I am often asked what my favorite Walt Disney World attractions are. It’s a difficult question to answer when you love Disney as I do. But I forced myself to really think about it and come up with a list. So, here’s my top five attractions in each of the four Walt Disney World parks.
Keep in mind as you read this list that I’m retired, visiting WDW without children and neither my wife or I are fans of roller coasters and thrill rides.
1) Haunted Mansion
2) Pirates of the Caribbean
3) Buzz Lightyear
4) Mikey’s Philharmonic
5) Carousel of Progress (a sentimental favorite as I first saw this at the 1964 Worlds Fair)
1) Soarin
2) Test Track
3) Mission Space (less intense version)
4) Universe of Energy
5) Turtle Talk with Crush
1) Toy Story Mania
2) Lights, Motor, Action
3) Muppets 3D Vision
4) American Idol Experience
5) Star Tours
1) Kilimanjaro Safari
2) Nemo the Musical
3) The Festival of the Lion King
3) It’s a Bug’s Life
5) Flights of Wonder
OK, now that I have told you my top five, what’s yours? I’d love to know. Also, as you make you list tell me a little about yourself: i.e., thrill seeker, visiting with or without children, etc.
And you could win an AllEars T shirt. I will take all the names of those who post a comment (see below) with your list, within the next couple weeks and I will put them in a hat and randomly draw the name of the lucky winner. The only rules are that you must reside in the US, be 18 years old or older and you must provide your email address so I can contact you should you win.
All comments must be posted no later than Sunday, May 30, 2010 in order to be eligible to win the T Shirt. The winner of the AllEars T Shirt will be announced shortly thereafter.
In the coming weeks I will blog on my favorite shows/entertainment, my favorite full service restaurants in the parks and my favorite quick service locations.
Finally, be one of the first people to hear when my newest blogs go live on AllEars.net by joining “DisneyMike’s World” Facebook group.
Well, that’s all for now. As my good friend says “see ya real soon”…DizneyMike
Hey, see this little green button? Well, it allows you to share this blog with your family and friends quite easily. Give it a try; it’s pretty neat!
Hi, my husband and I are in our mid-20s, with no kids. He is a thrill-seeker, but I am not, so this is a list of MY favorites to date:
Magic Kingdom:
1. It’s a Small World
2. Mad Tea Party
3. Buzz Lightyear
4. Pirates of the Carribean
5.Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Epcot:
1. Soarin’
2. Living with the Land
3. Test Track
4. Maelstrom
5. O Canada!
Hollywood Studios: (NOTE: I don’t have a lot of recent experience with this park.)
1. Great Movie Ride
2. Fantasmic
3. Star Tours
4. Muppets in 3D
5. Rockin’ Roller Coaster (when I get up the courage to actually ride it!)
Animal Kingdom:
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
2. Kali River Rapids
3. Finding Nemo: The Musical
4. Maharaja Jungle Trek (or whichever one has the tigers)
5. Festival of the Lion King
My husband and I are going back in late September, and we are planning on trying out attractions that we’ve never done before, so this is a great starting point! Thanks for starting this conversation, and thanks to everyone who posted. Looking forward to trying Toy Story Mania, Beauty and the Beast, Flights of Wonder, and many more!
My fiance thinks I am a Disney nut, so I haven’t been able to talk him into a trip to the World yet. I have gone with my parents and sister twice and just with my mom once. I love coasters, but really enjoy the other attractions and shows also. My favorite park is AK. DHS is #2 because of the street performers.
MK
1) space mountain
2) Jungle Cruise
3) Carousel of Progress
4) Big Thunder Mountain
5) Mad Tea Party
Epcot
1)Mission Space
2)Turtle Talk with Crush
3)Gran Fiesta
4)Soarin’
5)Kim Possible Adventure
DHS
1)ToT
2)Street Performers
3)Beauty and the Beast
4)Great Movie Ride
5)Backlot Tour
AK
1)Pangani Forrest Trail
2)Maharaja Jungle Trek
3)Safari
4)Conservation Station
5)Expedition Everest
I’m 34 and visit WDW with my mom, aunt, & grandparents (I am the kid in the family). I love rollercoasters but get sick on motion simulators. I’m also not a big fan of the stage shows. Our last trip was January 2005 so there are a lot of new attractions I haven’t been on yet that sound really amazing. Here’s my favorites list:
Magic Kingdom:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Haunted Mansion
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
4. Carousel of Progress
5. Enchanted Tiki Room (old version before Iago/Zazu)
Epcot:
1. Test Track
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Ellen’s Energy Adventure
4. Maelstrom
5. Living with the Land
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
1. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
2. MuppetVision 3D
3. Great Movie Ride
4. Fantasmic
5. Osborne Lights (we usually go in December)
Animal Kingdom:
1. Dinosaur
2. Expedition Everest (and I haven’t even ridden it yet!)
3. It’s Tough to be a Bug
4. Maharajah Jungle Trek (awesome bats!)
5. Primeval Whirl
Majic Kingdom
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Thunder Mountain Railroad
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
4. Splash Mountain
5. It’s a Small World
Epcot
1. Test Track
2. Soarin’
3. Mission Space
Disney Hollywood Studios
1.Tower of Terror
2.Great Movie Ride
3.Rockin Roller Coaster
4.Lights Motor Action
5.Backlot Tour
Animal Kingdom
1. Dinosaur Ride
2. Safari
3. Kali Rapids
4. Expedition Everest
My family and I ar thrill seekers but also enjoy the classic Disney attractions, we travel with our pre-teen daughter and son who both are now Disney Fanatics.
Magic Kindom
1. Space Mountain
2. Mickey’s Philharmagic
3. Splash Mountain
4. Haunted Mansion
5. Pirates of the Caribbean
Epcot
1. Soarin
2. Test Track
3. Mission Space
4. Spaceship Earth
5. Figment
Disney Hollywood Studios
1. Aerosmith Rockin Rollercoaster
2. Tower of Terror
3. Great Movie Ride
4. Muppets 3-d
5. Lights Motor Action Stunt show
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilamanjaro Safari
3. Kali River Rapids
4. Dinosoar
5. It’s Tough to Be A Bug
My fiance(26) and I (24) are avid visiters to the world. we got engaged there last june and are going for our honeymoon in october! Definitely a thrill seeker, but i love all the rides!
Magic Kingdom
1) Space Mountain
2) Slash Mountain
3) Pirates of the Caribbean
4) Big Thunder Mountain
5) Peter Pan
Epcot
1) Test Track
2) Soarin
3) Mission Space (intense)
4) The Seas With Nemo and Friends
5) Figment
Hollywood Studios
1) Rock’n’Roller Coaster
2) Toy Story Mania
3) Muppets 3D Vision
4) Star Tours
5) The Great Movie Ride
Animal Kingdom
1) Expedition Everest
2) Dinosaur
3) Kali River Rapids
3) Kilimanjaro Safari
5) Primeval Whirl
We are a family of 4 (2 children ages 7 and 9), Disney fanatics and we love thrill rides.
Magic Kingdom:
Space Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Splash Mountain
Pirates of the Caribbean
Tie – Mickey’s Philharmagic/Peter Pan’s Flight
EPCOT:
Soarin’
Test Track
Mission Space
Maelstrom
Spaceship Earth
Hollywood Studios:
Tower of Terror (best ride in Disney in our opinion)
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Toy Story Mania
Star Tours
Fantasmic
Animal Kingdom:
Expedition Everest
Dinosaur
Kali River Rapids
Kilamanjaro Safaris
Primevial Whirl
I am 34 years old. I have a son (11) and daughter (9). Married for 15 years to my wonderful husband. We love Disney! Sort of a mix w/in family. My son and I like mild thrills while daughter and husband are big thrill seekers.
Magic Kingdom:
Big Thunder Mtn. RR
Splash Mtn.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion
Buzz Lightyear
Epcot:
Soarin
Test Track
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Mission Space (mild)
Turtle Talk w/Crush
Hollywood Studios:
Toy Story Mania
Tower of Terror
Lights, Motors, Actions
Indiana Jones Stunt Show
Rock-n-Roller Coaster
Animal Kingdom:
Expedition Everest
Kilamanjaro Safari
Kali River Rapids
Flights of Wonder
Jungle Trek
What a great suggestion and a great way to share. Of course, there is not a bad ride anywhere at WDW, but here are my personal favorites:
Magic Kingdom
1. Mickey’s Philharmagic
2. Splash Mountain
3. Buzz Lightyear Spin
4. Carosuel of Progress
5. Wishes
Epcot
1. Soarin’
2. Test Track
3. American Adventure
4. Living with the Land
5. Illuminations
Hollywood Studios
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Fantasmic
3. Walt, One Man’s Dream
4. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
5. Great Movie Ride
Animal Kingdom
1. Festival of the Lion King
2. It’s Tough to Be a Bug
3. Expedition Everest
4. Kilimanjaro Safari
5. Finding Nemo
The next great list would be a list of rides/shows that we miss because they are no longer available. For example, we miss Tarzan Rocks!
Mike,
Great idea!! Forty year old single never married.
MK
1. Mickey’s Philharmagic
2. TTA
3. Carousel of Progress
4. Haunted Mansion
5. Pirates of Caribbean
Epcot
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Journey Into Imagination
3. Living with the Land
4. Canada movie
5. HISTA
DHS
1. Muppetvision 3D
2. Beauty and the Beast
3. Great Movie Ride
4. Toy Story Mania
5. Rock’n Roller Coaster
AK
1. FOTLK
2. Finding Nemo
3. It’s Tough To Be A Bug
4. Kilimanjaro Safari
5. Wonders of Flight
Well, I don’t live in the US, but I’ll give my favorites anyway. I am a Disney thrill-seeker. I also go for the sentimental stuff.
MK, WDW
Big Thunder
Mickey’s Philharmagic
Splash Mountain.
Buzz Lightyear
Country Bears
Epcot
Soarin’
Test Track
The Voices of Liberty
O Canada
Mission:Space
Animal Kingdom
EE
Safari
Flights of Wonder
Kali River
Primeval Whirl
DHS
ToT
Lights, Motors, Action
Indiana Jones
beauty and the beast
Drawn to animation
MK Disneyland
Space Mountain
Buzz Lightyear
Star Tours
Peter Pan
Its a small world , christmas
DCA
California Screamin
Soarin over California
Grizzly River Rapids
Aladdin
Mullholland Madness
Hey Mike,
I’m a 42 yr old married white guy with 3 kids 14, 11 and 8. I never went to WDW as a kid, but have been almost every year since I’ve been married. I like the coasters, but enjoy most rides at WDW; although if I never rode It’s a Small World again, that would be okay!
MK
1. Splash Mountain
2. Space Mountain
3. Buzz
4. Pirates
5. Tiki Room
Epcot
1. Soarin’
2. Mission Space
3. Test Track
4. Sum of All Thrills
5. Spaceship Earth
Hollywood Studios
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Rock n’ Roller Coaster
3. Tower of Terror
4. One Man’s Dream
5. Idol Experience
Animal Kingdom
1. Everest (Probably #1 overall)
2. Kali
3. Dinosour
4. Kilimanjaro Safari
5. Tough to be a Bug
Hey Mike,
I would love to lists my favorites! I am in my fifties and visit WDW with my adult children and looking forward to my first of many visits with my new grandson. We go at least once a year if not more. I have had a love of
Disneyworld for many years and felt so alone!! Imagine my happiness to discover AllEars and all the folks that feel the same. I also don’t do roller coasters (except for Thunder Mountain) since the last time I went on Mt. Everest and got vertigo. Yikes. Everyone else my family does enjoy them though.
Here are my favorites……not in order
Magic Kingdom
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
2. Splash Mountain
3. The Haunted Mansion
4. Mickey’s Philharmonic
5. Tomorrowland Transit Authority(this shows my age but I have had some of my
best moments taking a quiet ride here while everyone else is on Space Mountain,
almost religious) Sometimes they let you go around again.)
Epcot
1. Soarin(top favorite in Disneyworld and Disneyland)My only complaint is that
it is too short!
2. Spaceship Earth
3. The Seas with Nemo and Friends
4. Maelstrom
5. The American Adventure
Hollywood Studios
This is totally different for my children who ride Tower of Terror and Rock N
Roller Coaster.
1. Fantasmic
2. The Great Movie Ride (Needs a major Update but it is a sentimental favorite)
3. Lights Motors Action
4. Toy Story Midway Mania
5. Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream (love him, cried when he died)
Animal Kingdom
1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. It’s Tough to Be a Bug
3. Dinosaur
4. Finding Nemo-the Musical
5. Kali River Rapids
I can’t believe we have never made it to the Festival of the Lion King. And
ofcourse my kids favorite is Mt. Everest.
Hi Mike,
I am 38 years old and have been going to WDW since I was 2. My parents and I went every other year. My DH and I have 2 kids a girl almost 3 and a boy almost 5. They have been to the world 3 times and 4 times. We also just became DVC members buying at Baylake Tower. I am not a total thrill seeker and these days with young kids we see the “world” in a different light. Please see below for my answers.
MK
1) Splash Mountain
2) Peter Pan
3) Its a Small World (gets better each time)
4) Goofy Roller Coaster
5) Tiki Room
6) Had to add # 6 for Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor..you stink to that guy!
EPCOT
1) Test Track
2) Imagination (loved it since I was a kid)
3) Donald Duck Boat Ride in Mexico
4) Nemo Ride
5) The Land Boat Ride (where else can you see Mickey shaped pumpkins)
HS
1) Tower of Terror
2) Toy Story Ride
3) Little Mermaid Show
4) Playhouse Disney Live
5)Muppetts 3 D Show
AK
1)Safari
2)Nemo Show
3)Lion King Show
4)Dinosour
5)Rapids
Fun post….lets do it with restaurants..would be interesting to see!
I’ve been visiting Disney World for well over 20 years and can remember when there was only 2 parks (though my parents can claim they remember the A/B/C/D/E ticket days of MK). Here is my list:
MK:
1) Haunted Mansion
2) Pirates of the Carribean
3) Space Mountain
4) TTA (f/k/a Wedway People Mover)
5) Thunder Mountain
EPCOT:
1) Soarin’
2) Test Track
3) American Adventure
4) Spaceship Earth
5) Captain EO (Hooray for its return!!!)
