It seems that whenever a new attraction opens at Walt Disney World, the feedback is immediate and, usually, positive. It’s immediate because we are inundated with ride reports in every Disney-based forum or podcast in existence—not to mention the multiple YouTube videos that are posted. Most of us gobble it up as quickly as possible because we want to know—and we want to know now. We’re all part of this global Mouse-eared network sharing Disney information as soon as it becomes, well… information.
I mentioned that the feedback on new, or significantly modified attractions is “usually” positive, but that’s not always the case. When the newly renovated Haunted Mansion was opened, the reviews were almost unanimously glowing. We all loved the new audio, the attic staircase, and the bride. I think the applause was equally deafening for Soarin’ and Expedition Everest when they first opened, and only slightly less so for the renovations at the Pirates of the Caribbean. Most loved the changes but, there were a few traditionalists that just weren’t happy with Captain Jack Sparrow’s appearances throughout the ride.
While mixed reviews aren’t uncommon, the recent re-opening of Spaceship Earth has even generated mixed reviews by single reviewers—this writer included. I loved the ride up. The ride down? Not so much. The list of attractions, and the mixed reviews, goes on. Most everyone loves Mickey’s Philharmagic but some lament the passing of its predecessor, the Legend of the Lion King. Mission: Space is a wonderful addition to Epcot, but I really liked Horizons, the attraction it replaced. I wasn’t a huge fan of Alien Encounter, but I preferred it over Stitch’s Great Escape. You can insert a few of your own here.
Now, I told you all of that so I could tell you this: I have never seen such complete acceptance of a new attraction as I’m witnessing with the opening of the new Toy Story (Midway) Mania. (Note that “Midway” is in parentheses because apparently Disney can’t decide what this ride should be called. “Midway” is used in marketing material but, not the ride literature—or is it the other way around? Or is it the attraction’s signage that contains it—or doesn’t? I can’t keep track so, for the purposes of this article, it will be called Toy Story Mania only because I’m not a very good typist and that gives me one less word that I can mess up.)
Where were we? Ah, yes… Toy Story Mania. Did I say “complete acceptance?” That’s an understatement. I spend a fair number of my non-sleeping hours cruising Disney-based discussion forums and listening to Disney-based podcasts. I have yet to read or hear anything less than a glowing review of this attraction. The only remotely negative comments I have come across are, “My arm was a bit sore, from pulling the firing string… after the third ride.” I won’t have a chance to experience this attraction myself until later this year but, I’m pretty sure I’m going to like it.
That got me thinking about my personal favorite attractions. What is about a ride that I really like? (Aren’t these multiple-segue columns fun?) I often think back to my first visit to Walt Disney World in 1984. While I can’t recall a lot of the specifics, I do remember being enthralled by the dark rides. There was something about being taken to another place and/or another time that captured me. I was particularly impressed with the Omnimover rides at Epcot: Spaceship Earth, Horizons, World of Motion and… what was the Imagination ride called back then? Journey Into Imagination? Not to be confused with Journey Into Your Imagination or Journey Into Imagination… With Figment (how do we keep these straight?).
So, we’ve established that I like the dark rides. Not that I dislike thrill rides like Space Mountain, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with Aerosmith or Expedition Everest. It’s just that my preference is to get my thrills artificially, without subjecting my body to G-forces, backward sprints or inversions. One of the phrases I began using during my first visit in 1984 was that the attractions “assaulted the senses.” Through the clever combinations of sight, sound and motion, you can be made to feel as if you’re hurtling through outer space, hang gliding over some California cliffs, or riding in a helicopter over Manhattan. By simply letting your mind and senses absorb the stimuli, you’re transported—usually without risking the loss of your last meal. Yeah, that’s how I roll.
What are my favorite rides? This will seem like sacrilege, but for some time, I would have told you my absolute favorite was the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman at Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure. It’s a dark ride combined with 3D film and live action. When the 3D Spiderman jumps on to your car, the car pitches in response. The effect is very real and very clever. What’s not to love? I had no problem at all riding three times in succession. To me, it represented theme park ride engineering (notice I avoided the term “Imagineering”) at its best. And I lamented that Disney hadn’t utilized similar technology in its attractions. Unfortunately, at least for me, the rest of Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure fell short. I mentioned that I’m not a huge fan of coasters so there wasn’t a real attraction to the Hulk or Dueling Dragons. The rest of the park held no real interest—most of the attractions we’re just “OK” in my opinion so there wasn’t anything pulling me back there for repeat visits.
It now appears that the Imagineers have listened to my telepathic messages and utilized a similar, but equally immersive, array of technology in Toy Story Mania. From what I’ve read, seen (via online video) and heard, it’s a dark ride (sort of), with 3D imagery and (here’s where it one-ups Spidey)… it’s interactive. You get to shoot things (insert a few Tim Allen grunts here). What more could you want?
So we’ve now come full circle and are back talking about Toy Story Mania—an attraction I am anxious to ride but I won’t be able to for several months yet. I’m reasonably certain that it will quickly join the list of my favorite attractions—those that are “must rides” for every trip. What are they? I’m so glad you asked, and in keeping with a recent theme initiated by my good buddies over at the MouseStation, here are my top three attractions in each park.
Magic Kingdom
- Mickey’s Philharmagic – It’s a great 3D film with some of my favorite songs from Disney’s movies. And… it has Donald Duck. It’s very high on the “Repeatability Scale” for me.
- Jungle Cruise – This choice will probably surprise some people, including my family, but it’s always been a favorite of mine. Not every ride is a ‘10’, but, when you get the right skipper… If you get the chance, try it at night for a bit of a different experience.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – I mentioned that I’m not a huge roller coaster guy, but this is a bit tame by most coaster standards. For me, it delivers just the right level of thrill without ruining the rest of my day. It’s also a great ride in the dark.
Epcot
- Soarin’ – This is quite possibly my favorite attraction on the planet (so far). It perfectly caters to my preference for vicarious thrills. I’ll probably never have the chance, or the desire frankly, to hang glide over California, but Soarin’ offers the next best thing.
- Mission: Space – I’ve ridden both Orange (spinning) and Green (non-spinning) and consider this to be a great ride either way.
- Spaceship Earth – admit to being less than impressed with the new version’s ending sequences, but the ride through the history of communications still captures me. There’s so much detail there and so many stories told.
- World Showcase – I know I said “top three” and World Showcase isn’t really an attraction, but I had to include it here. There’s nothing better than walking that promenade after dark.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Arguably the best themed attraction in Florida (yeah, I could also argue for Expedition Everest).
- Star Tours – I know it’s been there for almost twenty years and I’m at the head of the line asking George Lucas for a new film, but where else can you fly through that trench on the Death Star and make that bombing run? And by the way… we’re all going to love this attraction when it’s refurbished with that new 3D film.
- MuppetVision 3D – I guess you would think that I’m a fan of 3D films, but in this case I’m a fan of the Muppets. They never stop being funny. As a bonus, there’s not a better pre-show anywhere.
Animal Kingdom
- Festival of the Lion King – Quite possibly the best live entertainment on property.
- Kilimanjaro Safaris – Let’s face it; this is as close as many of us will ever get to a real African Safari.
- Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek – We’ll call this a third-place tie but I’m a huge fan of attractions that allow you to move through at your own speed, spending as much or as little time as you need.
If I think about it some more, I’m certain I’d modify that list and probably include some I left out as Honorable Mentions but, for now… that’s my opinion. What’s yours?
