Prime 10 Underrated Rides to NOT Skip at Disney World

There are dozens of rides that fly beneath the radar at Walt Disney World, having brief traces whereas others have multi-hour wait instances and aggressive Lightning Lanes. That is our listing of the highest 10 underrated sights in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, all of that are routinely walk-ons (or near it) and are nice additions to your itinerary. (Up to date December 25, 2024.)

By its very nature, this listing is certain to be controversial. If one thing is unpopular at Walt Disney World, there’s normally a motive for it. Within the case of those sights, visitors are voting with their ft and opting to do the high-profile headliners like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, TRON Lightcycle Run, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Avatar Flight of Passage–you get the thought.

Level being, it’s no accident that some rides have 60+ minute wait instances whereas others have 5-minute traces. There isn’t any such factor as a “secret” journey at Walt Disney World, so extra visitors are essentially selecting to attend in lengthy traces for the favored rides and shunning the unpopular ones. Accordingly, we’re ranging from a reasonably easy however presumptuous premise: what if everybody else is fallacious?!

It’s not far-fetched to contend that simply because one thing is common doesn’t essentially imply it’s high-quality. The Kardashians, Actual Housewives, Love Island, The Bachelor, and so on. aren’t precisely the head of programming. Even most viewers of these reveals acknowledge them as responsible pleasures.

The concept is totally different, however no less than considerably related, with Walt Disney World sights. Typically sights aren’t kind of common due to high quality, however due to the sort of attraction they’re. In different instances, recognition begets extra recognition–and vice-versa. Friends are drawn to traces which might be lengthy…making them longer, and skip these which might be shorter based mostly on assumptions about high quality.

For instance, a curler coaster is a a lot simpler promote than a slow-moving boat journey about greens. Don’t get us fallacious–we love Slinky Canine Sprint and suppose it’s a must-do attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Similar goes for Rock ‘n’ Curler Coaster or Area Mountain. Curler coasters are crowd pleasers and have a spot at Walt Disney World, serving to supply much-needed selection. Similar goes for the vegetable boat journey!

We benefit from the thrill rides, however for us, one of many huge causes to pay the premium pricing of Walt Disney World is for the sights that solely Imagineering can create. Experiences that distinguish Disney from the competitors–which might be distinctive and in contrast to something you’ll discover at Six Flags, Cedar Level, Busch Gardens, and so on.

All of these parks can do curler coasters–and actually, they’ll do them significantly better than Disney (and for cheaper). You might not journey round on the again of a dachshund or hurtle by means of outer area, however the essence of these rides is the thrills–not the theme–and people chains are all doing it nearly as good or higher than Disney. And why wouldn’t they? That’s their specialty!

However we’d hazard a guess that for those who checked out which sights are the most effective predictors of being a lifelong Walt Disney World fan (those with the very best ratio of repeat guests vs. one-and-done visitors), most of the rides beneath can be close to the highest of that listing. In that regard, it’s not a lot about everybody else being fallacious–it’s concerning the individuals who see Disney as one thing particular recognizing these as ‘sleeper sights’ which might be price doing even because the lots cross by…

Carousel of Progress – This can be a listing of underrated rides slightly than sights, which is a purposeful method of excluding stage reveals. In any other case, the whole listing may very well be populated by these. Since stage reveals don’t transfer, they technically aren’t rides–however they’re sights. (It’s sorta like how each sq. is a rectangle, however not each rectangle is a sq..)

Carousel of Progress–the stage present that strikes–is the lone exception to that, and we couldn’t resist together with it. Carousel of Progress speaks to the optimists, and provides hope concerning the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Not as a result of it options something resembling futurism at this level, however as a result of it highlights the evolution of society and what prior generations have produced–at the same time as they confronted their very own challenges–and the way the lives of bizarre People modified for the higher.