DHS:
1) Toy Story Mania
2) Rockin’ Rollercoaster
3) Tower of Terror
4) Lights, Motors, Action!
5) Backlot Tour
AK:
1) Expedition Everest
2) Jungle Safari
3) Dinosaur
4) Wonders of Flight
5) Festival of the Lion King
We are a larger family.6 total, with 2 teens, 2 adults, and 2 under 10.
We arent going to try to cheat by adding all the parks, just the wdw ones.lol.Hope you enjoy!
MK
1. Splash Mountain hands down.
2. Buzz lightyear, we rode over and over until park closing during emh one year.
3. Space Mountain
4. Pirates
5. my wife would say small world, but we vote Tomorrowland Speedway.
ak
1. everest
2. the safari
3. river rapids
4. dinosaur
5. everest.(did i mention that already?)
epcot
1.spaceship earth
2.soarin
3.mission space
4.test track
5.maelstrom (surprisingly good)
dhs
1.rockin rollercoaster
2.tower of terror
3.toy story mania
4. there are no other good rides at dhs..just gimme the shirt.
HAVE A MAGICAL DAY!!
Good question. I’m another one of those non-thrill ride folks so here’s my list…
Magic Kingdom
1. TTA
2. Jungle Cruise
3. Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
4. Buzz Lightyear
5. WDW Railroad
Hollywood Studios
1. MuppetVision 3D
2. Toy Story Mania
3. Fantasmic!
4. Great Movie Ride
5. Backlot Tour
Epcot
1. Soarin’
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Gran Fiesta Tour
4. Kim Possible Adventures
5. Club Cool
Animal Kingdom
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Marajah Jungle Trek
4. Finding Nemo Musical
5. Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch
(bonus)
Disneyland
1. Disneyland Railroad
2. Roger Rabbit’s Car-toon Spin
3. Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
4. Jungle Cruise
5. Enchanted Tiki Room
DCA
1. MuppetVision 3D
2. Toy Story Mania
3. Soarin’
4. Aladdin musical
5. Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue
I am single, no kids and have been to Disney twice (first time 2 years ago at age 27 and more recently in February). I enjoy both shows and thrill rides. My top five per park are:
Magic Kingdom
1. Mickey’s Philharmagic
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Haunted Mansion
4. Splash Mountain
5. It’s a Small World
Epcot
1. Soarin’
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Test Track
4. Impressions de France
5. Grand Fiesta Tour
Hollywood Studios
1. Great Movie Ride (I love the Wizard of Oz scene!)
2. Toy Story Mania
3. Tower of Terror
4. Star Tours
5. Beauty and the Beast show
Animal Kingdom
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
2. Expedition Everest
3. Festival of the Lion King
4. Pangani Forest Trail
5. Animal watching!
Hey Mike! I really had to put thought into this one! There is so much in each park that it is very difficult to narrow down to 5 each! We have 2 girls: Cricket, 10 & Camdyn, almost 2. We love to go to Disney as often as possible, but so far, never without the kids….Grandma loves to go along too. We love Thrills, but also to Chill! Here’s our top 5 for each park!
MK
1. Mickey’s Philharmagic
2. Haunted Mansion
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
4. Space Mountain
5. Mad Tea Party
(Can’t not mention Casey’s Corner!)
Epcot
1. Soarin (of course)
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Universe of Energy (love Ellen in this)
4. Turtle Talk w/ Crush
5. Illuminations
HS
1. Rock N Roller Coaster
2. Tower of Terror
3. One Man’s Dream (He’s such an inspriation)
4. Great Movie Ride (an old fav of mine)
5. Fantasmic!
AK
1. Exp. Everest
2. Primeval Whirl
3. Finding Nemo: The Musical
4. Festival of the Lion King
5. Kilam. Safari
Thanks MIKE!!!! HAPPY DISNEY-ING!!!!
Contact Info:
Casie Crowder
2830 Drake St
Sumter, SC 29153
803-464-2055
My top five:
MK
Laugh Floor
Cinderella’s Carousel
Philharmagic
Haunted Mansion
Buzz Lightyear
Epcot
Turtle Talk
Spaceship Earth
Living with the Land
The movie in Canada
American Experience
DHS
Muppets 3D
Toy Story Mania
Little Mermaid
Great Movie Ride
Lights Camera Action Stunt Show
AK
Kilamanjaro Safari
Lion King
Finding Nemo
Watching the gorillas
AK is my least favorite park. It seems like every time I go there it’s 100 degrees!
Top 5’s:
-Magic Kingdom-
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Carousel of Progress
3. Mickey Philharmagic
4. Space Mountain
5. Pirates of the Caribbean
-EPCOT-
1. Test Track
2. Soarin
3. Spaceship Earth
4. Monorail
5. Mission Space
-Hollywood Studios-
1. Tower of Terror
2. Tower of Terror (because once is not enough)
3. One Man’s Dream
4. Toy Story Mania
5. Rock N Roller Coaster
-Animal Kingdom-
1. Expedition Everest
2. Dinosaur
3. Kilimanjaro Safari
4. Festival of the Lion King
5. Tough To Be a Bug
Love the blog. Keep up the great work!!!
My husband, son (24) and myself visit Disney World each winter. We do the commando style touring of the parks and still find we miss things!
Magic Kingdom
l. Splash Mountain
2. Haunted Mansion
3. TTA
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Buzz Lightyear
Epcot (Our favorite Park)
l. Test Track
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Journey Into Imagination
4. Living With the Land
5. The Seas
Hollywood Studios
l. Toy Story
2. Great Movie Rides
3. Muppet 3-D
4. One Man’s Dream
5. Indiana Jones
Animal Kingdom
1. Dinosaur
2. Kilimanjaro Safari
3. Flights of Wonder
4. It’s Tough to be a Bug
5. Pangani Forest
Love your blogs!
Hi Mike;
My wife and I are in the northern half of our 40’s, DVC members as of last year. We try to get down every other year or so, I have been many more times over the years before we met. No kids…she is a thrill seeker; me, not so much (extreme fear of heights) so here’s my list but hers would no doubt be different-
MK
Splash Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Pirates
Mickey’s Philharmagic
Peter Pan
Epcot
Test Track
Mission Space (intense version)
Spaceship Earth
Figment
Maelstrom
Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Mania
Great Movie Ride
Star Tours
Little Mermaid
Studio Backlot Tour
AK
Dinosaur
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safari
Finding Nemo
Pangani Trail
Contact info-please do NOT include on blog!
John Skumin
26 Chandler Ave., Unit 10
Plaistow, NH 03865
Hi Mike,
My family & I try to get to WDW every 1 to 2 years (Me, my wife & 5 year old daughter), we love everything about disney…thrill rides, shows, shops, etc….
Magic Kingdom:
1) Mickey’s Philharmagic
2) Carousel of Progress
3) Pirates of the Carribean
4) Splash Mountain
5) It’s a Small World
Epcot:
1) Test Track
2) Journey into Imagination w/ Figment
3) Soarin’
4) Spaceship Earth
5) Turtle Talk w/ Crush
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
1) Rock n’ Roller Coaster
2) Toy Storia Mania
3) Tower of Terror
4) Beauty n’ the Beast
5) Little Mermaid Show
Animal Kingdom:
1) Expedition Everest
2) Finding Nemo: The Musical
3) Kilimanjaro Safarii
4) Dinosaur
5) Kali River Rapids
I enjoy reading all your blog’s & reviews, keep up the good work & thanks.
Naming my favorite attractions was harder than I expected! We love Disney because while it is familiar, there is always something new (or forgotten) to discover. Also, now that I have arthritis in my back, the number of rides I can tolerate is pretty low, so regular amusement parks are a waste of money. Not so for Disney! I can still enjoy most of my favorites…..though as a former coaster junkie I wish I could have ridden Expedition Everest. At least my teenagers get to enjoy it now!
I also agree with the previous post…we go as soon as tax season is over and then at least once during the food and wine festival. Best way to prepare for a long grueling winter!
MK:
It’s a Small World; Pirates of the Caribbean; Buzz Lightyear; WedWay People Mover; Splash Mountain (with careful planning!)
Epcot:
Soarin’; Maelstrom; Figment; Ellen’s Energy Adventure; Spaceship Earth
DS:
Toy Story Mania; Muppets 3D; Great Movie Ride; Tower of Terror; Rock N Roller Coaster (though both of these are off my ride list now…..)
Animal Kingdom:
Flights of Wonder; It’s Tough to be a Bug; Kilamanjaro Safari; Festival of the Lion King; Primeval Whirl (also off the ride list!)
Love your blog. Thanks for sharing!
Been going since ’73. I go twice a year now with my best friend (without kids)-in May, to recover from tax season and in December, to rest up for next tax season. This December, the entire office is going. Also, I have bestowed my own award on WDW – the “Most Fun You Can Have on Vacation While Not Exhausting Available Options” award. There’s always something to do. Haven’t found another resort like it. And, believe me, I’ve tried.
Favorites:
Magic Kingdom
Pirates of the Caribbean (always the first ride)
Haunted Mansion
Peter Pan
Wedway People Mover (We won’t change the name)
Buzz Lightyear
Epcot
Soarin
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Maelstrom
Living With the Land
Spaceship Earth
Disney Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Midway Mania
The Backlot Tour
Muppet Vision 3D
The Great Movie Ride
Indiana Jones Stunt Show
Animal Kingdom
Festival of the Lion King
Kilamanjaro Safari
Finding Nemo – The Musical
It’s Tough to be a Bug
Rainforest Cafe Store
Thanks. Keep up the good work.
Barb Gizzi
Hi Mike,
This blog was a great idea and it’s been fun reading your favorites and those of the other Disney fans. Like you, I’m retired and visit Disney with my spouse (who doesn’t like thrill rides). I enjoy thrill rides as well as quiet attractions, so here’s my list:
MK:
1. Buzz Lightyear
2. Pirates of the Carribean
3. Philharmagic
4. Carousel of Progress
5. Splash Mountain
AK:
1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. Flights of Wonder
3. Festival of the Lion King
4. Pangani Forest Trail
5. Tough to be a Bug
Epcot:
1. Soarin’
2. Test Track
3. Mission Space
4. Turtle Talk
5. Impressions de France
Hollywood Studios:
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Great Movie Ride
3. Star Tours
4. Rockin’ Rollercoaster
5. Little Mermaid
I can’t wait to see your blog on favorite restaurants!
DizneyMike replies: Carol, thanks again to you and Bob for watching JJ, the house and pool while we were up North. JJ loves it when you guys care for him….Mike
I am 23 and have been going to Disney World since I was 2. I’ve gone with my parents, sister, aunt, uncle, and grandma many times, but mostly recently it has been with just my parents or my parents and my aunt and uncle…all 4 of whom as in their 50s. I love thrill rides and roller coasters, but also love many of the quieter rides.
MK Top 5
1) Pirates of the Caribbean
2) Haunted Mansion
3) Tomorrow Transit Authority
4) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
5) Peter Pan
Epcot Top 5
1) Maelstrom
2) Spaceship Earth
3) Soarin’
4) Living with the Land
5) Journey into Imagination with Figment
Studios Top 5
1) Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
2) Rock n’ Roller Coaster
3) Great Movie Ride
4) Star Tours
5) Muppet Vision 3D
Bonus) Toy Story Mania (The Studios has some of my personal favorites and I just couldn’t narrow to 5)
AK Top 5
1) Primeval Whirl
2) Expedition Everest
3) Kilimanjaro Safari
4) Festival of the Lion King
5) Dinosaur
Extra Category…Top 5 that are no longer around
1) Alien Encounter
2) Cranium Command
3) Food Rocks/Kitchen Cabaret
4) Horizons
5) Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
My DH and I are a couple of 40-somethings and we have two boys, ages 10 and 4.
Magic Kingdom
1 Mickey’s Philharmagic
2 Buzz Lightyear
3 Splash Mountain
4 Big Thunder Mountain
5 Dumbo
Epcot
1 Soarin’
2 Test Track
3 Turtle Talk with Crush
4 Living with the Land
5 SpaceShip Earth
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
1 Rock N RollerCoaster
2 Tower of Terror
3 Toy Story Mania
4 Muppets
5 Star Tours
Animal Kingdom
1 Festival of the Lion King
2 The Safari
3 Kali River Rapids
4 Dinosaur
5 Primeval Whirl
We are a family of four – myself(34), DH(34), DS4, and DS2. We are DVC members (home resort is SSR), and we visit WDW once or twice a year. I enjoy some thrill rides, and DS4 is already showing some thrill ride junkie tendencies.
Magic Kingdom
1-Pirates of the Caribbean
2-Haunted Mansion
3-Jungle Cruise
4-Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (DS4 was finally tall enough to ride this when we were there for Mother’s Day)
5-Space Mountain
Epcot
1-Soarin’
2-Mission: Space (orange team)
3-Test Track
4-Journey into Imagination
5-Turtle Talk with Crush
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
1-Toy Story Mania
2-Playhouse Disney Live
3-The Great Movie Ride
4-Star Tours
5-Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Animal Kingdom
1-Kilimanjaro Safaris
2-Finding Nemo: The Musical
3-Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade
4-Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade (can you tell we like this one)
5-Donald’s Safari Breakfast at the Tusker House Restaurant
Hi! I always visit with my husband and two kids, currently 10 and 7! Our first visit as a family occurred when my oldest was only 22 months, so our trips have changed a lot over the years! MK was the hardest park to pick only five from – I love each and every attraction! Also, not sure if any of the nighttime entertainment counts so I didn’t include it, but I can’t visit without the evening parade and fireworks at MK and Fantasmic! at DHS. I have specific reasons for each of my choices, but to list all that would make this post much longer, and it’s probably already too long!
