The dictionary definition of “Impressive” is “having the ability to impress the mind; arousing admiration, awe, respect, etc.; moving; admirable:”
From that, we’re able to create a list of experiences that bring you to discuss how awesome something was when you’re walking out of the exit line.
RISE OF THE RESISTANCE
The e-ticket attraction for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is an incredible attestation for Disney Imagineering, as it brings multiple elements together with a complete story.
From the queue to the multiple touchpoints throughout the experience, it’ll leave you wanting to see how the creatives would tackle other attractions if they had the chance.
SOARIN
I’ve seen Soarin’ many times, as I shared a trailer with their cast members during my contract at the Canadian Pavilion and it was during a time of paper FastPasses.
For the sheer number of rides that started with Patrick Wharburton’s pre-show and ended with an attraction that provided a mesmerizing blend of audio, video and scents…I’m still in awe of the attraction!
Why is it Impressive?
- We all know the story about how it was created. An Imagineer was playing with an Erector set and came up with the ride vehicle where it would be able to lift a group of people and put them in front of a screen.
- The emotional side of the story, in where you’re taken around the world to see the sights that you dream to visit…right from the comfort of a FastPass attraction at EPCOT.
- It’s not just thrilling – It’s impressive! The quantity of film, the style of storytelling and the fact that you’re sharing this experience with family and strangers side-by-side.
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ROCK N ROLLERCOASTER
You know going into the ride that you’re on a linear induction coaster which will shoot you from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds and that it’s themed around Aerosmith. Outside of that, you’re stepping into a building that transports you into classic Disney-style story-telling experience that just happens to culminate in you being strapped into a super-stretch limo for 2 minutes of crazy thrills!
The impressive features of the ride are all over the place, but you’re looking at one main feature…
You’re counting down – 5, 4, 3, 2, AND YOU SKIP ONE!
That single feature creates a sense of excitement that you only wrap your head around when you’re at the end of the ride in the alley outside the arena. It works and it’s impressive!
TOWER OF TERROR
What goes up, must come down.
When I was trying to put this list together, my goal wasn’t to include everything that was thrilling…because I’ve already got the Most Thrilling Attractions at Disney World article. Outside of the ride vehicle and the randomizing of the drop sequences, the impressive feature is actually the buy-in that you get from the entire cast!
The Bellhops are essential to the story, because they are the last thing you see as the elevator doors close and the first thing you see when you return to reality. That type of teamwork is so awesome and impressive to overall number of staff that it takes to keep this attraction up and running!
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FLIGHT OF PASSAGE
Apparently, after getting off Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with Jill…I said the word “wow” no less than ten times before hitting the gift shop.
The level of detail mixed in with the perfect use of technology and emotional connection with the story elements turned this experience from a basic “screen” ride to an Impressive Attraction.
I’m not saying that it’s worth the 4-5 hour long waits that some have spent in line, but scheduling a day at the Animal Kingdom around getting a Lightning Lane reservation for Flight of Passage is completely acceptable!
SPACE MOUNTAIN
Most think about this as an aging rollercoaster that needs some good ol’ fashioned TLC. I agree, but the fact that Space Mountain has lasted since 1972 without having a Disneyland-style upgrade (where they had to gut the attraction and completely change it) says something about the impressive legacy that it holds within the repertoire of experiences at the Magic Kingdom.
Impressive? Absolutely! Knowing where you should lean and when you should hold on is a skill set that I’m tempted to put on my resume! 😉
Honourable Mentions
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Tron: Lightcycle Run
- Monorail
Hope this article helps with your trip planning for your next vacation to Walt Disney World! It was a ton of fun to write, as I’m a huge fan of experiences that make you want to do over and over because it’s THAT impressive!