Since 1971, Walt Disney World has been known for all of the magic, memories, and merriment. There is always discussion about which ride is the best, but sometimes we just can’t seem to discriminate. Just as you pick your favorite, another pops into your head to change your mind. This internal debate makes it extremely difficult to figure out which ride or attraction you want to visit first. I recently conducted a multitude of Instagram polls trying to speculate just what are the top fan favorite rides of Walt Disney World. Dispersed throughout the four main parks, I started to get answers. One or the other, both or just your one vote. If you are visiting the parks for the first time and don’t know what to do (because it is just so darn big) I hope I bring ease to your trip. In no particular order, here is what you Disnerds voted for Disney World fan favorite rides!
Tower of Terror
“Hollywood, 1939. Amid the glitz and the glitter of a bustling, young movie town at the height of its golden age, The Hollywood Tower Hotel was a star in its own right; a beacon for the show business elite…” Take a walk down Sunset Boulevard at Hollywood Studios and it suddenly becomes impossible to not notice the giant, haunted hotel-replica staring you in the face. The sound of screams roll down the street and you can’t figure out if your heart is racing because of adrenaline or complete fear. Aboard this unethical 13 story building, you are free-falling down an elevator shaft. Sounds great right? Hate to say it, but it is. Keep in mind, it is completely computerized and each drop is chosen at random. So, if you go on one time and drop 4 times then you can go back on directly after and drop 7 times. Disney always ensures a totally different experience each time!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
We’re late for a very important….concert! Aerosmith just ordered you and your group a super stretch limo to dart across Hollywood just so you are at his concert in time. Backstage passes definitely cannot go to waste. What a gentleman. Hop in your stretch limo and in 2.8 seconds, you’ll be rockin 0-60 mph. Try to look at all of the neon street signs during two inversions and a sea serpent roll. And just when you thought there wasn’t enough Steven Tyler, he provided you with speakers in your headrest so you can jam out pre-concert!
Expedition Everest
Another hair-raising “dark ride” that is at the top of the list for fan favorites is located in the heart of Asia. The Animal Kingdom is home to the forbidden mountain where you can trek to find the Yeti. The queue is filled with camping-gone-wrong tents, blankets etc and it braces you for what is just ahead. Board the tea train and begin your long journey through the snowy mountain, but hang on tight! Uh oh… something goes very wrong and it’s up to you to find him. It’s all fun and games until you see the massive Yeti. For more read Things you Probably Never Knew About Expedition Everest.
Dinosaur
Is it just me or does Disney’s Animal Kingdom always have animals on the loose? The Dino Institute needs you to help them go back in time to return the last Iguanodon from the deathly meteor… now it’s time to head to Dinoland, U.S.A and bring back some dinos. This breathtaking trek through the grassy lands of previous time will have you laughing your butt off while being completely scared out of your mind. Keep an eye out for every detail on the dinosaurs. They work out like we do! Imagineers are always keeping up with their movement so the dino can dart toward you with no problems.
Splash Mountain
How do ya do? I’m sure it’s going to be a beautiful day to take a plunge. Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom is the perfect way to cool off on those hot Florida days. Unlike the previous rides I mentioned, Splash Mountain is cute, bubbly and will have you singing Zip-a-dee-do-dah all day long. Take a trip with Brer Rabbit to find a new home, help him escape the traps from Brer Fox and Brer Bear, and learn that home sweet home is the lesson of the day. After several small drops and hills, the iconic drop is a 50-foot plunge at a 45-degree angle, making your log flume go roughly 40 mph into the briar patch! You’d never realize because this ride transports you to the south and is just a ton of fun.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom underwent a massive renovation back in 2012 that was the life of Belle, Ariel, and Snow White. One of the biggest additions to this renovation was Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I always say this ride is Big Thunder Mountain on 5 Hour Energy! Your loose moving mine train is fast, fun, and scenic throughout the entire ride. Tell Dopey we said hi! There are plenty of opportunities to snap a photo of your favorite dwarf whether they are whistling while they work in the mines or singing a silly song in their cabin with Snow White. Watch out for that wicked Queen disguised as the old beggar!
Disney-based decisions are never easy. Writing this, I couldn’t pick out my favorite, either. Fans spoke, I listened. For more silly trivia, polls, and ride photos with fun facts, be sure to check out @cheers_and_ears. I hope you enjoyed reading and I hope I didn’t make it too hard for you while deciding which ride to stop at first! Happy riding folks.
Hi Mousketeers! I am 20 “ears” old and have been going to the parks since I was two. Each time I’m there, I learn new things. Just like yours, my world revolves around Mickey, so a New York girl traveling to Florida as much as possible may seem crazy, but it’s very much worth it. WDW Vacation Tips is the perfect outlet to gain fast and reliable knowledge for your upcoming trip to the parks. Whether it’s your first or one hundred and first visit to Walt Disney World, there is plenty to know before you go. Stop by and read some articles so you can experience the magic in a whole new way!