Magic Kingdom:
1. Space Mountain
2. Buzz Lightyear
3. Haunted Mansion
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Small World
Epcot:
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Soarin’
3. Test Track
4. Mission: Space
5. Journey into Imagination
DHS:
1. Great Movie Ride
2. Muppet Vision 3D
3. Toy Story Mania
4. Star Tours
5. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Animal Kingdom:
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Expedition Everest
4. Flights of Wonder
5. Finding Nemo: the Musical
Magic Kingdom
1. Buzz Lighyear
2. Mickey’s Philharmonic
3. Haunted Mansion
4. Splash Mountain
5. Pirates of the Caribbean
EPCOT
1. Test Track
2. Mild version of Mission Space
3. Soarin
4. Seas with Nemo
5. China Pav.
Hollywood Studios
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Muppets 3D
3. Star Tours
4. Tower of Terror
5. Extreme Stunt Show
Animal Kingdom
1. Nemo Musical
2. Expedition Everest – love the Q
3. Kali River Rapids
4. Kilimanjaro Safari
5. It’s Tough To Be A Bug
I love shows so even the queues are important to me. I like thrill rides to a certain degree, jut not too much WOW. I have only been to WDW 2x with our tween children so there are still attractions we need to see! I imagine my top 5 list will change once I see and do more. Thanks for this great article; it is alot of fun dreaming of Disney!
Magic Kingdom:
1: Haunted Mansion
2: Pirates of the Caribbean
3: Mickey’s Philharmagic
4: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
5: Space Mountain
EPCOT:
1: Spaceship Earth
2: Soarin
3: Test Track
4: American Adventure
5: Journey into Imagination
Animal Kingdom:
1: Dinosaur
2: Festival of the Lion King
3: Kilamanjaro Safaris
4: It’s Tough to Be a Bug
5: Expedition Everest
Studios:
1: Tower of Terror
2: Toy Story Mania
3: Rockin’ Rollercoaster
4: The Great Movie Ride
5: Muppet 3-D Vision
My husband and I went to Disney 2 years ago on our honeymoon, after neither of us had been in 10-12 years. We have since been back 6 times and bought Annual Passes. We are thrill seekers, but love the classics too, RIP Mr. Toad.
My husband and I (both 34) travel to Disney at least once a year. The last few years we have been lucky enough to go twice a year! Each trip ends with the same question: “When’s our next trip to the World?!” We enjoy the thrill rides mostly but have been enjoying a more leisurely approach lately.
Favorite Park – Hollywood Studios
1. Hollywood Tower of Terror
2. Toy Story Midway Mania
3. Rocki ‘n’ Roller Coaster
4. MuppetVision 3D
5. One Man’s Dream
Close Second Favorite Park – Epcot
1. Soarin’
2. Mission Space – ORANGE!
3. Test Track
4. American Adventure
5. Kim Possible
Magic Kingdom
1. Space Mountain
2. Splash Mountain
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
4. Haunted Mansion
5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris
3. Dinosaur
4. It’s Tough to be a Bug
5. The Animal Stools in Rainforest Cafe!
Magic Kingdom:
1: Splash Mountain
2: Pirates of the Caribbean
3: Mickey’s Philharmagic
4: Haunted Mansion
5: Carousel of Progress
EPCOT:
1: Spaceship Earth
2: Soarin
3: Journey into Imagination (old version)
4: American Adventure
5: Turtle Talk with Crush
extra: Horizons (sniff, sniff)
Animal Kingdom:
1: Festival of the Lion King
2: Expedition Everest
3: Kilimanjaro Safari
4: Jungle Trek
5: Dinosaur
Studios:
1: Rockin Roller Coaster
2: The Great Movie Ride
3: Muppet Vision 3D
4: Toy Story Mania
5: Star Tours
26 Years old, been going to Disney since I was 3. I’m a self professed Disneyholic. I have been 17 times and looking forward to many more trips! I’m getting married next year and guess where I’m going on my honeymoon?!
Hi Mike. I just returned from WDW on Saturday, my first of two trips this year. I usually travel with my husband, two small children, and my husbands parents. My husband and I are thrill seekers, so its nice to have my in-laws there to watch the kids when we go on scarier rides!
My faces are:
Magic Kingdom
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Space Mountain
4. Peter Pan
5. Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Epcot
1. Soarin
2. Test Track
3. Spaceship Earth
4. Maelstrom
5. Mission Space (Intense Version)
Studios
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Tower of Terror
3. Aerosmith’s Rock N Roller Coaster
4. Playhouse Disney Show
5. The Great Movie Ride
AK
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
2. Dinosaur
3. Expedition Everest
4. Primeval Whirl
5. It’s a Bug’s Life
Thank you for all your great blogs!
Magic Kingdom:
1. Tomorrowland Transit Authority
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Haunted Mansion
4. Peter Pan’s Flight
5. Buzz Lightyear
Epcot:
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Listen To The Land
3. Ellen’s Energy Adventure
4. Maelstrom
5. Illuminations
Disney Studios:
1. The Great Movie Ride
2. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectaular
3. Lights Motors Action
4. Muppetvision 3D
5. One Man’s Dream
Animal Kingdom
1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. Festival Of The Lion King
3. Conservation Station
4. Pangani Forest Trail
5. Kali River Rapids
We are definitely not thrill riders & easily motion sickened. My all time favorite was Horizons- I could ride it all day. My 14 year old son has reached the point of dragging us onto Splash Mt, and Big Thunder Mt. – I have told him that I am done with Space Mt.
Studios:
1. Tower of Terror
2. Rock n Roller Coaster
3. Drawing part of Animation Show with Mulan
4. Great Movie Ride
5. Toy Story Mania
MK
1. Mickey’s Philharmagic
2. Peter Pan
3. Space Mountain
4. Hall of Presidents
5. Wishes
AK
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilmanjaro Safaries
3. Bugs Life
4. Lion King Show
5. Expedition Everest (Sorry, but it is the best ride at AK, bar none!)
Epcot
1. Soarin’
2. American Adventure Theater
3. Turtle Talk with Crush
4. Figment
5. Spaceship Earth
53 year old who enjoys WDW with husband (no kids). Been to WDW 9 times; Disneyland once (husband was there several times as a child). Celebrated many events at WDW: honeymoon, anniversaries, birthdays. Always stay on site. Wilderness Lodge is favorite–been there 5 times. This was a tough assignment–most times, there are only a few attractions that are must dos. It’s really just walking around the parks, enjoying all of the theming and beauty and riding certain rides over and over again (Tower, Everest to name a few). Thanks!
Hey Mike,
I love reading any and all of your blogs as I love Disney too. I am a thrill seeker sort-of, and I travel with my 3 teenagers, and my mother. We all love Disney.
MK Top 5
1) Haunted Nabison
2) Pirates of the Carribean
3) Big Thunder Mountain
4) Splash Mauntain
5) Space Mountain
Epcot Top 5
1) Test Track
2) Soarin’
3) Spaceship Earth
4) Living Seas with Nemo and Friends
5) Gran Fiesta Tour
DHS Top 5
1) Tower of Terror
2) Rock N Roller Coaster
3) Great Movie Ride
4) Toy Story Mania
5) Back Lot Tour
AK Top 5
1) Expedition Everest
2) Kilmanjaro Safari
3) Dinosaur
4) Kali River Rapids
5) It’s Tough to be a Bug
Magic Kingdom
1. Space Mt.
2. Splash Mt.
3. Big Thunder Mt.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. TTA- Carousel of Progress (tie for 5th)
Epcot
1. Soarin
2. Mission : Space (more intense version)
3. Test Track
4. Spaceship Earth
5. Turtle Talk
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
1. Tower Of Terror
2. Rock-n-Rollercoaster
3. Tou Story Midway Mania
4. Walt Disney One Man’s Dream
5. Great Movie Ride
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris
3. Kali River Rapids
4. It’s Tough to be a Bug
5. Dinosaur
So those are my top 5 for each park. I consider myself a rollercoaster junkie and love all thrill rides even now that I’m in my 40’s. Although I do have a 3 year old now so I’m getting used to the rides in Fantasyland. I’ve been coming to WDW since 1984 and have made over 30 trips. I love it. Thanks Mike for this blog it was a great idea, I also like to see what other guests top 5 are. this was alot of fun.
Thanks John
My wife and I are a middle-aged couple from Texas and normally tour with out youngest son (the older 3 are out of the nest)who has a type of high functioning Autism called Asperger’s Syndrome.
We still love the roller coasters and the classics.
MK
1. Haunted Mansion (best “theme” ride ever)
2. Splash Mountain
3. Mickey’s Philharmagic
4. Pirates of the Carribean
5. Space Mountain (my son) Thunder Mountain (the old folks)
(Also, love Peter Pan, Carousel of Progress, Small World, Buzz)
Disney Hollywood Studios
1. Rock’n Roller Coaster
2. Tower of Terror
3. Muppets 3D
4. Great Movie Ride
5. Beauty & the Beast show
EPCOT
1. Test Track
2. Honey I Shrunk the Audience
3. Ellen’s Energy Adventure
4. Soaring
5. American Adventure
AK
1. Kilimanjaro’s Safari
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Finding Nemo – the Musical
4. Expedition Everest
5. Pangani Forest Trail
We made our one and only trip (so far) last summer and had an awesome time… it’s me, my husband and our 6 year old son.
MK
1.mickey’s philharmagic
2.monster’s inc. laugh floor
3.buzz lightlear
4.pirates of the carribean
5.peter pans flight
epcot
1.soarin
2.test track
3.spaceship earth
4.kimpossible missions
5.turtle talk with crush
AK
1.nemo the musical
2.tough to be a bug
3.kilimanjaro safari
4.dinosaur
5.jungle trail
HS
1. toy story mania
2.fantasmic
3. lights, motor, action
4.muppets 3D
5.star tours
Hi Mike! I am 25 years old and my husband is 28. He is more of a thrill seeker than I am. We have no kids but hopefully soon we will so we can share our Disney experiences with them!! We are heading to Disney is a couple weeks and we can’t wait to go!
Magic Kingdom: Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Splash Mountain, Carousel of Progress, and TTA (really nice to ride on at night!)
Epcot: Soarin, Spaceship Earth, The Nemo Ride, Journey to Imagination with Figment, and Mission Space
Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror, Star Tours, Muppets 3D, Indiana Jones Stunt, and Lights Motor Action Extreme Stunt Show
Animal Kingdom: Dinosaur, Kilamanjaro Safari, Expedition Everest, Pangani Exploration Trail, and Flights of Wonder
Hi Mike! My travel party can be different at times. The past few trips have been with my best friend and her (now) 5 yr old son. My other trips are with adults only, normally my parents and siblings. I absolutely love Disney and have gone more then 20 times (and I’m only 32!). U use Allears for every trip whether it’s tips or restaurant reviews or restaurant menus. It truely has been a lifesaver!!! Here are my top 5:
Magic Kingdom
1) Carousel of Progress
2) Buzz Lightyear
3) Haunted Mansion
4) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
5) Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Epcot
1) Soarin
2) Test Track
3) Universe of Energy
4) World Showcase (does this count)
5) Journey into Imagination
Animal Kingdom
1) Expedition Everest
2) Finding Nemo: The Musical
3) Kilimanjaro Safari
4) Festival of the Lion King
5) Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Hollywood Studios
1) Tower of Terror
2) Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
3) Great Movie Ride
4) Toy Story Mania
5) One Man’s Dream
I’m 48, husband’s 49-3 grown children 1 ( soon to be 2 )grandchildren. Have travelled with all of us as well as just hubby and me.Also travelled with just daughter 18 at the time and my mom 76 at the time.Most of family is thrill seekers but not me. So I will give my top picks:
MK:HAUNTED MANSION, JUNGLE CRUISE, PIRATES OF CARIBEAN,LIBERT BELLE BOAT, SMALL WORLD
EPCOT:WORLD SHOWCASE,TURLE TALK WITH CRUSH, NEMO RIDE,HONEY I SHRUNK THE AUDIENCE,SPACESHIP EARTH
DHS:GREAT MOVIE RIDE,BEAUTY AND BEAST,ONE MANS DREAM,BACKLOT TOUR
AK:SAFARI,TOUGH TO BE A BUG,KALI RIVER RAPIDS,TUSKER HOUSE CHARACTER BREAKFAST,WILDLIFE TRAIN/RAFIKIS PLANET WATCH
Hi! I’m a mom of 2…7 year old daughter and 4 year old boy. I love roller coasters and my kiddos are becoming more adventuresome each trip. The only reason EE and Rock and Roller are not on my list is that they have not yet braved those. We’ll be heading to WDW in just 2 days (YAY!!!) and I am looking forward to these top 5’s in each park…
MK: Buzz Lightyear, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Space Mtn, and Splash Mtn.
AK: Safaris, Dinosaur, Festival of Lion King, Kali Rapids, Nemo
HS: TSM, Playhouse Disney Live, Little Mermaid, Star Tours, Little Mermaid
EP: Soarin’ (my favorite overall!), Test Track, Turtle Talk, Mission Space, the Mexico pavillion
Hello – I am from the UK so not eligible for the prize so am doing this just for fun – my husband and I are in our 50s – I am nearer 50 and my husband nearer 60 – we have 2 daughters aged 15 and 16. The other three love the roller coasters and I love to “people watch” or do a bit of window shopping when they are on those types of rides. So – as a family – our favourite rides are (with an asterisk next to the ones I don’t do!)
Magic Kingdom:
Space Mountain*
Buzz Lightyear
Pirates of the Carribean
Big Thunder Mountain
Carousel of Progress
Epcot:
Soarin’
Test Track
Mission Space*
Spaceship Earth
Living with the Land (although the girls wouldn’t choose this one as their favourite)
Hollywood Studios:
Toy Story Mania
Great Movie Ride
Tower of Terror*
Rock and Roller Coaster*
Backlot Ride
Animal Kingdom:
Everest
Kali River Rapids
Festival of the Lion King
Dinosaur
Tough to be a Bug
We visit at least once a year – not long now to our next visit and we are counting the days down. We vowed never to go on holiday to the same place twice – until we discovered WDW!!!!
I am a middle-aged mom, traveling with middle-aged dad and twelve-year-old son. We love a combination of thrill seeking rides and nostalgic rides. Here is our list of must-dos.
MK: Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Small World, and the Peoplemover.
