Top 10 Disney World Attractions
It’s difficult to rank Walt Disney World’s 10 greatest rides and other attractions. Across Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, there are literally hundred of potential picks. At their best, Disney attractions are timeless classics with multi-generational appeal. At their worst, they’re decorated, off-the-shelf amusement park fare.
A few notes about the list before we get started. Even though there’s an element of subjectivity, I’m attempting to be objective here. These are not my personal favorites (I’ll be back with that list over the weekend); they are the attractions that I think are the greatest. The ones that represent the best of Imagineering and offer the most impressive, well-crafted experience. I don’t have specific scoring criteria—it’s basically just a mix of my gut reaction and analysis. Additionally, only attractions that are currently operational are eligible.
I also want to note that I don’t think this is in any way definitive. I just thought it would be interesting to put together a list of what I consider to be Walt Disney World’s 10 best attractions. Some great ones are bound to be snubbed; even if I had a list with 30 honorable mentions, I’d be leaving off some popular attractions. And in fairness, it’s not like this top 10 actually “matters” anyway…
You’re going to ride more than 10 attractions (hopefully!) on your trip to Walt Disney World. It really makes no difference what some dude on the internet thinks is best…this list is more geared at being a fun conversation piece for Walt Disney World fans.
In each description below, I’ll make my case for the attraction being among the best, and I welcome reasoned counterpoints in the comments with those who disagree. (Emphasis on reasoned counterpoints.) With that said, here are the rankings…
10. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
I debated between including this or Country Bear Jamboree, and I’m still not sure I made the correct decision. I know this is the more crowd-pleasing choice, and I think thrill rides are deserving of representation when they’re done right, as I don’t think that’s an easy task (and it is easy for them to be done lazily, since they’re likely to be popular regardless).
Big Thunder Mountain does a lot right. It manages to establish a coherent story, much of which can be gleaned from the queue and visuals throughout the attraction. It offers family-friendly thrills with beautiful scenery to enjoy along the way. Finally, it manages to pack a lot in the way of gags and details despite the fact that guests pass them so quickly.
As far as roller coasters go, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has a ton of depth, and the main reason to re-ride it isn’t to get another thrill fix, but to see everything you missed on the first pass on the wildest ride in the wilderness. There’s a lot to Big Thunder that makes it endearing to Disney fans, and I think that makes it worthy of inclusion on this list.
9. Kilimanjaro Safaris
Often overlooked because it’s not “Imagineered” in an overt sense, Kilimanjaro Safaris makes this list for a few reasons. First, its range of animals and habitats is impressive, and gives the attraction a lot of re-rideability. Second, even if you cannot see the Imagineering work, it’s there–it’s meant to fade into the background, as if this were one sprawling landscape.
Third, even with minimal story, it’s effective at suspending disbelief and making the rider feel like they are embarking upon a two-week safari. Finally, it’s arguably the culmination of Animal Kingdom’s thesis as a park. Even if Disney would like to think Animal Kingdom is not a zoo, this is the best possible intersection of theme park and zoo “attractions.”
It’s a safari with fantastic presentation and production value, and dammit, there’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes “just” a well-done safari without a convoluted backstory is good enough. (People pay ~$50 to visit the San Diego Safari Park pretty much just for a weaker version of this.)
8. Spaceship Earth
Spaceship Earth scores serious points with me for being housed inside of a beautiful, engineering marvel, but that’s not the reason it makes this list. Rather, it’s the way it puts guests in a time machine to travel back and weave through the history of communication.
The attraction presents this history in an interesting way, and effectively transitions from one ‘moment’ to another to effectively tell this story. Spaceship Earth goes downhill (figuratively and literally) after these vignettes reach the information age, but it’s still an excellent attraction.
You feel as if you actually witnessed reenactments of significant moments in history, and have a greater sense of how communication has shaped so many aspects of humanity. In that regard, Spaceship Earth retains the original aim of EPCOT Center, and proves edutainment is viable in a theme park.
7. Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest is like the modern, more high-tech, and more realistic take on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Often lauded for its incredibly dense and detail-rich queue, Expedition Everest should also score points for the way this queue builds to the ride that follows. It sets up the experience in a way that’s better than Big Thunder, and arguably on par with Tower of Terror.
There’s also a sense of realism to the attraction that is fascinating. There are ways the queue and ascent up Everest make you feel like you’re actually on an expedition up the mountains of Nepal. Even as you know you’re in a theme park and are chasing an abominable snowman, you have the vague feeling that this could be real. Maybe it’s just me, but I find some of the best Disney attractions are the ones that facilitate ‘playing pretend’, even for adults.
Then there are the visuals and effects along the way. Sure, it stinks that the main Audio Animatronics is now a cross between Bumble and Disco Stu, but it’s still cool, and there are a lot of other neat effects and details along the way that make Expedition Everest come across as a roller coaster with culture.
