Since the first full-length animated feature in the was released under the title of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Disney name has been relevant in pop culture. From the big screen to The Magical World of Disney, to merchandise and games and also those little “mousetraps” known as Disney Parks, one can look around and notice Disney influences everywhere. To remain relevant in pop culture, Disney is always looking at ways to capitalize on their long-term and overnight successes. One way to do so is to create new attractions at Disney Parks and that’s why we are here today.
Welcome to Believe Vacations Top 10 where today, we begin our search for the GREATEST DISNEY ATTRACTION OF ALL TIME. Over the next few weeks, you will 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 (Epcot/Hollywood Studios/Animal 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
Mission: SPACE – Even a much needed reboot of the missions is not enough for a Disney newbie.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros – For a while, the only attraction in the World Showcase at Epcot, good luck explaining to your kids who the 2 birds with Donald Duck are.
The American Adventure – Albeit a very informative and historical look at our nation, most prefer the Hall of Presidents.
Living with the Land – With all respect to the farmers and the tribute to agriculture, most vacation goers will not spend time wanting to know the workings of a greenhouse.
TriceraTop Spin – A county fair ride disguised as a Disney attraction is still a county fair ride.
Kali River Rapids – While a thrilling rapid ride, most Disney-goers prefer the classic roller coasters.
Primeval Whirl – Another ride that doesn’t get enough because it’s in the least popular area of the least crowded of the big 4 Disney World parks.
Journey into Imagination with Figment – As evident by the recent Disney poll about removing Figment, the little, purple dragon is not as cool as he was 30 years ago.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid – An underrated show that takes a back seat to the E-Ticket Hollywood Studios thrill rides
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage – A slight nod above the Little Mermaid show because of the recent live-action movie.
It’s Tough to be a Bug – Unfortunately, not enough people remember or saw the movie which takes away from a criminally underrated attraction.
Spaceship Earth – Guaranteeing you that if I said “The Giant Golf Ball” it’s pop culture score would be higher.
Dinosaur – Loosely based off another Disney movie that was not seen by many, another underrated ride that is often forgotten until ridden.
Festival of the Lion King – The show is the best at Disney World. You just have to take time out of your schedule to go see it.
SOME EVIDENCE IN POP CULTURE
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Our parents will remember the TV series. Our generation will always remember it for being one of the first true thrill attractions at Disney’s MGM Studios.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Test Track – Being sponsored by Chevrolet. This high-speed adventure is always remember for being the fastest ride in all the Disney World Parks.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – Shocked this attraction isn’t in our highest category for pop culture so I’ll defend it’s place by saying nostalgia still gives the nod to the Magic Kingdom Mountains.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Kilimanjaro Safaris – When Animal Kingdom opened, this was the selling point. your own African Safari? Sounded like the coolest thing you could do!
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Muppet*Vision 3D – It’s the Muppets so of course they are going to be relevant in today’s pop culture. Very happy they are to stay in Hollywood Studios for a while!
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Fantasmic! – The absolute best night show at the parks! I’m glad to see this show is getting a little love by the general public!
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Soarin’ – Many would say this is the best attraction at Epcot and it’d be hard to prove them wrong. The recent update to the attraction will only grow in pop culture.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! – One of the greatest movie franchises of all time comes to life. The fondness for the characters and iconic scenes get this one into the middle tier.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Turtle Talk with Crush – One of the more popular characters of the Nemo franchise, the interactive nature of this attraction will have you saying “Righteous” and “Cha” for years to come.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Finding Nemo: The Musical – Of course, seeing ALL the Finding Nemo characters on stage at would rank higher than just Crush. A fun and engaging live show, modern puppetry truly is magical to watch.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Toy Story Mania! – Another popular franchise that has only added to its legend with one of the most popular attractions ever. If you ever wanted to feel like a toy that could come to life, you’ll be talking about this one for the rest of your life.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – I’m beginning to think this Aerosmith band may make it! And with a ride that goes 0 to 60 in mere seconds, the coaster and the band will live on for a very long time.
ALL OVER POP CULTURE
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Disney Junior – Live – I was honestly shocked when I first saw the results that said Disney Junior-Live was this high on our pop culture list. But one look at my TV on the weekends and before/after school proves that this is indeed the tier. All the characters that our children enjoy come to life in this entertaining, interactive show. And to see the smiles on our children’s faces seeing their heroes in person makes it totally worth the over-saturation on our TVs.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Frozen Ever After and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration – Bet you thought of the song “Let It Go” the minute you saw this, didn’t you? It truly is amazing how this movie took over the world and still has a tremendous impact on children to this day. Add in a sequel to the blockbuster hit and we should all be ready for a second round of our favorite characters from Arendelle. With an established attraction in Epcot and a “temporary” sing-along in Hollywood Studios, we can only imagine how much more ice will come to Central Florida over the next decade.
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple and Star Tours: The Adventures – Of course the Star Wars franchise alone would get it to this tier. The attraction that simulates a chase through different planets is tremendous fun. Having your children actually train against the Dark is a milestone for many future Jedi warriors. And to think, we still have another 12-18 months until an entire land is dedicated to the greatest movie franchise in history.
Did we rank something wrong? Which attractions do you think should move up or down our list? Leave us a message in the comments section below and remember, there’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!
