Rating our favourite Disney points of interest across the globe–not simply at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, but additionally Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and so forth–isn’t any straightforward job. It’s robust to steadiness sentimentality and storytelling with wow-factor and fashionable know-how. That’s additionally a lot of rides and exhibits to slender down into a comparatively quick record. (Up to date November 29, 2024.)
In case you’re in search of extra goal rankings (to the extent potential), we’ve additionally ranked all points of interest at Walt Disney World and adopted that up with a related record for Disneyland’s rides & exhibits. Our intent was to make this inherently subjective course of as goal as potential, which meant swapping out private favorites for crowd-pleasers. That job was troublesome sufficient, and we may endlessly tinker with that record, justifying why virtually each attraction ought to be moved up, however not often down–therein lies the rub.
Nevertheless, we’ve by no means accomplished a listing encompassing each of our favorites, and thought it will be a enjoyable–and difficult–endeavor. Whereas glad with our decisions, we’ve got to confess that we aren’t completely pleased with what we’ve been compelled to exclude–and doubtless by no means can be! There are dozens and dozens of nice Disney points of interest and narrowing that all the way down to a prime 10 means a variety of snubs.
The one definitive conclusion we’ve reached throughout that point is that definitive rankings are a idiot’s errand. There are too many points of interest we love, and the record may–and does–change by the day, relying upon temper and what we haven’t accomplished recently. Critically, you attempt placing collectively a listing that you simply’re 100% happy with over a yr later! (As a corollary, please don’t take private offense in case your record differs from ours. Everybody has completely different favorites–we promise our picks weren’t made as an affront to you.)
For the late 2024 replace, we’ve expanded this record from a prime 10 to prime 15 and eliminated the rule prohibiting a number of rides of the identical spirit or title. It simply felt arbitrary to exclude wonderful points of interest at Disneyland Paris and Shanghai Disneyland which might be deserving of spots on this record, and aren’t even near being clones. Between that and newly-opened points of interest, it was not possible to restrict this to 10 entries with out having like a 5-way tie for tenth.
Sufficient with the preface, right here’s the record…
Carousel of Progress & TTA PeopleMover (#15 Sarah, N/A Tom) – One entry into the record and we’re already “dishonest” by consolidating two points of interest. That is the one exception we’re making, and it’s laborious to fault viewing Tomorrowland’s one-two “rest” punch as a singular package deal. (One technically travels by means of the opposite!)
Each are additionally very a lot “warts and all” points of interest which might be lengthy overdue for updates and don’t stay as much as their full potential. Nonetheless, they’re nostalgic favorites which have a sure inarticulable enchantment. The duo additionally gives a pleasant change of tempo from the remainder of Magic Kingdom, and a reprieve from crowds on a busy day at Disney’s hottest park. We love these moments slowing down, savoring the expertise–and have many fond reminiscences of those two Tomorrowland classics from our journeys through the years.
Huge Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Automobiles (N/A Sarah, #15 Tom) – That is arguably and quietly Disney’s finest curler coaster on the planet. Whereas the whole lot else on this record has excessive hype in numerous fan circles, Huge Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Automobiles stays a relative unknown. Consider it as Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad meets Expedition Everest with a slight sprint of Nation Bear Jamboree.
That final element sealed its legacy for me as one in all Disney’s finest points of interest on the planet, and the end result is a good mixture of thrill journey and detailed Disney attraction, with some actually lovable bears. It’s actually an instance of perfecting the little issues, from the outside facade (and surrounding gulch) to the queue to the monitor structure. These endearing bears peppered within the journey are the icing on the cake, and what put this on the record. Huge Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Automobiles is an exemplar of an Imagineered curler coaster, combining thrills with theme.
Avatar Flight of Passage (N/A Sarah, #14 Tom) – This thrill journey is like Soarin’ on steroids, accomplished to perfection. It’s a lot extra, although, from the sensible outside and indoor queues to the enjoyable pre-show. Then there’s the attraction itself. Riders climb aboard the again of a banshee and hyperlink to an avatar flying by means of Pandora for a simulator expertise that’s way more ‘energetic’ than any previous attraction of its nature.
