. Riverboat, Wildlife Specific Prepare, and even the precise novel transportation outdoors the parks. (Transportation isn’t just for getting from level A to B. The Skyliner is a prime 25 experience at Walt Disney World and nobody will persuade me in any other case!)
Too many individuals anticipate rides to actively entertain or exhilarate. What ever occurred to simply being there, having a leisurely expertise with household and pals, having fun with the chic surroundings? There’s actually no improper solution to get pleasure from Walt Disney World, a spot that provides one thing for everybody, however when you’ve got by no means taken the time to decelerate and embrace the serenity and surroundings, you aren’t doing it 100% proper, both. 😉
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Study inns on our Walt Disney World Motels Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a novel take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the perfect place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every thing it’s essential to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Which points of interest at Walt Disney World do you suppose are underrated and to not be skipped? Assume there are any old skool rides which are superior to the shiny new ones? Something you suppose our record “snubbed” that belongs amongst WDW’s ‘sleeper’ rides? Do you agree or disagree with our record? Any questions we will help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
