When some people go to Disney World, they focus on the food. When I go to Disney World though? I’m all about the rides!
It doesn’t matter how many times I go on them, I’m still hopping in line almost every single trip to experience my favorite attractions. Everyone’s got their own opinions when it comes to what rides they love, and that’s amazing! I know I’m not a fan of some that other people love, but I have to be real with y’all — if loving THESE Disney World rides is wrong, then I have no interest in being right!
PeopleMover
Now this is one a lot of you will agree with, but some of you may think is a total waste of time. I love the fact that the PeopleMover is a relaxing ride that takes you over the top of Tomorrowland since I personally don’t have any problem with heights (I love a bird’s eye view) AND it takes you THROUGH some of the attractions!
There’s no other Disney World ride that takes you through part of an attraction, and the PeopleMover does it TWICE (with Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin). I’ve even had the awesome experience of getting evacuated off the ride, which is the only time that’s ever happened to me, so now it holds an even more special place in my heart.
The PeopleMover is a great way to relax for a few minutes, see a different view of Tomorrowland, or see a different side of some other attractions. If you’re into faster rides though that are thrilling and keep you on the edge of your seat, this one likely won’t be a good fit!
Carousel of Progress
Carousel of Progress is yet another one in Tomorrowland that’s amazing for a midday AC break (or a full on nap, I don’t judge). While I certainly appreciate the break from the heat and from walking, I actually love this attraction because of its rich history.
I didn’t get to experience Disney World in its early decades — I really didn’t start going until I was an adult, so it’s easy for me to forget just how much history is ingrained in each section of the parks. Carousel of Progress not only reminds me of how far we’ve come from a technology/electricity standpoint, but I’m also always blown away when I remember that Walt Disney himself worked on this attraction for the 1964 World’s Fair!
Under The Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid
Journey of the Little Mermaid is the definition of nostalgia for me, but not for the reason you may expect. While I was a fan of mermaids growing up, it wasn’t necessarily just Ariel, but this ride reminds me what it feels like to be a kid.
When I hop on this omnimover attraction, I find that I already can’t stop smiling. The ride takes you through the story of The Little Mermaid with Scuttle narrating. Are the animatronics anything super out of this world? The Ursula one is, but other than that, not necessarily, but that’s actually a big part of the magic for me. Animatronics weren’t super advanced when I was a kid, so that’s, again, why it reminds me of being a child.
I love all the colors too! That scene with all the fish dancing and singing/playing “Under The Sea”? Every time I ride I feel I find something new. Bottom line, if you’re looking for a relaxing, nostalgic ride that’s another break in the AC but will also entertain your kiddos a little more than Carousel of Progress, this is a great fit. Now, I don’t suggest waiting more than 30 minutes for it, but if the wait time is low, hop in line!
Dinosaur
Trust me, I wasn’t expecting for this to be on my list either, but hear me out! Dinosaur is located over in Animal Kingdom and will soon be replaced by a new Indiana Jones attraction, and I’ve honestly disliked the ride for a long time. Why? Because it’s far too loud for me!
I struggle a lot when it comes to being sensitive to sounds, and Dinosaur is honestly one of the loudest rides in Disney World. But on my last trip, I found a loophole that changed the game for me, and I actually really enjoyed my ride — I wore my Loop earplugs! These small, discreet earbuds are a great way to block out excess noise and drown out background sounds. It overall lowered the decibels of sound that were getting through to my eardrums, making it much more enjoyable.
So with that being said, thrill seekers, this is calling your name! But if you or someone in your party is sensitive to sounds, the dark, or massive animatronic dinosaurs that sometimes feel WAY too close to you, this won’t be the ride for them (please don’t push them too hard either — the team has seen countless younger kiddos have to be carried off the ride because they’re too scared to move).
Grab my personal favorite Loop Earplugs here!
Na’vi River Journey
I saved the most controversial for last, but I’m not afraid to admit it — I LOVE Na’vi River Journey and I don’t care what anyone else says!
Apparently I have a thing for relaxing rides and color, because that’s exactly why I love this one so much. The combination of the stunning visuals, the music, and the peaceful boat ride is something I’ll never get enough of. A lot of people don’t like this ride because they say it’s boring, and after they’ve waited an hour for it, it feels disappointing, and I get that! I wouldn’t recommend waiting more than half an hour for this one, but I do think it’s worth doing at least once.
Especially to see the incredible animatronic at the end — just WOW! It’s so fluid and is one of the most impressive I’ve ever seen. I just find that I’m always a little calmer when I step off this ride, and since I’m on Team Anxiety with Emma, I’ll take as much calm as I can get!
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What ride would you add to this list? Tell me in the comments below!
LOVE your selections for the very reasons you mention!
I’m so glad you relate! Thank you for reading!
JP….I certainly identify with your appreciation of the more relaxed, gentle rides. Me, too! That includes the Rivers of America Steamboat ride. I am going to miss it terribly.
Thank you for your kind words, Lynn! I’m also a really big fan of the Liberty Square Riverboat, so relaxing and historical!
I love all your choices. I, also am a fan of these relaxing attractions. 2 of my “must do” attractions r Impressions of France and Mickeys Philamonic. The theme park visit doesn’t have 2 b roller coasters all day!
Thank you so much for reading — I’m glad you could relate! I love a good mix, personally — I love roller coasters, but I also love a relaxing ride in between more intense ones!
Navi River is the only one that I have not ridden. Navi always has a long wait and not much to it. My entire family loves People Mover (formerly WED way People Mover). It’s a great ride for video. You can get pictures of the castle and TRON. My daughters are upset about the passing into extinction of Dinosaur. For being in their 20s, they don’t like change. Spaceship Earth is always a favorite except for when your head is on the hard plastic head rest when you are going backwards.
I highly recommend doing Na’vi at least once when it’s a short wait, but a 35+ minute wait for it isn’t worth it in my opinion! Yes, the PeopleMover has such great views! That’s so true — Spaceship Earth isn’t the most comfortable going backwards!