You possibly can really feel your banshee breathe, the wind and spray of the ocean in your face, and scent loads of scents alongside the best way. Despite the fact that Avatar Flight of Passage is a screen-based attraction, that fades away through the expertise. You might be absolutely immersed within the expertise, and absolutely droop disbelief and embrace the motion over Pandora. Flight of Passage is majestic, perfectly-paced, and brimming with element. This attraction has a sure je ne sais quoi that provokes an emotional response not like many different points of interest. It’s additionally the one we revisit greater than every other at Animal Kingdom, and that’s regardless of it having the longest line!
Phantom Manor (N/A Sarah, #14 Tom) – A part of the revised guidelines for 2024 is as a result of it felt legal to not embody something from Thunder Mesa at Disneyland Paris, which is likely one of the finest Disney lands anyplace on the planet. (Sentiment that might be stated about a number of lands at Disneyland Paris, however oddly sufficient, not points of interest.)
Phantom Manor is France’s twist on the Haunted Mansion, with simply as many variations as similarities and an total darker tone. There’s extra of a narrative to this model. Whereas the journey itself is unbelievable, with wonderful storytelling and foreboding visuals which might be distinct from Haunted Mansion, the entire package deal is the explanation Phantom Manor makes the record. It’s like Tower of Terror in that regard, with the strategy, property grounds, and vista from the haunted home on the hill all including to the macabre mystique.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (#13 Sarah, #13 Tom) – That is the purpose to go to Shanghai Disneyland. A ship journey that places you in the midst of a battle on—and underneath—the pirate-infested Caribbean waters, Battle for the Sunken Treasure is a brand new twist on a Disney basic. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure is a mixture of what Disney and Common every do finest, a fruits of what theme park designers have discovered in growing screen-heavy points of interest.
There usually are not sufficient superlatives for Pirates of the Caribbean — Battle for the Sunken Treasure. It delivers on each degree and is the type of blockbuster, epic journey that any new theme park wants. The one factor that provides me pause is its endurance. The tech-forward nature of the journey and its dependence upon common upkeep and upgrades may find yourself being an albatross for this instant-classic journey. Right here’s hoping that Pirates of the Caribbean — Battle for the Sunken Treasure is upgraded over time and ages gracefully, somewhat than fading into obsolescence.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (#12 Sarah, N/A Tom) – These first three points of interest are all very completely different in nature, however primarily make the record for the very same purpose: we do them so much! And isn’t that the last word endorsement of an attraction–how usually you repeat journey it? We nonetheless make some extent of doing Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind each single go to to EPCOT, and it nonetheless fires on all cylinders for us. If something, it’s grown on us extra over time.
An extremely satisfying attraction from begin to end, with a queue and pre-shows which might be fascinating and humorous, a few wow-moment results, hilarity & hijinks, and a compelling story set-up. The curler coaster itself is satisfying in period and has unbelievable stream and fluidity–higher the music and the movement, it feels a bit like dancing.
Above all else, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is simply flat-out, unbelievable enjoyable. It’s one in all probably the most enjoyable points of interest in all of Walt Disney World. It hits all the proper notes, and is only a continuous hoot from begin to end. Largely, that is owing to the Marvel characters, humor, and use of music. It’s precisely the blockbuster attraction that EPCOT wanted, and is one other nice fashionable hybrid of story and enjoyable from Imagineering.
Indiana Jones Journey (N/A Sarah, #11 Tom) – From the unbelievable queue to the hilariously dry pre-show (my favourite a part of the attraction) to the particular effects-laden journey, Indiana Jones Journey nonetheless is a type of points of interest that leaves me impressed after every time I journey it. It’s a type of uncommon points of interest the place, whilst you’re on it, whilst an grownup you droop disbelief and really feel as when you’re taking part in an journey.
As Sallah would say, “it’s not like something you’ve gotten ever skilled, I guarantee you!” A number of particular results upgrades to the Disneyland model in the previous few years push it barely forward of the Tokyo DisneySea model for me, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a decent race. Every have some spectacular results and are sufficiently distinctive that diehard followers ought to expertise each.
Journey to the Middle of the Earth (#10 Sarah, N/A Tom) – A hybrid darkish journey and thrill journey, Journey to the Middle of the Earth is Tokyo DisneySea’s flagship attraction. Beginning with the strategy that goes inside Mount Prometheus, Journey to the Middle of the Earth is unbelievable. It helps that Mysterious Island is a Trendy Masterpiece of Imagineering, and that the attraction looks like a part of one thing “larger.”