6. Avatar Flight of Passage
Walt Disney World’s newest attraction is also likely to be the most controversial entry onto this list. Even I grappled with where, or if at all, to place Avatar Flight of Passage on this list. As you might’ve noticed, I used the words greatest and timeless above. My concern is that Flight of Passage may be lacking in these characteristics. This is not due to its use of Avatar, but rather the heavy reliance upon technology and visual effects that can become dated.
After giving it serious thought, I think Flight of Passage has enough in terms of the whole experience to make it worthy of a place on this list. The queue is fantastic–among the top 3 at Walt Disney World–and the layers of detail before you even arrive at the ride experience set the stage very well for what’s to come. Yeah, the pre-show is a complete mess, but it’s forgivable.
Then there’s the ride experience itself. It’s not compelling solely or even primarily due to the visuals. It’s a mix of an excellent ride system and sensory effects that blend together to immerse you into a film-based experience. Then there’s the film itself, which is beautiful, vivid, and well-paced. Perhaps that component won’t age well (I happen to think it will), but there’s an awe and majesty to the overall experience that, I think, will enable Flight of Passage to stand the test of time.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean
Someone is sure to object to Pirates of the Caribbean making this list with the argument, “it’s not as good as the Disneyland version!” Well, The Godfather: Part II is not as good as The Godfather, but that doesn’t mean it’s still not one of the greatest films of all-time. Same goes for Pirates of the Caribbean.
Regardless of its truncated duration, Magic Kingdom’s Pirates of the Caribbean is an all-time classic. The attraction transports guests to an era when pirates pillaged the Caribbean, putting guests in the midst of the action and misadventures.
Along the way, guests encounter gags and now-iconic depictions of caricatured pirates in a way that neither really glorifies or demonizes pirates. This has led to controversy and changes over the years, most recently today…
4. American Adventure
A lot of readers are probably going to be surprised to see this attraction on the list, and disagree with its high rank. American Adventure is an only-of-its-kind achievement that represents the best of the incredible Imagineering that went into bringing EPCOT Center to fruition, as such, it deserves a spot on the list.
Powered by an impressive “war wagon,” from the perspective of the sets alone, the American Adventure is basically the most complex Broadway-style show you’ve ever seen. Now add to that the fact that it utilizes Audio Animatronics rather than human actors to deliver its stage show of key moments in American history.
Then there’s the show itself, tactfully presenting moments from our American adventure that are poignant and engaging. American Adventure manages to do this in a way that churns through many ‘great moments’ in a logical and cohesive manner, and the culmination of this is a show that is, in the sage words of Sam the Eagle, Distinctly Patrioic. (And incredibly moving.) Alright, things get serious on Page 2, as we share the best of the best. The upper echelon, any of which could arguably claim the #1 slot in my opinion…
I need a shirt that says “Pass me, I’m taking in the details,..” because the pressure of folks trying to figure why I’m slow in the queue and what to do while I dwell on the displays before the main event, not only at Everest but also at Kali, sort of dents my concentration. All that carefully crafted atmosphere deserves savoring,..
Great article, really fun. I think I agree with the selections in total, with Jungle Cruise at #11. I’d have to have TOT as #1 over HM. The lack of a cohesive story in HM has always bugged me despite it’s general awsomeness….
Look forward to seeing Tom’s personal picks soon.
This is a good list, but that you even considered Country Bear Jamboree for the 10th spot surprised me. I wouldn’t even put it on a top 10 Magic Kingdom attractions list, much less top 10 WDW list.
All will be revealed in my ‘top 10 favorite WDW attractions’ list, which will explain the greatness of CBJ.
I agree with most of your list. Personally I would put Kilimanjaro Safari’s much higher, possibly in the top 1 or 2. It is so difficult to create that type of real world environment and they did a masterful job. I may knock down Tower of Terror a notch or 2 below most people, but it is definitely in the conversation.
Great post. The pictures of Big Thunder and Tower of Terror are incredible. I mostly agree with this list, but would add Carousel of Progress in place of American Adventure.
I know you touched on it a bit for each attraction, but I would love to see posts on the backstory of each attraction and hidden details. For example in the HM when you descend backwards into the cemetery, I heard you have “died” at that point which is why all the happy haunts finally acknowledge you. Also I’ve heard theories, but what’s the deal with the engagement ring in the cement near the queue? Fan theory or actual backstory? Would make for some pretty cool posts! Thanks for the amazing content!
For me, Carousel of Progress falls down because the last scene needs a total overhaul and other scenes need minor refreshes. You’ll see it on my next list, though.
