Every year, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, proves time and time again that it is amongst the top vacation spots in the world. But what makes it so popular? Certainly, its enticing but expensive themed hotels and its unique and often extravagant dining experiences make Disney Orlando an all-around great place for family fun.
But the main reason people go to Walt Disney World is without a doubt its countless attractions. Rides at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, and Hollywood Studios each provide unique and memorable times for every vacationer. Below are some of the top Disney rides, reasons why people can’t get enough of the company’s four largest theme parks.
Expedition Everest, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Climbers who attempt to conquer Mount Everest often encounter elemental and powerful forces that cause even the strongest to turn back. Fortunately for riders of Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom’s "Expedition Everest" attraction, they don’t have to climb. Rather, a train is provided for a nice, scenic scaling of the famous mountain. But powerful forces still have a way of finding Everest adventurer; when a powerful yeti attacks, the pleasant train ride turns into a themed roller coaster, and it doesn’t always go forward. Expedition Everest combines the best of Magic Kingdom’s "Thunder Mountain" and Universal Studio’s "Revenge of the Mummy" rides.
Test Track, Disney's Epcot Theme Park
Ever wonder how new vehicles are tested before being released for sale? Want to know what it would be like to be a crash test dummy? Well, Epcot’s "Test Track" does all the same tests, but this time, the guinea pigs are human riders. The car takes riders through hot and cold environments, bumpy roads, quick stops, acceleration testing, and, of course, crash testing. It a fun-filled ride, good for most ages.
Haunted Mansion, Disney's Magic Kingdom Theme Park
"The Haunted Mansion" is an original classic. This ride competes with and conquers most that modern technology has to offer. The ride itself is only part of the experience. The line (if not extraordinarily long) is actually more impressive. The exterior of the attraction is lined by a graveyard, complete with limerick-inscribed tombstones that are humorous to those who take notice. Once inside, a few waiting rooms help set the mood. They are filled with paintings, one with ghastly portraits with eyes that follow riders, another with a lowering floor (or raising walls?) having pictures with themes that quickly darken as their full extents are revealed. On the ride itself, hitchhiking spirits look for a lift, and riders will leave with an unintended guest in their cars.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Disney's Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Magic Kingdom’s "Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters" requires more than just passive attention. In it, riders sit in a car with a gun in front of them (read giant laser pointer). As the ride progresses, the goal is to shoot everything and anything that the rider passes, accumulating points as he or she does so. As violent as this may sound, Buzz Lightyear is very kid-friendly.
Mission: SPACE, Disney's Epcot Theme Park
On "Mission: SPACE at Disney’s Epcot theme park, riders can choose from four astronaut positions: pilot, navigator, commander, and engineer. Mission: SPACE is a fast-motion, screen-viewing ride that takes participants from lift off to landing, a thrilling space adventure.
Tower of Terror, Hollywood Studios Theme Park
Getting trapped in an elevator with ghosts has never been so fun. Riders of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Twilight Zone-themed ride, "Tower of Terror," experience a freefall-like ride mixed with a cinematic and spooky backdrop. On this freefall, however, riders shoot back up, only to be dropped a few more times. Sometimes, riders get dropped inside. Other times, they move forward into the daylight – just to fall along the face of the tower!
The above rides are some of the best Disney has to offer. Here are some other honorable mentions: "Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith" (Hollywood Studios); "Kilimanjaro Safaris" (Animal Kingdom); "Space/Thunder/Splash Mountain" (Magic Kingdom); "Honey I Shrunk the Audience" (Epcot); and Soarin' (Epcot).
For the best rides in Orlando outside of Disney, see Best Rides at Universal, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens. For some great rides that no longer exist, see Great Orlando Theme Park Rides of Time's Past.
Jason Parent - Jason Parent earned his Bachelor's Degree in English in 2000 and his Juris Doctorate in 2006. He currently works as an attorney with a ...