Epcot: Spaceship Earth, Soarin, Test Track, Living With the Land, Grand Fiesta Tour
Studios: Tower of Terror, Rockin Roller Coaster, Great Movie Ride, Toy Story, Star Tours
Animal Kingdom: Safari, Everest, Dinosaur, Festival of the Lion King, Tough to be a Bug
She: Middle aged mom. He: Nine year old boy. Both kids at heart, one kid in fact. Both love the magic, visual artistry, shows, educational stuff. Neither likes thrill rides very much.
Disney Studios:
Muppet Vision 3D
Toy Story Midway Mania
Toy Story Pizza Planet
Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground
Backlot Tour
Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Tommorowland Transit Authority
It’s a Small World
Tomorrowland Speedway
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Epcot
Innoventions
Gran Fiesta Tour
Club Cool
Soarin’ (Mom dissents on this one — am I the only one who finds this terrifying?)
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Animal Kingdom
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Finding Nemo: The Musical
Festival of the Lion King
The Boneyard
Triceratop Spin
I love reading everyone’s lists! Thanks for kicking us off, Mike!
Liz
Magic Kingdom:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
3. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. WDW Railroad
Epcot:
1. Test Track, baby!
2. Soarin
3. Mission Space
4.Maelstrom
5.Journey Into the Imagination With Figment
Hollywood Studios:
1. Toy Story Mania!
2. Tower of Terror
3. Rockin Roller Coaster
4. Studio Backlot Tour
5. The Great Movie Ride
Animal Kingdom:
1. Kilamanjaro Safaris
2. Expedition Everest
3. Dinosaur
4. Primeval Whirl
5. Kali River Rapids
Thanks for the excuse to daydream a bit! 🙂 I’m married with six young children, ages newborn-nine years. What I love about WDW is that there are so many attractions we can *all* enjoy together.
Magic Kingdom
1) Peter Pan
2) Splash Mountain
3) Tomorrowland Transit Authority
4) Jungle Cruise
5) It’s a Small World
Epcot
1) Soarin’
2) Kim Possible missions
3) Mission:Space
4) Test Track
5) Chinese acrobats
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
1) Great Movie Ride
2) Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
3) Star Tours
4) Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
5) Muppets Vision 3D
Animal Kingdom:
1) Kilimanjaro Safaris
2) Dinosaur!
3) Festival of the Lion King
4) Primeval Whirl
5) train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Hi Mike, my wife and I have traveled to Disney World many times and now have taken our girls (4 and a half and our baby girl is 1 and a half). We tend to do things more towards their liking.
Magic Kingdom
1. Mad Tea Party (Daughter’s favorite and does it with my wife – I don’t do the spinning)
2. Space Mountain
3. Buzz Lightyear – We always compete for highest score
4. it’s a small world – been a favorite for both girls since their first visits
5. Goofy’s Barnstormer – first roller coaster for the little ones
EPCOT
1. Soarin
2. Test Track
3. Living Seas with Nemo
4. Turtle Talk with Crush
5. Biergarten show in Germany
DHS
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Rockin Roller Coaster
3. Star Tours
4. Beauty and the Beast Show
5. Honey I Shrunk the Kids playset
Animal Kingdom
1. Finding Nemo Musical
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Expedition Everest (WE love this one!!)
4. Kali River Rapids (daughter loves getting wet!)
5. Kilamanjaro Safari
As a member of a family of Disney freaks, these are my favorite attractions. Hoping to squeeze them all in a 3 day trip in November! Whether it’s a thrill or a slow ride, it all makes me happy!
Magic Kingdom
1) Snow White’s Scary Adventures (Love Snow White)
2) Pirates
3) Haunted Mansion
4) Peter Pan
5) Buzz Lightyear
Animal Kingdom
1) Dinosaur
2) Festival of the Lion King
3) Expedition Everest
4) Jungle Trek
5) Tough to be a bug
Studios
1) Tower of Terror
2) Great Movie Ride
3) Fantasmic
4) Toy Story Mania
5) Rockin’ Roller Coaster
Epcot
1) Spaceship Earth
2) Test Track
3) Horizons
4) Malstrom
5) American Adventure (for dad)
Hi! Favorite family vacation spot growing up! And still today 30 years later. Now usually go with husband who I have converted into a Disney fan! After I saw this blog, we played this game this weekend and included favorite sit down and table restaurant at each.
My 5 Favorites!
MK
1. Splash Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain
3. Peter Pan
4. Mickey’s Philharmagic
5. TTA
EPCOT
1. Living With the Land
2. Soarin
3. Test Track
4. Journey into Your Imagination
5. SSE
DHS
1. Tower of Terror
2. Rock N’ Rollercoaster
3. The Great Movie Ride
4. Muppets
5. Old Back Lot Tour
Animal Kingdom
1. Kilamanjaro Safari
2. Tough to be a Bug
3. Expedition Everest
4. Dinosaur
5. Festival of the Lion King
I am 28 and always travel with my mom and younger sister (she’s 14). None of us are thrill/roller coaster/scary ride people. We are calm rides (with a couple exceptions) and character people! I have yet to get my boyfriend to experience the “magic”, but I will never give up! Here are my top fives, #1 being the best:
Magic Kingdom:
1)It’s a Small World
2)Hall of Presidents
3)Carousel of Progress
4)Jungle Cruise
5)Haunted Mansion
Epcot:
1)All World Showcase Pavilions (I love culture!)
2)Test Track
3)Journey Into Imagination with Figment
4)Gran Fiesta Tour
5)Living Statues (#5 only because they are no longer around, which is totally crazy because they were AMAZING!!!)
Hollywood Studios
1)Fantasmic (GO VILLAINS!)
2)Toy Story Mania
3)Citizens of Hollywood (They are so fun to watch)
4)Streets of America/Osborne Lights (love the atmosphere of the “city” during non-Christmas seasons and the lights are absolutely beautiful during Christmas)
5)Great Movie Ride
Animal Kingdom:
This was very hard to make a list for since we only spend a few hours during one morning of our trip there since there’s not much here that we are interested in.
1)Kilimanjaro Safaris
2)Character Breakfast at Tusker House
3)Pangani Exploration Trail (mainly the gorillas)
4)Any cool character spots that you can’t really see in any other park
Sorry, couldn’t come up with a fifth one!
Love your blogs! I check every day to see if you’ve posted anything new. Keep them coming!
I sense a lack of roller coasters in your list!!! I’m retired, living in Solivita too during the winter, Cape Cod in the summer
Magic Kingdom:
1. Big Thunder Mountain
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Buzz Light Year
4. Splash Mountain
5. Mickey’s Philharmonic
EPCOT:
1. Soarin’ (of course)
2. Turtle Talk with Crush
3. Mission to Mars (green)
4. Norway’s Maelstrom ride
5. Canada’s circlevision
AK
1. Festival of the Lion King
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris
3. Flights of Wonder
4. It’s Tough to be a Bug
5. Africa walk
Hollywood Studios:
1. Tower of Terror
2. Beauty and the Beast
3. Aerosmith’s Rock & Roll Roller coaster
4. Muppets
5. Toy Story
DizneyMike replies: Barbara, you’re right, no roller coasters for me. Let’s do a Disney day when you return to Solivita…Mike
Hi, Mike, what a fun idea!
I am 48, DH is 49, and our daughters are 21 and 16. We have been to WDW 3 times in the last 6 years.
Here’s my top 5:
MK
1. BTMR (especially in the back row!)
2. Mickey’s Philharmonic
3. Haunted Mansion
4. MNSSHP
5. Space Mountain
EPCOT
1. Test Track
2. Strolling and eating along the World Showcase
3. Kim Possible Adventures
4. Grand Fiesta
5. Soarin’
AK
1. Expedition Everest
2. Dinosaur
3. Finding Nemo the Musical
4. Kilaminjaro Safaris
5. Festival of the Lion King
DS
1. Rockin’ Roller Coaster
2. Toy Story Mania
3. Muppets 3D
4. Streetmosphere performances
5. Fantasmic!
Hi Mike,
I’m 49 (and holding!!)and the mother of a “ride kid” who is now a teen. Husband is also a grown child who lives for rides. I’m earning my “mom badges” by gently going on some of the tougher rides. Here’s my list, but by NO MEANS is my family’s!
MK:
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Thunder Mountain
4. Splash Mountain ( sometimes )
5. Mickey’s Philharmagic
EPCOT:
1. Soarin
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Test Track
4. Maelstrom
5. Mission Space (fraidy cat version)
AK:
1. Kilaminjaro Safari
2. Kali River Rapids
3. Bug’s Life
4. Flights of Wonder
5. Expedition Everest
Studios:
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Great Movie Ride
3. Muppets 3-D
4. American Idol
5. Lights, Motors Action
Thanks Mike! This was fun!
hi mike! we travel just me and my bf in our mid-twenties(we met you on the river boat remember us!?) we are thrill seekers but also love our classic rides but my all time favs are:
MK: haunted mansion, pirates, thunder mountain, mickey’s philramagic and splash mountain.
Epcot: finding nemo, test track, soarin, mission space and the world showcase
AK: finding nemo the musical( i cry everytime!)everest, the safrai, dinosaur, and the river rapids
HS: toy story mania, rocking rollercoaster, tower of terror, muppets 3D, and star tours
DizneyMike replies: Jeannine, yes I do remember you and your boyfriend. I hope all is well with the two of you…Mike
I’m married with teenage son. We all love thrill rides, but I like the old stuff too!
Magic Kingdom:
Splash Mountain
Space Mountain
Tiki Birds
Pirates of the Caribbean
Epcot:
Soarin
Spaceship Earth
The American Experience
Voices of Liberty
Oh Canada
Disney Studios:
Fantasmic
Tower of Terror
Muppet 3D
Backlot Tour
Indiana Jones
Animal Kingdom:
Expedition Everest
Kilimanjaro Safari
Finding Nemo
The Tree of Life
Panganini Forest Trail
Love your blogs!
Trisha
Hey Mike, I’m a junior in college, and I am kind of a mix of thrill seeker and nostalgia when it comes to attractions, I love them all. Magic Kingdom was the hardest to choose for naturally.
Magic Kingdom
1. Splash Mountain
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. It’s A Small World
4. Mad Tea Party
5. Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Epcot
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Soarin’
3. Test Track
4. Illuminations
5. Maelstrom
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
1. Tower of Terror
2. Fantasmic
3. Toy Story Midway Mania
4. Rockin’ Roller Coaster
5. The Great Movie Ride
Animal Kingdom
1. Dinosaur
2. Expedition Everest
3. Finding Nemo-The Musical
4. It’s Tough to be a Bug!
5. Kali River Rapids
Hello! I am 21 years old, and I have been going to WDW at least once a year since I was born. I like some roller coasters, but I would not say that I’m a thrill-seeker. I simply love being immersed in the Disney culture!
Magic Kingdom
1. Space Mountain
2. Peter Pan’s Flight
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. PhilharMagic
EPCOT
1. Soarin’
2. Test Track
3. Spaceship Earth
4. Maelstrom
5. Living Seas with Nemo and Friends
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
1. Toy Story Midway Mania!
2. The Great Movie Ride
3. American Idol Experience
4. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
5. Fantasmic!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
2. Kali River Rapids
3. Primeval Whirl
4. Festival of the Lion King
5. Expedition Everest
It was so hard to pick, especially for Magic Kingdom! Thanks for such a thought-provoking question!
Our family goes EVERY year… and for the last 3 years we have brought friends along to enjoy what they hear us talk about all year. Looking forward to the our next trip next spring. It really is a Magical place!
Magic Kingdom.
1.Buzz Lightyear
2.Pirates of the Caribbean
3.Haunted mansion
4.Small World ( classic , never miss it! )
5.Laugh Factory
Epcot:
1. Sorin
2. The ENTIRE World side!!!!
3. Test Track
4. Behind the seeds tour ( love letting the ladybugs go )
5. Flower & Garden Festival
Studios:
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Star Tours ( will miss that a lot 🙁 )
3. The Themed Restaurants!
4. Back lot Tour
5. Muppets 3-D
Animal Kingdom:
1. The Kilimanjaro Safari ( with out a doubt)
2. Nemo show ( absolutely BEAUTIFUL! )
3. Rafikis
4. Kali River Rapids
5. Dinosaur
It was hard to list only 5 for each as it is really hard NOT to Like everything there!
I am waaayyy over 50 and have been a Disney fan since my first trip to Disneyland when I was 10 yrs old. I have gone with my parents, my girlfriends, my brother and his family , cousins from California and recently by myself. I love roller coasters, the restaurants and the great fun people that go there and work there.
Here are my favorites, tho it was difficult to choose.
MK:
Pirates of the Caribbean
Jungle Cruise
Haunted Mansion
Mickey’s Philharmonic
The Tiki Room
(and I do miss Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride!)
Epcot:
Soarin’
Test Track
Mission Space (the original)
Spaceship Earth
Journey into Imagination With Figment
Animal Kingdom:
Kilimanjaro Safari
Expedition Everest
Festival of the Lion King
Tough to be a Bug
Dinosaur
Disney Studios:
Tower of Terror
Rock N Roller Coaster
Star Tours
Great Movie Ride
Lights, Motor, Action
Hi Mike- Our Disney fan family includes, myself, Husband, our 20 year old Son, and 11 year old Son. Me, husband and oldest all love the coasters, and thrill rides! We take off at rope drop to ride one and fast pass for another, type of people! Youngest is not so excited, but did “rock and rollercoast” for the first time this year, and loved it! He now has an “offical” picture in front of the guitar like the rest of us! Most of all we just love taking in all Disney has to offer, and try to see and enjoy as much as we can without any injurys! So here is our family’s list!
MK-
1-Space Mountain
2-Big Thunder ( took my camara along on the last ride, got some great shots!)
3-Mad hatters tea cups
4-Micky’s philharmagic
5-Splash mountain
EPCOT
1-Soarin’
2-Mission space
3-Space ship earth
4-World showcase( everything!)
5-Innovations
DHS
1-Rock-N-Rollercoaster
2-Tower of terror ( even my 70 year old Dad liked it!)
3-Toy story
4-Star tours
5-One mans dream
AK
1-Everest
2-Safari
3-Festival of the Lion King ( a must see!)
