A recent post on a Disney-related Facebook group got me thinking: What attractions or experiences do I skip when I visit the Magic Kingdom? Why do I skip them?
First, why do I skip certain things? Well, there’s only so much time in the day. It’s not possible to see everything in every park (although I’ve had trips where I attempted to see everything!). I’m also a creature of habit and guilty of sticking to the same attractions and experiences and forgoing others. That’s not to say that I don’t occasionally push myself to try something new or to re-visit an attraction after extended period of time; however, I’d much rather re-visit my favorites versus taking an obligatory ride on “It’s a Small World” for example.
Now that I’ve established the why, let’s discuss the what. What falls to the bottom of my list? Is there a certain type of attraction or experience that I tend to avoid? Is there a chance I’ll visit the attractions on our upcoming family trip?
You spin me round, round. . .
The last time I hitched a ride on Dumbo The Flying Elephant was in 2013, soon after the refurbished and expanded attraction opened. Before that, I can’t remember the last time I rode on this iconic attraction. In addition to this Storybook Circus classic, I skip similar attractions including Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Astro Orbiter. Future visit prediction: Likely. I’ll have my son along on my next visit, so I’ll surely be taking a spin on one or all of the spinner attractions.
I have many fond memories of my sister twirling us around on the Mad Tea Party as kids. Boy, did she know how to spin the silver wheel in the center! Over time, this attraction has just fallen off my radar and is something I pass on the way to somewhere else. Future visit prediction: Unlikely. While the amount of spinning is completely up to the Guest, our family’s recent encounter with a Tilt-a-Whirl keeps this attraction firmly on the to-be-skipped list.
Presidents, Birds and Bears, oh my!
I love history and audio-animatronics, however, I don’t go out of my way to visit The Hall of Presidents when I’m at the Magic Kingdom. I honestly can’t remember the last time I remained conscious through this entire attraction. Did I mention it was a good place to take an afternoon nap? The attraction lasts about 23 minutes and is a great place to cool off and take an afternoon break. Future visit prediction: Unlikely.
I enjoy cheesy jokes and songs as much as the next person, okay, maybe more than the average person; even so, the Country Bear Jamboree and The Enchanted Tiki Room have fallen out of favor with this Walt Disney World vet. Future visit prediction: Definitely. Thanks to a vintage Disneyland Sing-a-long DVD, my son is very familiar with the bears and the song “The Great Outdoors”. He’ll get a kick out of the jokes and antics of the furry audio-animatronics, even if I may roll my eyes. My son is also a big fan of “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room” song. We’ve spent many commutes listening to the song on repeat, so this is a sure bet.
It came from outer space. . .or the race track?
As a fan of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, I refuse to ride Stitch’s Great Escape. Yes, it was the scariest attraction at Walt Disney World Resort and totally inappropriate for anyone under the age of 10, but I enjoyed re-visiting this attraction to hear the shrieks of first-timers. Ah, to feel hot alien breath on my neck–those were the days! RIP ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter! Future visit prediction: Unlikely. A) I’ve never watched Lilo & Stitch; and, B) I’ve heard nothing but bad things about the attraction.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but cars existed in 1971, no? I’ve never understood the appeal of the Tomorrowland Speedway nor, for that matter, why there’s a car based attraction in Tomorrowland. Also, I’m in the car for 1.5 hours each day. The last thing I want to do is stand in line to drive a stinky, loud, uncomfortable car only to be rear-ended by other Guests. Future visit prediction: Maybe. With my son along for our upcoming trip, I may end up buckling up and taking a spin around the Tomorrowland Speedway. Little boys love their cars!
I need some personal space. . .
I tend to bypass attractions or experiences that require me to jockey for position with other Guests. I’ll come right out and say it: you won’t find me lining up on Main Street, U.S. A. for Festival of Fantasy or Wishes Nighttime Spectacular (or pretty much any parade or fireworks experience–yes, including Fantasmic!) I know, I know, Disney does an amazing job with their parades and fireworks shows. Guests stake out spots well in advance and would give their right arm for the perfect view of Cinderella Castle. As far as I’m concerned, you go right ahead. While you grumble about the neanderthal who stepped in front of you JUST as the parade stepped off, I’ll be enjoying shorter lines at my favorite attractions! Future visit prediction: Maybe. While my son loved watching a neighboring Country Club’s 4th of July fireworks display, he prefers to watch it from the relative quiet of the front bedroom. I’m not sure he’ll be up for a full fledged fireworks display. We’ll probably play this one by ear.
What do you skip when you visit the Magic Kingdom?
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