“I’m Bored” is something that has never been said by anyone on a Walt Disney World vacation!
When you put the list of rides, shows, shops, dining options…there are literally hundreds of things to do. This is why we have so much fun planning trip activities in advance so that way you can make the most of your moment. When planning your trip, what makes an attraction a Must Do? For many of us, it’s more of a decision as to whether or not something is a “classic”.
This list is all about sharing those experiences that bring an understanding to the brand and the hard work that went into establishing the standards from the very beginning.
**Editors Note** This list is not filled exclusively with E-ticket rides. There’s more to an attraction than the thrills and dollars spent.
NUMBER 10 – KILIMANJARO SAFARI
Although you may not have thought about the Safari as a “classic”, but when you put together the fact that the opening day attraction is still a fan favourite with constant additions and new add-ons (like the Wild Africa Trek) and the lines…well it belongs on the list for sure!
It’s at the top because of the amount of space that imagineers dedicated to it, with over 800 square miles in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve!
Related Article – Fun Facts about the Kilimanjaro Safaris
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NUMBER 9 – HAUNTED MANSION
Opening Day attraction with a familiar, yet unique storyline. One of the most popular attractions in the Magic Kingdom, with new updates to the ride and the queue, it’s completely one of those “must-do” classic attractions in the most visited theme park in the world!
Related Article – Fun Facts about the Haunted Mansion
NUMBER 8 – GREAT MOVIE RIDE (GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN)
Most people forget that the GMR was originally designed to be the main attraction in a show business themed pavilion at EPCOT, but then CEO Micheal Eisner decided otherwise and long-story short…Disney’s MGM Studios became a thing.
We look at the Great Movie Ride as a shell of the ideas, dreams and plans, but that doesn’t mean that you should skip it. In fact, experiencing the attraction will give you a better understanding as to what the park was originally designed to be, which is mind-blowing when you look at what’s coming soon!
NUMBER 7 – SPACE MOUNTAIN
It doesn’t get more classic than Space Mountain. Slight modifications aside, the ride has stayed the same since debuting in 1975! Alpha and Omega (we prefer the extra 10ft of track on the Alpha side) provide you with a level of excitement that few attractions can still offer…whether or not you’ll actually make it to the end!
Oh, and nothing says “Classic Disney” like ride vehicles that you literally have to crawl out of when you’re tall!
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NUMBER 6 – BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD
Another attraction that’s not quite an opening day offering, BTM has been around since 1980, which is a full 8 years after the Magic Kingdom opened. After 35+ years of thrilling guests of all ages, the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness definitely belongs in the ‘Classic’ category!
NUMBER 5 – SPACESHIP EARTH
Icons are important, and whether you’re focusing on the photogenic side of the giant golf ball (or ‘Geodesic sphere’ if you’re like us and love correcting people), or feeling the need to enjoy the omnimover ride of the future…Spaceship Earth is a classic!
NUMBER 4 – PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
For an attraction that some would suggest lost the ‘classic’ element when Captain Jack Sparrow was introduced to the storyline, Pirates is still fortunate enough to have a few elements of Walt!
If only we could get the Blue Bayou and those delicious Monte Cristo sandwiches on the east coast!
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NUMBER 3 – PETER PAN’S FLIGHT
No surprise here. The popularity of the attraction to this day still brings in the crowds in excess of 90 minutes continuously. It’s also an experience that’s been virtually unchanged since opening day in the Magic Kingdom (minus the scene one queue line expansion).
The only downfall is that after waiting for 90-minutes, the attraction is less than 3 minutes in total!
NUMBER 2 – THE AMERICAN ADVENTURE
Opening Day at EPCOT was focused on creating a memorable park filled with futuristic elements, but in the back of the park was the World Showcase. This was more about culture, historical significance and utilizing technology to tell a story.
The attraction is housed inside of a pavilion which was designed to showcase the spirits of American values, and although it may not be the most popular of the Top 10…it definitely deserves to be on the list.
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ADDITIONAL CLASSICS (MOST OF THE MAGIC KINGDOM BELONGS ON THIS LIST)
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
- it’s a Small World
- Jungle Cruise
- The Monorail
- Living with the Land
NUMBER 1 – ENCHANTED TIKI ROOM
The Magic Kingdom is filled with amazing attractions and experiences, but nothing says ‘Walt Disney’ more than the Enchanted Tiki Room!
Regardless of what you do when you’re at Walt Disney World, you should make a point to visit these classics!
