Everyone knows and loves Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Expedition Everest, and Tower of Terror, all the e-tickets that everyone furiously tries to get fastpasses for; but what are the great unsung heroes of the attraction lineup? What are the smaller, non-E ticket attractions or not popular dark rides that are worth your time, or better still, wonderful in their own right. Let’s find out in this Elite 8 of Non-Elite Attractions!
Number 8. Reflections of China at the China Pavilion in the World Showcase area of EPCOT
Reflections of China is a circle vision 360 film that allows you to journey through ancient and modern China. Famous Chinese poet Li Bai is your guide as he takes you through the sights and sounds of China. You’ll get to see the Haungpu River, Nanjing Road, the Peking Opera Company, and the Yangtze River. Yes, it’s totally a tourism advertisement, but it’s so effective, engaging, and fun to watch. It totally makes you want to visit China, until you remember that China’s air pollution problem is visible from outer space. And then the movie is the next best thing to going! So it definitely had to make our list.
Number 7. The Seas with Nemo and Friends at The Seas Pavilion in the Future World area of EPCOT
Yes, we miss the “Hydrolaters.” Yes, we miss the old Seabase Alpha days. However, if you have to shove characters into pavilions, this one actually makes a lot of sense and it makes for a really inventive way to present this attraction. In this attraction you board a “clamobile” and descend deep into the ocean to explore the big blue world. You’ll experience an adventure under the water as you search for Nemo with Marlin and Dory. You’ll encounter old characters as well as a pretty seamless blend of real actual sea life mixed in with animated Nemo characters. It’s a fun and oddly calming attraction. At the very least, it’s a great way to get some nice A/C in the Florida heat.
Number 6. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail in the Africa area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
Warning this attraction requires walking. At the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail you’ll venture into the heart of Africa and encounter exotic animals as you trek through the dense foliage of Pangani Forest. And these aren’t animatronics, baby! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park desperately did not want to be called a zoo, but they should have embraced that, because attractions like these are the next generation of zoos and the park would be better if it had more like it. This walking attraction is a way to see real animals such as gorillas, meerkats, and zebras, up close in real habitats, with everything decadently themed in the way only Disney can do. You’ll truly be transported to another part of the world and you’ll feel as though you are in a lush ancient forest. If you aren’t one of those people on an ECV or with a double wide stroller, please take time to walk through and fully explore this area. You won’t regret it!
Number 5. O Canada! In the Canada Pavilion in the World Showcase area of EPCOT
Another 360 film? Yes. This is another circle-vision 360 film, this time showcasing the country of Canda, and much like the film Reflections of China, it gives you a breathtaking and rousing view of some of Canada’s real treasures. As the China film chose a mystical influential poet as its narrator, O Canada follows suit by enlisting Martin Short, who is very funny and charming in this film, as opposed to the last 10 or so films he put out in theaters. You can truly feel the love and admiration Martin Short has for Canada. You can feel it in his words, and then when you see the moving pictures in front of you, well, it’s nothing short of awe inspiring. If you like breathtaking views, funny commentary, and you hate Gary Sinise, good news he’s not in this film, well, then you have to check out O Canada!
Number 4. Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Africa area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
Yes, another trail but this one is even better than the last. This one has drop dead gorgeous themeing and some of the most incredibly immersive environments anywhere. At this trail you will venture into the mystical Anandapur Royal Forest, which is a tropical paradise of trees filled with ancient ruins of a bygone era. Legend has it that it was at one time a special hunting ground for the wealthy maharajahs of old but now exists only in stories and memories. You will navigate through a canopy of trees, over swaying footbridges, past cascading waterfalls, by a palace that is centuries old, and encounter the majestic tigers. It’s an incredible way to spend some time at the Animal Kingdom and people walk right by it, running to another fastpass. This attraction here is indispensable Disney. It wraps up story, themeing, education, and entertainment all in one fantastic attraction.
Number 3. The Muppets Present Great Moments in History in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom
In Liberty Square, outside of the Hall of Presidents, the Muppets perform live daily performances about American history. Their ideas about history may be a little off but it’s all so fun and entertaining. What’s most exciting is the ability to see the Muppets up close and in real life! The puppet work and actors are all phenomenal, the stories are great, and the comedy is finely balanced. It’s best not to go into too much detail because the gags are best experienced first-hand. If it’s not over 110 degrees outside and there aren’t parents forcing their crying kids to sit and watch this then you should definitely stop by Liberty Square and check out the Muppets.
Number 2. Walt Disney World Railroad at the Magic Kingdom
The ultimate “background” attraction is the Walt Disney World Railroad. It’s a staple in every Disney park but few people take the time to experience it and enjoy it. It’s an attraction that celebrates classic Americana as you ride a vintage train all around the Magic Kingdom. Listen to the clamor of the engine, the churn of the wheels, or the sounds of the whistle as you meander down the track and venture through the lands of the Magic Kingdom. It is a relaxing 20 minute ride that lets you be a part of history as the trains are almost 100 years old! Walt Disney was a train buff; he even built one in his backyard! So this is not only something Walt put in his park, but it was also one of his lifelong passions. This attraction is both American history and Disney history, and it doesn’t get the appreciation it deserves.
And the number 1 non-elite attraction at Walt Disney World is … Tomorrowland Transit Authority!
It’s a no brainer, DCN consensus top selection. Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover, is a 10 minute long tour of Tomorrowland aboard a free mass transit system of the future. You take off from the center of Tomorrowland in Rocket Tower Plaza for an elevated ride through Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Mickey’s Star Traders, some additional scenes, and you’ll see some really cool models of early concepts for EPCOT. This ride has a little bit of everything you want! It has a classic, timeless feel, good story and place, fun movement, educational engagement, and most of all the ability to experience it with your friends, due to the facing each other seating style of the cars. It’s easy to ride this again and again and again … and we have, too!
And that’s our “Elite 8” of non-elite attractions in Walt Disney World.