Some followers brazenly query whether or not Walt Disney Imagineering “nonetheless has it” or “has misplaced its contact.” That is loopy. As one growth cycle wraps up and one other is on the precipice of starting, we’ve seen some insanely good points of interest and technological improvements. This ranks the ten finest rides that debuted in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the worldwide parks within the final 5 years.
It’s been a veritable curler coaster since 2019. One of many causes followers ask this query is comprehensible–as a result of output has been uneven. That is principally a results of the 2020 closures, which threw a monkey wrench into Disney’s formidable plans, inflicting undertaking cancellations, finances cuts, and different developments to be redesigned midstream. CommuniCore Corridor is Exhibit A in relation to these missteps, however it’s removed from the one one.
Nevertheless, the final 5 years have additionally seen a number of new points of interest and lands open, whereas Imagineering has additionally sought to proper previous wrongs and proper errors of the aughts and late Nineties. The entrance entrance to EPCOT is Exhibit A in relation to this, and whereas nothing revolutionary, it’s a refreshing step ahead as to what was there earlier than. This is only one small instance of a profitable reimagining, however I’m getting sidetracked already. This listing focuses on rides that push the artistic envelope…
Earlier than we dig into the listing, let’s cowl the foundations. Not eligible for this listing are materially cloned points of interest that first opened greater than 5 years in the past. Because of this TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom isn’t eligible, although it’s debatably deserving of a spot. Additionally not eligible is Remy’s Ratatouille Journey, however that wouldn’t have made the listing even when it have been as a result of it’s simply not that good (sorry not sorry).
Lastly, all the pieces that’s debuted at Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland within the final yr doesn’t make the listing just because we’ve got but to expertise it. This contains Zootopia: Sizzling Pursuit, Frozen Ever After (a materially totally different clone), and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs. I’m nearly sure that not less than the Zootopia attraction would make the reduce…maybe we’ll discover out within the coming decade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Anyway, on with the listing…
Honorable Point out: Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies (Tokyo DisneySea) – This can be a family-friendly attraction in Pixie Hole, the fairy valley in By no means Land the place Tinker Bell lives. Company board a Busy Buggy, a car made by Tinker Bell, and discover the fairy valley and its altering seasons. On this fairy valley, all the pieces from flowers and mushrooms to portray utensils and items of nibbled cheese is bigger than life.
Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies punches above its weight. That is the best and most simple attraction in Fantasy Springs–it’s a kiddie trip that fills a task for households with babies, and doesn’t aspire to be something greater than that. And but, it does. The surroundings is lovely, the movement of the automobiles is pleasant, and the entire thing simply oozes whimsy.
That’s to say nothing of the tip, the place you encounter a personality who has already developed a cult following. There’s a sure je ne sais quoi about Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies and it’s higher than it has any proper to be. It’s nonetheless firmly the fourth-place Fantasy Springs attraction–nobody would rank it increased–however it’s implausible for what it’s. That’s a part of what makes an attraction a contemporary marvel–utilizing present know-how to create emotional resonance past what’s anticipated.
10. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Disneyland) – Situated inside El CapiTOON Theater, the attraction itself begins with a screening of the “Excellent Picnic” brief, after which visitors actually step from the human world instantly into the cartoon world in one of many coolest results of the whole attraction. This completely units the stage for the ride-through portion of the attraction, with visitors loading into the (trackless) prepare trip automobiles.
Word that though this attraction exists on each coasts, the Disneyland model of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is superior due to the queue, which is why it’s listed right here somewhat than each DL and DHS. The trip itself is equivalent, and includes a collection of loosely-connected vignettes in quite a lot of environments that the runaway prepare vehicles bounce between at a reasonably frenetic and disorienting tempo. “Nothing Can Cease Us Now” can also be an earworm of an authentic tune.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway may be very a lot paced like a high-octane animated brief, and it feels such as you’re within the cartoon world in consequence. The “2.5D” strategy of projection mapping on dimensional environments is the ‘fashionable marvel’ right here, and an enormous a part of its secret sauce. This screen-centric model works a lot better with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway than it does with Remy’s Ratatouille Journey.
9. Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run (Disneyland/DHS) – The secondary attraction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. It’s undoubtedly not an ideal attraction, with the interactivity being a combined bag and a gameplay-centric trip not being everybody’s cup of tea. Furthermore, not the entire roles are of equal enjoyment.
Nevertheless, there’s so much to love about Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run past the sport/trip expertise. It really works wonders as a “want achievement” attraction, giving visitors the chance to step contained in the quickest hunk of junk within the galaxy and sit contained in the cockpit. The queue main there’s good, as is the usage of Hondo Ohnaka (a compelling character I had by no means heard of earlier than, however love now), and the pre-shows are amusing and enjoyable.
The trip expertise itself is usually a combined bag and the mission can really feel like plodding drudgery, however the Millennium Falcon side greater than compensates for the Smugglers Run part, and elevates the total package deal. My hope is that after the new Mandalorian and Grogu mission launches, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will turn out to be an ideal attraction. A ride-through part on par with Star Excursions (however gamified) would make this a ten/10 ‘no notes’ attraction.
8. Rapunzel’s Lantern Competition (Tokyo DisneySea) – A romantic gondola tour with out of doors surroundings and indoor present scenes that culminates within the annual Lantern Competition, the place visitors comply with Rapunzel as she experiences her “finest day ever” and meets Flynn Rider for the primary time. Boats float in the direction of the tower the place Rapunzel lives, and discover her gazing out of her lofty tower window, singing “When Will My Life Start,” as Flynn Rider watches.
The trip then flows by numerous darkish trip scenes, culminating in Rapunzel and Flynn Rider singing “I See the Mild,” as visitors are enveloped by the glow of numerous lanterns filling the night time sky.
If something, that is the reverse of Busy Buggies within the sense that Rapunzel’s Lantern Competition arguably under-delivers on its promise and potential. This has maybe the most important ‘wow’ second in any Fantasy Springs attraction and some different beautiful scenes and results, however it’s a bit on the brief facet and likewise extra rudimentary. It’s as if Imagineering began with the long-lasting Lantern Competition, nailed that, and determined that was ok. To make certain, that scene is alone well worth the value of admission, however the remainder of the trip falls a bit flat–and is over too quickly. Learn our Overview: Disney’s Most Romantic Experience Ever?! for extra.
7. Hovering: Unbelievable Flight (Tokyo DisneySea) – The above “no clones” rule may appear to exclude Hovering: Unbelievable Flight, however it’s just like the “No Homers” rule: one is okay. Truly, the rationale Hovering Unbelievable Flight is ready to skirt the rule is as a result of it isn’t materially equivalent.
The queue, pre-show, and ending are all totally different and to such a level that we extremely advocate Hovering: Unbelievable Flight even to those that have already skilled Soarin. That’s principally our litmus take a look at for whether or not a trip is a direct clone–are different iterations distinct to the purpose they’re really helpful or skippable? It isn’t. That’s what we predict, and it’s sentiment we’ve heard many times from others, even those that self-describe as “not large Soarin’ followers.”
Hovering Unbelievable Flight’s trip part is just like Soarin’ in Walt Disney World, Disney California Journey, and Shanghai Disneyland. The massive distinction right here is the build-up to that: Hovering Unbelievable Flight has an extremely lavish queue and spectacular new pre-show. The video additionally has one scene swapped out, and a brand new finale that ends over Tokyo Disney Resort. Hovering: Unbelievable Flight could be price experiencing even when you skipped the trip portion! (Clearly, we advocate truly using it.)
