Some followers brazenly query whether or not Walt Disney Imagineering “nonetheless has it” or “has misplaced its contact.” That is loopy. As one growth cycle wraps up and one other is on the precipice of starting, we’ve seen some insanely good sights and technological improvements. This ranks the ten greatest rides that debuted in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the worldwide parks within the final 5 years.
It’s been a veritable curler coaster since 2019. One of many causes followers ask this query is comprehensible–as a result of output has been uneven. That is principally a results of the 2020 closures, which threw a monkey wrench into Disney’s formidable plans, inflicting venture cancellations, finances cuts, and different developments to be redesigned midstream. CommuniCore Corridor is Exhibit A with regards to these missteps, but it surely’s removed from the one one.
Nevertheless, the final 5 years have additionally seen a number of new sights and lands open, whereas Imagineering has additionally sought to proper previous wrongs and proper errors of the aughts and late Nineteen Nineties. The entrance entrance to EPCOT is Exhibit A with regards to this, and whereas nothing revolutionary, it’s a refreshing step ahead as to what was there earlier than. This is only one small instance of a profitable reimagining, however I’m getting sidetracked already. This listing focuses on rides that push the inventive envelope…
Earlier than we dig into the listing, let’s cowl the principles. Not eligible for this listing are materially cloned sights that first opened greater than 5 years in the past. Because of this TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom isn’t eligible, although it’s debatably deserving of a spot. Additionally not eligible is Remy’s Ratatouille Journey, however that wouldn’t have made the listing even when it had been as a result of it’s simply not that good (sorry not sorry).
Lastly, all the things that’s debuted at Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland within the final 12 months doesn’t make the listing just because we have now but to expertise it. This contains Zootopia: Sizzling Pursuit, Frozen Ever After (a materially completely different clone), and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs. I’m virtually sure that at the very least the Zootopia attraction would make the minimize…maybe we’ll discover out within the coming decade at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Anyway, on with the listing…
Honorable Point out: Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies (Tokyo DisneySea) – It is a family-friendly attraction in Pixie Hole, the fairy valley in By no means Land the place Tinker Bell lives. Friends board a Busy Buggy, a automobile made by Tinker Bell, and discover the fairy valley and its altering seasons. On this fairy valley, all the things from flowers and mushrooms to portray utensils and items of nibbled cheese is bigger than life.
Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies punches above its weight. That is the only and most simple attraction in Fantasy Springs–it’s a kiddie trip that fills a task for households with young children, and doesn’t aspire to be something greater than that. And but, it does. The surroundings is lovable, the movement of the autos is pleasant, and the entire thing simply oozes whimsy.
That’s to say nothing of the tip, the place you encounter a personality who has already developed a cult following. There’s a sure je ne sais quoi about Fairy Tinker Bell’s Busy Buggies and it’s higher than it has any proper to be. It’s nonetheless firmly the fourth-place Fantasy Springs attraction–nobody would rank it larger–but it surely’s implausible for what it’s. That’s a part of what makes an attraction a contemporary marvel–utilizing current know-how to create emotional resonance past what’s anticipated.
10. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Disneyland) – Situated inside El CapiTOON Theater, the attraction itself begins with a screening of the “Good Picnic” brief, after which visitors actually step from the human world straight into the cartoon world in one of many coolest results of all the attraction. This completely units the stage for the ride-through portion of the attraction, with visitors loading into the (trackless) prepare trip autos.
Notice that though this attraction exists on each coasts, the Disneyland model of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is superior because of the queue, which is why it’s listed right here relatively than each DL and DHS. The trip itself is equivalent, and incorporates a collection of loosely-connected vignettes in a wide range of environments that the runaway prepare automobiles bounce between at a reasonably frenetic and disorienting tempo. “Nothing Can Cease Us Now” can also be an earworm of an unique track.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway could be very a lot paced like a high-octane animated brief, and it feels such as you’re within the cartoon world in consequence. The “2.5D” method of projection mapping on dimensional environments is the ‘fashionable marvel’ right here, and a giant a part of its secret sauce. This screen-centric type works a lot better with Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway than it does with Remy’s Ratatouille Journey.
9. Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run (Disneyland/DHS) – The secondary attraction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. It’s undoubtedly not an ideal attraction, with the interactivity being a blended bag and a gameplay-centric trip not being everybody’s cup of tea. Furthermore, not all the roles are of equal enjoyment.
Nevertheless, there’s lots to love about Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run past the sport/trip expertise. It really works wonders as a “want success” attraction, giving visitors the chance to step contained in the quickest hunk of junk within the galaxy and sit contained in the cockpit. The queue main there’s sensible, as is using Hondo Ohnaka (a compelling character I had by no means heard of earlier than, however love now), and the pre-shows are amusing and enjoyable.
The trip expertise itself is usually a blended bag and the mission can really feel like plodding drudgery, however the Millennium Falcon facet greater than compensates for the Smugglers Run part, and elevates the total bundle. My hope is that after the brand new Mandalorian and Grogu mission launches, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will grow to be an ideal attraction. A ride-through part on par with Star Excursions (however gamified) would make this a ten/10 ‘no notes’ attraction.
8. Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant (Tokyo DisneySea) – A romantic gondola tour with outside surroundings and indoor present scenes that culminates within the annual Lantern Pageant, the place visitors observe Rapunzel as she experiences her “greatest day ever” and meets Flynn Rider for the primary time. Boats float in direction of the tower the place Rapunzel lives, and discover her gazing out of her lofty tower window, singing “When Will My Life Start,” as Flynn Rider watches.
The trip then flows by means of varied darkish trip scenes, culminating in Rapunzel and Flynn Rider singing “I See the Mild,” as visitors are enveloped by the glow of numerous lanterns filling the evening sky.
If something, that is the reverse of Busy Buggies within the sense that Rapunzel’s Lantern Pageant arguably under-delivers on its promise and potential. This has maybe the largest ‘wow’ second in any Fantasy Springs attraction and some different beautiful scenes and results, but it surely’s a bit on the brief aspect and likewise extra rudimentary. It’s as if Imagineering began with the enduring Lantern Pageant, nailed that, and determined that was ok. To make certain, that scene is alone definitely worth the value of admission, however the remainder of the trip falls a bit flat–and is over too quickly. Learn our Overview: Disney’s Most Romantic Journey Ever?! for extra.
7. Hovering: Incredible Flight (Tokyo DisneySea) – The above “no clones” rule might sound to exclude Hovering: Incredible Flight, but it surely’s just like the “No Homers” rule: one is okay. Truly, the explanation Hovering Incredible Flight is ready to skirt the rule is as a result of it isn’t materially equivalent.
The queue, pre-show, and ending are all completely different and to such a level that we extremely suggest Hovering: Incredible Flight even to those that have already skilled Soarin. That’s principally our litmus check for whether or not a trip is a direct clone–are different iterations distinct to the purpose they’re advisable or skippable? It’s not. That’s what we expect, and it’s sentiment we’ve heard repeatedly from others, even those that self-describe as “not huge Soarin’ followers.”
Hovering Incredible Flight’s trip part is just like Soarin’ in Walt Disney World, Disney California Journey, and Shanghai Disneyland. The large distinction right here is the build-up to that: Hovering Incredible Flight has an extremely lavish queue and spectacular new pre-show. The video additionally has one scene swapped out, and a brand new finale that ends over Tokyo Disney Resort. Hovering: Incredible Flight could be value experiencing even when you skipped the trip portion! (Clearly, we suggest really using it.)
6. Tiana’s Bayou Journey (Disneyland) – That is the reimagined trip that changed Splash Mountain at each Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. It makes use of the very same trip system on each coasts, that means it’s a log flume with an out of doors part, inside present scenes that includes superior Audio Animatronics figures, and a number of other smaller drops culminating in a single huge 50-foot drop. Identical concept, completely different story and substance.
