DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
As we continue to celebrate Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, which started October 1st, we wanted to look at 50 rides, attractions and shows currently in Walt Disney World. We thought it would be a fun way to take a look at some of what is offered in each of the four theme parks! Enjoy!
The baby of the four parks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is known for its beauty and natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy seeing a variety of animals throughout the park while enjoying great rides and shows. This is where we will start our countdown.
- Na’vi River Journey
Take a slow boat ride through the world of Pandora on Na’vi River Journey. See the gorgeous bioluminescent rainforest as well as one of the most amazing animatronics in Walt Disney World.
- Festival of the Lion King
Sing along with your favorite Lion King songs in this outstanding performance of the Lion King. The costumes and singing is absolutely amazing and one that shouldn’t be missed. It is always fun to see some of our favorite characters as well.
Get ready for an adventure on Dinosaur. Guests are in for a rough and wild ride as they race back through time trying to capture a dino all while a meteor is coming. This isn’t for those scared of the dark or with back issues so keep that in mind before you ride.
- Kilimanjaro Safari
One of these unique experiences in Walt Disney World is the Kilimanjaro Safari located in the Africa section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This open-air guided tour takes Guests into the savanna, where they can see a variety of animals. There is so much to see and take in from giraffes, hippos, elephants, and lions that the whole family will enjoy this experience.
- Expedition Everest
The most intense ride in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Expedition Everest. This thrilling roller coaster takes Guests high into the mountains before dropping them back down – backwards into the dark. This is one of the best roller coasters in Disney World, so thrill seekers won’t want to miss out.
- Avatar Flight of Passage
Still, one of the most popular rides in Walt Disney World is Flight of Passage, located in Pandora. Guests will climb aboard a banshee as they take in the breathtaking landscape in 3D. The ability of this ride to appeal to the senses is outstanding. Don’t skip out on this experience.
Credit: Disney
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Park with the two newest rides, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, has grown during the last few years. Going from what many felt was a half day Park to a Park that it is hard to fit it all in with just one day.
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Guests will want to make sure they drop in on this ride while in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A unique ride experience as Guests board an old elevator and then travel to the top of the Hollywood Tower Hotel before things go wrong. Get ready for the screams during this ride.
- Rock n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
The only indoor roller coaster currently in Disney World, Rock n’ Roller Coaster provides a variety of thrills. Start with a launch, and then hold on as you loop and spin your way to the end. Thrill seekers will want to rock this ride.
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
A quiet hidden gem in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. This show stars McQueen himself and is a great way to get out of the heat and crowds mid-day, and the little ones will love seeing their favorite racer.
- Alien Swirling Saucers
For an easy ride with a laugh, try out Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land. Guests will have a great time as they spin around with the aliens from Toy Story.
- Toy Story Mania
Previously one of the most popular rides in Disney World, Toy Story Mania is a family favorite. Compete against one another as you collect points in this 4D shooting game featuring the beloved characters from Toy Story.
- Slinky Dog Dash
The most popular ride in Toy Story Land is Slinky Dog Dash. This family-friendly coaster is a blast as you race around Andy’s backyard. Consider riding this at night as well to see the amazing lights throughout Toy Story Land.
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along
We know everyone loves to sing along with the Frozen songs, and now they can get in a fun, humorous way in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This show is perfect for all ages as kids will love seeing some of their favorite Frozen friends, and adults will enjoy the humor from the historians. Don’t skip this show!
- Beauty and the Beast: Live On Stage
One of the fantastic parts of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is how they bring the movies to the people. Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage is a fun, heart-warming performance that brings the beloved movie to life. This is a great option when you need to sit and relax for a while between rides.
- Star Tours
The original Star Wars ride, Star Tours, is a classic 3D simulator that takes Guests to a galaxy far, far away on different missions. On this ride, Guests can experience encounters with characters from all the different movies. Ride a few times to see other experiences.
- Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Many have dreamed of flying the Millennium Falcon, and now they can in Batuu, located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Work together with other Team Members to complete a mission for the Resistance. Success for failure is solely up to you.
- Rise of the Resistance
The most popular ride in Walt Disney World is Rise of the Resistance, and rightfully so. This new ride puts Guests into the movie as they have never been before. We don’t want to give anything away but make sure you experience this ride at least once.
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
The only ride featuring the main mouse himself, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, is a fun, family-friendly ride that everyone can enjoy together. With a new trackless ride system, Guests will be amazed at the magical scenes before them.
EPCOT
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
A basic family-friendly slow, dark ride where Guests can go under the sea with Nemo and friends. This is an easy ride that is great for cooling off on those hot days.
- Living with the Land
Another great family-friend ride is Living with the Land. This slow moving boat ride takes Guests through the different gardens in EPCOT and provides a great behind the scenes look at what EPCOT is doing.
- Soarin’
An amazing ride that takes Guests high above well known icons from around the world Soar high over the Great Wall of China or see the Eiffel Tower. It is great how this ride brings to life some of these amazing places throughout the world.
- Test Track
One of the few thrill rides in EPCOT, Test Track allows Guests to design their virtual car before heading through a variety of tests. End with a fun race outside at high speed of 65mph.
- Frozen Ever After
Back in Norway, Guests can enjoy a ride through the beloved story of Anna and Elsa. Frozen Ever After is a slow moving, dark boat ride that allows Guests to sing along with their favorite songs and see some amazing animatronics as well. There is one drop, and the ride goes backward, so be aware of that before riding.
