50th Anniversary: Ranking Walt Disney World Rides

While the number one reason we go to Disney is the snacks, we obviously have certain attractions we cannot miss when we’re down there. Here are our top 10 favorite rides across all four parks.

10. The Haunted Mansion

While Megan loves this ride, Allison has begrudgingly put it on the list. She was traumatized by this ride when her mom tricked her on it at age seven and then it broke down in front of Madame Leota. However in recent years she has begun to appreciate it more and more, and no list would be complete without these happy haunts!

9.Dumbo

Is there anything more iconic than riding in an elephant high above the Magic Kingdom? Between the nostalgia of childhood and the stunning views of the castle, this classic ride cannot be missed on any trip.

8. Dinosaur

We will never forget the sheer terror and subsequent delight we had after experiencing this ride on a whim for the first time. We had no idea what to expect, and honestly no words can do justice to describing the experience like the photo below does (Sorry, Jackie).

7. Flight of Passage

The sheer majesty of Flight of Passage truly cannot be matched in the parks. Every detail, from the smell of Pandora to the feel of the Banshee breathing create a fully immersive experience that is always worth the wait. 

6. Slinky’s Roller Coaster

We don’t know what’s more delightful--the sheer joy of the Slinky Dog springing into action, or the brightly colored world it zooms through. We think this is such a joyful edition to Hollywood Studios, and unlike another recent edition (cough, Smuggler’s Run, cough) it’s a blast no matter what position you’re in on the coaster.

5. Toy Story Mania

Raise your hand if you have been personally victimized by the ring toss portion of this game. No matter how many times you ride this, it’s always different, making it for an exciting and competitive way to spend your time at Hollywood Studios. 

4. Soarin’

While we will always have a soft spot for flying over the Orange Groves of California, we agree that Soarin’ Around the World makes more sense at EPCOT. We love the feeling of sitting in the front row of the center hanger, wind blowing and experiencing the wonders of the world around us. 

NOTE: THESE NEXT THREE TRULY COULD BE IN ANY ORDER

3. Space Mountain

One time, at our friend Andrea’s bachelorette party, we hopped back to the Magic Kingdom late at night. All we wanted to do was ride Space Mountain before our fireworks reservation, however the wait was about 90 minutes. The two of us went to talk to the cast member at the front of line to see if there was any way just the bride and her maid of honor could ride somehow through the fast pass line. This angel cast member did us one better, and got the entire bachelorette party a special fast pass so we could all take a wild ride through space. This story doesn’t have a lot to do with the ride, however it does highlight the magic the cast members bring to each attraction.

2. Peter Pan’s Flight

There is no ride more nostalgic for Allison that Peter Pan’s Flight, and to us it is the PERFECT encapsulation of a Disney dark ride. Truly think of all the joy you’ll find, when you leave the world behind and soar over a tiny London, complete with a Tower Bridge.

1. Tower of Terror

This ride is simple. You go into an elevator. You see scary ghosts. You go up and down in the elevator. It is perfect. No notes.