By the point you enter by means of the underground marquee for Journey to the Middle of the Earth, you’ve already skilled a variety of stage-setting and mood-making. Then there’s the meticulously detailed queue, taking visitors by means of a makeshift lab in a cavern the place Nemo and his crew have been learning their excavations, earlier than taking them on a Terravator deep down beneath the floor of the earth. The attraction takes visitors on excavators deeper beneath the earth, from a forest of mushrooms with cute little creatures, to a sea with a particular impact that may make you soar out of your seat. The climax is intense and spectacular.
Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast (#9 Sarah, #12 Tom) – This takes the basic formulation of a Fantasyland e-book report journey and reinvents it for the 2020s. Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast is a superb attraction and one which has really grown on us each extra with every repeat journey. That is what led to its reevaluation and elevation for the 2024 record refresh.
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 unbelievable, the staging is usually unbelievable, and there are a couple of superb results and ‘how did they do this’ moments.
Not solely that, nevertheless 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 purpose!) as a result of the time passes shortly and the payoff is price it.
Tower of Terror (N/A Sarah, #9 Tom) – One in all my favourite points of interest at Walt Disney World for so long as I can keep in mind. I keep in mind going shortly after it opened, and first getting into that ominous, foggy queue. Even then, I liked that it featured one in all my favourite tv sequence. Recognizing Easter Eggs from the Twilight Zone was my Hidden Mickey searching. (I used to be a bizarre child.)
As a substitute of being a glamorized or idealized model of the Hollywood that by no means was and can at all times be, Tower of Terror is darker than the remainder of Disney’s Hollywood Studios–like Sundown Boulevard somewhat than Singin’ within the Rain. The attraction delivers on that tone with an encompassing expertise that features an elaborate queue, pre-show, second queue, journey, and post-show. It’s a satisfying 20-minute journey that’s a lot greater than the sum of its components, with deliberate pacing and pressure. One in all Imagineering’s finest fashionable works of immersion that wasn’t eclipsed at Walt Disney World for many years.
Splash Mountain (N/A Sarah, #8 Tom) – Tokyo Disneyland takes this idea to new heights, with a Critter Nation that’s a veritable Splash Mountain Land. Each Grandma Sara’s Restaurant and Rackety’s Raccoon Saloon are outgrowths of Chickapin Hill, inhabited by an array of animals which might be completely distinctive to Tokyo Disneyland.
Then there’s the log flume journey itself. At round 13 minutes, Splash Mountain is lengthy. It additionally has great units with elaborate and environments that includes over 100 Audio-Animatronic critter figures which might be reinvented as symbols of Japan’s kawaii tradition. All of this combines to kind a cute, homey, and lived-in land–culminating in an attraction with tons of re-rideability.
“it’s a small world” vacation (#8 Sarah, N/A Tom) – That is the primary of two Christmas overlays on the record, which speaks each to their high quality and our bias for the vacation. Each are additionally iconic and historic Disneyland points of interest, which might be meritorious of inclusion. Within the case of it’s a small world vacation, there’s the underlying Mary Blair artwork and ear-worm Sherman Brothers music, plus the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas.
That’s solely half of what makes this overlay hum. If you close to “it’s a small world” vacation at night time, all lit-up in these vibrant lights, you possibly can’t assist however cease in your tracks, entranced and in awe. Following the retirement of the Osborne Lights at Walt Disney World, this attraction facade is now probably the most sensible and charming Disney Christmas show.
Haunted Mansion (#7 Sarah, #7 Tom) – Like most of the points of interest on this record, Haunted Mansion excels at establishing a temper. Or in its case, a number of. Half surreal dream, half fantastically imaginative and impressionist nightmare. Haunted Mansion is so fascinating as a result of it might probably evoke completely different feelings on completely different ride-throughs, and even throughout completely different scenes of the identical expertise.
Like an particularly vivid dream, there’s so much to unpack with Haunted Mansion. Because of this a lot has been written concerning the attraction, why there are such a lot of fan theories explaining all of it, and why visible parts of Haunted Mansion are so significant to so many. Haunted Mansion is an expertise that etches itself in your reminiscence, even when you’re not totally positive why. It’s a transcendent attraction, and a murals that can be mentioned for generations to come back.