- Spaceship Earth
The iconic Spaceship Earth is a ride that shouldn’t be skipped while visiting EPCOT. Take a slow journey through time as you look at mankind’s technological advances over the centuries.
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
The newest ride to welcome Guests to Walt Disney World is found in EPCOT’s World Showcase’s France Pavilion. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is a family-friendly ride that shrinks Guests to the size of Remy before they scurry around on a big adventure. The trackless ride system makes this a fun one for everyone.
Finally, we head to the iconic Park- Magic Kingdom, where we leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy.
- Space Mountain
A high speed rocket that takes Guests through space, this indoor roller coaster is extremely thrilling. Being in the dark, it is hard to see exactly where the rocket is going.
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Guests of all ages will enjoy helping Buzz fight off the evil Zurg in this video-game type ride. Shoot at different targets to earn points throughout the ride!
- Carousel of Progress
This ride comes from Walt himself. Enjoy the great big beautiful tomorrow as you travel through different decades. Discover different inventions and see how different life was back then.
- Tomorrowland Transit PeopleMover
One of the most relaxing rides in Disney World, the PeopleMover is a slow moving ride up above Tomorrowland. Guests can see parts of Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Tomorrowland Speedway, and so much more. Don’t forget to look for the EPCOT prototype as well.
- Tomorrowland Speedway
Most adults aren’t a fan of this ride, but little ones love being able to drive their very own car for the first time. Zoom, slowly, around the track as you race to the finish line.
- Dumbo
Another classic ride in Magic Kingdom is Dumbo. Come and fly away with Dumbo as he soars high up over Magic Kingdom.
- Goofy’s Barnstormer
The perfect first coaster for little one’s Goofy’s Barnstorm is a quick, low intensity coaster that introduces little ones to the fun. Take a quick ride with Goofy for a laugh.
- Under the Seas- Journey of the Little Mermaid
This classic dark ride takes Guests below the waves with Ariel and friends as they visit different, well-done scenes from the movie. Sing along with Ariel and friends as you enjoy the beautifully done ride.
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
This ride is the most popular in Magic Kingdom. A step above Barnstorm, this roller coaster takes Guests on a journey through Snow White. The swaying carts are a lot of fun to experience together.
- Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Travel through Hundred-Acre Wood in this adorable ride featuring Winnie the Pooh. Ride along in a Hunny Pot as you experience some of the classic scenes from Winnie the Pooh.
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Choose your favorite horse as you ride on Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel. This beautiful carousel brings Walt into the Park.
- Peter Pan’s Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight is a popular ride for the whole family. Fly high above London with Peter, Wendy, John, and Michael as well as Tinker Belle. Head into Neverland to see some of the best scenes from the movie.
- It’s a Small World
The classic ride in Magic Kingdom is it’s a Small World. Take a nice, slow boat ride and enjoy seeing all the children from around the world come together. A great message for everyone.
- Haunted Mansion
Who doesn’t like to take a trip through a haunted mansion? This ride is so much fun as you ride along with your ghost host through different parts of the mansion all which have been haunted.
- Country Bear Jamboree
A show Walt Disney had a hand in developing, Country Bear Jamboree is a funny, silly show that will have you having a great time with singing bears.
- Tom Sawyer Island
If you want an adventure, head on over to Tom Sawyer’s Island. This is where you can find caves, see hidden paths and check out the Magic Kingdom from a unique spot.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The wildest ride in the wilderness will take you to Big Thunder Mountain. This roller coaster is a high speed thrill through the wild west. Hang on to your cowboy hat because it is going to go fast.
- Splash Mountain
Get ready to head into the briar patch with Brer Rabbit and friends. This long water ride has dropped, including and 50 foot drop, singing, and so much more. Don’t skip out on this one but know you will get wet.
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Take a spin around Adventureland on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Kids love this ride as it goes up and down and tips forwards and backward- and don’t forget the camel- that spits.
- Enchanted Tiki Room
Sing along with various tropical birds, tiki gods, and even color flowers as they come to life with a musical party. A great option to get out of the heat and have some fun at the same time.
- Jungle Cruise
Head out on a river adventure where you never know what could be waiting for you. Board a boat piloted by a skipper who is an expert in almost nothing except puns. This ride has become extremely popular following the release of the movie, and we do enjoy it.
- Swiss Family Treehouse
If you are looking for a good workout, take a climb up and around the Swiss Family Treehouse. This shows how they survived after being shipwrecked. It is an interesting setup and offers good views of the Magic Kingdom as well.
- Pirates of the Caribbean
Get ready to set sail with a bunch of pirates as you head out on Pirates of the Caribbean. This dark boat ride has it all, and we love it. Pirates of the Caribbean is a super fun ride, from a great story to fun songs and even a small drop.
Those yet to come…
Finally, we look at two rides that will be coming soon; we hope to Walt Disney World to help with the 50th Anniversary celebration.
Credit: Disney
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Located in EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy will be coming in 2022. This new indoor coaster will feature a reverse launch and story coaster meaning the ride vehicle will move towards the action making sure Guests don’t miss a thing. We can’t wait for this new attraction to open.
- Tron Lightcycle Power Run
Many had hoped that the newest coaster, Tron, coming to Magic Kingdom would be opened for the 50th in October, but with so many setbacks, that wasn’t possible. As the 50th is running 18 to 24 months, we are hopeful we will see this coaster before the 50th is done. We can’t wait to race off on this new experience.
There you have it- 50 attractions for the 50th. We hope you enjoyed this list and that it helps you know what you want to ride during your next Walt Disney World vacation.