Tiana’s Bayou Journey picks up the story of The Princess and the Frog after the ultimate kiss, becoming a member of Tiana and Louis on a musical journey as they put together for his or her first-ever Mardi Gras efficiency. Throughout this celebration, visitors hear unique music impressed by songs from the movie. Tiana is main the best way and visitors will be capable of encounter previous buddies and make new buddies alongside the best way as nicely.
The highlights of Tiana’s Bayou Journey are the extremely superior human and animal Audio Animatronics, together with a variety of memorable music that brings the trip to life. The lowlights are a complicated story, low stakes, and a few doubtful selections made with worldbuilding. The Disneyland model is what makes the listing right here, as we view it as superior to its Magic Kingdom counterpart. However on each coasts, there’s the open query of whether or not the reimagined trip really improves upon its predecessor.
Regardless, Tiana’s Bayou Journey makes the minimize and ranks this extremely for its contributions within the evolution of Audio Animatronics. It’s very a lot a “warts and all” attraction, however the animal and (animated) human figures are next-level. Louis the Alligator, particularly, is spectacular each in his actions and look, because the uncommon breed of “furry reptile.” I’m additionally personally a fan of the lovable critter bands, that are lovingly designed supporting gamers.
5. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT) – This family-friendly Marvel curler coaster changed the previous Universe of Vitality pavilion, together with a huge blue gravity constructing out again. Cosmic Rewind is a “storytelling coaster,” which is to say it’s a curler coaster with present scenes that’s appropriate for many visitors and thrill ranges.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an extremely satisfying attraction from begin to end, with a queue and pre-shows that present depth, a few wow-moment results, hilarity & hijinks, and a compelling story set-up. The identical is true for the curler coaster itself, which has a protracted length, implausible stream and fluidity. Its successes are largely owing to the Guardians of the Galaxy characters, humor, and use of music–the curler coaster feels prefer it’s dancing, for lack of a greater time period.
Above all else, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is flat-out, implausible enjoyable. It’s certainly one of essentially the most enjoyable sights in all of Walt Disney World. It hits all the proper notes, and is only a continuous hoot from begin to end. As somebody who favors longer darkish rides to thrill rides, my pure inclination is to rank the opposite sights above this, however Cosmic Rewind is just too good–and surprisingly modern–to disregard. It is a best-of-class attraction, and hopefully we’ll see extra curler coasters prefer it within the decade to return. Learn our Spoiler-Free Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Journey Overview for extra.
4. Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey (Tokyo DisneySea) – Throughout this epic journey with the Misplaced Youngsters to rescue John from Captain Hook and his band of pirates, visitors encounter beloved characters from the movie. Friends soar by means of the sky, are put within the midst of battle with the Jolly Roger, and extra.
Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey is certainly one of two “no notes” sights in Fantasy Springs. On paper, this trip is similar to Spider-Man or Transformers at Common, that are iconic screen-based sights which might be additionally chaotic adventures. In truth, Peter Pan’s By no means Land Journey is rather more like Avatar Flight of Passage.
Like that, this journey with Peter Pan gives battle and pleasure, but additionally an imposing and well-paced attraction that takes its time to decelerate and chew on the surroundings. The thrills are adopted by quiet and serene moments, and a grand finale that’s beautiful and takes your breath away. For extra, see our trip overview: Disney’s New Peter Pan E-Ticket is an Avatar Flight Plus Spider-Man Journey.
3. Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast (Tokyo Disneyland) – If I had been sensible, this is able to rank #2 and the following trip could be #1. These are the “secure” attraction picks, particularly given the Tokyo-bias that many Disney followers have developed. There’s additionally the fact that each of those are based mostly on beloved films and make the most of trip methods that followers love. In case you’re rating these rides based mostly on YouTube movies, I’m guessing this is able to be #2 and the following trip could be #1.