4-both of the walking trails
5-Nemo
My Fiance and I went to WDW March 2010 for the first time alone as adults! We are in our early 20s and honestly wanted to see and do EVERYTHING! I’m now trying to put together a trip to Disneyland! Here are our favorites:
MK:
1)Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
2)Space Mountain
3)Splash Mountain
4)Carousel of Progress
5)Pirates of the Carribean
Epcot:
1)Soarin
2)Test Track
3)Maelstrom
4)Spaceship Earth
5)The Sea with Nemo and Friends
HS:
1)Toy Story Mania
2)Tower of terror
3)Rock n’ Roller coaster
4)The Great Movie Ride
5)One Mans Dream
AK:
1)Expedition Everest
2)Finding Nemo the Musical
3)Kilimanjaro Safaris
4)It’s tough to be a bug
5)Dinosaur
Okay, just posted, but I forgot It’s a Small World – again, sentimental favorite from childhood and in 2008 was a fave of my then 2 year old! That’s it!
We are a family of 4 from Minnesota. I started going to MK when I was a kid – about 1976 or so was my first visit. Used to drive from Iowa, where I grew up. My husband started going with me as an adult and has been there 3 times. I have been to WDW at least 7 or 8 times. Our boys are 4 and 9 and are just beginning to be thrill seekers. My favorites are mostly based on nostalgia from my childhood and then watching my children’s reactions to them when we went in ’05 and ’08. We hope to return in the next 2 years.
MK:
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Splash Mtn
3. Buzz Lightyear
4. TTA
5. tie- Thunder Mtn, Tiki Birds (from childhood – NOT current show!) and Hall of Presidents.
Epcot:
1. Test Track
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Soarin’
4. Honey I Shrunk the Audience
5. World Showcase countries in this order: Germany, Norway, Mexico, UK (these are as popular for me as attractions as anything in Epcot!)
DHS: (where I have spent the least amount of time in the past 2 visits… – also – last visit was right after opening of Toy Story Mania and lines were 2 hrs. plus – so we weren’t able to do it.. 🙁 – again – some of these are older from my first trip to MGM in 1993..
1. Great Movie Ride
2. Muppets
3. Beauty and the Beast Show
4. Tower of Terror
5. Rockin’ Roller Coaster
AK:
1. Everest
2. Kilamanjaro Safaris
3 It’s Tough To Be a Bug
4 Mickey’s Jungle Jammin’ Parade (that counts right??)
5. Tree of Life (again an attraction in itself, I think!)
Mike, I have been to WDW at various ages and stages of my life. My husband and I love thrill rides but really love it all. We now have small children who also love WDW. We do so appreciate the rider swap option for the thrill rides. We measure our children’s height at home and celebrate hitting 40, 44, and 48 inches! My youngest was tall enough for Goofy’s Barnstormer when we went in March.
My favorites:
Magic Kingdom
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
2. Haunted Mansion
3. Splash Mountain
4. Big Thunder Mountain Ralroad
5. It’s a Small World
Epcot
1. Soarin’
2. Test Track
3. Spaceship Earth
4. Living with the Land
5. Maelstrom
Hollywood Studios
1. Toy Story Mania!
2. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
3. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
4. The Great Movie Ride
5. Star Tours
Animal Kingdom
1. Kilimanjaro Safaris
2. Expedition Everest
3. Maharajah Jungle Trek
4. Festival of the Lion King
5. Finding Nemo–The Musical
I’ve been visiting Disney World as often as possible since I was 5 years old. I love all types of thrill rides, but for a Disney attraction to grab me, it has to do more than just “thrill” me. Luckily even the thrill rides at Disney are fantastically themed, detailed, and impressive. Here are my current top 5 at each park. I consider an attraction in my “Top 5” if it’s a MUST DO no matter how short my trip or how long the lines. I don’t have children yet, so I’m always traveling with my husband, friends, and family.
MK
1. Splash Mountain
2. Peter Pan’s Flight
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
4. Big Thunder Mountain
5. Haunted Mansion
EPCOT
1. Soarin
2. Test Track
3. Spaceship Earth
4. Living with the Land
5. Illuminations
STUDIOS
1. Tower of Terror
2. Toy Story Mania
3. Great Movie Ride
4. Rockin Roller Coaster
5. Muppet Vision 3D
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest
2. Dinosaur
3. Safaris
4. It’s Tough to be a Bug
5. Kali River Rapids
We go as a family of four. Dad(73), Mom (70), Big Sis(45) and me (42). Our number 1 ride is the Disney Buses as without them you don’t get to the parks.
MK
1-Splash Mountain
2- Haunted Mansion
3- Pirates
4-Buzz Lightyear
5-it’s a small world
Epcot
1- Spaceship Earth
2- Test Track
3- Soarin
4- Malstrom
5- Ellen Energy Adventure
Studios
1- Beauty and the Beast
2- Muppets 3D
3- Tower of Terror
4-Backlot Tour
5-Great Movie Ride
Animal Kingdom
1- Kilmanjaro Safari
2- Tough to be a Bug
3- Flights of Wonder
4- Trisera Top Spin
5- Everest
From two Disney Freaks. Myself, I’ve been over 100 times to either Disneyland (the original) and DisneyWorld (the world). My Wife, a newby to the disney expericne. We are without children, but have subdued tastes when it come to the parks. So here is our Top 5 all around.
MK
1. Peter Pan
2. Haunted Mansion
3. Space Mountian
4. The Dapper Dans
5. Pirates of the Caribean
EPCOT
1. Soarin’
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Belinni’s in Italy
4. Martin Shorts O’Canda
5. Illuminations
HS
1. Midway Mania
2. Rockin’ Rollercoaster
3. Muppets 3D
4. Dinner at the Brown Derby
5. The Singing in the Rain Umbrella on Streets of America
AK
1. Everest
2. Kali River Rapids
3. Kilamanjaro Safari
4. Jungle Trek
5. Finding Nemo The Musical
Couples in our 20s who like a wide variety of attractions at the parks…
MK
Space Mountain/Big Thunder Mountain (1&2 Tie)
Pirates
Haunted Mansion
Tea Cups (beat out TTA because the new narration is terrible)
EPCOT
Reflections of China
Impressions de France
American Adventure
Soarin
Mission: Space (original “orange” version)
DHS
Muppets
RnRC
ToT
Toy Story
Sci Fi Diner
Animal Kingdom
Everest
Safari
Dinosaur
Gorillas
Primeval Whirl
My husband and I are in our early 40s with a 15 year old daughter. We love absolutely everything about Disneyworld! Here are our top 5!
Magic Kingdom
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Pirates of the Carribean
3. Space Mountain
4. Peter Pan’s Flight
5. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Epcot
1. Test Track
2. Soarin’
3. Mission Space
4. Gran Fiesta Tour
5. Maelstrom
Hollywood Studios
1. Tower of Terror
2. Toy Story Midway Mania
3. Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster
4. The Great Movie Ride
5. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris
3. Its’ Tough to be a Bug
4. Festival of the Lion King
5. Primeval Whirl
I am a former cast member who spent hours after work playing instead of driving through rush hour traffic. Now as a father, my to do list has changed when I am there, but my favorites are still must do’s.
Magic Kingdom
1. Jungle Cruise (as a former skipper, its in my blood)
2. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
3. Thunder Mountain Railroad (my first roller coaster)
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Haunted Mansion
Epcot
1. Living with the Land
2. Soarin’
3. Illuminations
4. Test Track
5. Spaceship: Earth
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Rock ‘N Roller Coaster
3. Tower of Terror
4. Great Movie Ride
5. Beauty and the Beast (It used to be the Hunchback show, sadly)
Animal Kingdom
1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. Expedition: Everest
3. Festival of the Lion King
4. Finding Nemo: The Musical
5. Discovery Island Trails (because of the gorgeous views of the Tree of Life)
My wife and I (along with our 2 children, ages 8 and 6) will be returning to WDW for our 3rd time in 4 years. I went the first 36 years of my life w/o experiencing the magic, so I’m making up for lost time and dragging my family along with me! We love to ride, ride, ride while at the parks and we enjoy planning well ahead of time to maximize our fun.
Here’s our list – in no particular order:
MK
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Disney’s Philharmonic
Buzz Lightyear
Hall of Presidents
Fav. place to eat – Liberty Tree Tavern
Epcot
Sorin’
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
Ellen’s Universe of Energy
Turtle Talk with Crush
(my 6 y.o. loves Figment too)
Fav. place to eat – LeCellier
Hollywood Studios
Rockin Rollercoaster
Toy Story Mania
Tower of Terror
American Idol
Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Fav. place to eat – Mamma Melrose
Animal
Expedition Everest
Dinosaur
Kilmanjaro Safari
Tough to be a Bug
Festival of the Lion King
Fav. place to eat – none, really
Hey Mike! My wife and I are HUGE Disney fans. She’s 26 and I’m 28. We’ve been to “The World” 3 times together, but I’ve been there 9 times total. We have a 1 1/2 year old that has not been there yet (going for the first time in December when she’s 2). We love both the thrill rides, and the not so thrilling rides, lol. It’s going to be tough, but here’s out list:
MK
1.Splash Mnt
2.Thunder Mnt
3.Carousel of Progress
4.Buzz Lightyear
5.Pirates of the Caribbean
Epcot
1.Test Track
2.Soarin’
3.Universe of Energy
4.Spaceship Earth
5.Watching ‘Off Kilter’
Studios
1.Rockin’ Roller Coaster
2.Tower of Terror
3.Great Movie Ride
4.Toy Story Mania
5.Muppet Vision 3D
Animal Kingdom
1.Expedition Everest
2.Festival of the Lion King
3.Nemo Musical
4.Kilamanjaro Safari
5.It’s a Bug’s Life
Married with no kids, 31 years old. 4 trips to Disney. Leave for next trip in 3 weeks!!!
Magick Kingdom:
1. Jungle Cruise
2. Mickey’s Philharmagic
3. Haunted Mansion
4. Pirates of the Carribean
5. Big Thunder Mountain
Epcot:
1. Soarin’
2. Test Track
3. Spaceship Earth
4. Maelstrom
5. Living with the Land
Hollywood Studios:
1. Lights, Motor, Action
2. Indiana Jones
3. Great Movie Ride
4. Star Tours
5. Toy Story
Animal Kingdom:
1. Dinosuar
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris
3. It’s Tough to be a Bug
4. Festival of the Lion King
5. Pangani Forest Trail
Parades/Fireworks:
1. Fantasmic
2. SpectroMagic
3. Illuminations
4. Wishes!
MK
Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Caribbean
Buzz Lightyear
Jungle Cruise (just love the corny jokes)
Space Mountain
Epcot
Soarin
Test Track
Mission Space (tame version)
Maelstrom
Nemo ride
AK
Safari
Expedition Everest
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo show
Kali River Rapids
Studios
Toy Story Mania
Rock n Roll Rollercoaster (love Aerosmith)
Tower of Terror
Animation Studio
American Idol
We are Disney fanatics who were just down in April for our daughters senior trip. We try to get to the World as often as we can.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the great blog. My wife and I make yearly visits with our daughter who is now five years old. Here are a few of our favorites:
Magic Kingdom:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Mickeys Philharmagic
3. Peter Pans Flight
4. Carousel of Progress
5. Dream along with Mickey
Epcot:
1. Soarin
2. Turtle Talk with Crush
3. World Showcase
4. Test Track
5. Spaceship Earth
Animal Kingdom:
1. Kilamanjaro Safari
2. Finding Nemo the Musical
3. Festival of the Lion King
4. Flights of Wonder
5. The Boneyard
Hollywood Studios:
1. Toy Story
2. Playhouse Disney Live
3. American Idol
4. Animation Academy
5. Beauty and the Beast Live
I am 26m and prefer thrill rides though take Disney World at a slow, leisurely, vacation-style pace.
MK
-Big Thunder Mtn (only at night)
-Space Mtn
-Splash Mtn
-Pirates of the Caribbean
-Mickey’s Philharmagic
Epcot
-Soarin
-Maelstrom
-Mission Space
-Nemo Ride
-Illuminations
MGM
-Tower of Terror
-RnRC
-Great Movie Ride
-Streetmosphere People
-Toy Story MM
AK
-DINOSAUR
-Everest
-Tough to be a Bug
-Kilimanjaro Safaris
-Primevil Whirl
Hi Mike My wife and our kids daughter 13,son 6, and youngest son 2 love your blogs. My daughter oldest son and my self love the thrill rides where the wife and my youndest like the classics.
Magic Kingdom
1.Splash Mountain
2.Big Thunder Mountain
3.Buzz Lightyear
4.Pirates
5.Space Mountain
Hollywood
1.Tower of Terror
2.Great Movie Ride
3.Muppet Vision
4.Indiana Jones
5.Star Tours
Animal Kingdom
1.Kilmanjaro Safari
2.Festival of the Lion King
3.It’s Tough to be a Bug
4.Expedition Everest
5.Dinosaur
Epcot
1.Spaceship Earth
2.Test Track
3.Nemo
4.Living with the Land
5.Figment
MK:
1. Small World
2. Space Mt
3. Splash Mt
4. POTC
5. HM
EP:
1. Soarin
2. Nemo
3. Spaceship Earth
4. Imagination
5. Mexico boat ride
MGM:
1. Toy Story
2. Muppets 3D
3. Little Mermaid
4. Star wars
5. RnRC
AK:
1. Everest!!
2. Safari
3. Nemo
4. Lion King
5. Dinosaur
I am the Mom to a teen and a pre-teen. We travel to WDW with my parents – and sometimes my bother and his wife. One of my sons is a major thrill seeker — but we spend more time together. We love that WDW is a place we can all enjoy – and especially that it is handicapped accesible. We five (or sometimes 7) do most all of the attractions together.
Choosing only 5 is tricky for all but AK —
for today I will go with:
Magic Kingdom
1) Its a Small World
2) Mikey’s Philharmagic
3) Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
4) Jungle Cruise
5) Carousel of Progress
Epcot
1) Test Track
2) Imagination (though I much prefer the original – I still need to ride with Figment)
3) Universe of Energy
4) ride in Mexico – El Rio del Tiempo
5) movie in Canada with Martin Short
Studios
1) Animation Academy – and movie with Mushu
2) Toy Story Midway Mania
3) Indian Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
4) Muppet Vision 3D
5) Star Tours
Animal Kingdom
1) Nemo – the Musical
2) The Festival of the Lion King
3) Kali River Rapids
4) Flights of Wonder
5) Primeval Whirl
Ok, so I love thrill rides. I’m 19 so you guys may disagree.