Radiator Springs Racers (#6 Sarah, N/A Tom) – Some followers thought this may fade as soon as that “new Automobiles scent” wore off or when its know-how was surpassed elsewhere. That has not occurred for us within the least–we may do Radiator Springs Racers time and again with out ever getting sick of it, noticing new particulars with every ride-through.
The pleasure of driving by means of the Cadillac Vary mountains is why Radiator Springs Racers retains us coming again. The best way the vehicles weave across the peaks, beginning with a leisurely drive by means of nature and ending with an exhilarating race by means of this beautiful panorama, bookending a satisfying darkish journey phase. The pacing of Radiator Springs Racers is pitch-perfect, and the journey is enjoyable and various from starting to finish. Radiator Springs Racers helped reinvent the ailing park, positioning Disney California Journey as a worthy second gate to Disneyland.
Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey (#5 Sarah, #10 Tom) – The marquee attraction in Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea is sort of not possible to expertise until you arrive hours earlier than park opening. And for good purpose (properly, the coverage shouldn’t be for good purpose–the demand is), as Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey is unbelievable.
That is completely completely different from Frozen Ever After on the different parks, and is the second of two good points of interest in Fantasy Springs. However there are various levels of perfection, and that is even extra good. Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey options jaw-dropping AAs, attractive present scenes, and some “how did they do this?!” moments and results. That is an absolute must-ride, and ought to be your #1 precedence on the #1 Disney park on the planet!
Pirates of the Caribbean (#11 Sarah, #5 Tom) – We’re torn as to which Pirates of the Caribbean model is our favourite. Sorry Shanghai, however outdated tech edges out new. And it’s undoubtedly not Magic Kingdom, which might be an incredible journey if it had been the one incarnation in existence, nevertheless it’s like studying the Coronary heart of Darkness Cliffs Notes somewhat than the novella itself. We’ll simply say our favourite model is at Disneyland …
The considerably longer variations in Paris, Tokyo, and Anaheim every provide their very own strengths. Two use a foreboding framework to current what’s to come back as a cautionary story. One has a wide range of added results and spectacular Audio Animatronics. All characteristic pirates partaking in swashbuckling mayhem in sprawling units that make you’re feeling within the midst of the motion and environments.
Pirates of the Caribbean deftly balances wry humor and lighthearted gags alongside the dastardly deeds of pirates in what ought to be a jarring juxtaposition, nevertheless it simply works. This journey is a quintessential slice of mid-century Americana, and with {that a} generally cavalier angle that has landed the attraction in scorching water (so to talk) with fashionable audiences within the US. Nonetheless, it continues to resonate, immersing visitors in a pirate assault whereas additionally delivering character and emotion.
Pooh’s Hunny Hunt (#4 Sarah, #6 Tom) – It’s laborious to imagine this “subsequent gen” Fantasyland darkish journey, which paved the best way for different trackless darkish rides, is over 20 years outdated. It’s nonetheless technically formidable, and the best way Hunny Hunt’s journey autos dance with each other and interact their environments makes this one of the vital immersive points of interest Imagineering has ever created.
Nevertheless, it’s the center that Pooh’s Hunny Hunt derives from the trackless tech that makes it one thing particular. From the autos “gathering” round for story-time to bouncing with Tigger to spinning in Pooh’s dream with Heffalumps, you’re feeling like part of Pooh’s ragtag band of pals on this extremely imaginative journey. It doesn’t harm that all the units and Audio Animatronics are extremely detailed and superior, both. All of that, plus the appeal of Winnie the Pooh, makes this a brand new basic and the gold commonplace of Tokyo Disneyland’s darkish rides.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (N/A Sarah, #3 Tom) – That is the head of recent Imagineering, and barring a giant shock out of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea, will maintain that title for the following decade to come back. Greater than that, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance redefines what a theme park attraction might be. It blurs the boundaries of queue, pre-show, attraction, and places visitors in the midst of an intergalactic journey.