For my part, each sights play it a tad too secure. This isn’t to decrease their accomplishments, as a result of each are among the many greatest sights anyplace on this planet. However to be a ‘fashionable marvel’ means one thing extra, and Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast is iterative as a lot because it’s modern. It takes the traditional formulation of a Fantasyland guide report trip and reinvents it for the 2020s. Once more, not a knock–it’s an wonderful attraction!
Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast is a superb attraction and one which has really grown on us each extra with every repeat trip. Even after over a half-dozen ride-throughs, we’re nonetheless noticing and marveling at new options and results. Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast is worthy of its mega E-Ticket standing and is within the higher echelon of all sights on this planet. The Audio Animatronics are unbelievable, the staging is generally implausible, and there are just a few wonderful results and ‘how did they do this’ moments.
Not solely that, but it surely’s a meaty attraction, with a compelling queue and pre-show, and a prolonged ride-through portion. You don’t thoughts ready within the lengthy line (which is lengthy for a motive!) as a result of the time passes rapidly and the payoff is value it. For extra photographs & commentary, see our Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast trip overview.
2. Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey (Tokyo DisneySea) – Friends set out on a voyage by boat that leads them by means of the occasions of Frozen. This adventurous and heartwarming story of two sisters options themes of real love, together with twists and turns (literal and figurative) alongside the best way.
Friends embark on a journey by means of the sisters’ reminiscences, accompanied by well-known songs from the movie. Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey culminates in Elsa climbing North Mountain, the place she creates an ice palace together with her powers. Throughout the trip’s climactic moments, Elsa makes an attempt to save lots of her sister from Hans in an act of real love. You already know the drill.
That is completely completely different from Frozen Ever After on the different parks, and is the second of two excellent sights in Fantasy Springs. However there are various levels of perfection, and that is even extra excellent. Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey options jaw-dropping AAs, attractive present scenes, and some “how did they do this?!” moments and results. That is an absolute must-ride, and ought to be your #1 precedence on the #1 Disney park on this planet! For extra photographs & commentary, see our trip overview: Anna & Elsa’s Frozen Journey is One among Disney’s Greatest Rides Ever!
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (DL/DHS) – Each era or so, the Imagineers do one thing so radically completely different that it redefines what a theme park attraction might be. Since 1955, there have been a handful of such sights: OG Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Star Excursions, Indiana Jones Journey, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure.
And now, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The way in which the attraction blurs the strains between queue, pre-show, and the trip expertise is the good ‘contribution’ of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to the artwork of attraction design. The sense of rigidity, use of a wide range of know-how, and mixture of sensible plus particular results additionally assist it rating excessive marks.
It stays to be seen whether or not Rise of the Resistance will go down within the historical past books alongside Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion–sights which have each celebrated their fiftieth Anniversaries–however Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is Disney’s greatest formidable and envelope-pushing attraction Indiana Jones Journey. That’s fairly spectacular given the sights which have opened throughout that span, together with the whole lot of Tokyo DisneySea.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is probably not my favourite attraction on this listing or the one which I’d trip essentially the most, however I really feel it’s the target #1 decide due to the best way it pushes the envelope. It’s a fashionable marvel of Imagineering within the truest sense of the time period, a technology-ambitious attraction that innovates relatively than iterates. And you may count on that different rides at Disney and Common might be impressed by this within the coming decade, and we’ll see its inspiration in every single place from Epic Universe to the 2029 plan for Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
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Your Ideas
What do you consider my listing of Imagineering’s fashionable marvels from the final 5 years? Something I’ve snubbed that you just suppose is deserving? Something on the listing that you just suppose doesn’t belong? What would make the minimize–and what wouldn’t–by yourself listing? Agree or disagree with the rankings? Any questions? We love listening to from readers, so please share every other ideas or questions you will have within the feedback beneath!