Mk
1. Splash mountain
2.space mountain
3.big thunder mountain
4.pirates of the carribean
5.tta
Ak.
1.expidition everest
2.dinosour
3.Kali river rapids
4.primeval whirl
5.kilemenjaro safaries
hollywood studios
1.tower of terror
2. Rocken roller coaster
3.toy story midway mania
4.backlot tour
5.lights motors action
epcot.
1.test track
2.mission: space (intense version)
3.sorin
4.malsrom
5.spaceship earth
My husband and I started dating at Disneyland way back yon (in the 70’s). We have 2 grown children along with two special needs teens. When traveling with adults, we are mild thrill seekers with a tendency to lean towards the classics. When with the teens, we love the family rides. Most importantly, we love the rides that were around when my husband worked for MAPO back in the dark ages. Always have to look to see if anything appears to have changed.
Magic Kingdom
1. Walt Disney Railroad (sorry, remember the train from Griffith Park in CA).
2. Carousel of Progress
3. Country Bear Jamboree
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Wedway People Mover/Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Epcot
1. Three Cabelleros
2. Living With the Land
3. Soarin
4. Ellen’s Energy Adventures
5. Imagination with Figment
Hollywood Studios
1. One Man’s Dream (love the story and the history)
2. Magic of Disney Animation
3. Great Movie Ride
4. Beauty and the Beast (wish they still had 4 for a Dollar!)
5. Tower of Terror
Animal Kingdom
1. WildlifeExpress/Rafiki’s Planet Watch (can’t do one without the other).
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Finding Nemo the Musical
4. Pangani Forest Trail
5. It’s Tough to be a Bug
Not an impressive list, but something that we MUST do each and every time.
Hi Mike, my husband and I are in our 40’s with no children. We try to get to WDW once a year if possible or at least every other year. Prefer to stay at Deluxe resorts, Animal Kingdom Lodge in particular. We like thrills (he a bit more so than me), entertainment, and the attention to detail that Disney provides. With that in mind our favorites are as follows
MAGIC KINGDOM
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Pirates of the Caribbean
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Haunted Mansion
EPCOT
Soarin
Test Track
Spaceship Earth
Ellen’s Energy Adventure
Illuminations
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Tower of Terror
Great Movie Ride
Rockin Roller Coaster (hubby)
Muppet Vision 3D
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Kilmanjaro Safari
Dinosaur
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Finding Nemo
Expedition Everest
Wow that was not an easy task.
Love your blogs Mike.
I (41) travel with my wife (40) and 6 year old daughter. We like thrill rides and Disney classics.
Magic Kingdom:
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
2. Peter Pan
3. It’s a Small World
4. Pirates of the Carribean
5. Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Epcot:
1. Soarin’
2. Test Track
3. Nemo
4. Three Caballeros
5. Impressions de France
Hollywood Studios:
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Tower of Terror
3. Rockin’ Roller Coaster
4. Muppet Vision 3D
5. Beauty and the Beast
Animal Kingdom:
1. Kilamanjaro Safaris
2. Expedition Everest
3. Finding Nemo the Musical
4. Primevil Whirl
5. The Boneyard
Hi Mike,
We are a family of thrill seekers. We have three teenage daughters. We go to
Disney once a year and usually play a game that if we could only go on two rides
in each park what would they be.
Animal Kingdom
1. Primeval Whirl
2. Kali River Rapids
3. Expedition Everest
4. It’s Tough to be a bug
5. Kilimanjaro Safaris
DHS
1. Toy Story Midway Mania
2. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
3. Tower of Terror
4. Muppet Vision 3D
5. The Magic of Disney Animation
Epcot
1. Soarin
2. Journey Into the Imagination with Figment
3. Test Track
4. Turtle Talk with Crush
5. Spaceship Earth
Magic Kingdom (this was the hardest!!!)
1. Peter Pan’s Flight
2. Mickey’s PhilharMagic
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
4. Splash Mountain
5. Tomorrowland Transit Authority and Carousel of Progress
Hey,
my top 5’s
Magic Kingdom
1. Splash Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain
3. Tomorrowland’s Transit Authority
4. Astro Orbitor
Epcot
1. Test Track
2. Figment
3. Soarin’
4. Mission Space
Hollywood Studios
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Tower of Terror
3. Animation Studio (Drawing)
4. Backlot Tour
Animal Kingdom
1. Everest
2. Primeval Whirl
3. Kali River Rapids
4. Kiliminjaro
5. ?
I don’t go to AK a lot so i don’t have 5.
MK
1. Peter Pan
2. Carousel of Progress
3. People-Mover ( I refuse to call it TTA )
4. Haunted Mansion
5. Pirates of the Carribbean
Honorable mention – Tom Sawyer’s Island
Epcot
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Living With the Land Boat Ride
3. Soarin’
4. Imagination ( of the 1990’s)
5. Nemo
Honorable mention – Biergarten
HS
1. The great movie Ride
2. Toy Story Mania
3. Lights, Motor, Action
4. Tower of Terror
5. Beauty and the Beast
AK
1. Everest
2. KIliminjaro
3. Primeval Whirl
4. Anandapur in Asia
5. Kali River Rapids
Hello Mike,
Like you my husband and I are retired and are not into the thrill rides. We really enjoy Epcot the best but here are our favorites from each park:
MK
Splash Mt.
Haunted Mansion
Pirates of the Carribean
Jungle Cruise
Hall of Presidents
Epcot
Soarin
Living Seas
World Showcase
Talk with Crush
Spaceship Earth
Disney Studios
Beauty & the Beast
Muppets – we love this one!
Backlot Tour
Great Movie Ride
Little Mermaid
Animal Kingdom
The Safari
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Nemo(musical)
Pangani Forest Trail
Flight of Wonder
MK :
BTMR
Space Mountain
Buzz
Pirates
Philharmagic
EP:
Soarin
Test Track
Mission space
living with the land
figment
AK:
EE
Kilimanjaro safari
nemo musical
FOTLK
Dinosaur
HS:
Rockin Rollercoaster
Toy story mania
tower of terror
star tours
great movie ride
My hubby & I are in our late 30s & have 3 daughters (17, 12, & 7) & we all love WDW! It is my absolute favorite place on the planet. Since it’s a 16 hour drive, we usually go every other year but have been known to go back-to-back years.
MK
1. Tomorrowland Transit Authority
2. Mickey’s Philharmagic
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
4. It’s a Small World (always makes me smile!)
5. Pirates of Caribbean
Epcot
1. Soarin’
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Living with the Land
4. Turtle Talk with Crush
5. Mission Space (light version!)
AK
1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. Expedition Everest
3. Festival of the Lion King
4. It’s Tough to Be a Bug
5. Dinosaur
DHS
1. Rock & Roller Coaster
2. Toy Story Mania
3. One Man’s Dream exhibit
4. Backlot Tour
5. Tower of Terror
My family has been going to Disney World every since our daughter was about 10 (she turns 20 this year). This year my husband and I will be going in September just the two of us. Curious to see if it is a different type of trip. Plan on taking her again in two years when she graduates from college. I usually like the calm rides and the shows the best!
MAGIC KINGDOM
1. it’s a small world
2. Jungle Cruise
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
4. The Haunted Mansion
5. Mickey’s Philharmagic
EPCOT
1. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
2. Ellen’s Energy Adventure
3. Soarin’
4. Spaceship Earth
5. Test Track
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
1. The Great Movie Ride
2. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
3. Beauty and the Beast
4. Fantasmic
5. Muppet Vision 3-D
ANIMAL KINGDOM
1. It’s Tough to be a Bug
2. Kilmanjaro Safaris
3. The Tree of Life
4. Festival of the Lion King
5. Dinosaur
Ok! So here is my list, after my FIRST trip to Walt Disney World, this past Christmas/New Years with my new bride for our HONEYMOON!! Did I mention she is a travel agent and the Disney specialist at her agency?! Anyway, what an amazing experience!! I had the best tour guide and I’m happy to say I’m a new convert to the ‘Wonderful World of Disney’! We went back in February while visiting family in FL, and are planning another Christmas/New Year’s trip for 2011/2012 with my parents and sisters (their first time!), my wife and my sister-in-law!
Magic Kingdom
1) Mad Tea Party
2) Big Thunder Mtn Railroad
3) Haunted Mansion
4) Pirates of the Caribbean
5) TTA
Epcot
1) Soarin’
2) Mission Space (Intense)
3) Test Track
4) The Maelstrom (Norway)
5) Gran Fiesta Tour (Mexico)
Hollywood Studios
1) Rockin’ Roller Coaster
2) Tower of Terror
3) Toy Story Mania
4) One Man’s Dream
5) Fantasmic
Animal Kingdom
1) Expedition Everest
2) Dinosaur
3) It’s Tough to Be a Bug
4) Primeval Whirl
5) Festival of the Lion King
I am a 23 year old graduate student currently living in New York City and not getting to enjoy the magic like I used to (I’m a Floridian and used to going several times a year). I’ve been going to Disney parks since I was 2 (starting out west with Disneyland) and have been with family (parents, grandparents, nieces, etc), friends, my boyfriend, and solo. I love thrills, especially drops and turns but I HATE going upside down. If forced to ride Rock ‘n Rollercoaster I still cry at the end. And I also HATE Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom; it scares the living daylights out of me. But my real soft-spot is for the classics.
Magic Kingdom
1. Splash Mountain
2. Peter Pan
3. Jungle Cruise
4. Pirate of the Caribbean
5. Haunted Mansion
Epcot
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Maelstrom
3. Mission Space
4. Voices of Liberty (they count, right?)
5. Ellen’s Energy Adventure
Hollywood Studios
1. Tower of Terror
2. Fantasmic!
3. The Great Movie Ride
4. Muppets Vision 3D
5. Beauty and the Beast
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kiliminjaro Safari
3. Festival of the Lion King
4. Finding Nemo: The Musical
5. DiVine
We are a Disney loving family! My husband and I have 11 & 15 year old daughters. Our first trip to Disney was when my youngest was 5. We have just become DVC members and went for the first time as members to Kidani Village in November. We definitely love the thrill rides, but it’s also those little magical moments that are great too.
MAGIC KINGDOM
1. Big Thunder Rail Road
2. Space Mountain
3. Haunted Mansion
4. Mickey’s PhilharMagic
5. Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
EPCOT
1. Soarin’
2. Illuminations
3. Test Track
4. Wine & Food Festival
5. American Adventures
STUDIOS
1. Rock n Roller Coaster
2. Tower of Terror
3. Lights Motor Action
4. High School Musical Parade
5. Sci-Fi Diner
ANIMAL KINGDOM
1. Expedition Everest!!
2. Dinosaur
3. It’s a Bugs Life
4. Festival of the Lion King
5. Primeval Whirl
Thanks Mike! That was fun!
Our family has gone for Thanksgiving since the kids were in first grade (now 15&16). I am lucky to have a husband that loves Disney as much or more than I do! We look for rides/attractions that make us smile – wheter relaxing or thrilling.
MK – Splash Mtn, Big Thunder RR, Philharmagic, Buzz Lightyear, Pirates
EPCOT – Soarin, Test Track, Mission Space (tame version), Turtle Talk w/ crush, watching Off Kitler
DHS – Tower of Terror, Rockin Roller Coaster, Toy Story Mania, Lights Motor Action, Fantasmic
AK – Safari, Tough to be a Bug, Everest, Nemo musical, Kali River Rapids
I love to visit Disney anyway I can, if it’s with kids, I have an excuse to be more of a kid myself! Narrowing down the top 5 is hard, but here it is!
Magic Kingdom
1. Teacups (always the first ride)
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Haunted Mansion
4. Carousel of Progress
5. Splash Mountain
Epcot
1. Living with the Land
2. Mission Space
3. Soarin
4. Test Track
5. Spaceship Earth
Hollywood Studios
1. Tower of Terror
2. Star Tours
3. Toy Story Mania
4. Rock N Roll Rollercoaster
5. Muppet 3-D
Animal Kingdom
1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. Expedition Everest
3. Kali River Rapids
4. Primeval Whirl
5. Bugs Life
My husband and I visit Disney from CT 2-3 times per year and we are annual passholders. We’re headed down to the World next week, in fact, for our anniversary. Most of our favorite “attractions” involve food, but I’ll wait to share my faves for that after you blog about it!
Magic Kingdom
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Space Mountain
4. Tomorrowland Transit Authority
5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Epcot
1. Soarin’
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Ellen’s Energy Adventure
4. Turtle Talk with Crush
5. O Canada (the movie)
Hollywood Studios
1. Tower of Terror
2. Toy Story Mania
3. Rockin’ Roller Coaster
4. Muppets 3D
5. Walt Disney One Man’s Dream
Animal Kingdom
1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. Dinosaur
3. Flights of Wonder
4. Expedition Everest
5. It’s Tough to be a Bug
My girlfriend and I LOVE Disneyworld and wish we could go more often (it is difficult, being from the midwest and all). We are in our mid 20s, with no children, and like all types of attractions equally.
Magic Kingdom:
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
2. Haunted Mansion
3. Splash Mountain
4. Astro Orbiter (especially during the fireworks!)
5. It’s a Small World
Epcot
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Soarin’
3. Living With the Land (Especially the “Behind the Seeds” tour!)
4. Illuminations
5. Just walking the World Showcase
Hollywood Studios
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Tower of Terror
3. The Great Movie Ride
4. Fantasmic
5. Rock n Rollercoaster
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilimanjaro Safari
3. It’s Tough to be a Bug
4. Festival of the Lion King
4. Dinosaur
My family is just me 29 and my husband 31. We have no children, so we like to enjoy a lot of thrill rides but also relax and do shows too. We also love things that are fun and educational mix into one! So here is our list:
Magic Kingdom:
1)Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
2)Splash Mountain
3)Peter Pan’s Flight
4)Pirates of the Caribbean
5)Jungle Cruise
Epcot:
1)Test Track
2) Soarin
3) The American Adventure – I cry every time
4) Spaceship Earth
5) Turtle Talk with Crush
Hollywood Studios:
1)Muppet*Vision 3-D
2)Toy Story Mania!