I’d pull American Adventure and replace it with Space Mountain (but I totally understand your reasoning, and maybe I’m being subjective). I loved reading this — especially the Top 3!
I really like this list, and I pretty much agree with it. I especially love that you gave Big Thunder some loving. As a big old thrill ride chicken, I’m always surprised when I stop and realize that Big Thunder is one of my favorite rides. But it neatly avoids what freaks me out about most coasters (big drops, that feeling of being exposed and vulnerable on the lift hills), delivers just the right amount of thrill, and packs a lot of detail and humor in.
I also like the inclusion of ToT and EE. While those are rides I won’t actually go on, I really like how the queue’s are experiences in and of themselves. It really says something that I actually look forward to going with people who do want to ride those rides, because I like going through the queues and just taking the details in. It ends up not mattering that I’m skipping the ride portion.
And splash mountain- the drop itself isn’t terrible. It’s not my favorite thing in the world, but I’ll actually do it again if others with me want to. But it’s amazing how that ride is all about the anticipation of the drop. You walk up to the ride, and you’re eyes are drawn to the logs plunging into the briar patch. You get in line, and things are all happy. You get in the log, and things keep that happy feel, seeing and the scenes. But as you go along you’re constantly reminded of the drop. You hear the screams of people going down. You float by it. You go down smaller drops as a foreshadow of what’s to come. Things get progressively darker and have a more sinister feel, until finally you get to that final lift (and you get those two vultures that basically say “you’re going to die”). After all that build up, the drop becomes this immense release of the tension the ride has built. While I agree with you on Haunted Mansion at the top of your list, I don’t think anyone would argue if you had put Splash on top either.
One of the things that I love about Tower of Terror is that it could easily be a walk-through attraction, and would still be nearly as good. To me, *that* is the mark of a Disney-caliber thrill ride.
I’m sure everyone’s lists would vary… but to not include the People Mover is sacrilege!!
Great list Tom thanks for the in-depth analysis. I also consider putting Toy Story Mania at the Hollywood Studios because it’s got a nostalgic queue and that life-size Mr. Potato Head is quite amusing. And it’s just an exciting entertaining largest life Thrill Ride. That and Buzz Lightyear are my mom’s favorite attraction and she’s 82.
Fantastic list, and I love the concept of this list and a counterpart of your favorites coming soon. I love reading articles and having discussion where parties are able to separate the objective and subjective and discuss where they do (and don’t) overlap. This is the nuanced stuff that I think makes these subjects so interesting for fans, but we know such discussion can still be hard to find among fandoms.
As for discussion and “reasonable disagreement,” I’d go with this shuffling. Flight of Passage is omitted for me because I’ve not ridden it yet.
10. Jungle Cruise. Simple and silly, but elevated to top 10 greatness in my view for excellent tonal continuity, the lushness of the “jungle” itself, and the element of a live guide.
9. Spaceship Earth. Weak narration and an underwhelming finale drop a once-top-5 lower on my list, though it makes the cut for its position, thematic content, music, Audio-Animatronics… and the smell of burning Rome. It straddles a line between EPCOT Center and Epcot for me, with enough of the former’s more ambitious spirit to keep it a mist-do despite its weaknesses.
8. Expedition Everest. Everything on an otherwise fantastic attraction builds to the Yeti encounter, which underwhelms as a finale after that amazingly executed build.
7. Kilimanjaro Safaris
6. Big Thunder Mountain
5. Pirates
4. Splash Mountain
3. Tower of Terror
2. The Haunted Mansion
1. The American Adventure. No comments on 7 – 2, as I have little to add to the rationale you provided beyond minimal shuffling. American Adventure takes the cake for me for remaining so poignant, relevant, and technologically astounding after so many years while aiming for the most or 2nd most ambitious goal of any attraction on this list. Spaceship Earth’s aims might be loftier, but its execution isn’t as near-perfect as AA.
This is a solid, respectable list!! I have seldom seen Spaceship Earth included in this type of countdown, and I love what you wrote about it. It was always an important attraction, but now with almost all the original Future World attractions gone or altered beyond recognition, Spaceship Earth is the main touch point for those of us that love to wallow in our “EPCOT of the ’80’s” nostalgia. Even as a kid I felt that the American Adventure touched too lightly on some of the more complicated aspects/struggles of our history, but I deeply respect the case you’ve made for it here. I also get where you were coming from with Country Bears. As for me, the Tiki Room would win that spot, but that’s probably just for personal reasons. One of my earliest memories is from 1979, when I was 3, and my grandmother, (who had the full album of Tiki Room music at home), sang along to every single song at the top of her voice. I haven’t stopped missing my grandma in the 18 years since she passed away, but I feel happy and close to her every time I sit in the Tiki Room and “sing like the birdies sing…”
Sorry for your loss, I know how you feel when I lost mine she was like a closer version of my mother than the real one was. It’s been about 14 years for me and I still miss her
I really love your descriptions of Splash Mountain and Tower of Terror. What you said is exactly why they are both in my top 3 also. I rode Splash Mountain three times in a row the last time I was there because I kept noticing things I had never seen before. Fun list!
