Is your favorite attraction still alive? We continue the results of our daily countdown series that will reveal what our agents voted to be THE GREATEST DISNEY ATTRACTION OF ALL TIME.
Time to reveal numbers 20-11:
20. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks
The crown jewel of New Fantasyland has already found its way into the Top 20. The newness of this attraction makes it difficult to compete against some of the classics yet to come in our list. Combining this attraction into both a roller coaster and a slower mine scene is a genius move. It allows for both thrills and time to catch your breath and sing along with the Dwarfs. Featuring some of the most technologically advanced animatronics, you would almost believe Doc and the gang are alive. Just watch out for the Witch outside the cottage. A welcome edition to the Magic Kingdom for years to come!
19. Enchanted Tales with Belle
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks
In a previous list, I said that Soarin’ not making the top 20 was the biggest shocker regarding an attraction under-performing. Well meet its opposite! In our weekly posts, I was noticing more and more as we went on the love that Enchanted Tales with Belle was getting. For it to place in the Top 20 is amazing but not really a shock. It is a glorified character meet and greet, it takes a while to complete and not a huge wait time, it features an iconic princess and ANYONE can get picked to help reenact the story. Think about experiencing it next time you go to the Magic Kingdom!
18. Kali River Rapids
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks
It’s the water ride at Animal Kingdom! And on hot Florida days, it is a literal chance to cool off. Not so much in the winter months when this attraction is traditionally closed due to the weather. Kali attempts to tell a story but like most thrill attractions, that is secondary. Splashing down the rapids, getting blasted by water cannons and wondering who will go backwards down the large drop are all part of the excitement of this water ride. Make sure to bring that second change of clothes!
17. Fantasmic!
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks
The most elaborate and expensive nightly production in Disney Parks deserves to make the top 20. With only 1 (or 2 on busy days) showings daily, you may only get 1 chance to see this show every trip to Hollywood Studios. Unfortunately, you have to arrive pretty early before showtime to get a “good” seat. Even then, the pre-show sing-a-long entertainment is phenomenal fun. But the true wonder begins the moment a water projection screen pops up, a pyro goes off, your favorite character shows up, there’s just too much to name. One of the most perfect blends of all things Disney does magically in one show!
From Agent Tiffany Bigelow: “I recently learned it costs $30,000 for each show- Wow! Definitely amazing pyrotechnics, laser lights, and water features!!! Great opportunity to see all your favorite characters! A very exciting 25 minutes!!! Recommend some snacks and you are in for a treat!”
16. Muppet*Vision 3D
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks
The most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational show in Disney Parks will never quit and our top 20 ranking proves it may stick around even longer. Amazing since this show has never truly been updated and is still pretty much the same show when it debuted. Even with the hokey 3D jokes and the out-of-date characters, Muppet*Vision 3D still uses all the strengths of the Muppets to create a wonderful attraction. If the pre-show alone won’t make you laugh, the main show will have you moving right along!
15. Kilimanjaro Safaris
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks
Growing up, I remember the biggest selling point to the brand new Animal Kingdom would be booking your own African Safari. It took me almost 16 years to go on my first but when I did, I could not imagine what I was experiencing. For swamp land in Florida to become an African Savannah with live animals, it could only happen with Disney magic. The ride itself may not be smooth and there are many stops and starts but you will see plenty of animals you won’t get to see at your local zoo. Kids will enjoy the more traditional animals and adults will enjoy fun facts from the driver. No princesses or songs needed here; just a pair of binoculars and your cameras!
From Agent Becky Wills: “I always recommend doing this first thing in the morning. The animals tend to be more active. We had to experience this late afternoon on our last trip, our schedule changed a lot due to hurricane Irma. We saw next to no animals. “
14. Dinosaur
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks
I never saw the Dinosaur movie this attraction is based off of and I have a feeling if I did see it, I’d be disappointed. The attraction that I think is a soft jab at Universal’s Jurassic Park – The Ride, I have always enjoyed the over-the-top animatronics that you encounter. The herky-jerky motions of your time rover I can do without but man, is this a thrill rush for a few minutes that not even roller coasters can duplicate. It may have gotten a better score if it resided in a different part of Animal Kingdom but it fits in with the Dino World area I guess!
From Agent Kyle Holland: “Another one of my favorites, Dinosaur is less of an actual roller coaster, but even more of a true story adventure. The commentary along the way from Dr. Seeker helps make the trek into the prehistoric era extra fun. Again, Disney perfectly sets up the adventure with the cue and pre-show briefing to make it even more magical.”
13. Jungle Cruise
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks
An argument could be made for this to be Top 10 but Jungle Cruise finds a comfortable spot in the Top 15. Maybe if the attraction had a better queue area as it simply consists of winding rails to the front of the dock. Go early in the morning when zero people are in line and your child may get to drive the boat. Go later at night when it is a little more crowded but the animals seem to become more life-like. Whatever your day/night preference, there is no denying that the corny jokes are the highlight of this attraction, even if they go WAY over the heads of little ones.
12. Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…Disney bought the Star Wars franchise. Even before that purchase, there has always been this attraction at Hollywood Studios. Full of your favorite characters and interactions with the fun planets of the galaxy, this simulator attraction makes you feel like you are on the Millennium Falcon. There is a ton right about this attraction but unfortunately for it, the addition of an entire Star Wars land will mean more attractions, restaurants and character meet and greets to officially put this attraction’s best days in the rear view window.
11. Space Mountain
Photo Courtesy of Disney Parks
Peaking over the Magic Kingdom around the same height as Cinderella’s Castle, the icon known as Space Mountain is as large as it is legendary. There is no other roller coaster that Disney fans will tell you they always wanted to ride than this one. While it will still be a while for little kids, there is no denying the impressive thrills this one brings. From the anticipation and build-up the queue presents to the hyper-sensory blast off and of course, the cruising through the stars in the pitch black, this attraction will forever be the moment one transitions from little to big kid.
Conclusion:
Numbers 20-11 has something for everyone. Roller coasters, classic attractions, newer attractions, simulators, water attractions, 3D shows and a nighttime extravaganza. You can tell we’re getting to the big ticket items now, but what say you?
Should one or more of these gotten into the top 10? Is the attraction your predicted still alive to claim the title of GREATEST DISNEY ATTRACTION OF ALL TIME? Leave your comments in the section below and remember, there’s a great, big, beautiful (final results post) tomorrow!