The 2 different huge promoting factors are historical past and humor. A Walt Disney-era authentic that was first designed a long time in the past for the 1964 World’s Honest, Carousel of Progress is likely one of the most vital sights within the historical past of theme parks. From the music by the Sherman Brothers (Disney Legends who principally wrote the soundtrack for generations of childhoods) to little particulars, it oozes historical past. For followers like us, there’s additionally our private historical past–and nostalgia–with Carousel of Progress.

That sentimentality wouldn’t exist if Carousel of Progress had been a forgettable snooze. It endures as a result of the attraction has a lot humor, and since the Carousel of Progress characters have a lot character. In all probability greater than another attraction at Walt Disney World, the ‘Progress’ household has persona, and it’s satisfying to develop outdated with them, so to talk.

Like so many entries on this listing, Carousel of Progress is a ‘warts and all’ attraction, and we’re not pretending that it’s good or has aged gracefully. Our fondness for Carousel of Progress possible has to do with our deal with its strengths and being okay with datedness. Whereas the first-timers who unwittingly wander into this slow-paced present in all probability deal with the antiquated references to laser discs and automobile telephones, and marvel why it nonetheless exists. Both method, it’s price not skipping as a spot to get off your ft and recharge throughout a protracted day at MK.

Underneath the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid — Not every little thing on this listing goes to be a favourite of lifelong Walt Disney World followers, and that is in all probability the most effective instance of that. Journey of the Little Mermaid is the most recent attraction on this listing, having opened a few decade in the past in New Fantasyland. Upon debuting, it was not significantly well-received by WDW diehards, who had been anticipating one thing extra out of the primary new main journey at Magic Kingdom in ages.

It’s time for a vital reappraisal of Underneath the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid. Opinions of this darkish journey are nonetheless tainted by the preliminary impression, which was understandably harsh given the circumstances on the time. However so much has modified since then, and numerous new sights have been added at Walt Disney World. But judging by wait instances, this has by no means absolutely recovered from these harsh first evaluations.

In our view, the Little Mermaid darkish journey is way from good. Some Audio Animatronics are a bit lifeless, a couple of scenes fail to interact, and the type does it no favors. However each single one in every of these critiques is also leveled at Peter Pan’s Flight. Like that darkish journey, this additionally has a transportive issue–taking visitors beneath the ocean as an alternative of hovering above London. Not like that, there are a couple of wow moments within the Little Mermaid darkish journey, together with the titular tune’s scene and a few jaw-dropping Audio Animatronics.

If somebody requested me whether or not they need to wait 60 minutes for Peter Pan’s Flight or 10 minutes for Underneath the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, I’m recommending the latter instantly. Truthfully, for those who take away nostalgia from the combo…I’m in all probability recommending Journey of the Little Mermaid even when wait instances are similar. However they by no means are! With this regularly being a walk-on, it’s to not be skipped!

Astro Orbiter — Right here’s one other one which in all probability received’t resonate with the lifelong followers. Nevertheless, in that rambling preface, one of many key factors I used to be making an attempt to make is that it takes all kinds of rides to spherical out the Walt Disney World expertise. Spinners and flat rides are one such sort!

With out query, the preferred of this type of attraction is Dumbo and Mad Tea Celebration. These are two iconic Walt Disney World sights for good motive, and are vital for any rite-of-passage journey for the reminiscences and taking enjoyable pictures whereas driving. Alien Swirling Saucers can be common…however arguably not for good motive.

Whereas we’d by no means advocate anybody skip Dumbo or Mad Tea Celebration, we’d argue that the most effective and most memorable expertise–if setting apart nostalgia and sentimentality–is Astro Orbiter at night time. There’s nothing like blasting off in a rocket excessive above Tomorrowland, amidst the glow of neon and sounds of this vibrant land. If something, the diehards don’t give Astro Orbiter almost sufficient credit score. Easy, good, and value not skipping.

