For those of you just joining us, last week we kicked off our quest to find the GREATEST DISNEY ATTRACTION OF ALL TIME. Our first category looks at attractions that are relevant in today’s Pop Culture and last week, we shared the results from Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. This week, we complete the Pop Culture voting with the results of Magic Kingdom attractions.
Welcome to Believe Vacations quest for the GREATEST DISNEY ATTRACTION OF ALL TIME. Over the next few weeks, you see the voting results of our team members representing a variety of categories that will give us cumulative scores. For every post in the next few months, we will post the results with Magic Kingdom being separated by Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom attractions.
Today’s post reveals the results of Which Attractions Are Most Relevant in Today’s Pop Culture (Magic Kingdom edition). For this list, our team was asked to rank attractions based on how each one transcends into the everyday world. The total scores are grouped into clusters and that’s what you have in front of you. Okay, okay, enough explanation, let’s get to the attractions!
Little Relevance in Pop Culture
Enchanted Tales with Belle – Thought it would be more popular given the recent live-action remake.
Liberty Square Riverboat – Maybe it’s the lack of thrills and that it really doesn’t a far distance.
The Barnstormer – Goofy is a ton of fun but there are better roller coasters at this park.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Being a “movie” hurts this rating but still a ton of fun and a can’t miss.
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid – Still technically “new”, just does not carry the nostalgia vote.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – Often overlooked until you actually enjoy this attraction, especially at night.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – We already have a flying attraction under the disguise of Dumbo.
Astro Orbiter – Like I said, we already have a flying attraction under the disguise of Dumbo!
Monsters, Inc. Laugh – Comedy shows, regardless of how funny they are, are not why one visits the Magic Kingdom.
Stitch’s Great Escape! – There’s a good reason this one is “seasonal operation” at this point.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Hard to believe this attraction has been around 20 years and still doesn’t get the love.
Tomorrowland Speedway – RIP
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – Do not mistake this as being your basic zoo, fair or indoor mall carrousel.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Still in it’s infancy at Magic Kingdom, it’ll make up its score in other categories.
Peter Pan’s Flight – Total shocker as it has the flying effect and is based on one of the most popular Disney films of all time.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Toy Story Midway Mania gets more love for being newer and more technologically advanced.
Country Bear Jamboree – I hereby disown the people who voted in this.
Walt Disney World Railroad – Even Walt’s love for trains did not pull this one into relevant status.
Mad Tea Party – Cute ride but the dizziness effect does take its toll.
Some Evidence of Pop Culture
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Splash Mountain – The first of the 3 mountains to off our next tier, this attraction combines the entertainment and the thrills. Being based on the movie Song of the South does not help its 2017 Pop Culture score.
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – This roller coaster will forever be my kids favorite as it was the first one they rode. That alone makes it popular, at least in my house.
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Enchanted Tiki Room – Nostalgia lives in this outdated show. Often overlooked for the rest of Adventureland adventures, there is still a place in this world for singing birds.
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
The Hall of Presidents – Every 4 to 8 years, this attraction gets updated. Because it’s the only attraction that gets a massive overhaul like this, it remains largely relevant.
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Swiss Family Treehouse – Very surprising it made it this high in tier 2. Enjoy this one while it lasts as I believe we could look at taking it’s “over-sized playground” concept to the next level.
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – I take back what I said about disowning those who voted in this poll. It’s so relevant in pop culture, I its theme to close every post!
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Dumbo the Flying Elephant – A much better experience than Magic Carpets or Astro Orbiter. Riding Dumbo is something adults and children alike talk about for years to come.
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Haunted Mansion – Imagine being in the 70s and experiencing illusions and optical effects that would remain relevant in 2017. A true mold-breaker if there ever was one.
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Jungle Cruise – And no other boat ride would ever be the same! So many memorable scenes to compliment many quirky jokes. A national treasure indeed!
All Over Pop Culture
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Pirates of the Caribbean – We must address the recent surge in popularity due to the movie franchise this attraction spawned. It has made BILLIONS of dollars and because of that, this attraction has caught a second wind. Already one of the greatest rides in all of Disney Parks (spoiler alert?), kids and adults still long to sit in a boat and watch those sea dogs take over the town. And that it has included characters and scenes from the movies, a new generation of fans can experience first hand why a pirate’s life is for me…and you!
Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World
Space Mountain – An indoor roller coaster?! In the dark?! This one was a success before the first ship launched! While Disney has gravitated towards more technology-advanced attractions, there has never been any complaints about this simple thrill formula for over 40 years. Often looked at as the “most thrilling” of the big 3 mountains in the Magic Kingdom, it’s a right of passage when a child finally conquers this attraction. hoping we won’t have to watch its final launch anytime soon!
Did we miss anything? Where would you have ranked your favorite Magic Kingdom attractions according to their relevance in pop culture? Leave your comments in the section below and remember, there’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!
