The Top 10 Can't-Miss Walt Disney World Attractions

It isn't easy to list the top 10 Walt Disney World Attractions. The four theme parks have so many incredible dark rides, thrill rides, and classic rides that making any kind of top 10 list is a bit of a challenge.

But we aren't afraid of a challenge. Unless that challenge includes riding Expedition Everest, then we're afraid. And so, without further ado here is a list of what we consider to be the top 10 attractions at Walt Disney World.


The Top Ten Can't Miss Walt Disney World AttractionsThe Top Ten Can't Miss Walt Disney World Attractions


10. The "Mountains": Of course we're talking about the Magic Kingdom's trio of mountains that includes Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Space Mountain. Sure you could list each one individually but they're all equally fun and thrilling so it's easier to call them "The Mountains." Our favorite is definitely Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, followed by Splash Mountain and then Space Mountain.

You can't miss Splash Mountain at the Magic KingdomYou can't miss Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom

9. Test Track: While the "old" Test Track was fun there's no denying it was a bit outdated and definitely in need of the 2012 refurbishment. And now that it has the cool neon Tron vibe and you get to create your own virtual concept car this attraction is has regained its cool factor. And the biggest thrill is still the power test on the outdoor track.

8. it's a small world: Love it or hate it, this is an iconic Walt Disney World attraction. Sure the song will be stuck in your head all day long, but you just can't miss "the happiest cruise that ever sailed." From the song to the Mary Blair and Alice Davis designs, this original Magic Kingdom ride is a classic.

The song will be stuck in your head all dayThe song will be stuck in your head all day

7. Kilimanjaro Safaris: This guided tour of the 110-acre Harambe Wildlife Preserve is a must-do whenever you're at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The ride is a bit bumpy but that just adds to the experience, and you have a chance to see more than 30 species of wild animals as they roam the savannas. Make sure you have the camera ready!

6. Haunted Mansion/Pirates of the Caribbean: Yes, we combined two attractions again. But these two classic Magic Kingdom rides are both so much fun and they're both a must-do, so it was a toss-up when it came to which one we should list. The Haunted Mansion is spooky fun and you have to walk through the interactive queue at least one (look for the wedding ring!). And Pirates is just a classic ride even with the addition of Captain Jack Sparrow. You can't skip either of these attractions.

One of the classics at the Magic KingdomOne of the classics at the Magic Kingdom

5. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror:
From the incredible details in the queue to the terrifying freefall of the elevator this attraction has all the makings of a classic thrill ride. Toss in the fact that the drop sequence is different each time you ride it and this is one ride you'll definitely want on your FastPass+ list.

4. Spaceship Earth:
Sure this ride is a 16-minute history lesson about communication and technology but it's so much more too! From the soundtrack that changes in every scene, to the smell of Rome burning, to the Hidden Mickeys this is a definite must-do attraction at Epcot. And you can thank the Phoenicians.

Spaceship Earth at EpcotSpaceship Earth at Epcot

3. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue: This fan-favorite attraction features 3D technology, unique story lines, and an expanded universe of characters and ride scenarios that are based on all six of the current Star Wars movies. As an added bonus one guest is singled out as the Rebel Spy! And since there are more than 50 story combinations on the ride, you never know where you might visit or who you might encounter in your mission to deliver the Rebel spy to safety.

2. Toy Story Midway Mania: What's not to love about this attraction? The queue is fun, especially the interactive Mr. Potato Head, and ride gives guests the chance to try their hand at five 3D carnival games all based on Toy Story characters. It's a ride and a competition all in one! And now thanks to FastPass+, you don't have to run to the ride to get your FastPasses as soon as the park opens.

The queue of Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney's Hollywood StudiosThe queue of Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios

1. Soarin':
If I could only ride one attraction at Walt Disney World, it would be Soarin'. And I'd have to sit in the center of the front row. This ride takes you soaring over California and includes the scents of pine trees and orange groves. The musical score by Jerry Goldsmith just adds to the magic of this ride. And it might be the only attraction where people applaud at the end.

Rumor has it that Soarin' will be updated sometime in the near future with scenes shot in Florida. We'll keep you posted!

Tell us, what are your top attractions at Walt Disney World? Leave us comment and let us know!

Kristen K. wrote on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 12:39:

Kristen K.'s picture

LoL! There was just so much goodness you couldn't pick just 10?! I love Haunted Mansion & Pirates of the Caribbean, and I think they're both probably on most people's "must ride" list.

Martha wrote on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 15:21:

Martha 's picture

My husband rides all of these rides, I ride most of them, every time we go to Disney.... Love this place!!!!!

Witch wrote on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 16:06:

Witch's picture

My top 10 List. 1. The Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror 2. Splash Mountain 3. The Haunted Mansion 4. The Pirates of the Caribbean 5. Dinosaur 6. Expedition Everest 7. Toy Story Midway Mania 8. Big Thunder Mountain 9. Test Track and 10. Aerosmith Rock and Roller Coaster.

Honorable Mention: Soarin, Spaceship Earth, The Great Movie Ride, Star Tours and Space Mountain

Norma G. wrote on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 16:10:

Norma G.'s picture

I love all of these except Star Tours. Simulator rides don't agree with me! I would add Rockin' Rollercoaster to the list!

Teresa wrote on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 16:15:

Teresa's picture

All great rides, but I think you can sub a another ride in for its a small world. This ride is most definatly iconic, but at Disneyland not Disneyworl! Disney worlds It's a Small World is way toooo "Small!"

KarenR wrote on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 18:05:

KarenR's picture

You mentioned all wonderful rides, but you missed some of my favorites.
Mickey's Philharmagic, Country Bear Jamboree, Carousel of Progress and the
TTA-Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Not all rides, but sure not to be missed.

AMP wrote on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 19:44:

AMP's picture

I would replace Haunted Mansion with Expedition Everrest. I would also replace Spaceship Earth with Rock n' Roller Coaster.

DONALD wrote on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 19:57:

DONALD's picture

I've been in a wheelchair from an accident when I was 21 yrs of age and I try to visit Disney World every year. There is no safe way for me to transfer from my chair to the seats on Soarin'.

Disney designers are the most capable designers in the world. Surely there is a way to let a wheelchair roll onto a platform, lock it down and ride Soarin'.

PLEASE, feel free to contact me as I will volunteer my time to assist in any manner I can.

Thank You,

Donald
[email protected]

Kathleen wrote on Mon, 08/11/2014 - 23:19:

Kathleen's picture

Seven dwarfs mine train!

Alibobins wrote on Tue, 08/12/2014 - 00:38:

Alibobins's picture

Startours has to be on the list too!

JeffC wrote on Tue, 08/12/2014 - 03:21:

For me, it's not officially my Disney vacation until I ride Rock n Roller Coaster! And I would replace Space Mountain with Expedition Everest. Those cars at SM just kill me. And scare me! I'm still not over that front seat death spiral!

Awesome list! Thanks, Traci.

JayA wrote on Sun, 08/17/2014 - 11:07:

JayA's picture

Expedition Everest in the first seat in the dark is the best ride I ever had in The World. It's not easy to do anymore since extra magic evening hours were discontinued at Animal Kingdom. If you have the chance, you will never get a better look at the Yeti because your eyes don't have to adjust. My wife and I found AK in the dark very interesting and a little bit romantic. It would be wonderful to see AK in the night come back.

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