3)The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
4)Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
5) Beauty and the Beast Show
Animal Kingdom:
1)Expedition Everest
2)Finding Nemo — The Musical
3)Kilimanjaro Safaris
4)DINOSAUR
5)It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Magic Kingdom:
1. Tomorrowland Transit Authority
2. Splash Mountain
3. Pirates of the Carribean
4. Tiki Room
5. Big Thunder Mountain railroad
Epcot:
1. Soarin
2. Figment (Ok, Journy into Imagination)
3. Innoventions
4. Club Cool
5. Living with the Land
Hollywood Studios:
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Rock and Roller Coaster
3. Toy Story Mania
4. Tower of Terror
5. Toy Story Mania
6. & 7. Backlot Tour & Walt One Man’s Dream
Animal Kingdom:
1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Nemo
4. Expedition Everest
5. Mickey’s Jungle Jammin’ Parade
I am a forty something pooh sized person with a 16 year old son…he would probably list all the coasters first, but I think he “appreciates” the shows and classics too!
Hi! My husband and daughter and I have been twice, but both of us grew up around Disneyland. We have taken our daughter twice to Disneyworld, and luckily, at age 5 is fairly adventurous…here is our list!
Magic Kingdom:
1. Thunder Mountain
2. Mickeys Philharmagic
3. Pirates of the Carribean (Disneylands is the best though (: )
4. Haunted Mansion
5. Peter Pan
DHS
1. Star Tours
2. Muppet 3D
3. Toy Story Mania
4. Great Movie Ride
5. I havent seen Fantasmic at DHS, but loved it in CA, does that count?
EPCOT
1. Soarin
2. Test Track
3. Spaceship Earth
4. Maelstrom
5. Turtle Talk with Crush
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest
2. Lion King show
3. K Safari
4. Kali River Rapids
5. Character in general- we always have the best interaction and photos from AK
My husband and I love everything about Disney, we are DVC members and have annual passes so we usually go around 4-5 times a year!! Love the thrill rides the best!! But the tame rides are cool as well. We are in our mid 40’s and travel with no children.
Magic Kingdom:
1. Space Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
3. Haunted Mansion
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Peter Pan
Epcot
1. Test Track
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Mission Space
4. Maelstrom
5. Living with the land
Hollywood Studios
1. Rock -n- Roller Coaster
2. Tower of Terror
3. Toy Story Mania
4. The Great Movie Ride
5. Fantasmic
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilimanjaro Safari
3. Primeval Whirl
4. It’s Tough to be a Bug
4. Finding Nemo the Musical
My hubby and I (both 66) being annual & seasonal passholders have been to WDW countless times starting when there was only the Magic Kingdom.
MK
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Splash Mountain
4. Carousel of Progress
5. Tomorrowland Transit Authority
EPCOT
1. Ellen’s Energy Adventure
2. Maelstrom
3. Soarin’
4. Test Track
5. Spaceship Earth
AK
1. Kilamanjaro Safari
2. Maharajah Jungle Trek
3. Pangani Forest Trail
4. Festival of the Lion King
5. Nemo: The Musical
DHS
1. Tower of Terror
2. Backlot Tour
3. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
4. Lights Motors Action
5. Great Movie Ride
Hi Mike! I met you back in December at the Christmas parade taping in the MK (my boyfriend and I). I am 22 and he is 25 and we love thrill rides! Here’s my top five picks:
Magic Kingdom:
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
2. Space Mountain
3. Splash Mountain
4. Philharmagic
5. Haunted Mansion
Epcot:
1. Test Track
2. Soarin’
3. World Showcase, the whole thing!
4. Mission: Space (less intense, I get motion sickness on simulator rides!)
5. Spaceship Earth
DHS:
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Tower of Terror
3. Rockin’ Rollercoaster
4. Animation Academy
5. American Idol Experience
AK:
1. Expedition Everest (overall fave!)
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Kilimanjaro Safari
4. Dinosaur
5. African Dancers outside of Tusker House/Dawa Bar!
DizneyMike replies: Kristen, I remember you well. I’ve been following you on FB. I hope all is well….Mike
I love your blogs! I am a 22 year old woman who has been cgoing to WDW every year since I was 4. For the past 3 years I’ve been going with my mom- just the 2 of us 🙂 We both love thrill rides, but also have our sentimental favorites as well!
MAGIC KINGDOM
1. Splash Mountain
2. Haunted Mansion
3. Main Street, USA
4. Big Thunder Mountain
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
1. Tower of Terror
2. Rock n Roller Coaster
3. The Great Movie Ride
4. Star Tours
EPCOT
1. the mercado in the Mexican Pavilion
2. Maelstrom
3. Impressions de France
4. the old Rio de Tiempo
ANIMAL KINGDOM
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kali River Rapids
3. Dinosaur
4. It’s Tough To Be A Bug
We’re a couple with a 10 yr. old son. We try to help our son Johnny learn to appreciate the history that goes along with WDW, so our list not only includes many of the newer thrill rides, but is mixed with a few of the older, classic Disney rides. Our son Johnny also wanted to include his favorite attraction at each of the water parks. Thanks to Mike and all the others at allears.net for keeping us interested and informed all year ’round.
Magic Kingdom
1. Space Mountain
2. Haunted Mansion
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Jungle Cruise (at night)
Epcot
1. Mission Space (intense version)
2. Test Track
3. Journey into Imagination with Figment
4. Spaceship Earth
5. Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest (overall favorite at WDW)
2. Dinosaur
3. Primeval Whirl
4. Kali River Rapids
5. It’s Tough to be a Bug!
Hollywood Studios
1. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
2. Star Tours
3. Toy Story Mania
4. Muppet Vision 3-D
5. Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show
Typhoon Lagoon
– the wave pool
Blizzard Beach
– the zip line at the Ski Patrol Training Camp
I love your blogs, Mike. This one was a great idea. I loved reading all of the other comments. My husband an I are “empty nesters” in our early fifties and have been going to Disney World regularly since our children (now 19 1nd 25) were three years old. Last year, we went to Disney World for our 25th wedding anniversary (just the two of us). Now that were are traveling without our children, here is our “favorites” list:
Magic Kingdom:
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Splash Mountain
4. Carousel of Progress
5. Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Epcot:
1. Soarin’
2. Spaceship Earth
3. Ellen’s Energy Adventure
4. The American Adventure
5. Maelstrom
Studios:
1. The Great Movie Ride
2. Toy Story Mania
3. Fantasmic
4. Muppet 3D
5. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Animal Kingdom:
1. Kilimanjaro Safaries
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Expedition Everest
4. Primeval Whirl
5. It’s Tough To Be A Bug
DH and I heve been to Disney once or twice yearly for the past 5 years with his family who are DVC members. Our typical group has been older teens and twentysomethings and my in-laws who are in their 50’s. This year, however, we have a new addition to our family: My 1 year old! That will change our touring style, but with so many people going, I will still be able to enjoy all my favorite rides!
MK: Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Dumbo (I have vivid memories of riding this when I was little!) Haunted Mansion & BTMRR
Epcot: Mission: Space, Test Track, Soarin, Spaceship Earth & Illuminations
DHS: Toy Story Mania, Tower of Terrow, Rock n’ Roller Coaster, Lights! Motor! Action! & Muppetvision
AK: Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safari, Festival of the Lion King, Kali River Rapids & Nemo
This also got me thinking about what rides I am most looking forward to taking DS on next month when we go!
My wife and I go down with our two daughters, now 10 and 5. We (the adults) like thrill rides but that is not why we come to disney.
Magic Kingdom:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Mickey’s Philharmagic
3. Carousel of Progress
4. The Haunted Mansion (would be my wife’s #1)
5. Pirates of the Carribean
Epcot:
1. Soarin’
2. Universe of Energy
3. Living with the Land
4. Turtle Talk with Crush
5. Mexican Pavilion Ride
Studios:
1. Toy Story Mania (my favorite of all parks)
2. Fantasmic
3. Muppets 3D
4. Great Movie Ride
5. Rock n Roller Coaster
AK:
1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. Festival of the Lion King
3. Kali River Rapids
4. Everest
5. Tough to be a Bug
I’m a mom of 2 kids (currently ages 12 & 8…boy & girl respectively). I went to WDW 3 times as a child, and didn’t get the chance to return until 3 years ago with my own kids & hubby…and we made our 2nd trek as a family this past January when my hubby ran the Goofy Challenge. I like mild coasters, hubby likes big thrills, kids are a mix (12 yr old won’t ride TOT, but it’s the 8 yr old’s favorite). My personal favs:
Magic Kingdom:
1. Thunder Mountain
2. Pirates
3. Haunted Mansion
4. Jungle Cruise
5. Tea Cups
Epcot:
1. Soarin’
2. Mission Space (mild)
3. Test Track
4. Living With the Land
5. Spaceship Earth
Studios:
1. Star Tours
2. Great Movie Ride
3. Muppets 3D
4. Magic of Animation
5. Toy Story Mania
Animal Kingdom:
1. Kilimanjaro Safari
2. Kali River Rapids
3. Maharajah Jungle Trek
4. Pagani Forest Trail
5. Discovery Island Trails
Hi! When I travel to Disney it is usually with my kids, son 9 and daughter 6, and with my mother who acts younger than I do at the World. I would say that my top 5 are all not to be missed attractions. We are not very daring on a regular basis. However, I lost my voice screaming on Tower of Terror! (sorry to those who rode with me!)
MK
1. Pirates of the Caribean
2. Haunted Mansion
3. Buzz Lightyear
4. It’s a Small World
5. Peter Pan
Studios
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Star Tours
3. Indiana Jones
4. Great Movie Ride
5. Back Lot Tour
Epcot
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Living with the Land
3. Figment
4. Ellen’s Energy Adventure
5. Malestrom
AK
1. Nemo The Musical
2. The Boneyard
3. Kimimajoro Safari
4. Kayla River Rapids
5. Festival Of the Lion King
Hey there, Hi there, Ho there Mike!
This was a tough decision to make. I love most ALL the attractions. I have traveled in the past with my family, but now my sons are grown and my remaining trips will most likely be jusy my wife and me. We are in our early 40’s and because of our children we do enjoy thrill rides. We generally only get down about every other year.
Magic Kingdom:
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Pirates of the Carribean
3. Big Thunder Mountain
4. Micky’s Phiharmagic
5. Jungle Cruise
Epcot:
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Mission Space (less intense)
3. Universe of Energy
4. Maelstrom
5. British Invasion (big Beatles fan)
Animal Kingdom:
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilimanjaro Safari
3. It’s Tough to be a Bug
4. Dinosaur
5. Maharajah Jungle Trek
Hollywood Studios:
1. Tower of Terror
2. Toy Story Mania
3. Star Tours
4. Great Movie Ride
5. Back Lot Tour
Just my mom and I go to Disney (ages 32 and 62)
MK
1. Haunted Manison
2. Space Mountain
3. Pirates
4. Monster Inc comedy
5. Splash Mountain
Epcot
1. Test Track
2. Maelstrom
3. Soarin
4. Journey into Imagination
5. Mission Space (wuss version 🙂 )
AK
1. Everest
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris
3. Festival of the Lion King
4. Primeval Whirl
5. Dinosaur
Hollywood Studios
1. Tower of Terror
2. Rockin’ Roller Coaster
3. Toy Story
4. Fantasmic
5. Magic of Disney Animation
A little background on our family: I’m a single dad with a 9-year old daughter. Her birthday tradition yearly is to visit WDW since she turned 4, and just the two of us go. And even though we visit WDW several times a year with other friends and family members, my favorite time is when it’s just the two of us. When we go, we always compile a “Must Do” List for each park, and though it’s changed somewhat as she’s gotten older, it’s stayed pretty much the same. She’s quite the daredevil and though I hate to admit it, I think I’m starting to get a little old for the thrill rides :). We also have a favorite restaurant that we eat lunch at every time.
Magic Kindom:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain
3. Pirates of the Carribean
4. it’s a small world
5. The Carousel of Progress
Lunch: Columbia Harbor House
Epcot:
1. Soarin’
2. Test Track
3. Living with the Land
4. Spaceship Earth
5. “Where’s the Fire?” at Innoventions
Lunch: Sunshine Seasons
Animal Kingdom:
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kali River Rapids
3. Kimlimanjaro Safaris
4. “It’s Tough to be a Bug”
5. Festival of the Lion King
Lunch: Restaurantosaurus
Hollywood Studios:
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Rock ‘n Roller Coaster
3. Tower of Terror
4. The Great Movie Ride
5. Fantasmic
Lunch: ABC Comissary
Hi! I am in my mid 30s, married and have one child whose 15 months old and has not been to the World yet. Here are my top 5 in each park:
MK
1) Space Mountain
2) Thunder Mountain
3) Carousel of Progress
4) Philharmagic
5) Haunted Mansion
Epcot
1) Soarin
2) Spaceship Earth
3) Test Track
4) Anything and everything in the World Showcase!
5) Living with the Land
Animal Kingdom
1) Safari
2) Everest
3) Jungle Trek
4) Pangani Trail
5) Dinosaur
Hollywood Studios
1) Tower of Terror
2) Rock and Roller Coaster
3) Muppets 3D
4) Star Tours
5) Great Movie Ride
Hi Mike,
I love your blog! Here are my faves:
I’ll start with Epcot, as that’s my fave park:
1) Soarin
2) Test Track
3) Spaceship Earth
4) Maelstrom – Norway
5) Captain EO (my husband’s fave, and he’s so happy it’s coming back)
HS (my 2nd fave):
1) Tower of Terror
2) Rockin’ Roller Coaster
3) Great Movie Ride
4) Toy Story Mania
5) Fantasmic
MK (tied for 2nd with HS):
1) Peter Pan’s Flight (fave childhood memory)
2) Splash Mountain
3) Space Mountain
4) Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
5) Haunted Mansion
AK:
1) Everest!!!
