How do we determine our favorite Walt Disney World attractions? Are thrills the big draw? Is it nostalgia for experiences we had during vacations as kids? These questions have resounded in my mind since I decided to write this post. I also considered which attractions I would miss the most if they closed. Successful theme parks need a few cornerstone rides to anchor everything else. For example, Epcot has Spaceship Earth right at the front of the park. Despite losing a lot of its early favorite attractions, Epcot connects to 1982 with a modified version of its flagship experience.

This Top 10 only includes attractions currently operating at Walt Disney World. Sorry Horizons; you’ll have to take a break for a little while. It also represents my current favorites and could change anytime. I would not have considered The Jungle Cruise for my rankings, but we had a great time riding it at night on our last trip. It did not make the list, sadly. The example just shows how my opinions are fluid. On the flip side, I would have definitely ranked Soarin’ before it changed. The newer version just fails to match the original due to awkward CGI and odd transitions.

Now that I’ve experienced Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, Flight of Passage, and Slinky Dog Dash on a quick trip in September, it’s time to update this list! Only one of that trio will make the Top 10, however. I suspect this post may change even more in the next 3-4 years with major expansions coming. Even as I write this paragraph, I am already re-considering some choices. It’s that close and should make for a fun dialogue. I would love to hear from you about these picks and which ones are wrong. Let’s get to the updated list!

Special Mention: Impressions de France

I have a soft spot for all the early EPCOT Center films, and Impressions de France represents Disney’s finest work in this format. There is a reason that we have not seen an updated version of this film. It’s that good. Unlike the China and Canada movies, this presentation matches what guests experienced in October 1982. With the exception of a few odd fashion choices from people on screen, scenes aren’t tied to the particular time. The presentation feels universal and reminds us what is possible.

From the opening flute sounds of Claude Debussy’s “Syrinx”, we’re taken on a graceful journey through the beautiful French countryside. The London Symphony Orchestra performs the elegant score of both famous songs and new compositions by the legendary Buddy Baker. We begin at Étretat in Normandy and glide through stunning looks at Chaumont Castle alongside hot air balloons, Mont St. Michel as a beacon in the night sky, and ultimately the wonders of Paris. Director Rick Harper (American Journeys) crafts a gorgeous film that immerses you in the culture of France. It is a true masterpiece.

10. Expedition Everest

In our brand-driven world, Expedition Everest stands out as a fairly recent classic. Opening in 2006, this remarkable attraction represents one of the best examples of how to mix thrills and place making. Joe Rohde and his team of Imagineers went far above expectations to create the village of Serka Zong. The theming sets just the right mood for our journey to the Forbidden Mountain. The queue includes a wealth of artifacts from Nepal; you could easily spend time just looking at all the pieces within this space. It also sets up the encounter with the Yeti.

The reason that Expedition Everest ranks only as #10 is Disney’s inability to fix the Yeti. I experienced the original version, and the full-motion Yeti made a big difference in selling the final scenes. I’m hopeful that we will finally see this change now that Pandora is open on the other side of the park. Regardless, there’s still so much to enjoy on this attraction. The opening ascent past Everest offers a stunning view of the mountain and the park. Once chaos breaks out, the fast-paced coaster packs a punch, especially in its backwards section. It’s a thrilling experience that never feels cheap, and that’s a key factor in making Expedition Everest a favorite.

9. Flight of Passage

I did not expect Flight of Passage to crack this list. I expected it to be impressive, but I underestimated just how spectacular it would be. After finally experiencing this epic attraction last month, it’s definitely among my favorite attractions. I was only able to ride Flight of Passage once, so it’s possible that it might rank even higher with more visits. The experience is much more than sitting in front of a large screen or just a more intense version of Soarin’. There is so much to enjoy within Flight of Passage.

The queue and pre-show (despite the strange performance from the actor explaining the situation) set the stage perfectly. Each step closer to the ultimate ride just builds the anticipation for what’s to come. The gorgeous design outside and intricate sets within the queue enhance the overall experience. The odd set-up of the banshee vehicle also puts you closer to the action. The mix of air, smells, water, and stunning visuals help to deliver a one-of-a-kind attraction. I can’t wait to ride it again.

8. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

This “wildest ride in the wilderness” is suitable for most guests, and that fact only adds to the fun. I appreciate Big Thunder Mountain Railroad more every time I ride it. The main reason is the way it immerses you within the experience without overdoing it. You fly by the small touches of the mountain, including goats and a man in a bathtub. It’s easy to miss all the little details, and that helps make riding Big Thunder again even more interesting. It’s easy to imagine taking a journey into the 19th century and working for the Big Thunder Mining Company.

Looking beyond the setting, Big Thunder is just great fun. My six-year-old daughter had a blast riding it, and I love it too. The hills are small yet have enough thrills to keep us engaged. The rocky setting also leads us to believe we’re traveling a lot faster than 35 miles per hour. The runaway mine train is hardly a new idea, but it seems fresh in this setting. I never grow tired of riding this train through the dips and turns of the rocky mountain.

7. Spaceship Earth

If I was creating this list in 2007, Spaceship Earth would fall even higher on this list. I grew up with the Walter Cronkite version and “Tomorrow’s Child”, and loved the inspiring finale of the Jeremy Irons incarnation. That does not mean the current Judi Dench edition is a disappointment. The animatronics upgrades are stunning, and the new scenes about computers fit comfortably in the storyline. The shift from communications to innovation works out well, and Dench’s warm delivery helps build the optimistic atmosphere. The script is a little simpler, but only a few lines (“the first backup system!”) seem forced.

Despite the changes, Spaceship Earth represents one of the last remnants of the original EPCOT Center. The slow-moving Omnimover still connects with guests of all ages. Bruce Broughton’s new score is grand and beautiful throughout the different eras presented. The descent is disappointing because of the lack of physical sets. Within such a grand structure, the last thing we should be doing is looking at screens. Even with its lackluster finale, Spaceship Earth is still a classic Disney attraction. I must ride it on every visit and never tire of the experience. I hope the next version retains the original’s spirit and provides an even more complete experience.

6. The Haunted Mansion

I appreciate the remarkable mix of talents that helped create The Haunted Mansion more every time I ride it. The attraction’s backstory is fascinating, and it’s a miracle that it came together so well. The Mansion is also a rare case where a significant update made the experience even stronger. The Endless Staircase and Attic scenes fit comfortably inside the attraction, and the sound enhancements in The Stretching Room are incredible. The Mansion has never looked better, and it does not feel dated to younger generations. There’s nothing else like it.

The mix of humor and horror flows together seamlessly. Our minds can imagine horrors inside a coffin or behind a door and fill in the blanks. Vintage effects like the Pepper’s Ghost still work together and just reinforce the skills behind this attraction. The mix of styles from Marc Davis, Claude Coats, Yale Gracey, and Rolly Crump create an experience that has no equal. The differences between the Mansion versions on both coasts also feel natural and make them seem original. I remember being a little creeped out as a kid by the Mansion, but I always rode it. As an adult, I love the experience and learning the background of this classic attraction. Even today, I keep learning new things about this favorite.

5. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

So much of Tomorrowland’s early success came from its “world on the move” theme. The Skyway flew overhead while the PeopleMover offered previews closer to the ground. Attractions focused on flights into space and journeys across the world by plane. The spirit of adventure was everywhere! Despite some unfortunate changes, that excitement remains in Tomorrowland today. A main reason is the PeopleMover, which has undergone several updates to its name and narration. We don’t see as much of the attractions as we used to, but it still provides great fun.

There are few experiences better than gliding above Tomorrowland at night. We can escape the crowds and just enjoy being at Disney World. You can really feel what’s missing at Disneyland without its PeopleMover. When I was younger, I expected us to have PeopleMover vehicles everywhere by now. They show us the promise of a better world free of traffic and pollution. We can just hop on the PeopleMover and travel to our next destination without a care in the world! I still long for that world, even as it feels more like a lost dream each day.

4. Living with the Land

When I visited EPCOT Center as a kid, The Land pavilion did not rank highly on my list. It easily fell behind Spaceship Earth, World of Motion, Horizons, Imagination, and more. Listen to the Land in particular fell short because the ride hosts often had little enthusiasm. Adding the automated narrators was a surprisingly brilliant move. Living with the Land is an improvement about its past self, and it stands out more because so many other attractions are gone. The waterfall scene in the opening is now one of my favorite spots in Disney World.

The pastoral scenes in the dark ride section are also relaxing and well crafted. It’s the small touches that make Living with the Land so memorable. Seeing all the plants grown through hydroponics gives me hope for new approaches to farming. This technology has been around for a while, but it’s hardly commonplace everywhere. The aquaculture section is also a favorite; seeing the fish brings another real-life use into play. My love for Living with the Land is about more than just nostalgia for EPCOT Center. It’s about hope for a better experience both at Disney World and in our daily lives.