Star Excursions: The Adventures Proceed — That is outdated information now that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has opened. Understandably, as that land is anchored by Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which we’ve ranked because the #1 journey out of all 91 sights at Walt Disney World. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is usually referred to as “Star Excursions on Steroids.”

However is it, actually? We love Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and suppose it’s a greater general attraction from begin to end, with tons of Imagineered depth and element (all of which issues so much–see above!) plus the want success of moving into the cockpit and flying the Millennium Falcon.

Star Excursions is the higher journey, although. The settings are superior, is jam-packed with characters, and has a reasonably good start-to-finish packaging of its personal with a superb queue and pre-show. And in contrast to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, the journey portion of Star Excursions just isn’t the Star Wars equal of being an “interactive” for UPS supply individual. Each time I do Star Excursions, I’m reminded of how good it’s. That isn’t almost usually sufficient, both, particularly provided that Star Excursions usually has a 5-minute wait when Smugglers Run is over an hour!

Spaceship Earth — Yet one more ‘warts and all’ attraction. We’ve been vital of Spaceship Earth, which made our Record of 10 Sights That Have Aged Poorly at Walt Disney World. Exterior of the journey’s substance, there are numerous methods for it to enhance and proper previous wrongs from its final huge reimagining.

Regardless, we love this slow-moving darkish journey that highlights how human communication has developed by way of Audio Animatronics and historic scenes. We expect that humanity’s shared story is a compelling one and the journey’s location inside EPCOT’s iconic geodesic sphere is absolutely cool. Not solely that, however it’s one of many few remaining Audio Animatronics-heavy sights in all of Walt Disney World, and there’s one thing spectacular and novel about seeing dozens of robots in fully-realized bodily environments.

For us, there’s nonetheless a novelty to Disney’s Audio Animatronics, and it’s timeless know-how that also wows us. For a lot of first-timers with brief consideration spans, it’ll miss the mark fully and be boring–however those that give Spaceship Earth an opportunity and actually take note of its particulars and message, it is perhaps the spark that begins forming your fandom.

Residing with the Land – It’s a really related story right here, as Residing with the Land is the “Backyard Trip” at Walt Disney World. When you clarify this attraction to informal visitors who dropped hundreds of {dollars} on a Disney journey, they might scoff on the notion of “losing” precious trip time to see vegetation. Worse but, don’t inform them what it’s about and allow them to uncover for themselves {that a} journey is trying to train them one thing slightly than amuse and entertain. (The audacity!) 

Actual ones know, although. Residing with the Land has all of it–Audio Animatronics animals, the historical past of horticulture, way forward for farming, and a behind-the-scenes have a look at the greenhouses of EPCOT. It’s enjoyable to see firsthand the progressive rising strategies, cross-breeding of high-yield crops, and a cornucopia of greens, fruits and fish farmed around the globe.

I really like Residing with the Land, and I hate gardening. The journey is informative, fascinating and provoking–a real testomony to human ingenuity. It’s additionally a good way to get off your ft and loosen up for a bit, and the way in which it’s at all times altering retains issues recent and provides infinite re-rideability (in all probability another excuse followers adore it). Oh, and everybody mustn’t skip Residing with the Land when it’s decked out for Christmas!

Gran Fiesta Tour – This can be a boat journey that includes two of the Three Caballeros (Jose Carioca and Panchito) with Mexico’s tradition as a backdrop as they seek for the third caballero (Donald Duck). Gran Fiesta Tour weaves tradition along with Disney characters in a enjoyable expertise for anybody who likes boats, Mexico, fiestas, or waterfowl. And who doesn’t get pleasure from no less than one factor from that trio?!

Gran Fiesta Tour is tucked away into the Mexico pavilion, and the largest criticism is that it’s a minor attraction. The wait time displays that, although, as does nearly every little thing related to the journey. It contains a tie-in to an obscure film, doesn’t supply Lightning Lane, and has zero hype.