6. Tiana’s Bayou Journey (Disneyland) – That is the reimagined trip that changed Splash Mountain at each Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. It makes use of the very same trip system on each coasts, that means it’s a log flume with an outside part, inside present scenes that includes superior Audio Animatronics figures, and several other smaller drops culminating in a single large 50-foot drop. Similar concept, totally different story and substance.
Tiana’s Bayou Journey picks up the story of The Princess and the Frog after the ultimate kiss, becoming a member of Tiana and Louis on a musical journey as they put together for his or her first-ever Mardi Gras efficiency. Throughout this celebration, visitors hear authentic music impressed by songs from the movie. Tiana is main the way in which and visitors will be capable of encounter outdated associates and make new associates alongside the way in which as properly.
The highlights of Tiana’s Bayou Journey are the extremely superior human and animal Audio Animatronics, together with a variety of memorable music that brings the trip to life. The lowlights are a complicated story, low stakes, and a few doubtful choices made with worldbuilding. The Disneyland model is what makes the listing right here, as we view it as superior to its Magic Kingdom counterpart. However on each coasts, there’s the open query of whether or not the reimagined trip truly improves upon its predecessor.
Regardless, Tiana’s Bayou Journey makes the reduce and ranks this extremely for its contributions within the evolution of Audio Animatronics. It’s very a lot a “warts and all” attraction, however the animal and (animated) human figures are next-level. Louis the Alligator, particularly, is spectacular each in his actions and look, because the uncommon breed of “furry reptile.” I’m additionally personally a fan of the lovable critter bands, that are lovingly designed supporting gamers.
5. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT) – This family-friendly Marvel curler coaster changed the outdated Universe of Power pavilion, together with a huge blue gravity constructing out again. Cosmic Rewind is a “storytelling coaster,” which is to say it’s a curler coaster with present scenes that’s appropriate for many visitors and thrill ranges.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an extremely satisfying attraction from begin to end, with a queue and pre-shows that present depth, a few wow-moment results, hilarity & hijinks, and a compelling story set-up. The identical is true for the curler coaster itself, which has an extended period, implausible circulate and fluidity. Its successes are largely owing to the Guardians of the Galaxy characters, humor, and use of music–the curler coaster feels prefer it’s dancing, for lack of a greater time period.
Above all else, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is flat-out, implausible enjoyable. It’s one in all probably the most enjoyable points of interest in all of Walt Disney World. It hits the entire proper notes, and is only a continuous hoot from begin to end. As somebody who favors longer darkish rides to thrill rides, my pure inclination is to rank the opposite points of interest above this, however Cosmic Rewind is simply too good–and surprisingly progressive–to disregard. This can be a best-of-class attraction, and hopefully we’ll see extra curler coasters prefer it within the decade to come back. Learn our Spoiler-Free Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Experience Overview for extra.
4. Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey (Tokyo DisneySea) – Throughout this epic journey with the Misplaced Children to rescue John from Captain Hook and his band of pirates, visitors encounter beloved characters from the movie. Company soar by the sky, are put within the midst of battle with the Jolly Roger, and extra.
Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey is one in all two “no notes” points of interest in Fantasy Springs. On paper, this trip is similar to Spider-Man or Transformers at Common, that are iconic screen-based points of interest which are additionally chaotic adventures. Essentially, Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey is far more like Avatar Flight of Passage.
Like that, this journey with Peter Pan presents battle and pleasure, but in addition an imposing and well-paced attraction that takes its time to decelerate and chew on the surroundings. The thrills are adopted by quiet and serene moments, and a grand finale that’s gorgeous and takes your breath away. For extra, see our trip evaluate: Disney’s New Peter Pan E-Ticket is an Avatar Flight Plus Spider-Man Journey.
3. Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast (Tokyo Disneyland) – If I have been good, this may rank #2 and the subsequent trip could be #1. These are the “protected” attraction picks, particularly given the Tokyo-bias that many Disney followers have developed. There’s additionally the fact that each of those are primarily based on beloved films and make the most of trip techniques that followers love. In case you’re rating these rides primarily based on YouTube movies, I’m guessing this may be #2 and the subsequent trip could be #1.
