Pre-shows are part of the experience that sets Disney World apart from your local regional theme park.
You’ll step into a storyline that starts long before your seatbelt is tightened, so although the images and videos that you see online for on-ride POV are awesome…it’s so much more impactful when you’re there in person.
There are a number of elements that go into a memorable queues and we’re not even going to get into the experiences that are just one long line that doubles back continuously. The good and the bad, there’s a number of pre-shows that will take you away from the sweaty folks around you and prepare your party for the adventure that they’ve been waiting for!
Disney World Attraction Pre-Shows That Are Worth Waiting in Line For
SOARIN
When I was coming up with the list, Patrick Warburton’s take on a flight attendant was the first thing to come to mind. Sure, he just takes you through the safety spiel, but the way he does it! Calm, cool and collected with a sense of humor that only Kronk can bring to the role. There’s a reason why his performance was brought back when Soarin’ became ‘Soarin’ Around the World’.
ROCK N ROLLER COASTER
Sure, it’s lame acting…but the fact that the pre-show is as quotable and epic is what brings Rock n Roller Coaster to the table for this conversation. Super Stretch Limos and the scene of being in a recording studio at G-Force Records means that this is just the beginning for your trip to the Forum!
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DINOSAUR
Hello There!
Dr. Seeker is probably the best non-Disney character at Animal Kingdom! His personality and excitement for the adventure that you’re around to take really gets everyone interested in the storyline of the attraction. Even if you didn’t get the theme or the backstory…his reference to flash photography and how it alters the homing signal of the vehicle that “that’s not good” is hilarious!
HAUNTED MANSION
The icon of any pre-show is the stretching room. Granted, the original Disneyland version of the Haunted Mansion uses the pre-show as an elevator to transport guests to where they need to be for the loading area, but the Disney World room is still awesome. It’s an introduction to the Ghost Host that guests of all ages are not likely to forget anytime soon;)
STAR TOURS
I guess I’m just a fan of the attraction more than most, but Aly San San (voiced by Allison Janney) is a huge compliment to the fact that Star Tours is now as unpredictable and repeatable as ever. Just knowing that CJ Cregg from the West Wing is telling me when to put my 3D glasses on is worth the wait (although I very rarely if ever ride it without a Fastpass!)
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
I’d be crazy to not put a nod to Tower of Terror and MuppetVision, but those are more about the overall queue experiences than the traditional pre-show, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t add to the storyline. Every pre-show can’t be the best right?
Hope that you enjoyed my list! If you think that there are other pre-shows that belong on the “Best” list, let me know over at our Facebook Page! In the meantime, feel free to visit one of my many other articles here at Steps to Magic!
