Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (Kent Phillips/©Disney ©2022 Marvel)

Must-See Attractions at Walt Disney World® Resort

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Between four theme parks, two water parks, and the expansive Disney Springs® dining, shopping and entertainment complex, it’s a given that you’ll want to make Walt Disney World® Resort part of your Orlando travel plans. It should also come as no surprise that their parks have attractions you’ll want to ride time and again — including these fan favorites.

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    1. "it’s a small world"®
    2. Haunted Mansion®
    3. Pirates of the Caribbean®
    4. Space Mountain®
    5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
       
    Girls selfie in front of Cinderella's Castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom® Park
    MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)

    Disney’s original Orlando theme park is also the world’s most famous. What’s more, several of Magic Kingdom Park's attractions have been thrilling guests for more than five decades, including iconic rides that have been there since the park opened in 1971. These include Haunted Mansion®, "it’s a small world"® and Jungle Cruise®.

    Although it’s “only” been around since 1973, Pirates of the Caribbean®— most recently updated in 2018 — is another one you won’t want to miss, particularly if you’re a fan of Captain Jack Sparrow. And having launched in 1975, Space Mountain® is still one of Orlando’s most exciting experiences.

    Of course, Magic Kingdom Park also has plenty of new tricks up its sleeve. For example, TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise is set to debut on April 4, 2023. Based on the Disney sci-fi film, TRON: Legacy, the attraction will invite you to pilot your very own Lightcycle as you speed across a world with no horizons in a high-stakes race.

    1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
    2. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
    3. Spaceship Earth
    4. Soarin’ Around the World
    5. Test Track® Presented by Chevrolet®
       
    Family at Epcot®
    Spaceship Earth at EPCOT®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)

    The enormous geodesic dome at EPCOT® isn’t just for show. It’s actually one of the forward-thinking theme park’s original rides, Spaceship Earth, which sends you on a tranquil journey through the history of communication. (Pro tip: It’s also a great place to beat the heat if you’re visiting during summer.)

    And now, there’s an out-of-this-world reason to visit EPCOT. Part of the park’s first “other-world” pavilion, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the first Disney coaster with a reverse launch, the longest fully enclosed coaster at any Disney theme park, and the first Disney Omnicoaster, where vehicles make controlled rotations to always keep you focused on the action. Other indispensable EPCOT attractions include Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Soarin’ Around the World, and Test Track® Presented by Chevrolet®.

    Discover: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

    For many, EPCOT’s biggest draw is the World Showcase, which features authentic recreations of Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. This area is also where you’ll find most of the food kiosks at the EPCOT® International Food & Wine Festival, EPCOT® International Flower & Garden Festival, and similar events.

    1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
    2. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
    3. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
    4. Slinky Dog Dash
    5. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
       
    Slinky Dog Dash at Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
    SLINKY DOG DASH at DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS®, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney ©Disney/Pixar ©Poof-Slinky, LLC)

    When Star Tours®: The Adventures Continue joined Disney's Hollywood Studios® six months after opening day in 1989, few would have guessed that Disney would one day own the entire Star Wars franchise. It turned out to be the first of the park's many attractions based on that galaxy far, far away, with the biggest yet — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — now inviting you to live your very own Star Wars story in a whole new land.

    Discover: STAR WARS: Galaxy’s Edge

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is home to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where you and your crew can take control of the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. It also features Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which is one of the most ambitious attractions ever created by Disney.

    There are countless other reasons to visit this park, starting with white-knuckle thrills at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™. Some animated new attractions have also joined the lineup as part of Toy Story Land, based on the hit Disney-Pixar movies, including Slinky Dog Dash. For more animated fun, hitch a ride aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

    Discover: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

    1. Avatar Flight of Passage
    2. Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®
    3. DINOSAUR
    4. Kilimanjaro Safaris®
    5. Kali River Rapids®
       
    Expedition Everest ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
    EXPEDITION EVEREST — LEGEND OF THE FORBIDDEN MOUNTAIN® at DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM® Theme Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)

    In 2017, Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park opened an otherworldly new land that’s still packing in crowds with no signs of slowing down: Pandora — The World of Avatar. Rides here include Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage, which are complemented with themed shopping and dining.

    The success of its sci-fi offerings aside, this park’s first name continues to be its raison d'être. This focus is particularly evident in one of its original attractions, Kilimanjaro Safaris®, which provides an 18-minute journey to Africa right here in Orlando. For a wilder ride, check out Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain®(look out for the Yeti) or Kali River Rapids®.

    Fans of dinosaurs will find much to love at this park, too, beginning with the aptly named DINOSAUR attraction. Younger admirers of these prehistoric beasts will also have a blast on TriceraTop Spin.

  • Surf pool at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
    DISNEY’S TYPHOON LAGOON Water Park at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)

    Miss Adventure Falls is the newest reason to visit Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, which is set in a recently storm-tossed tropical lagoon. This family-style attraction — the longest at any Disney water park — invites you to climb into a four-person raft for a white-water adventure you won’t soon forget.

    If pure relaxation is what you’re after, take a dip in Castaway Creek, a 2,000-foot-long lazy river with misty waterfalls, overhead rope bridges and a cavern-esque tunnel. Then, dive into the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool for everything from gentle ripples to massive waves.

    Speaking of massive, watch the drop on Keelhaul Falls and Homunga Kowabunga. More thrills can be enjoyed on the Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Gangplank Falls and the intense Mayday Falls.

  • Summit Plummet at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
    Summit Plummet at DISNEY’S BLIZZARD BEACH Water Park, Part of WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (©Disney)

    Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park answers the age-old question of what would happen if a snowed-in ski resort was built in Florida. The answer is a “melting” water park featuring a chairlift, bobsled- and toboggan-themed water slides, and other fun features designed to trick your eyes into thinking you’re freezing while you luxuriate in warm water and sunshine.

    For aquatic thrills, check out fast rides like Toboggan Racers, Summit Plummet and Snow Stormers. Then, relax your cares away with a dip in Melt-Away Bay or a tranquil journey along the Cross Country Creek lazy river.

    There are adventures for kids, too, including Ski Patrol Training Camp and Tike’s Peak. And the whole family can drift away together on a tube ride at Teamboat Springs.

Have a Magical Day at Walt Disney World® Resort

Endless adventures await at Walt Disney World Resort — and Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com can help you save on admission to all Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks. Take advantage of our free planning tools to discover more ways to enhance your experiences in the Theme Park Capital of the World.