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Walt Disney World Orlando

Attractions ranked worst to best at Disney's Orlando theme parks as of August 2017.

By Grace LynchPublished 7 years ago 12 min read
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The Magic Kingdom

As someone who has visited Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida four times now, I consider myself somewhat of an expert, as do other people. I find myself constantly giving advice, directions and have even been mistaken as a cast member a few times.

So, here is a list of pretty much every Walt Disney World Orlando attraction, if you don't see something on the list that you've done previously it's either no longer an attraction or I haven't done it and didn't want to give an unfair evaluation of the ride.

Let's get started.

47. Living With The Land

Park: Epcot

The only reason we were even tempted to go on this ride was because it said on the park guide that you could see 9 pound lemons. Ten minutes later and we saw no lemons and were bitterly disappointed.

46. The American Adventure

Park: Epcot

I would like to state I'm not American and this is not some hatred against Americans, although your traffic system confuses me. This attraction is just so inherently boring that I've never seen the end, I just fall asleep. Sorry, America.

45. The Swiss Family Robinson Tree

Park: The Magic Kingdom

This was the first ever Disney Attraction we ever did. We got to The Magic Kingdom, saw the castle, got over-excited and then decided to do the first thing we saw which just happened to be a huge tree. Would not recommend in the summer heat.

44. Carousel of Progress

Park: The Magic Kingdom

This needs no words. Just don't.

43. The Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable

Park: Epcot

A 20-minute video, which is decently made, trying to teach us the effect global warming has on the world. It has some good music and features The Lion King characters, but again, is quite boring.

42. Journey Into Imagination with Figment

Park: Epcot

You may be getting the impression that I don't like Epcot, which isn't true. Epcot features some fantastic attractions, this isn't one of them.

41. Pirates of the Caribbean

Park: The Magic Kingdom

Now this one may come as a shock considering how popular the ride is. Fun fact is that the attraction at Magic Kingdom actually came before the films, the films were based on this ride although I'm not sure I really see the connection. When comparing the ride to the epicness of the film, it's quite disappointing, however, it is family friendly.

40. Jungle Cruise

Park: The Magic Kingdom

I have absolutely no understanding of why this ride was so busy this year. In 2017, Jungle Cruise wait time was often over an hour and whilst it's great for the kids it's also a very cringe-worthy attraction with cast members making some of the worst jokes I've ever heard. If the wait time for this is over 40 minutes then don't bother.

39. One Man's Dream

Park: Hollywood Studios

An interesting attraction and the only reason I rate it so low is because it can be perceived as boring. Young children will not appreciate being dragged through this attraction.

38. It's A Small World

Park: The Magic Kingdom

I have four words for you. Most. Annoying. Song. Ever!

36. Spaceship Earth

Park: Epcot

A ride that I do enjoy but children aren't particularly receptive to. My sister groans at the mere mention of this ride and she's almost 18. It's an educational ride that is a must-do, due to it being located in the big golf ball that is a staple of Epcot.

35. Stitch's Great Escape

Park: The Magic Kingdom

An underwhelming ride that had so much potential but nothing actually happens. Disappointing, considering Lilo and Stitch is my favourite Disney film.

34. Festival of The Lion King

Park: Animal Kingdom

Okay, so I might be pushing this one a little lower since when I attended the attraction one of the performers broke their foot during the show and we never saw the end, however, we never went back, either.

Personally, not my scene no matter how much I like the film I'm not really a fan of live musicals. However, if you do like live musicals then I recommend this attraction for you.

33. Prince Charming's Regal Carousel

Park: The Magic Kingdom

This Regal Carousel is perfect for young children and can be found in a beautiful spot in Fantasyland giving you a great view as you spin around.

32. Muppet Vision 3D

Park: Hollywood Studios

The first of many films that you find in Walt Disney World, Muppet Vision 3D is funny, charming and effective. However, when you compare it to the other 3D and 4D shows, it's a little older and in need of an update.

31. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

Park: The Magic Kingdom

The aim of the game is to shoot lasers at targets whilst moving, fun for the youngsters who just want to take part, frustrating for the adults who want a good score.

30. Kilimanjaro Safari

Park: Animal Kingdom

Hold on; it's going to be a bumpy ride. This attraction is good if you actually see some animals, which is never guaranteed. I think this attraction would rank higher if it was just a normal safari rather than making it a 'ride'.

29. Dinosaur

Park: Animal Kingdom

Based on the film of the same name, Dinosaur is a brilliant, if dated. attraction. A misguided scientist sends you to the end of the Cretaceous period to bring back a Dinosaur, a thrill ride for the family but be careful to check the little ones are tall enough.

28. Seven Dwarves Mine Train

Park: The Magic Kingdom

This ride is relatively new, built in 2014 and is extremely busy. Wait times can get up to 160 minutes and it's not worth it. It's a good kiddy coaster but wait no more than an hour for it.

27. Kali River Rapids

Park: Animal Kingdom

A water ride with so much potential but doesn't quite live up to its name. There is one good drop that gets's you soaked but the rest of the ride is sort of disappointing. If you want a real rapid adventure I'd suggest visiting Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges in Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios.

26. Primeval Whirl

Park: Animal Kingdom

The only reason this attraction is mid-list and not closer to the top is that the height requirement doesn't make sense to me. This should be a kiddy coaster, but the height requirement stops most kids getting on.

The height for Expedition Everest is actually less than Primeval Whirl. I have no doubt there's a reason for this height requirement but it should be a ride for kids.

25. Aladdin's Magic Carpets/Dumbo Flying Elephants/Triceratops Spin

Parks: The Magic Kingdom/Animal Kingdom

These three are grouped together because they're basically the same thing, just with a different view. A must do if you're a party with small children.

24. Astro Orbiters

Park: The Magic Kingdom

Similar to the above attractions however the extra height on Astro Orbiters gives you a better view and more of a thrill factor.

23. Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Park: The Magic Kingdom

A gentle ride recreating the scenes from The Little Mermaid with all your favourite songs to sing along to.

22. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Park: Hollywood Studios

Possibly biased once more, due to the fact that drop towers are uninteresting to me, I mean there's only one way to go. The scenery is cool and as drop towers go Tower of Terror is a good one, however it may be scary for younger kids.

21. The Barnstormer

Park: The Magic Kingdom

A great little rollercoaster, especially for young children. It's very fast but doesn't last quite long enough.

20. Peter Pan's Flight

Park: The Magic Kingdom

Another ride that has a long wait time, but is very well done. Fly in a boat above and through Neverland and watch with awe as you see the magic that Disney can create.

19. Soarin'

Park: Epcot

If I had written this list three years ago on my last visit to Florida Soarin' wouldn't have made the top 20. I felt it was lackluster and really cold. Since then they've made a few changes and whilst's it's still cold you now fly across the world in less than five minutes.

See some amazing sights and feel like you're actually flying. Many people rate Soarin' far higher than I do.

18. The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Park: Epcot

Dive into the deep ocean to help Marlin and Dory find Nemo. Trust me, your kids will love this and they'll love the huge aquarium attached to it. It's actually the second largest aquarium in the States.

17. It's Tough to be a Bug

Park: Animal Kingdom

Located right under the Tree of Life, this 3D show is a hoot. Delve into the world of bugs as Flick and his friends explain how useful bugs are to humans. Watch out for the surprise at the end.

16. Test Track

Park: Epcot

Another placing that might shock you but let's be honest, the ending where you're driving outside at high speed is the best part. Plus there's loads of mucking around in the queue, designing your own car that I can't be bothered with.

They also tend to get their timings wrong with this attraction; my family and I were supposed to wait 45 minutes which somehow turned into an hour and a half.

