by Bethan Russell | 5th April, 2023 | BethanDoesDisney
I’ve been to Walt Disney World an alarming amount of times now, but there are still some rides that I always run to first! Below are the rides you HAVE to do when you get to Walt Disney World.
10) Living With The Land – Epcot
If you know me at all, then you’ll know how much I LOVE Living With the Land. It’s a slow-paced boat ride, that starts in an almost zen-like state as you travel through a simulated thunderstorm. The ride then takes you on an agricultural journey through the evolution of farming, including a tour through Disney’s own working greenhouses. You get to see how Disney uses innovative farming techniques like hydroponics, aquaculture, and vertical-growing mechanisms, all while passing by various fruits and vegetables that are harvested and served in different Epcot restaurants! Okay, how cool is that?!
9) Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – Magic Kingdom
The People Mover is one of those attractions you wish they’d update, but you’re so happy it’s there when the park is crowded. You pop on the ride and head off on a leisurely tour of Tomorrowland. There are no engines, the cars are magnetically pulled. It’s pollution free, which gets even more love from me! Along the way, you’ll pass windows overlooking Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. The one-mile tour takes 10 minutes. If you need a little siesta, go ahead and close your eyes, put your feet up and enjoy the calming voice-over.
8) The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Hollywood Studios
Hollywood, 1939. 5 people went into an elevator and never returned. And now that same elevator is opening for you! DUN DUN DUNNNN. Super terrifying and stomach turning, this ride is bloody fantastic. You get spooked from when you join the queue until you leave the gift shop at the very end. And if you’ve just eaten, remember the golden rule… No tower for an hour! Not for the faint hearted, but a real thrill ride!
7) Space Mountain – Magic Kingdom
This ride must be about a million years old, but I think that’s what makes it so charming! This roller coaster is so rickety and jittery; you won’t even want to put your hands up because you’re too scared you’ll touch the track above you. If you weren’t fully awake when you got on this ride, you will be after! Such a classic ride that will throw you into space.
6) Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Hollywood Studios
Join aboard a runaway train with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and the gang on an adventure featuring amazing visual effects, a lovable theme song, and surprising twists and turns! It’s definitely one for the whole family and that song will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day!
5) Spaceship Earth – Epcot
A lot of people might be thinking “really Bethan, REALLY?!” But yeah… REALLY. Who doesn’t love a ride which is educational, fascinating AND narrated by the most wonderful voice on this planet, Dame Judi Dench. (And if you’re really lucky, there are some special ride throughs with Jeremy Irons!) You get to learn about how communication has developed since the dawn of time AND how the Phoenicians gave us our ‘ABCs’. This may not be a thrill ride, but knowledge is thrilling… right?
4) Kilimanjaro Safaris – Animal Kingdom
If you’ve got an animal lover in your party, then you’re not going to want to skip this one! Kilimanjaro Safaris is the biggest Disney park attraction in the world. Don’t believe me? You could fit the entire Magic Kingdom park in Kilimanjaro Safaris quite comfortably! Disney was not messing about with animal welfare when it came to designing this attraction. Have your cameras ready, as this is one scenic safari!
3) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Epcot
If you’re worried all those Marvel references went right over your head – don’t! Whether you’re a diehard Guardians of the Galaxy fan or a casual park visitor, this coaster is downright fun. You won’t experience any inversions or heart-stopping drops, but you won’t miss them either! My favourite thing about this ride is you have a different song every time you ride.
2) Expedition Everest – Animal Kingdom
This wild ride across the Himalayas will have you on the edge of your seat! Definitely for the thrill seekers in your family, as you speed backwards, IN THE DARK. Your bum actually lifts up off the seat when you plummet 80ft down the side of the mountain (travelling forwards, thank god!) So many dips and turns, even the Yeti would be dizzy himself. Even when you are queuing, there is so much to look at and entertain yourself with.
1) Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Hollywood Studios
I don’t even know where to begin, this ride is just simply amazing! This ride is something you could go on 20 times and never get bored of it. Disney really went all out in making sure this ride was something special and they did a very good job. The scenery on the ride is incredible, and the aesthetic throughout the queue is beautiful too! The cast members are always in character which makes this ride feel more alive and real than anything else in the park. Even if you are the biggest padawan, or have no idea what a padawan is – I highly suggest you go on this ride. You just have to experience it for yourself!
What did you think of my picks? Have I missed a must-do? Let me know below!
Ready to book your trip to Walt Disney World to experience these rides for yourself? Contact me to get a quote!
Bethan Does Magic 
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