Tag Archives: Splash Mountain

Everyone has their favorites when they travel to Disney World. Some parks can be a little tougher than others to narrow down favorite rides. The Magic Kingdom is a good example, because it has over 40 attractions. That’s a lot of attractions and they are all fun! I decided to do a list of my favorites from the Magic Kingdom.

However, I have not been to all the attractions, most but not all. I am hoping to remedy this on the next trip. So some attractions are not on the list because I have not experienced them yet. Astro Orbiter is on the list of attractions not yet experienced, so I did not put it on my top attraction list.

Another attraction not on the list is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. We tried it during the last trip and while it was fun, for me, I felt it was too short. Loved the animatronics, but I wish it was a longer ride. They had limited space to work with, so I get why it’s not a longer ride, but this is the reason it’s not on my list for top attractions.

Since there are so many attractions in the Magic Kingdom, I strayed from the typical “Top 10” list. Instead I have a “Top 12” list. Again, this is my own personal list. Everyone’s favorites will vary, but this is a good starting point for adults who have never been to Disney World and want to know where to begin.

Top 12 List

12. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor – I still love the movie and I love going to this “comedy club” run by Mike. Guests are invited to come in, laugh, and help Mike fill up the giant laugh tank that is next to the stage. The monsters that come on stage to tell jokes can respond to the audience in real time (like Turtle Talk with Crush), which is really fun!

The technology with this attraction is seriously cool. Plus, there is a video before you enter the theater and in the video Mike will give you a password to use if you want to text a joke to be used for the show. It’s always fun to see if your joke will be picked!

Fair warning, they do have audience participation that is more involved than texting a joke. So if you are someone that doesn’t like to speak in front of other people you might want to skip this one.

11. The Hall of Presidents – This may not be one of the more popular attractions, but I love this one. I love history, so this is perfect for me. Plus, the animatronics are fun, especially when they add a new president.

When one president is talking, make sure to look at the other presidents too. They don’t just stand/sit there when one is talking. They always seem to be making movements, big or small, that make the animatronics look more realistic. I love it!

The building itself is impressive too, it is modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and they have an artifact collection that has authentic items once owned by past presidents. On hot days this is a great place to sit, relax, and enjoy some history (and the air conditioning!).

10.This a great ride for when you want to ride something slow and relax. It is a 10-minute ride that takes you through Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Mickey’s Star Traders (store), and Progress City (the plan for the area that is now Epcot). You are high up, so you get a nice overhead view of Tomorrowland and during parts of the ride you can see the castle. So if you are on the ride when Wishes is going on, you will be able to see the fireworks from the ride.

You also pass over Tomorrowland Speedway and you might even see some characters down below on your ride. I always make time for this ride. Visiting the Magic Kingdom can get busy and stressful, so it is nice to have a ride that never has lines and just lets you relax and enjoy the sights.

9. Enchanted Tales with Belle – I know, this is a list for adults, but this is such a fun and cute experience. You go into Maurice’s cottage and first you meet the wardrobe who gets you ready and picks people to be a part of Belle’s story.

Then you walk through the magic mirror into the library in the Beast’s castle. Lumiere is on the mantle and then Belle comes in to help tell her story. It is fun to watch everyone who participates in the story, both kids and adults are picked to help, and Belle walks all around the room as she acts out her story.

Once the story is done, guests are allowed to have a (quick) picture session with Belle. When we were there she gave each of the children a bookmark.

The whole experience is fun, but what I found really impressive were the animatronic wardrobe and Lumiere. Their movements are so smooth you can almost believe that a wardrobe and candlestick holder are talking. So even if you are not visiting with kids, I would still recommend seeing this attraction. It is so well done and entertaining!

8. Mickey’s Philharmagic – I love this 3D show. The queue line has fun musical posters starring some of your favorite Disney characters. When you get closer to the theater you will be able to grab your 3D glasses and make your way into the theater.

Make sure to move to the end of the row. There is nothing more annoying than someone who had to go in first, but wants to sit in the middle of the row. Don’t be that person, keep moving to the end or don’t be among the first to go in the theater.

Ok, the PSA is over, back to the attraction. The story follows Donald after he has taken Mickey’s Sorcerer’s hat to try and play conductor. Instead he ends up chasing the hat through a lot of fun scenes and running into a lot of familiar Disney faces.

At the end of the show make sure to look behind you. This is such a fun show and it is another great way to escape the heat on one of those very hot summer days in Florida.

7. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – This is a ride that is fun for both kids and adults. Buzz will give you a briefing before you begin in the fun queue line that Disney created for this ride.