Carousel of Progress?
I absolutely love Splash Moutain and is my favorite ride at Walt Disney World!!! It holds a lot of sentimental value because I asked my wife to marry me on this ride. It all started when I tried to get her to go in the front row, but she doesn’t like heights so we didn’t get a front row spot. We went through the whole ride and as we go up the final ascent before the big drop I turn to my now wife and tell her I love you and she was so focused she says it back but doesn’t look at me. I then pull out the ring and ask her to marry me three seconds before we are about to go over the hill. She grabs the ring out of my hand and lets out the biggest scream, I still don’t know to this day if she was screaming at the question or the drop!! I had to ask if that was a yes at the bottom of the drop and she confirmed the yes and all was well. It was very high-risk, high-reward and I will always have a special place in my heart for Splash Moutain. We have our first daughter who is turning one in July and can’t wait to take her on the ride when she is older.
Thanks Tom for all the great content and enjoy coming to your site on a daily basis. Also, I really love the People Mover, such a nice way to break up any long day in the Magic Kingdom and just an amazing experience. Can ride it with everyone in your whole party and there is just something old-school and magical about this ride. Really really cool when the lights are turned on for Space too.
Soarin?
This post made me really happy, and I’m glad to see Haunted Mansion at #1. I think I would change out the American Adventure show for Hall of Presidents. The level of detail in each figure is incredible, and I think it trumps out American Adventure for that. Great post!
No pun intended?
That is a fun list – my wife and I have debated this in line before. I cannot disagree too much: I’d probably switch the Safari and Haunted Mansion and then switch Pirates and Everest but leave the rest about where they are. But it’s hard to compare an audioanimatronic to a lion objectively. Similarly, it’s hard to figure out where the American Adventure goes. It’s my favorite “show” in WDW, but it’s hard to place alongside “rides”.
If 7DMT were twice as long with another show scene, it would make my top 10 easily. Sadly, it isn’t.
I debated whether to just leave American Adventure out on the basis that it’s a show, but I do think it belongs on the list.
Totally agree with regard to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. A couple more minutes of ride-time and it makes the list. I’m still a bigger fan of that ride than most people, but I think it only went halfway on the concept of a hybrid dark ride/coaster. Hopefully, we don’t have to wait too long for the concept to be executed flawlessly.
No Space Mountain!
Love that picture of Big Thunder with the lightning in the clouds!
Thanks Tom, Love your posts and all the hard work you put into them. It is appreciated by all!
I love Space Mountain, but at its core, it’s a roller coaster in the dark. It’s definitely a fun ride (and one of my favorites), but it doesn’t take Disney Imagineers to build a roller coaster inside a building and forget to turn on the lights.
Big Thunder Mountain edges it out with better detail-work and a more compelling story. Perhaps that’s just me, though.
I think your missing one attraction that should be included. It has it all, it’s a sensory ride, scares a lot of people, never a big crowd, just kinda makes you uncomfortable being there, has a awesome gift shop to buy things afterwards, doesn’t have a bad view in the whole place, definitely has bounce in it. Yes you missed stitch
Well played. 🙂
Having started my Disney Parks infatuation as a 4-year-old 46 years ago at Disneyland, I certainly appreciate nostalgia. And your #1 pick of Haunted Mansion put a huge smile on my face.
But you almost lost me at the beginning when questioning if Country Bear Jamboree should be included in the Top Ten.
Country Bear Jamboree?
Top Ten??
Better than Space Mountain, Test Track, Small World & all the others not listed??
WHAT!?!?!
God Bless you Tom.
But that is nostalgia run amuck!!
Way, way amuck!!!
Otherwise…………..nice job.
(you did say you were prepared for a ripping)
I already addressed Space Mountain in another comment, and I’m fine dismissing Test Track out of hand (it’s a fun ride, but it’s already showing some age), but I will take a chance to address ‘it’s a small world.’
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure why I didn’t include it, but something about the Florida version just does not do a ton for me. I like that it does not have Disney characters, and I think the scenes are well done…but the ‘blah’ facade and unpleasant indoor load area just is not the best approach for that attraction. Disneyland’s facade and outdoor load really puts you in the mood for that attraction, which makes for a significantly better experience, I think.
I know I included PotC despite Disneyland’s being better, but I have a more difficult time with IASW since (in my opinion) it’s a borderline top 10 attraction at Disneyland to begin with (whereas their PotC is probably #1).