What makes Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance so mind-blowing is huge set items, seamless mixing of know-how and bodily units, and a slew of how did they do this moments. The end result with Rise of the Resistance is one thing epic in scale that feels extra like an interactive blockbuster movie than it does a standard theme park journey. As cliche as it would sound, you’re “residing your personal Star Wars story” in Rise of the Resistance, and within the heart of the motion from the second you enter the road till you exit.
Nation Bear Christmas (#3 Sarah, #4 Tom) – Even dropping the rule limiting ourselves to just one model of every attraction, we’re nonetheless sustaining the “Nation Bear Commandment.” In any other case, there could be three incarnations of that stage present on the record–the unique model, plus Trip Jamboree and Jingle Bell Jamboree, all at Tokyo Disneyland.
Our love of Nation Bears is properly documented. In a nutshell, the attraction represents Disney at its finest: a mixture of quirkiness, sharp humor, charming characters, and memorable music. It additionally manages super world-building and character growth in a brief period of time. (Take into consideration what number of points of interest really succeed at this–there’s a purpose so many lean on pre-established characters.) It’s an attraction that works on a number of ranges and even alternating between English and Japanese.
Nation Bear Christmas takes the spirit of the unique to the following degree with added visible gags, whereas additionally softening up a few of that sharpness (that may be off-putting to fashionable audiences) with the heat, schmaltz, and sentimentality of the vacation season. Like the highest 2, Nation Bear Christmas eschews spectacular know-how and wow-worthy results for coronary heart and character, which wins each time with us.
Mystic Manor (#2 Sarah, #2 Tom) – This may come as a shock since we don’t heap as a lot effusive reward on Mystic Manor as the opposite prime 5 picks, however such is the character of something at Hong Kong Disneyland. Nevertheless, we’ve got previously stated that Mystic Manor is alone well worth the journey to Hong Kong. That’s nonetheless true.
Mystic Manor immerses visitors within the motion, making them really feel like an energetic a part of the expertise. Though it’s continually and erroneously in comparison with Haunted Mansion, I’d liken to extra to the unique Journey into Creativeness. For one, numerous results actively interact visitors and the standard of Danny Elfman’s rating mirrors that EPCOT Middle basic.
Extra importantly, it pairs you with Albert, who’s a non secular successor to Figment. Albert’s sense of childlike marvel and curiosity will get one of the best of him–and by extension, you–on this spellbinding Magneto-Electrical Carriage tour of Lord Henry’s manor. You possibly can’t assist however fall in love with Albert, largely as a result of he’s a stand-in to your baby (or your self as a baby). The truth is, I’d go so far as to say that Albert is “extra Figment” than the incarnation of the present character inhabiting Epcot’s Creativeness pavilion. Mystic Manor is one other fashionable masterpiece with tons of coronary heart.
Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage (#1 Sarah, #1 Tom) – If we’re concocting constrained hypotheticals, we might fly to Japan simply to journey Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage and actually nothing else. If we may solely to choose one attraction to journey one Disney attraction once more for the remainder of our lives (hopefully again and again), we’d select Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage with out hesitation.
Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage is the one attraction on this weblog with two devoted posts (most have 0): one calling it Disney’s finest fashionable darkish journey, and one other reminding everybody that it’s nonetheless superior. Greatest described to those that haven’t skilled it as a cross between Pirates of the Caribbean and it’s a small world, that doesn’t even start to do the boat journey justice. From its period to the variety of Audio Animatronics to the catchy Alan Menken music to Chandu the Tiger to the opposite cute critters and a lot extra, Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage is a pure delight. If , .
Hope you loved our worldwide Disney attraction rankings. Take into account that this record is all in good enjoyable–and compelled us to make some extremely troublesome choices. Most Disney followers have sturdy allegiances in the direction of their favorites and take offense after they really feel they really feel slighted. Keep in mind that that is the opinion of two random folks on the web.
On the finish of the day, it doesn’t influence your enjoyment of your favourite attraction if it doesn’t make our record, nor does our opinion matter (in any respect) within the grand scheme of issues. This record is price about as a lot as you paid to learn it! 😉
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What are your prime 10 Disney points of interest on the planet? It doesn’t matter what number of parks you’ve visited, we’re nonetheless taken with understanding another favorites. Who’s record is healthier–Sarah’s or Tom’s? Do you suppose we missed any that ought to have made the record, or made any poor decisions? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