Dinosaur – This can be a tough one, as Dinosaur is each objectively underrated and subjectively overrated. On common, the wait time is low–decrease than it must be given the standard of Dinosaur because it exists. And to make sure, that is among the many high 33% of sights at Walt Disney World when it comes to high quality. There are some nice Audio Animatronics, the pre-show is a cult basic, the premise is intelligent, and the journey is flat-out enjoyable.

With that stated, Dinosaur is subjectively overrated within the sense that a variety of followers actually adore it and are going to be devastated when Dinosaur closes in 2026. We really feel for these followers, and wouldn’t dare make gentle of what they’re going to lose in a 12 months or so. We’ve additionally mourned the closure of underrated, outdated, or in any other case underperforming sights.

Nevertheless, there’s additionally the truth that Dinosaur squanders most of its potential. It looks like a knock-off of Indiana Jones Journey, however with 75% of the journey in darkness. Regardless of utilizing the identical journey system and having a considerably related monitor format, Dinosaur is “solely” within the high 33% of Walt Disney World rides, whereas Indiana Jones Journey is within the high 5% of Disneyland rides. See? Each underrated and overrated–the Dinosaur paradox!

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover — That is the attraction we do greater than another at Walt Disney World. What we love concerning the PeopleMover is that it “forces” us to decelerate, decompress, and converse. It’s the last word change of tempo attraction, and for us, it presents the proper alternative to embrace why we go to Walt Disney World within the first place: to have enjoyable collectively. So many different sights interact you, individually, with the present scenes and journey expertise, itself.

As a result of the present scenes are weak to non-existent, the PeopleMover does this to a far lesser diploma than most different sights. Largely, the TTA is just about no matter you need it to be. In order for you a spot to benefit from the nighttime ambiance of Tomorrowland, it’s that. In order for you an attraction for socializing, it may be that. If you wish to get off your ft and really feel a pleasant breeze, it’s that. Heck, if you need a leisurely place to compensate for work emails, it may be that.

Whereas now we have many fond reminiscences of the PeopleMover itself, what I feel is much more vital is that the journey has given us the chance to sit down again and mirror on experiences elsewhere in Magic Kingdom. In so doing, its significance might be understated, if something, because the PeopleMover has been a conduit for forming and strengthening these ‘core reminiscences.’ Consider it as Magic Kingdom’s meditative moments attraction.

All Transportation “Rides” — First-timers are dismissive of all transportation, whether or not it’s bona fide sights just like the Principal Avenue Automobiles, Walt Disney World Railroad, Liberty Sq. Riverboat, Wildlife Categorical Practice, and even the precise novel transportation exterior the parks. They’re fallacious.

Transportation is not only for getting from level A to B. That’s the error that many visitors make. Too many individuals anticipate rides to actively entertain or exhilarate. What ever occurred to only being there, having a leisurely expertise with household and mates, having fun with the chic surroundings? There’s actually no fallacious approach to get pleasure from Walt Disney World, a spot that gives one thing for everybody, however when you’ve got by no means taken the time to decelerate and embrace the serenity and surroundings, you aren’t doing it 100% proper, both.

The Skyliner is a high 25 journey at Walt Disney World and nobody will persuade me in any other case. To borrow a line from a well-known thinker: “Walt Disney World strikes fairly quick. When you don’t cease and go searching on occasion, you might miss it.” The following time you’re on the boat to Magic Kingdom or the Skyliner to EPCOT, put down your telephone and go searching. As a substitute of being anxious to get to the park and begin doing rides, benefit from the one you’re already on. It’s among the best at Walt Disney World!

Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about lodges on our Walt Disney World Resorts Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To save cash on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys put up takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the most effective place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every little thing you might want to know!

YOUR THOUGHTS

Which sights at Walt Disney World do you suppose are underrated and to not be skipped? Assume there are any old skool rides which might be superior to the shiny new ones? Something you suppose our listing “snubbed” that belongs amongst WDW’s ‘sleeper’ rides? Do you agree or disagree with our listing? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!