This is a guest post by my friend Alexia. Alexia is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida. When she is not helping plan magical vacations, you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Click here to contact her and she’ll help you find the best rates for your magical vacation!
When you think of Walt Disney World attractions, you probably think of Soarin’, Peter Pan’s Flight, Kilimanjaro Safari, and Toy Story Mania. You know all the attractions that usually have at least an hour wait. However, there are some attractions that you can usually walk right on without a wait. Most people assume that these attractions are that great since there is little to no wait, but most of these attractions are very underrated. Here are the top 10 underrated attractions at Walt Disney World:
Living with the Land: I have no interest in gardening at all. In fact, I have a black thumb. If there is a way to kill a plant, I will find it. Because of this, I find Living with the Land fascinating. I love learning how Disney grows so much of their own food. This was actually the very first ride that my girls rode on their first trip to Disney World. My step-daughter even asked to ride it a second time.
Gran Fiesta Tour: Okay, so there are some people who really don’t like this ride, but my girls and I love it. It’s colorful, loud, and fun. Plus my girls had a blast trying to spot Donald.
Great Movie Ride: Confession time: on my first trip to Hollywood Studios, I didn’t know that there was a ride behind the giant Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat. Obviously, it was a must do on my second trip. Many people complain that this ride is outdated and newer movies should be featured; however, I disagree. I love the fact that this ride features classics.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover: Personally, I love this ride. It takes passengers on a leisurely tour around the second floor of many attractions in Tomorrowland. Sure, it isn’t the most exciting attraction at Disney World, but it is a great ride to put up your feet and relax as you take a journey through Tomorrowland.
Swiss Family Tree House: I will be the first to admit that this attraction is not very stroller friendly. If you have time and it isn’t crowded, take a leisurely stroll through and pay attention to the elaborate details.
Flights of Wonder: This is a live bird show where one of Anandapur’s bird researchers educates a tour guide with a fear of birds about natural bird behaviors and the effects of habitat loss and conservation efforts on bird species, such as the Black Crowned Crane and Bald Eagle. Sure, the story line and jokes are cheesy, but the birds and the information learned are amazing.
Tom Sawyer Island: Much like the Swiss Family Tree House, Tom Sawyer Island is not very stroller friendly. However, it is fun, interactive, hands-on attraction if you can navigate it.
Carousel of Progress: This attraction was created by Walt Disney himself for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The attraction’s premise is an exploration of the joys of living through the advent of electricity and other technological advances during the 20th century via a “typical” American family. Even if you don’t love the storyline, the attraction’s history is fascinating.
Liberty Square Riverboat: In case you haven’t noticed, some of my favorite underrated attractions are those where I can kick up my feet and take a break but still feel like I am taking in the sights and sounds of Walt Disney World. Liberty Square Riverboat is another one of these attractions. The entire ride takes about 17-minutes and takes guests around Tom Sawyer Island.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic: This 12-minute long show features 3D effects, scents, and water as well as a number of characters from Disney movies. It is shown on the largest purpose-built 3D screen ever made, at 150 feet wide. Sounds awesome, right? It is, but you would be amazed how many times I hear people say, “Let’s skip it since it’s not a ride” as they walk by.
Do you agree with the list? What’s your favorite underrated Walt Disney World attraction?
Leah says
Wow, some of these are my all-time favorites! The Carousel of Progress, Peoplemover, Living with the Land, and Swiss Family Tree House are attractions I ALWAYS make sure to go to.