When you visit the local fair, there are rollercoasters and spinners, flume rides and dark rides…but no one brings a story to life like the Walt Disney Imagineers.
With the features that most guests don’t notice (because they blend in so well), or the iconic nature of an “industry-first”, there’s more to an attraction than a great logo and good IP (intellectual property). Let me show you my picks for the most incredible ride vehicles you’ll find at Walt Disney World!
1. HAUNTED MANSION
The Haunted Mansion DoomBuggy is classic, timeless and breathtaking on every level imaginable. The features which allows you to go swivel on a moving track in order to go backwards down a hill AND still offer a freeing sense of adventure is my kind of ride-vehicle.
Yes, kids get a little scared when you first explain that it’s a haunted house, but most want to get back in line after getting through…and most of that comes from the DoomBuggy experience. Perfection!
2. TRON LIGHTCYCLE RUN
Oh, you want to talk about an awesome ride vehicle? These lightcycles aren’t your typical coaster train! The forward-lean position really makes you feel like you’re racing through the Grid (and trust me, it’s WAY cooler at night).
Here’s a quick tip – if you’re worried about the unique seating position, there’s a test vehicle outside where you can try it out. And if it’s not your style, they’ve got some modified vehicles at the back that have a more traditional seat setup.
3. FLIGHT OF PASSAGE
Although most guests haven’t had the chance to experience this E-Ticket experience at Pandora: The World of Avatar, the ride vehicles are futuristic and reliable at the same time. The look and feel of the banshees bring you into the attraction in a way that no other vehicle could offer.
Grab a Lightning Lane reservation and you’ll see why the attraction is a Must-See at Walt Disney World already!
4. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
When you step into the boat at Pirates of the Caribbean, you’re setting foot in an adventure that will bring you face to face with dastardly pirates…and Captain Jack Sparrow. I’ve always loved the feeling that you get when you’re going down the drop and crashing into a wall of water without getting soaked, and for that reason (and many others) the boat makes its way onto our list.
Oh, and props to the operations of the ride, as the cast members don’t squish too many guests in the same row with you.
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5. SOARIN’
When the initial concept for the ride vehicle was revealed, engineer Mark Summer was the star. He showcased how Imagineering thinks about concepts…with the end goal and bringing in outside ideas. Who’d a thunk that an Erector Set would be the basis of an attraction that has been duplicated in both US properties, Shanghai and Tokyo DisneySea?
The best part about this ride vehicle are all the hidden elements that translate into an awe-inspiring adventure for guests of all ages. The ability to tilt and tip along with the scent elements bring this from an off-the-shelf Imax movie into a fully immersive classic Disney attraction.
6. TOWER OF TERROR
When you’re walking down Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the screams coming from the Tower of Terror are deafening. Yes, the technology and storyline are impressive, but the main focus of the attraction is by far the elevators.
Not only are they on a trackless system, but they are able to be repurposed to change with the times…like what happened over at Disney California Adventure’s new E-Ticket: Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!
7. TOY STORY MIDWAY MANIA
This is the ultimate ride vehicle for this attraction, as it’s agile and designed to bring the game to life. The shooter cannons are great and the fact that you’re subjected to wind, water and movements just make this a great addition to the list!
8. PETER PAN’S FLIGHT
One of my first attractions that I ever rode at the Magic Kingdom was Peter Pan’s Flight. The historical significance mixed in with the constant never-ending lines shows me that the pirate ships (powered by Pixie Dust) are as integral to Disney guests than most any other experience.
Remember…it’s a ride vehicle that runs on an over-head track…but yet it still brings a smile to the faces of thousands of kids and adults daily!
9. DUMBO
The iconic flying elephant is a right of passage for kids and first-time visitors to the Magic Kingdom. Not only do you get to ride the most famous pachyderm, but you get to listen to the one and only Timothy Mouse!
10. JUNGLE CRUISE
I’m not the biggest fan of the Jungle Cruise, as I feel like the Skippers have been stuck on a script for too long and aren’t able to stretch their comedic chops…but that doesn’t differentiate from the fact that the boats are decked out in elements of the story.
I love the details, from the names of each vessel to the jokes that the skippers tell that incorporate the boat…like “If you feel your feet getting wet as you leave the boat, you’ve probably gone out the wrong side. Don’t fall in the water as you leave… we’ll have to charge you extra.”
*HONORABLE MENTION
Expedition Everest! The ride vehicles add to the already exhilarating experience in your quest to get to the Forbidden Mountain, but there’s a big issue…which is why it didn’t rank on my official list. Not everyone can ride it. As it’s a rollercoaster, there are folks who either can’t ride it due to health issues or they just don’t like coasters.
The fact that it goes backwards and is your vehicle to meet the Yeti face-to-face means that it’s an awesome vehicle…but this is an inclusive list.
Did I miss any? What would you put on this list? I really want to know!
What is your favorite ride vehicle and why? Which one would you most love to take home? Let me know on social media and we’ll chat! I’m always open to new ideas…especially on opinion pieces like this!