In my opinion, each points of interest play it a tad too protected. This isn’t to decrease their accomplishments, as a result of each are among the many finest points of interest wherever on the planet. However to be a ‘fashionable marvel’ means one thing extra, and Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast is iterative as a lot because it’s progressive. It takes the basic formulation of a Fantasyland e book report trip and reinvents it for the 2020s. Once more, not a knock–it’s an wonderful attraction!
Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast is a superb attraction and one which has truly grown on us each extra with every repeat trip. Even after over a half-dozen ride-throughs, we’re nonetheless noticing and marveling at new options and results. Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast is worthy of its mega E-Ticket standing and is within the higher echelon of all points of interest on the planet. The Audio Animatronics are unimaginable, the staging is usually implausible, and there are a number of wonderful results and ‘how did they do this’ moments.
Not solely that, however it’s a meaty attraction, with a compelling queue and pre-show, and a prolonged ride-through portion. You don’t thoughts ready within the lengthy line (which is lengthy for a motive!) as a result of the time passes rapidly and the payoff is price it. For extra pictures & commentary, see our Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast trip evaluate.
2. Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey (Tokyo DisneySea) – Company set out on a voyage by boat that leads them by the occasions of Frozen. This adventurous and heartwarming story of two sisters options themes of real love, together with twists and turns (literal and figurative) alongside the way in which.
Company embark on a journey by the sisters’ recollections, accompanied by well-known songs from the movie. Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey culminates in Elsa climbing North Mountain, the place she creates an ice palace along with her powers. Throughout the trip’s climactic moments, Elsa makes an attempt to avoid wasting her sister from Hans in an act of real love. You already know the drill.
That is completely totally different from Frozen Ever After on the different parks, and is the second of two excellent points of interest in Fantasy Springs. However there are various levels of perfection, and that is even extra excellent. Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey options jaw-dropping AAs, beautiful present scenes, and some “how did they do this?!” moments and results. That is an absolute must-ride, and must be your #1 precedence on the #1 Disney park on the planet! For extra pictures & commentary, see our trip evaluate: Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Journey is One in all Disney’s Greatest Rides Ever!
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (DL/DHS) – Each technology or so, the Imagineers do one thing so radically totally different that it redefines what a theme park attraction will be. Since 1955, there have been a handful of such points of interest: OG Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Star Excursions, Indiana Jones Journey, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure.
And now, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The best way the attraction blurs the traces between queue, pre-show, and the trip expertise is the nice ‘contribution’ of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to the artwork of attraction design. The sense of stress, use of quite a lot of know-how, and mixture of sensible plus particular results additionally assist it rating excessive marks.
It stays to be seen whether or not Rise of the Resistance will go down within the historical past books alongside Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion–points of interest which have each celebrated their fiftieth Anniversaries–however Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is Disney’s finest formidable and envelope-pushing attraction Indiana Jones Journey. That’s fairly spectacular given the points of interest which have opened throughout that span, together with the whole lot of Tokyo DisneySea.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is probably not my favourite attraction on this listing or the one which I’d trip probably the most, however I really feel it’s the target #1 choose due to the way in which it pushes the envelope. It’s a fashionable marvel of Imagineering within the truest sense of the time period, a technology-ambitious attraction that innovates somewhat than iterates. And you may count on that different rides at Disney and Common will likely be impressed by this within the coming decade, and we’ll see its inspiration in every single place from Epic Universe to the 2029 plan for Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
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Your Ideas
What do you consider my listing of Imagineering’s fashionable marvels from the final 5 years? Something I’ve snubbed that you just assume is deserving? Something on the listing that you just assume doesn’t belong? What would make the reduce–and what wouldn’t–by yourself listing? Agree or disagree with the rankings? Any questions? We love listening to from readers, so please share some other ideas or questions you might have within the feedback beneath!
