Bad Misses To Magical Hits
Disney World offers a dazzling variety of rides that can make any visit truly unforgettable or, at times, downright frustrating. While some attractions impress with groundbreaking innovation and storytelling, others leave guests wondering where the magic disappeared. If you’re about to hit Disney World, let’s take a look at the park’s most thrilling successes and its biggest disappointments. Find out which rides deserve your time and excitement on this magical adventure.
1. It's A Small World
This ride opened in 1971 and still features dated animatronics alongside a theme song that loops endlessly in your head. It drags on for nearly 15 minutes and often stalls mid-ride, turning an already slow experience into an accidental endurance test.
HarshLight from San Jose, CA, USA on Wikimedia
2. Tomorrowland Speedway
Gas-powered cars puff out fumes as kids try—unsuccessfully—to steer on their own. Despite being loud and outdated since 1971, the long lines and short track leave most guests underwhelmed. It’s more exhaust and noise than actual fun or a forward-thinking attraction.
3. The Barnstormer
The Barnstormer kiddie coaster barely lasts a minute and offers more waiting than actual ride time. With little thrill—even for kids—it serves a narrow age group. It’s one of the few remnants of Mickey’s Toontown Fair, but even nostalgia can’t save it.
4. The Magic Carpets Of Aladdin
This 2001 addition lacks originality, offering a near-copy of Dumbo without the same charm. The ride delivers little excitement, spits water at you, and sits you directly under the scorching sun. It’s filler, and Adventureland didn’t need more of that.
5. TriceraTop Spin
Located in a neglected part of Animal Kingdom, this basic spinner ride brings nothing unique to the table. Its barebones design lacks imagination, and the surrounding area feels more like a temporary fairground. Most guests walk right past without a second thought.
6. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
This Toy Story-inspired shooter hasn’t aged well due to its outdated tech and clunky laser blasters. The scoring system also baffles newcomers, and compared to modern Pixar rides, it just doesn’t capture the same magic or polish.
Rob Young from United Kingdom on Wikimedia
7. Astro Orbiter
While its elevated height adds a sliver of excitement, the cramped seating and sluggish elevator access make the experience more frustrating than fun. The wait times don’t match the payoff, and beyond the nighttime view, there’s little reason to line up.
Theme Park Tourist on Wikimedia
8. Na’vi River Journey
Though stunning at first glance, the Na’vi River ride lacks thrills and falls flat on the story. It features just one animatronic despite the heavy hype, and many expect action, not a slow drift past looping visuals. Long waits only add to the letdown for first-timers.
9. Mission: SPACE (Orange Side)
This intense simulator recreates space launch G-forces so realistically that it’s made riders sick enough to spark warning signs and alternate versions. There are personal air vents now to offer relief, and a gentler Green side exists, but the Orange mission still leaves many feeling queasy.
10. The Seas With Nemo & Friends
Guests expecting live marine life get underwhelmed here by the repetitive screens and slow clamshell travel. The ride feels dated and uneventful, and most find Turtle Talk with Crush next door far more entertaining than the main attraction.
Not every attraction at Disney World hits the mark, but plenty still deliver unforgettable moments. So, let’s move to the rides that truly live up to the magic.
1. Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
This reverse-launch indoor coaster fuses high-tech thrills with a randomized six-song soundtrack and vehicles synced to the music. As one of Disney’s most advanced rides, it redefines what a themed coaster can deliver.
2. Star Wars: Rise Of The Resistance
With live actors, set pieces, and layered ride systems, the Star Wars attraction delivers a blockbuster-level Star Wars experience. Crowds fill it daily within minutes, and for good reason. It’s nearly 20 minutes long, with a fully themed queue that kicks off the adventure early.
3. Avatar Flight Of Passage
Soar over Pandora on a banshee in one of Disney’s most beloved simulator rides. Motion seating, air bursts, scents, and stunning visuals come together in full sensory immersion. The detailed lab queue, complete with a life-sized Na’vi, sets the tone before liftoff.
4. Haunted Mansion
A longtime fan favorite, Haunted Mansion blends clever illusions with playful storytelling. During the ride, Doom Buggies glide past ghostly scenes like the ballroom, brought to life with classic tricks. With its catchy theme song and hidden surprises, it rewards repeat visits every time.
5. Pirates Of The Caribbean
The Magic Kingdom version of this ride opened in 1973, six years after Disneyland’s iconic original debuted. There are detailed animatronics, rich storytelling, and updated Jack Sparrow scenes to keep you immersed. It lasts over eight minutes and helped inspire the film franchise.
Jeremy Thompson from Los Angeles, California on Wikimedia
6. Space Mountain
The Space Mountain indoor coaster uses sharp turns and sudden drops to deliver timeless thrills. Each side of the track also offers a slightly different ride, backed by a unique soundtrack. Still running strong after decades, it remains one of Disney’s oldest and most iconic coasters.
KWDW at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
7. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
You will feel the excitement as you speed through twisting canyons on a runaway mine train. The ride’s sharp turns and drops keep the adrenaline high while the queue offers fun gold-mining activities. Keep an eye out for hidden Mickeys cleverly placed in the rocks.
HarshLight from San Jose, CA, USA on Wikimedia
8. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou is reimagined from Splash Mountain with a Princess and the Frog theme. It features fresh animatronics, critter musicians, and a storyline set after the film. However, it keeps the beloved five-story drop while adding new glowing bayou visuals.
9. Soarin’ Around The World
This popular ride uses virtual queues to manage long lines. Here, you get to glide effortlessly over famous global landmarks on a flight simulator that uses a giant curved screen for full immersion. The experience is heightened by scents like ocean breeze and fresh grass.
10. Test Track
Redesigned in 2012, Test Track allows you to put your design through real-world tests like braking and handling. You get to create your own concept car before blasting off on Disney World’s fastest attraction, hitting speeds of 65 mph.