3. Space Mountain

Why is Space Mountain so popular more than 40 years after it opened? It only goes about 30 miles per hour and includes no big drops or inversions. The Disney World version doesn’t even include on-board audio. It’s a pretty rough ride and often has long lines due to breakdowns. My enjoyment comes from the complete adventure. From the moment you enter the stunning exterior, it’s easy to feel like you’re heading into space. The darkened queue and wonderful background music sells the idea of a journey into a different environment.

When we board our vehicles the quick ride through the tunnel and up the lift hill sets the mood perfectly for excitement. By the time we take off and start blitzing through the dark, our anticipation has reached an all-time high. I love that I can ride Space Mountain with my daughter and enjoy it just as much as she does. It’s a family coaster with a convincing atmosphere that’s pure fun. Space Mountain is a quintessential Disney attraction and never gets old.

2. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

My favorite Disney World thrill rides never feel like they’re designed just for a cheap thrill. The experience transcends the actual gimmick; it’s just part of the full experience. The best example of that approach is the Tower of Terror, which offers so much before you even reach the drops. The queue line includes small details that convince us we’re entering a decrepit old Hollywood hotel. The worn-down lobby sets up our trip onto a maintenance service elevator and into The Twilight Zone. Why would we step into such an unsafe environment?

The Disney World version of this attraction stands out because of its Fifth Dimension sequence. When the elevator moves forward onto a dark ride track, it’s another way the Tower of Terror confounds expectations. That creepy sequence prepares us for the excitement to come. I love the reactions of other guests when we reach the final drop shaft. The shared experience of this terrifying (and exhilarating) ride never gets old. The attraction photos tell the story. The attraction transcends its source material and remains a favorite no matter how many times you ride it.

1. Splash Mountain

The top three choices on this list represent everything that I love about Disney attractions. The mix of theming, thrills, and fun is extremely difficult to duplicate. Splash Mountain is the best example because it adds the log flume component. I love a good water ride, and one with animatronics, music, and a big drop has to be a classic. Disney uses components of a typical log flume yet enhances them with the story of Brer Rabbit. It’s based on the rightfully controversial Song of the South film, and Disney has recently announced that Splash Mountain will be rethemed to The Princess and the Frog.

Another reason that Splash Mountain stands out from other log flumes is the length of the experience. There’s a lot more than just the big drop in the 10-minute ride. The opening segments before the initial Slippin’ Falls drop are quite relaxing, and the fun animatronic scenes make us forget about fears of the large hill on the way. The drop is also not the end of our journey. The “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” finale sends us out on just the right note. We may be wet but still exit with smiles on our faces. All the components of a favorite attraction for me come together into a single experience.

It may surprise you that I’m good with Disney’s choice to retheme Splash Mountain. I love the attraction, but I also recognize that the source material is a racist film. Disney refuses to release Song of the South on Disney Plus for a good reason. I’m also excited to see how Disney updates a classic attraction. If it’s done well, there’s great potential for The Princess and the Frog to fit within this structure. I mentioned the fun “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” scene above, and while it’s a fun moment, that song is extremely problematic. My hope that the new version will be strong enough to remain a favorite when it’s added in the future.

Five Sentimental Favorites That I Hated Leaving Off This List: The American Adventure, Carousel of Progress, “it’s a small world”, Pirates of the Caribbean, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Five Enjoyable, Well-Designed Attractions That Are Worthy of This Type of List: Kilimanjaro Safaris, Jungle Cruise, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Test Track

Five Attractions with Potential That Could Be Contenders with Significant Improvements: Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, Na’vi River Journey, Mission: Space, Dinosaur, Toy Story Mania

Creating a list of my favorite attractions is challenging because it will vary based on the parameters. After our next Disney World trip, I will probably change my mind about a few of these choices too. In particular, the bottom few spots are fluid and could shift between today’s picks and the honorable mentions. Plus, you have the arrival of super headliners like Rise of the Resistance on the horizon. Regardless, it’s a fun exercise to consider which attractions stand out the most for me. My favorite attractions represent what I love about Disney World, and I’d hate to lose them.

What do you think of this list? What are your favorite Disney World attractions?

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Ranking the Water Rides at Walt Disney World

40 All-Time Future World Attractions Rankings

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