The happiest place on earth is the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Based on an expansion of California’s Disneyland – this mecca of tourism is Walt Disney’s dream come true. It’s full of rides, experiences, hotels, restaurants, characters, golf courses, pools, and the list goes on and on. If you can dream it, it’s there. Some of the best rides at Disney World lie beyond its gates, just waiting for you to try them out.
The resort’s never-ending deluge of entertainment doesn’t stop there, they have movies, state-of-the-art streaming services, and even cruise ships. Disney knows how to entertain you. They’re the best in the business.
Did you know that, for most people, a key indicator of a good vacation is posting about it on social media? A recent study shows that more than a third (36%) of those who use social media don’t feel like they’ve had a real vacation unless they post about it. Luckily, there are endless photo ops at Disney World. From posing with characters to capturing the terror of a rollercoaster’s steep drop, you’ll have so much to choose from.
Across four theme parks and two water parks, there isn’t a shortage of rides. From thrill rides to slow excursions, Disney excels in creating these world-class experiences. At the time of writing this article, they are about to open their newest attraction, TRON: Lightcycle Power Run.
Before they drop the rope on this new ride, you’ll need a few of the classics to add to your bucket list. StudyFinds set out to do the research for you, visiting 10 expert websites to put together this list of the best rides at Disney World. If you’ve got your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!
The List: Best Rides at Disney World, According To Experts
1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
When you really think about it – this ride is everything that Disney does well. It’s thrilling, it’s immersive, it’s classic, it’s full of hidden details and it’s a stand-out attraction. While you won’t find Mickey Mouse hanging around, you can’t go to Walt Disney World and not take a plunge on this ride.
Mouse Hacking says, “Tower of Terror is arguably a perfect attraction. The ‘ride’ starts long before you’re even in the queue, as you view it down Sunset Boulevard.”
“…the build-up continues in the queue and pre-show, right down to the moments that the randomized drops begin. While it features a ton of nods to Twilight Zone episodes, the attraction’s masterful use of suspense is downright Hitchcockian,” says Disney Tourist Blog.
Thrillist talks about the randomized nature of the ride, “the ride runs on a software randomizer, meaning no two experiences are exactly alike — which is all the reason you need to go more than once. Daredevils should take the center seat in the back row — trust me.”
2. Expedition Everest
One of Disney World’s roller coasters – and it doesn’t disappoint. Much like Disney’s MO, it’s more than just a coaster. Its theming is next level and it includes all sorts of twists and turns – and we’re not talking about the track.
“One of the best roller coasters ever created. I would argue it’s the ride at WDW. Just go on it,” says AllEars.
“Expedition Everest is arguably the best coaster at Disney World because of its outstanding theming and storytelling and exciting drops and turns,” says Travel and Leisure.
There’s a lot going on here, “I’m not sure what I was expecting but that was awesome. It’s fast, it’s dark, it goes backward, and you’re stalked by a yeti. Sensory overload but definitely a great ride at Animal Kingdom,” says Disney Food Blog.
3. Avatar: Flight of Passage
The global Avatar franchise does more than produce high-grossing movies – it houses some incredible rides!
It’s something you can do again and again, “This ride is still as amazing as the first time I rode it years ago now. Incredible – and you can really get into it. THE LARGE ‘WHALE LIKE’ Beasts in the Water at the end of the ride is so AWESOME,” says Disney Food Blog.
It’s a true “4D” experience, “You can feel your banshee breathe, the wind and spray of the ocean in your face, and smell plenty of scents along the way,” says Disney Tourist Blog.
“It’s one of the smoothest and most realistic motion simulators you’ll ever ride,” says Family Vacationist.
4. The Haunted Mansion
An all-time classic dark ride at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Funny, a little spooky, and full of charm and immersion (Not to mention this writer’s personal favorite ride).
It’s Disney charm at its best, “This nearly-50-year-old dark ride features classic Disney Imagineering in the Great Hall’s waltzing ghosts, Madame Leota’s Seance Room, and the hitchhiking ghost who follows you home,” says Thrillist.
“The Haunted Mansion is a thrilling ride where ghosts come out to play. You’ll enjoy the special effects on this exciting ride throughout the mansion,” says Moms Plan It Vacation Blog.
It’s more than just a ride, “A slow ride through a haunted estate full of ghosts and ghouls. It’s fun (and often humorous) rather than scary with lots of spooky details and special effects to enjoy. The queue features interactive elements like a musical crypt, so a slightly longer wait here is fine,” says Neverending Voyage.
5. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Disney boasted that their new Star Wars ride would change the game of immersion, and they weren’t kidding. This ride transports you INTO the world of Star Wars on this thrilling dark ride.
“This 17-minute ride contains multiple ride systems that come together to put you in the middle of the white-hot action. Explore the Black Spire Outpost, aid Rey, and escape the clutches of Kylo Ren in this unforgettable intergalactic experience,” says Tripster.
TripSavvy gives the ride high praise, “Rise of the Resistance is not only the best attraction at Disney World, it just may be the best theme park attraction in the world (galaxy?).”
Guide2WDW followed with their comments, “Rise of the Resistance builds on everything Disney Imagineering has learned about themed entertainment and takes it to the next level. It’s much more than just a trackless dark ride – that only encompasses around 4 minutes of the 20-minute+ experience.”
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Sources:
- Tripster
- TripSavvy
- Guide2WDW
- Thrillist
- Moms Plan It Vacation Blog
- Neverending Voyage
- Disney Food Blog
- Disney Tourist Blog
- Family Vacationist
- AllEars
- Travel and Leisure
- Mouse Hacking
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
