Walt Disney World is itself a classic. Generation after generation has grown up walking right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A., roamin’ the Wild West and waltzing with storybook characters in Fantasyland.
Attractions have come and gone, others have delighted crowds for years. Below is a list of 10 classic Walt Disney World attractions (all of which are at least 15 years old).
- Spaceship Earth: Not so much the ride itself as the fact it’s located in Epcot Center’s centerpiece — the golf ball, as many guests call it.
- Walt Disney World Railroad and Main Street Vehicles: Arguably, if not for the railroad, Disneyland never would have been built. The Disneyland Railroad was a Walt Disney favorite, and the WDWRR would have been as well. The Main Street vehicles add to the ambiance of a turn of the century town.
- Jungle Cruise: Filled with wry humor, this is a true Disney classic and a precursor to the Animal Kingdom.
- Space Mountain: Since 1975, Space Mountain has whisked space travelers around Tomorrowland.
- Splash Mountain: One of the newer classics at the Magic Kingdom, join Br’er Rabbit and friends for a trip through the briar patch.
- Hollywood Tower of Terror: Based on the classic television show, the Tower of Terror features one of the best finishes ever.
- It’s a Small World: Since its introduction at the 1964 World’s Fair, It’s a Small World has been one of the most widely recognized attractions – and Disney songs for that matter.
- Haunted Mansion: There are 999 happy haunts. There is room for 1,000. Don’t forget your death certificate.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The last attraction that Walt Disney himself personally worked on, the attraction has spawned a successful movie franchise. But, it will always be a theme park attraction first and foremost. “Drink up me hearties, yo ho.”
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: “Hang on to your personal belongings, now – especially them hats and glasses, cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness.” This could be the best themed roller coaster in the history of themed roller coasters.
The mine equipment scattered around the ride’s grounds is antique – another example of Disney doing it right.
Sure, there are others. The Carousel of Progress, perhaps. The Carousel? Maybe, the Hall of Presidents or Dumbo. This is a debate that could rage on for years, but these 10 attractions have certainly welcomed thousands of guests over the past decades and will without a doubt welcome thousands more in the years to come.