15. Monsters Inc Laugh Floor

Park: The Magic Kingdom

If you want a real laugh, then head straight for the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. A charming live show that involves the audience and puts a smile on everyone's face. Don't do it to many times though, or else you get bored of it.

14. Star Tours: The Adventure Continues

Park: Hollywood Studios

A simulation of a flight gone wrong when Darth Vader detects a rebel spy on board the spacecraft. Always fun, always thrilling and a definite must do, even if you're not a Star Wars fan. Plus the queue is quite cool.

13. Splash Mountain

Park: The Magic Kingdom

Does anyone remember the film Song of the South, I only remember it because of my Gran who showed it to me when I was younger. Splash Mountain takes you through the world of Br'er Rabbit with a total of 105 animatronics for you to see and a 50-foot drop to the bottom.

12. Rock 'n' Rollercoaster Starring Aereosmith

Park: Hollywood Studios

A high speed, thrilling, twisting and turning rollercoaster featuring the music of Aerosmith. Lots of upside down and a very quick start, but they count you down do that's something at least.

11. Mission Space

Park: Epcot

This one is weird and I would recommend only doing it once per holiday because when you exit this attraction you can feel a little disoriented. It's a simulation of a rocket launch into Space and you feel the G-force that astronauts feel. They have two different simulations so if you don't want full-on then they have a mild version.

10. Toy Story Midway Mania

Park: Hollywood Studios

A 4D game where you aim to get the highest score possible. Super fun for the whole family however it really hurts your arm after five minutes of constant pulling.

9. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Park: The Magic Kingdom

This rollercoaster is proof that you don't need to go upside down to make an amazing rollercoaster. It's fast, it's bumpy and here's a tip, it's a brilliant ride in the dark.

8. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Park: The Magic Kingdom

You may laugh, but this ride is amazing. It's meant for families with young kids but I'm 20 years old and I will happily wait in line for this attraction.

7. Frozen Ever After

Park: Epcot

A step up, no doubt, in animatronics so much so that Anna, Elsa and friends almost look real. Featuring the music from the film and a very well designed set this ride is worth a wait. Also, the queue is very cleverly done.

6. Disney and Pixar's Short Film Festival

Park: Epcot

Featuring three short films, Get a Horse, Piper and Feast, this technology is incredible. We were disappointed when we found out that 'For the Birds' had been replaced, however, the three short films were mesmerising and we could watch over and over.

5. Na'vi River Journey

Park: Animal Kingdom

If Frozen Ever After was a step up in animatronics, it's nothing compared to Na'vi River Journey. A smooth boat journey through Pandora captures the essence of the film scenery. The most incredible thing is the Na'vi that they had made into an animatronic. The movement is flowing, his mouth matching the words of the music seamlessly, it's an amazing achievement.

4. Space Mountain

Park: The Magic Kingdom

A classic rollercoaster that doesn't go upside down but remains in the dark at all times. Twisty with turns that would throw you out of your seat, Space Mountain is a great ride.

3. Mickey's Philharmagic

Park: The Magic Kingdom

My hidden gem, so hidden that we missed it the first time we did Florida. Squeezed in next to Peter Pan's Flight it's easy to miss but once you've done it hard to forget. The most entertaining 3D show out there.

2. Expedition Everest

Park: Animal Kingdom

Backwards. In the dark. What more could you ask for?

1. Avatar: Flight of Passage

Park: Animal Kingdom

In the words of my sister as this simulator ended, "Holy S**t'. It's insane what Disney has done with this ride. I've never done anything like it before it honestly felt like I was flying on the back of an Ikran. I'm not going to say too much about it because I don't want to spoil it but no matter how long you wait, it'll be worth it."

So that's my list as of August 2017, I hope this helps if you're ever visiting Walt Disney World Orlando. Please remember that height requirements are there for a reason and don't endanger your child's safety just for a ride.

family travel
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About the Creator

Grace Lynch

A film and media student with a love of travel and all things Disney.

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