This should be a fun one, everyone who is a Disney fan has their favorites and, let’s face it, attractions they are okay with missing. Below, I lay out my 1 must and 1 miss from each park.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Must Do – Expedition Everest
Not well know, I am a big fan of the history of Mt. Everest and the challenge it is to climb it. I have read no less than 8 books about the Mountain, tie that in with the fantastic queue and you have a winner for any Everest enthusiast.
The ride itself is amazing, it has one of the best story’s and themes in general. Combine that with the high-speed thrill and it’s an all-around win. The look of the ride is also amazing. It stands over Asia as a giant just asking you to come conquer it.
Miss it – Kali River Rapids
Look, it’s not that I do not like this ride, but it is the same as any other rapids ride in your local theme park. Once you are on the ride it’s fun, but it is not the best theme, it is not overly long, and you will be soaked. This is a ride you need to prepare for. I always bring a spare shirt and underwear because it is 100% possible that you will need it.
I like that this ride exists because I can imagine that younger kid love and would be laughing like crazy to see their parents get wet, I just wish there was a better story with it. Grizzly River Run in Disney’s California Adventure is just a better ride. Maybe Kali River Rapids will undergo an update and change my mind but, for now I am ok with sitting this one out.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Must do – Toy Story Mania!
Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition in the park? Mania provides just that. You and your partner sit down and basically get to go head to head in some 3D carnival games with your favorite Toy Story characters cheering you on.
This ride can set the tone for the day. If I win, it’s off to grab some coffee and get ready to hit the rest of the amazing attractions, but if I loose it’s right back in line, and if I loose again it’s time to watch a grown man pout about loosing to his wife (twice). Regardless this is a great ride with an awesome theme and can be fun for guests of all ages.
Miss It – Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
I love the movies, I really do (not the fourth one….), but this show is long and outside. You are stuffed in there with hundreds of new friends, and in my opinion the best part of the show is over after the first 15 minutes.
If you need time off your feet or if you are a massive Indy fan, this show is for you. For myself, I just have a hard time justifying all that time to a show when there is Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. But hey, if you want to sit and watch Doctor Jones do his thing, more power to you and less wait times for me.
EPCOT
Must do – Mission Space
Mission Space is a ride to itself, now that it features both green and orange sides it has much more mass appeal. Astronauts themselves have said that this is the most realistic simulation of a shuttle launch.
Now don’t get me wrong, the signage and the constant warnings are concerning, but they are there for you. If you can get over the fear they put in you, Mission Space is a great ride. It is fun, thrilling, and most of all, immersive. Afraid of orange, go on the green side. It is still a fun attraction.
Miss It – Gran Fiesta Tour Staring the Three Caballeros
If you blink, you miss this one. Hidden in the back of the Mexico pavilion lies a tame, relaxing boat ride that features Donald Duck. The Ride itself is not the best and not the worst. Imagine It’s A Small World with less singing and massive TV screens.
Some of the scenes are nice, but the ride is basically just looking for Donald as he gets into all types of silliness. It is a great ride for kids, and if you need to relax for a minute, it is a top 10 ride to possibly nap on. You should board this boat ride but if you are in a time crunch, I would be okay with skipping by. (DON’T SKIP LA CAVA DE TEQUILA IT’S THE BEST MARGARITA YOU WILL EVER HAVE)
The Magic Kingdom
Must do – The Haunted Mansion
The Magic Kingdom is home to about 20 must do attractions, but some are self explanatory. Haunted Mansion is a classic, however. It’s half scary, half funny and has an all-time catchy song to it. Grim Grinning Ghost will be ringing in you head for hours.
This is a top 5 ride for me on the property. Sure, it does not offer many thrills, but it makes up for that in theme. So well done the cast is always very into it. The queue has great puns and hidden call back to old Disney rides. Match all that with the hitch-hiking ghost and you have a powerhouse of an attraction.
Miss it – Mad Tea Party
I don’t think I have ever been on this ride. Mainly because I think it will lead to a protein spill. Gary and spinning do not go hand in hand.
I really don’t have a lot on this ride. Simply, it is just like all other Teacup rides that spin and then you can spin your car. The Theme is cool, and Alice in Wonderland is one of my favorite Disney Movies, but the pure fear of me not feeling well is enough to keep me away. Maybe just put the kids on this ride and help yourself to a Micky Bar.
Do you agree with my list? Let me hear your Musts and Misses in the comments below. And as always, Follow me on Twitter @coachGary_6 for some Disney and sports content.
Talk to you all next week.