You are given the rank of Junior Space Ranger and you have to stop Zurg from stealing batteries from toys. The star cruiser that you sit in spins around and you take aim with your space cannon, which has an invisible infrared laser, and try to hit as many targets as you can.

This is a ride that takes a picture, so you can have an action shot of you defending the galaxy. The star cruisers seat two people, so you can compete with a family member or friend for the highest score. Try for a high score and become a “Galactic Hero” on this fun ride!

6. Haunted Mansion – A classic ride that I like to ride at least once on each trip. The queue line for this attraction is a lot of fun. Make sure to read all the tombstones, watch out for the Sea Captain’s tomb, try pushing in the books on the bookcase, and make some music with the musical crypt. There is so much to see and do in the queue line, so you don’t have to worry about being bored while you wait.

Once the cast members open the door and invite you inside (they all play this part so well!) you are introduced to your Ghost Host. The Ghost Host will have a little fun with all the guests and then it is time to board your ‘Doom Buggy’, and ride your way through the mansion.

My favorite parts are the hitchhiking ghosts and the ballroom scene. This is definitely a must-see attraction! Remember, there are 999 happy haunts…and there is always room for one more.

5. Pirates of the Caribbean – This attraction is special, because it is the last one that Walt had a hand in designing before he passed away.

The queue for this ride is designed after a Spanish fortress. There are so many details to see as you wind your way to the boarding area for the ride. Once you get to the boarding area you will take a seat in one of the barges and start your pirate adventure!

There are multiple scenes that you will see on this 9 minute ride and there is a lot to look at in each scene. Detail certainly is not lacking. Make sure to keep an eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow and other characters from the Pirates movies.

4. Cinderella Castle – It is not a ride, but it certainly is an attraction.

You see the 189 foot castle once you enter the park and it is a beautiful sight. When you make your way to the castle, just walk right through it. There are five beautiful murals in the corridor of  the castle, which tell the story of Cinderella.

If you want more of the castle experience you can make reservations at Cinderella’s Royal Table, a character (princess) dining experience inside the castle. There is also a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside the castle, but that is only for kids.

At night the castle is lit and changes colors. During Halloween and the holiday season, the castle will be lit to match the season. The icicle lights on the castle during the holiday season are beautiful.

3. Space Mountain – How could Space Mountain not make it on the list? There is a Space Mountain at every Disney Resort.

Once you enter the space station, you will pass space station training sessions along your way to the boarding area. Then you get to board your rocket ship.

There are two different rocket ships available to board. So there are two different set of tracks in Space Mountain and that makes the ride even more fun. You can hear the people on the other track screaming and laughing and they don’t sound that far from you.

Once you “take off” you will go through a bright and pulsating tunnel, but when you reach the top of the incline it’s darkness for the rest of the ride. With the exception of some shooting stars, comets, and meteors. This classic is definitely on the list for every visit.

2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Sure this ride can be a little rough and bumpy, but that’s part of the fun! There is a reason they call it “The Wildest Ride in the West!”

The queue is an abandoned mine shaft, so it’s fun to look at all the details as you wait. Once you reach the boarding area, you will take a seat on your runaway locomotive. Then the fun begins! As you are zooming around the mountain, try to look at all the details. You might spot a goat or two! Again, this ride can be a little rough and bumpy.

You should definitely expect to be smashed against the person sitting next to you, at some point in the ride. Despite the rough ride, this is one of my favorites. Besides the ride is supposed to be rough, it’s a runaway train! So hop on the train and hang on tight for a fun ride through the mountain!

1. Splash Mountain – This is my number one ride. I have to do this ride on every trip. I love walking through the queue and seeing all the different pictures.

Your ride vehicle is a log and it will float you through a bunch of different scenes that tell the story of Br’er Rabbit. He leaves his home to try and find his “laughing place.” His foes along the way are Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox who he tries to avoid at every turn.

There are a some dips in the ride, but you know you are in for “the big one” when your log starts climbing, you see the crows, and there is a light that you will soon find out is the top of the ride. I love this part! The drop still scares me and I have yet to keep my eyes open on the way down the 5 story drop, but I would ride this ride over and over again.

The drops may be scary, but they are fun, and there are so many animatronics to look at along your journey. One of my favorites is the riverboat near the end of the ride. With all the music, the fun animatronics, and the thrilling drop, this ride is easily my number one favorite ride!

Everyone’s list will be different and everyone’s number one favorite will be different. These are my favorites and I hope it is a good starting point for those that have never been to Magic Kingdom and are looking for some good attractions. What are your favorites at Magic Kingdom?

Thanks for reading!

*Liz*