We’re Ranking the Walt Disney World Pre-Show Characters

You know, when you think about it, there’s just something special about Disney World pre-show characters.

Dinosaur Pre-Show

Dinosaur wouldn’t be Dinosaur without Dr. Grant Seeker. Smugglers Run wouldn’t be the same without Hondo. And would we even be Soarin‘ without our chief flight attendant, Patrick?

They get us ready for the adventure ahead, provide comedic relief or spooky chills, and are as beloved as many Disney characters! (We know that’s not just us.)

But who’s the BEST of these Pre-show friends? Well, we debated amongst ourselves for what seemed like forever, but we finally have an answer!

Here’s Our Ranking of Our Favorite Disney World Pre-Show Characters:

9. Capcom

Listen, we like Gina Torres just fine — but she’s not the OG Capcom. Gina replaced Gary in the 2017 update, and we just aren’t sold by her performance.

Not Gary Sinese

She does a fine job as the Capcom — but we’re already nervous about flying on Mission Space, and she didn’t exactly comfort us. Also, we miss Lt. Dan. There we said it.

8. Dr. Jackie Ogden

Honestly, we embarrassed to admit we thought it was a random actress attempting to be Sigourney Weaver at first.

Sivako

We now know Dr. Jackie Ogden is NOT trying to be Dr. Grace Augustine, rather the lovable scientist who explains the importance of your Flight of Passage. But still, she’s running up a tough list of fictional doctors and she’s not as memorable as others.

7. Hondo 

Hello, hello, my friends! We gotta say we love Hondo, our host on Smugglers Run!

Hondo Ohnaka

He’s a pretty impressive animatronic (the only one on our list, in fact), and even though we’re pretty sure his dealings aren’t 100% legal, we can’t help but wanna work for him!

6. Dr. Marsh

The second fictional doctor on our list is a realllll good one.

Dr. Marsh

Dr. Marsh kicks off your tour on Dinosaur, and teaching you about the Time Rover. We’d literally follow her to the Cretaceous Period.

5. Dr. Stevens

Don’t know who Dr. Stevens is? Do the words “uh, fly” mean anything to you?

Uhhhh…

Dr. Stevens is the first scientist you meet in the Flight of Passage pre-show, and he explains the linking process with lovable trip-ups. Actually, according to Imagineer Joe Rohde, the “uh” was on purpose — ’cause not even Doc can believe what’s about to happen!

4. Aerosmith and their Manager

Of course the legendary Aerosmith ranks high on our list!

Aerosmith

Granted, are they REALLY the star of this pre-show…or is it their angry manager? HEY HEY, what’s the hey hey?

3. Rod Serling

We invite you, if you dare, to step aboard because in tonight’s episode you are the star. And this elevator travels directly to . . . The Twilight Zone.

Rod Serling

To be fair, this masterpiece of a pre-show isn’t all Rod — while clips of the Twilight Zone host were artfully edited together, it’s not his voice. That is the work of Mark Silverman, who was hand chosen by Serling’s widow to voice the Tower of Terror pre-show.

2. Patrick 

Hello, and welcome to the second place spot on our list.

Soarin’ Pre-Show

Soarin‘ is an incredible attraction, but it’s made even better by our Chief Flight Attendant telling us where to put our hats, glasses, and even these little beauties (mouse ears). NICE WORK, PAL!

1. Dr. Grant Seeker

HELLLLLO, THERE. It’s our pre-show character winner!

Dr. Grant Seeker is one heck of a paleontologist and we’re glad he’s our controller on our little trans-dimensional joyride. He may cut it a little close on the safety of our adventure — but what’s life without a little adventure? Trust us, what could go wrong?

Who’s your favorite Disney World pre-show host? Let us know in the comments!

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Molly is a lifelong Disney enthusiast, and former Walt Disney World Guest Relations Cast Member and tour guide. Her Walt Disney World favorites include Festival of the Lion King, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Fantasmic!, Mickey-shaped pretzels and rice krispie treats, and anything with Buzz Lightyear! She lives in Orlando with her husband (who she met in Guest Relations) and their two rescue dogs, Kronk and Cruella de Vil (Ella for short!)

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4 Replies to “We’re Ranking the Walt Disney World Pre-Show Characters”

  1. No one from Flight of Passage should be anywhere close to this list. Flight of Passage is the worst pre-show in any Disney park ever, which is a shame because it’s a great ride.