Ever wonder what rides at Walt Disney World are seriously underrated? With rides like Space Mountain, Flight of Passage, and Rise of the Resistance taking the spotlight (and your FastPasses), there are definitely rides that seem to be forgotten at each of the four theme parks. Here are the Top Ten Most Underrated Rides at Walt Disney World.
Disclaimer: These rides along with their rankings are based on my own opinion. I have been to the Walt Disney World Resort over 20 times and have personally ridden each of the rides listed below. I tried to pick attractions that I felt guests would normally overlook while in the theme parks based on either their physical location or misunderstanding of the ride. The rides on this list are fun, generally don’t need a FastPass, and not as popular, which make them underrated in my book.
Let’s jump right in!
10. Walt Disney World Railroad
Number ten on the list is the Walt Disney World Railroad System at Magic Kingdom. While this attraction has been down for refurbishment for quite some time now, it’s definitely an underrated ride. The main station for the train can be found at the iconic entrance to Main Street USA, but there are also stops in Fantasyland and Frontierland. This 20-minute, 1.5 mile scenic round-trip tour is the perfect way to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the most magical place on Earth. Most people are eager to run to the bigger rides when entering Magic Kingdom. However, I highly recommend taking the time to ride on the train when it opens again!
9. Disney Skyliner
Number nine on the list is the Disney Skyliner found at the Walt Disney World Resort. Granted, this is not an actual theme park ride, however it is seriously SO much fun! Take about a 20 minute scenic route going from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios, or vice versa. There are also connections to four Disney resort hotels including Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Rivera Resort. If the buses are overcrowded this is definitely a great alternative mode of transportation. I can also say from experience that the air flow is amazing as well as the smoothness of the ride. It’s especially underrated because you can ride in cabins that have wrappings of your favorite movies and rides like Coco, Lilo and Stitch, the Haunted Mansion, and Wreck-it-Ralph!
8. Kali River Rapids
Number eight on our list is the Kali River Rapids, which is at Animal Kingdom. If you are looking for a way to cool off from the Florida heat, this ride will have you drenched by the end of it! The attraction takes you through a lush jungle in the heart of Asia. This ride features various waterfalls, geysers, and a thrilling 20-foot drop. Guests usually miss this ride because it is tucked away on a side path that branches off from the walkway to Mount Everest. I would encourage you to either end your day with this ride, bring a spare change of clothes, or proudly wear a poncho while riding it because you WILL get soaked!
7. Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid
Next on our list is Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom. Tucked away in Fantasyland, guests can become part of Ariel’s world by going ‘underwater’ in a clamshell! Ariel’s Grotto and ride are wedged in between Gaston’s Tavern and Storybook Circus. Most people seem to be preoccupied by Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which is directly in front of this ride, so I can see why this area seems to be forgotten. Every time I visit WDW this ride always has such a low wait time. I may just be lucky, but this is a great way to catch some AC and jam out to some classic Disney tunes. What makes it especially underrated is that Ariel’s animatronic in this ride was once the most advanced of its kind (now we have the Avatar Shaman and Rise of the Resistance) which is insanely cool to see!
6. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
Up next on our list is the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot. Ever wanted to take a boat ride tour of Mexico with 3 feathered amigos? Well this is the ride for you! Based on the 1944 movie The Three Caballeros, this ride features hand-drawn animation with a backdrop of live-action footage. Join Panchito and Jose on their crazy quest to find Donald who disappeared south of the border. I’m surprised when I hear that most people don’t realize this doesn’t exist. With being in a pavilion like Mexico that features a market, restaurant, and margarita bar under the stars, I can definitely see why. This ride always has little to no wait and is a very cute ride that your little ones are sure to love.
5. Dinosaur
Halfway on our list is Dinosaur found in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I’ve got to be honest when I say that this ride stresses me out every time I ride it. The thought of being with dinosaurs right before a meteor strikes is somewhat unsettling, but nonetheless makes it a thrilling ride. Originally named Countdown to Extinction in 1998, its name was changed to promote the highly anticipated film Dinosaur in 2000. This ride branches off of Dinoland USA tucked away by loads of greenery, which I feel is a very forgotten part of the theme park. Though this ride has repeatedly been named one of Disney’s scariest rides, if you are a sucker for thrill rides this attraction is right up your alley.
4. The Seas With Nemo and Friends
Number four on the list is The Seas With Nemo and Friends at Epcot. Join your favorite characters from Finding Nemo in an underwater adventure while aboard a ‘clamobile’ to once again, find Nemo. While the ride itself features loads of aquatic wonders most people do not realize there is a whole aquarium attached to the end of the ride! When exiting the ride guests enter The Seas With Nemo and Friends Pavilion which features a 5.7 million gallon saltwater aquarium. You don’t have to ride the attraction in order to enter the pavilion. Turtle Talk With Crush is also found in the aquarium. Not only can you and your party help find Nemo but you can also take in the wonders of the sea in the aquarium right after!
3. Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
As we get into our top three most underrated rides I have to say that these are some of my favorites at Walt Disney World. Number three is Star Tours – The Adventure Continues at Hollywood Studios. Board a Starspeeder 1000 with CP-3O as he flies you through galaxy in order to escape the First Order. With the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in December of 2019, this ride has surely been overlooked. However, the classic flight simulation, 3-D video, and special effects still makes it an attraction worth making time for. There are a lot of guests who skip right past this ride to get straight into Galaxy’s Edge which is understandable, but this ride is a ton of fun. Not to mention the wait time is usually not that long. It’s one of my personal favorites because who doesn’t love jumping to hyperspace alongside R2-D2?
2. Spaceship Earth
Number two on the list is Spaceship Earth found at the entrance of Epcot. Travel through time and explore history from the Stone Age to the computer age in one of the most iconic attractions at Walt Disney World. From Judy Dench as the narrator to an unforgettable musical score, there is so much to love about this ride. Surprisingly enough, people who are unfamiliar with the Disney theme parks don’t realize that there is a ride in the ‘golf ball’ at the entrance of Epcot. And for those who are familiar with the them parks tend to skip the ride upon entering to get to the World Showcase or bigger attractions like Soarin’ and Test Track. Either way, this iconic ride will make you appreciate the vision Walt Disney had for Epcot and his dedication to education.
1. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
The most underrated ride at Walt Disney World is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom. This 10-minute tour takes you through the world of Tomorrow with passings of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, and Star Traders retail shop. What I find to be one of the coolest features of the ride is the viewing of Progress City, Walt Disney’s prototype for Epcot. If you are a geek for Disney history like I am you will totally appreciate this. Throughout the tour you will see unique views of Tomorrowland and Cinderella’s Castle, making it a relaxing and very underrated ride. If you can catch the fireworks at night while riding the PeopleMover it is one of the most beautiful sights in the park!
Well there you have it, the most underrated rides at Walt Disney World. Did I leave any out that didn’t make the list? Would you change the order? What would your list look like? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!