The pandemic is ending, summer is in full swing, and this can only mean one thing… my mind is full of Disney theme park dreams. Though I (still) sadly can’t go anytime soon, this doesn’t mean that I can’t wistfully reminisce on my last Disney trip and long for all the firework shows, character meet and greets, soft pretzels, and most importantly, all of the rides. Today I thought I would try and fill a little bit of my theme park longing and put together a list of my top five favorite rides in Disney World. For the purposes of this list, I am just going to stick to rides. I will make a separate list another time for my favorite attractions in the parks. I would also like to point out that this is also just for rides at Disney World. I actually grew up going to Disneyland in California and those rides hold a very special place in my heart and though some rides are featured in both parks, they often are very different from each other and some rides exist in one park but don’t exist in the other. So some of the rides that are my all time favorite in California may not appear on this list for one of those reasons or are ranked very differently. (This is to say, don’t worry Indiana Jones, you’re still the best but you don’t count here and Pirates, I love you, but you’re just better in California lol)
5. Space Mountain
Anyone who knows me, or at least grew up with me, will be shocked that this ride is coming in at number five for me on this list. This is because Space Mountain in Disneyland is my absolute number one. I would argue that the version of this ride in Disneyland is my favorite ride of all time, anywhere. And the one in Disney World is great too, but it is also one of those that is slightly different and those differences, though small, make a big difference in my enjoyment of the ride.
For those who don’t know, Space Mountain is a high speed indoor roller coaster that takes you on a journey through the stars. It’s awesome. I am not actually a big roller coaster person, but this one ticks all of the boxes for me. The reason Space Mountain is coming in at number five here instead of the number one spot it would get if this were a Disneyland list, is 1) it hasn’t been updated as recently as the other one has, so its not as dark or as smooth. And unless you nab the front spot ( which I did on my second ride through, and man the feeling like your flying alone through space almost makes up for it not being updated) I’m not as big of a fan of the single rider seating ride car as I am of the two person side by side in California. And 2) Disneyland is a much much smaller park than Disney World, meaning Space mountain there doesn’t nearly have as much completion for thrill rides as it does in Disney World. As you will see as you read on, some of those are the reason this ride as been pushed back on my list. (Side note, this is also why Big Thunder Railroad is not featured here) Even with these difference though, Space Mountain still makes this list because its just the best.
Space Mountain is located in The Magic Kingdom
4. Rock-n-Roller Coaster
So remember how I just said that Disney World having more thrill rides is why Space Mountain is relegated to the number five position on this list, well ladies and gentlemen we have arrived at one of those rides that pushed it to that spot. Please put your hand together for Rock-n-Roller Coaster. This is probably the silliest concept for a roller coaster, ever, but it’s just so much fun. Rock-n-Rollar Coaster is another (even faster) high speed indoor, dark roller coaster but in this one you are racing in a stretch limousine through the streets of LA to get to an Aerosmith concert. Yes, you read that right. Aerosmith. The ride is presented by the band and not only features their music but also a hilarious pre-show with the band.
This roller coaster was also the first (and at this point only) roller coaster I have been on that goes upside down. Like I said, I’m not a big fan of roller coasters, but man does Disney know how to do them right.
Rock-n-Rollar Coster in located in Hollywood Studios
3. The People Mover
From high thrills to high chills, lets talk about how great the People Mover is. If you don’t know, the People Mover is a slow moving ride that take you around and above Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom. It offers behind the scenes looks a Space Mountain and other Tomorrowland attractions but the real reason I love this ride is it is the perfect place to take a much needed break in the middle of a long Magic Kingdom day. The ride is entirely in the shade, lasts about 10 minutes, and you can even enjoy some snacks while you ride. It’s just so quaint, and, lovely, and just so so Disney that it had to be on this list. Also, my favorite picture of me and Greg was taken on the People Mover and is featured above.
The People Mover is located in The Magic Kingdom
2. Expedition Everest
Okay, back the the thrill rides. Expedition Everest feel like Disney Worlds answer to Disneyland’s Matterhorn, but faster and with more surprises. If you’ve never been on it before, I don’t want to spoil to much of this one for you because there is something that happens during this ride, that if you’ve never ridden it before, you don’t see coming and is genuinely thrilling in the best way possible. That being said, the ride take you on a thrilling journey up Mount Everest and offers stunning views of Animal Kingdom. I recommend you give this one a ride both during the day and at night as the mood changes with the time of day.
Expedition Everest is located in Animal Kingdom
1. The Haunted Mansion
It had to be you. The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorite rides of all time at Disneyland in California and I really didn’t think it could get any better. Well man was I wrong. The version of this ride in DisneyWorld, restrains all of the spooky charm of the original but makes it so so so much better. The story and ride flow more seamlessly and there are added scenes that are so cool my jaw actually dropped when I saw them. I think my shock at how much better this ride was here is why it takes the number one spot for me. I went in expecting it to be exactly like I had always known it to be and it exceeded my expectations. You just can’t beat the 99 happy haunts of the Haunted Mansion.
The Haunted Mansion is located in The Magic Kingdom
Well there it is folks, the five rides I would be making a mad dash to if I was in Disney World right now. Are these your favorite too? What other rides to you love? Let me know!
Like they day in Disney, Have A Magical Day!
-Winnedear
Winnie Dear Wonders 