Image belongs to Blake's family.
Counting down the most magical experiences of the most magical place on Earth.
By Blake
Originally posted September 21 as part of 40 Days at 40.
Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary of October 1 is approaching fast, and to celebrate as part of 40 Days at 40, I’m counting down my top 40 favorite Walt Disney World experiences. Now, obviously, I haven’t seen and done everything that Disney has to offer…in fact, I probably haven’t even done half of it. There’s just so much going on that it’s nearly impossible to have experienced EVERYTHING. However, of the many thing I have had the privilege of enjoying, this is what I attest to be (wait for it)…the best of Walt Disney World.
What’s included in this list: attractions, rides, shows, atmospheres, and restaurants.
What’s not included in this list: Resort rooms, seasonal events, special programs/tours, and closed attractions.
Has your favorite made the list so far?
40. Journey Into Your Imagination with FigmentEpcot
Ok, ok. I hear you groaning. This attraction gets a bad rep for what it used to be compared to what it is today. Many Epcot fans preferred the original version with the classic Dreamfinder character leading Guests through a crash course in imagination with his purple dragon friend, Figment. Figment remains, but today co-hosts with Dr. Nigel Channing a scientist played by Eric Idle. I never experienced the original Dreamfinder version so I suppose I can’t say much about that matter, but I still enjoy the current iteration nonetheless. It’s fun, whimsical, and Figment is a great personality, one of the park’s best original characters to never have been in any prior film or TV show. Additionally, the ride’s song, the Sherman brothers’ “One Little Spark,” is easily one of Walt Disney World’s best songs. Its melody flows naturally and you can’t help but find yourself humming it on the way out. The best part of the ride? The mildly disturbing yet laugh-out-loud funny profile of Eric Idle’s face in the moon. So bizarre, but it always makes me laugh.
39. Expedition Everest
Disney's Animal Kingdom
This Animal Kingdom adventure is one of Walt Disney World’s best thrills. A real-deal roller coaster surrounded by the story of a fabled mountain yeti, Expedition Everest is not only intimidating due to its existence as a white-knuckle coaster, but also due to the sheer fear of coming face-to-face with you-know-who (no, not Voldemort). Expedition Everest added an entire new layer to the story of Animal Kingdom’s Asia area with the highly-detailed town of Anandapur and its accompanying museum-like queue. It’s one of the most immersive attractions on property; you truly feel like you’ve entered another world, and this time not one of fantasy, but one that seems like it actually really could exist.
Image copyright Disney.
38. Test Track
Epcot
This is just plain fun. Test Track can be classified as a thrill ride, but it’s mild enough to please the entire family. It’s exciting because it’s so fast. The storytelling (of you filling in for a crash test dummy) is present, and what really makes the ride memorable are the many different tests you go through, most noticeably the hot/cold tests and, of course, the lightning-fast conclusion. “Yzma, put your hands in the air!”
Image copyright Disney.
37. Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
Sleepy Hollow at Magic Kingdom
I’m not talking about your average, buy-it-wrapped-in-paper snacktime treat. I’m talking about your colossal, wow-mama-that-looks-good ice cream cookie sandwich that can be found at Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom. Imagine two of those giant chocolate-chip cookies you’d find at a Starbucks or Barnes & Noble. Then imagine putting ice cream between them. Oh yes. It’s messy, but it’s one of Walt Disney World’s best snacks. Warning: It WILL melt.
36. Soarin’
Epcot
One of Epcot’s most popular attractions, Soarin’ is another ride that every member of the family can enjoy together. What really brings it home is how sensory it is, from the simple pleasure of dangling your feet in the “wind” to smelling the fresh scent of the California orange groves. Also of note is the dry humor of Patrick Warburton (Kronk in The Emperor’s New Groove) as the pre-show pilot.
35. Kilimanjaro Safaris
Disney's Animal Kingdom
The signature attraction of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kilimanjaro Safaris is the epitome of adventure. This 30-minute excursion into a realistic African savannah feels like it’s as far from a touristy metropolis as you could possibly get. Up-close views of wildlife and unexpected encounters with roaming animals make each trip different, and the “escape the poachers” backstory adds excitement to this already-appealing attraction. Kilimanjaro Safaris should be top-priority when visiting Animal Kingdom.
Image copyright Disney.
34. Mickey Waffles
Almost everywhere
Mickey waffles can be found in practically every eating establishment that’s open for breakfast at Walt Disney World. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle, and, in my opinion, highly underappreciated.
33. Wilderness Lodge Ambience
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
I’ve never stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, but after a quick drop-in visit during my last trip, I’d really like to. One of the more elaborately-themed Disney resorts, the Wilderness Lodge feels calm and cozy despite its rather outstanding size. Its rustic look makes it feel like you’re vacating a national park residence rather than a Floridian hotel, and attention to detail in this aspect is outstanding. A brief visit to the Wilderness Lodge is an excellent option for a fun activity to do before heading to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue at the nearby Fort Wilderness. Make sure to check out the Carolwood Pacific room in the Villas building; it’s a tribute to Walt Disney’s love of trains and is definitely worth an out-of-the-way visit.
Image copyright Disney.
32. “it’s a small world”
Magic Kingdom
The song may drive you crazy, but you have to admit: this classic attraction is Disney family entertainment at its finest. The spectacular simplicity of each scene, the many details to soak in, the décor inspired by the artwork of legendary Disney artist Mary Blair, and, of course, the can’t-get-it-out-of-your-head theme song (another Sherman brothers tune) all make “it’s a small world” a rite of passage for many children and adults alike. You're welcome for having it stuck in your head the rest of the day.
Image copyright Disney.
31. Toy Story Midway Mania!
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Here’s a ride that’s worth every minute spent waiting in an atrociously-long standby line. (Hooray for Fastpasses!) One of the Imagineers’ most interactive attractions to date, the fun starts in the amazingly-detailed queue. Even if you have to wait a while to board the ride (which you will), the details of Andy’s room (and you being the size of a toy, hence everything seeming oversized) will keep you entertained while you wait, as will an Audio-Animatronic Mr. Potato Head who will talk to you in real time.
Image copyright Disney.
The ride itself is primarily a giant 4D video game, complete with water, air, spinning, friendly competition amongst family members, and favorite Toy Story characters. It’s a likely candidate for the most fun five minutes of your entire vacation.
Stay tuned for the continuation of this special countdown! In the meantime, I want to hear your favorite Disney memory to include in an upcoming WDW 40th anniversary special. E-mail your Disney story (as short or as long as you like) to weatherbyswann at gmail dot com by September 30. Have a magical day!
Image belongs to Blake's family.
By Blake; posted September 21, 2011.
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