2) Kilimanjaro Safaris
3) Primeval Whirl
4) Dinosaur
5) It’s tough to be a bug
I’m 40 and usually visit in a combination of with my sons (ages 14 and 10), my husband, or even by myself. Definitely love the thrill rides but there aren’t many attractions that we don’t like!
Magic Kingdom
1) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
2) Haunted Mansion
3) Space Mountain
4) Jungle Cruise
5) Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Epcot
1) Soarin’
2) Test Track
3) Gran Fiesta Tour
4) Mission: Space (less intense)
5) Spaceship Earth
Hollywood Studios
1) Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (MY FAVORITE)
2) American Idol Experience
3) Rock’n Rollercoaster
4) Toy Story Mania
5) Great Movie Ride
Animal Kingdom
1) Expedition Everest
2) Kilimanjaro Safari
3) Primeval Whirl
4) Maharajah Jungle Trek
5) Pangani Forest Trail
We’re in our 20’s/early 30’s with no kids. We love all sorts of rides including thrill rides and the Disney Classics.
MK
1. Splash Mountain
2. Haunted Mansion
3. Pirates
4. Philharmagic
5. Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Epcot
1. Soarin’
2. Living with the Land
3. Test Track
4. Spaceship Earth
5. American Adventure
Hollywood Studios
1. Rockin’Rollercoaster
2. Tower of Terror
3. Toy Story
4. Lights, Motors, Action
5. Muppetvision
AK
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilimanjaro Safari
3. Festival of Lion King
4. Finding Nemo
5. Maharajah Jungle trek
I can’t wait to see your favorite restaurants, and I can’t wait to contribute to THAT list! Eating is what I do best!
I am the adult who is over 18, but I’d like to give the favorites of my daughter who is 2.
MK – Dumbo, Carousel, Small World, Buzz Lightyear, Pooh
Epcot – Nemo Ride, Turtle Talk, Fire Truck in Innovations, Water Squirters on way to World Showcase…sorry just 4
Hollywood – Toy Story Mania, MM Clubhouse, Muppets, Meet & Greet with Cars, Great Movie Ride
AK – Nemo Musical, Kilimanjaro Safari, Pangani Forest Trail, Meet & Greet @ Camp Minnie Mickey, Bugs Life (except the spiders)
Thanks Mike!
I am 26, married and have been going to disney every year with my mom, dad, sister and now husband since I was 14. I like thrill rides, but that doesn’t equate to bein a favorite.
Magic Kingdom
1.Haunted Mansion
2.Peter Pan’s Flight
3.Pirates of the Carribean
4.Splash Mountain
5.Jungle Cruise (with a funny CM for a guide)
Epcot
1.Soarin’
2.Test Track
3.Spaceship Earth
4.Ellen’s Energy Adventure
5.Turtle Talk with Crush
DHS
1.Muppet Vision 3D
2.The Great Movie Ride
3.TZ Tower of Terror
4.Rockin’ Roller Coaster
5.Toy Story Midway Mania
Animal Kingdom
1.Kilamanjaro Safaris
2.Dinosaur
3.Kali River Rapids
4.It’s Tough to be a Bug
5.Festival of the Lion King
My family consists of the hubby and myself (both on the 40 yard line) and two boys, both pre-teens last trip (we also have a 2 y/o but she’s hasn’t been to WDW yet). The younger boy is a total thrill seeker. The older one not so much. And while the hubby and I will both ride the occasional roller coaster, we generally would not consider ourselves thrill seekers.
Magic Kingdom
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
4. Mickey’s Philharmagic
5. Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Epcot
1. Illuminations
2. Soarin’
3. Spaceship Earth
4. Test Track
5. Figment’s Journey into the Imagination
Disney Studios
1. Fantasmic
2. Great Movie Ride
3. Muppet Vision 3D
4. Star Tours
5. Lights, Motors, Action
We haven’t been there since Toy Story Mania opened — I’m pretty sure that would make the Top 5 otherwise.
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris
3. Kali River Rapids
4. It’s Tough to be a Bug
5. Dinosaur
My husband and I are late 30s, no kids – we just love WDW because we’re still kids at heart.
My top 5s:
Magic Kingdom:
1. Space Mountain
2. Haunted Mansion
3. Splash Mountain
4. Mickey’s Philharmagic
5. Peter Pan / Winnie the Pooh (I admit I couldn’t choose – love both, don’t always ride Peter Pan b/c of the ridiculously long waits)
Epcot:
1. Living with the Land
2. Soarin’
3. Turtle Talk with Crush
4. Mission Space
5. Impressions de France
Also – not an attraction – but I love hanging out and listening to the Beatles tribute band
Hollywood Studios:
1. Toy Story
2. Rock ‘n Roller Coaster
3. Animation Academy (the short movie and the academy where you get to draw a character)
4. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
5. MuppetVision 3D (really it was Who Wants to be a Millionaire – but sadly, it’s no longer there)
Animal Kingdom:
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilimanjaro Safari
3. Primeval Whirl
4. Pangani Forest Trail
5. Kali River Rapids (but only when it’s hot!)
Hey Mike – I am 25 and have visited the World 19 times. I have come with just my sister, with my entire family (including two kids), and with many other combinations. My favorite attractions are as follows:
MK
1. Splash Mountain
2. Space Mountain
3. it’s a small world
4. Peter Pan’s Flight
5. Haunted Mansion
EPCOT
1. Soarin’
2. Test Track
3. The Land
4. Figment
5. The Canada Film – I love it!
AK
1. Expedition Everest
2. Safari
3. Dinosaur
4. It’s Tough to be a Bug
5. Triceratop Spin
Hollywood
1. Rock’n’Roller Coaster
2. Tower of Terror
3. Great Movie Ride
4. Toy Story
5. Star Tours
Thanks for all of your great posts!! They are so fun to be able to “visit” when I am not there.
My partner and I visit the World at least once a year, mid thirties, no little ones. Wasn’t sure if I should include some of the entertainment, but without it, a trip to the World wouldn’t be complete for us!
MK
1) Haunted Mansion
2) Pirates of the Carribean
3) SpectroMagic
4) Big Thunder Mountain RR
5) Peoplemover/TTA
EPCOT
1) Illuminations: ROE
2) SpaceShip Earth
3) Food & Wine Festival!
4) Ms. Pam Brody (piano player at UK pub)
5) British Invasion
DAK
1) Kilimanjaro Safaris
2) Expedition Everest
3) Tree of Life Garden Trails
4) Pagani Forest
5) Gorilla Falls
DHS
1) Tower of Terror
2) Great Movie Ride
3) Voyage of the Little Mermaid
4) Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
5) Fastasmic!
Hi I am an avid Disney fan, a self professed “MouseJunkie”! I travel to the World approximately once a year and my partner and I have no children. We occasionally travel with my parents who are also rabid Disney fans. I love ALL Disney rides, including thrill rides. Here are my top 5 for each park.
Magic Kingdom
1.Splash Mountain
2.Haunted Mansion
3.Pirates of Caribbean
4.Space Mountain
5.Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Epcot
1.Soarin
2.Test Track
3.Spaceship Earth
4.Universe of Energy
5.Living with The Land
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
1.Tower of Terror
2.Toy Story Midway Mania
3.Rock n Roller Coaster
4.Fantasmic
5.One Man’s Dream
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
1.Kilimanjaro Safari
2.Finding Nemo The Musical
3.Kali River Rapids
4.Dinosaur
5.It Tough to be a Bug.
I am in my late 20s, no kids yet, and have been going to Disney once every other year or more since I was 2! I love all of it.
MK
1. Splash Mountain
2. Pirates
3. Peter Pan
4. Haunted Mansion
5. Carousel of Progress (my dad visited it at the world’s fair and passed his love on to us!)
Epcot
1. Ellen’s Universe of Energy
2. Figment
3. the Land
4. The Norway boat ride
5. Spaceship Earth
Hollywood Studios
1. Tower of Terror
2. Fantasmic
3. Lights motors action
4. Rockin rollercoaster
5. the honey I shrunk the kids playground
Animal Kingdom
1. The lion King
2. Its tough to be a bug
3. Safari
4. Finding Nemo
5. Everest!
Hey there Mike!! Me, DH, DS(10) & DD(8) are DVC members and are definitely addicted to the Magic! Three of us are thrill seekers, my DD loves to collect autographs, and I of course love everything!
Magick Kingdom
1. Big Thunder Moutain Railroad
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Mickey’s Philharmagic
4. Space Mountain
4. Goofy’s Barnstormer (theming)
Epcot
1. Soarin
2. Test Track
3. Spaceship Earth
4. Turtle Talk with Crush
5. All of World Showcase
Hollywood Studios
1. Rocknroller Coaster
2. Tower of Terror
3. Toy Story Mania
4. Fantasmic (would be ranked higher but for the crowd)
5. Star Tours
Animal Kingdom
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kilamanjar Safari
3. Kali River Rapids
4. Pagani Forest Trail
5. Primevil Whirl
Hey, I’m currently a college sophmore (about to be junior in the fall…) and go with my family: my parents and three siblings, two being teenagers and one being a college graduate. Most of us have a tendency to enjoy thrill rides and roller coasters. I also like some of the more classic attractions.
Magic Kingdom:
1. Space Mountain
2. Splash Mountain
3. Haunted Mansion
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. It’s A Small World
Epcot:
1. Soarin
2. Test Track
3. Mission: SPACE
4. Spaceship Earth
5. Universe of Energy (I miss Bill Nye the Science Guy…)
Hollywood Studios:
1. Rock N’ Roller Coaster
2. Tower of Terror
3. Muppetvision 3D
4. Star Tours
5. The Great Movie Ride
Animal Kingdom:
1. Expedition Everest
2. Dinosaur
3. Primeval Whirl
4. Kilimanjaro Safaris
5. Maharajah Jungle Trek
My boyfriend (26) and I (25) love thrill rides but we have other favorites that are not thrill rides as well. This is my list for today – but this list constantly changes.
Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, The Walt Disney World Railroad, and The Jungle Cruise.
EPCOT: Soarin’, Test Track, Mission:Space, Gran Fiesta Tour, and Maelstrom.
Hollywood Studios: Rockin’ Roller Coaster, The Great Movie Ride, Toy Story Midway Mania, Star Tours, and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.
Animal Kingdom: Dinosaur, Kilimanjaro Safari, Expedition Everest, It’s Tough to be a Bug, and Finding Nemo: The Musical.
I’m in my early thirty’s two kids, my 11 year old loves thrill rides but I don’t…so here are MY favorites. I’m a Florida resident and go about once or twice a year.
MK
1. It’s a Small World
2. Carousel of Progress
3. People Mover as I call it…Tomorrowland Transit Autority
4. Peter Pan
5. Pirates of the Caribbean
Epcot
1. Spaceship Earth
2. Soarin’
3. Living with the land
4. Gran Fiesta Tour
5. Maelstrom
Hollywood Studios
1. Toy Story Mania
2. Great Movie Ride
3. Muppet Vision 3-D
4. Backlot tour
5. Beauty and the Beast
Animal Kingdom
1. Festival of the Lion King
2. Safari
3. Dinosaur
4. It’s tough to be a bug
5. Triceratop Spin
We travel with a teen and tween. Sometimes just the kids and I go to WDW. Two are thrill seekers and two are not.
Magic Kingdom–Splash, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Philharmagic, Carousel of Progress
Epcot–The entire World Showcase!, Soarin, Test Track, Mission Space, Spaceship Earth
Studios–Toy Story Mania, Muppets 3D, Magic of Disney Animation, Fantasmic, One Man’s Dream
Animal Kingdom–Kilimanjaro Safari, Maharajah Jungle Trek, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, Finding Nemo The Musical, Festival of the Lion King
Hi Mike! Loved your Touring Epcot Blogs! My 9 year Daughter and I have been traveling to to Disney every year since she was 3 (once a year is not nearly enough for us) and we love the Roller Coaster/Thrill Rides. Here are our favorites which was not easy to do:
Magic Kingdom:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Space Mountain
3. Big Thunder Mountain
4. Goofy’s Barnstormer
5. Peter Pan’s Flight
Epcot:
1. Soarin
2. Test Track
3. SpaceShip Earth
4. Maelstrom
5. Figment
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
1. Tower of Terror
2. Rock N Roller Coaster
3. Toy Story Mania
4. Great Movie Ride
5. Fantasmic
Animal Kingdom:
1. Expedition Everest
2. Kali River Rapids
3. Tough to be a Bug
4. Primeval Whirl
5. Conservation Station (my daughter loves animals and the petting zoo)
Hi! Husband and I are mid-twenties w/ no children (yet). We just like to be entertained, whether it involves thrills, laughs, or intrigue
Magic Kingdom
1) Space Mountain
2) Pirates of the Caribbean
3) Splash Mountain
4) Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
5) Carousel of Progress
*Didn’t know if I could put Dining at Cosmic Ray’s with Sonny Eclipse!
Epcot
1) Spaceship Earth
2) The Living Seas Aquarium
3) Journey Into Imagination With Figment
4) “O Canada!” Movie (Husband is Canadian lol)
5) Living with the Land
Hollywood Studios
1) Muppet Vision 3D
2) Tower of Terror
3) Rock’n Rollercoaster
4) Star Tours
5) The Magic of Disney Animation
Animal Kingdom
1) Tarzan Rocks!!! 🙁
2) DINOSAUR
3) Kilimanjaro Safaris
3) It’s a Bug’s Life
5) Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
MK Top 5
1) Splash Mountain
2) Haunted Mansion
3) Pirates of the Carribean
4) It’s A Small World
5) Space Mountain
Epcot Top 5
1) Soarin’
2) Ellen’s Energy Adventure
3) Spaceship Earth
4) Mission Space
5) Test Track
DHS Top 5
1) Muppetvision 3D
2) Tower of Terror
3) Rock N Roller Coaster
4) Toy Story Mania
5) Walt Disney One Man’s Dream
AK Top 5
1) Expedition Everest
2) Dinosaur
3) Festival of the Lion King
4) Kilmanjaro Safari
5) Maharaj Jungle Trek