Now that the craziness of the holiday season is behind us, let’s jump back into the Not to Miss Series! If you missed the first two posts, you can find out what Little Ones and Thrill Seekers won’t want to miss by clicking on those links. Today, let’s talk about what the Classic Disney Fan will want to experience! I’ve done a lot of the attractions here because they are classics, and definitely appreciate them. Let’s get started!
Magic Kingdom
Dumbo the Flying Elephant- This classic is something everyone needs to do at least once! Dumbo has recently doubled in size, and is great to ride at night with little wait time.
Haunted Mansion- This classic is always a must-do for me. The line can sometimes get long, but usually can be done without Fastpass+. Ride first thing in the morning or later at night with minimal wait time. Use the Disney Parks App to check wait times throughout the day.
It’s a Small World- If this isn’t a classic, then I don’t know what is! Ride this one at night for a shorter line. If you really want to ride during the day, Fastpass+ might be your only option, and I wouldn’t recommend it. Try using it as your 4th Fastpass+ if you get one! (Don’t know what I’m talking about? Check out this post.)
Carousel of Progress- Created by Walt himself, this rotating theatre attraction is nice for air conditioning, or for some people- a nap. I love it though! You travel through time with each scene, and learn that there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day!
Country Bear Jamboree- This classic has sadly been removed from Disneyland in California, so see it here! This show features audio-animatronic bears, and surprisingly popular with Disney fans. It can be seen at any time of day, the only wait time is in-between shows.
Jungle Cruise- This ride has been in Magic Kingdom since it’s opening, and it looks that way. It’s known for the jokes, and is quite fun! Ride at night for minimal wait!
Mad Tea Party- The classic teacups can get a pretty long line, celebrate a very merry unbirthday later at night for minimal wait.
Peter Pan’s Flight- One of the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom gets a line like no other, seriously, it amazes me every time. Ride later at night or first thing in the morning. I would only suggest using Fastpass+ if you are travelling with children in your party.
Pirates of the Caribbean- Yo ho yo ho! A pirates life for me. Captain Jack Sparrow has been added to this classic attraction which in my opinion makes it even better. Use Fastpass+ as the line can be hit or miss, or ride in the early morning or late at night.
Space Mountain- a rollercoaster in the dark! This ride has gone through various refurbishments, and you used to be able to see the other cars zooming around because the bottoms glowed in the dark! This one is definitely a classic. Ride first thing in the morning or later at night for lower wait times, or use Fastpass+.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room- You may have seen footage of Walt Disney talking with Audio-Animatronic birds during an episode of The Wonderful World of Disney at one time or another. Those bird are in the tiki room! While this may not be everyone’s favourite show, I love it, and I think you should see it at least once. Fastpass+ is not available, and it rarely has a wait longer than that between show times.
Hollywood Studios
The Great Movie Ride- step into the movies with this attraction, and enter scenes from some of your favourites! If you have little ones in your party, the Alien scene may be frightening (it still creeps me out). Wait time is usually short, but Fastpass+ is available.
Tower of Terror- Do you dare? This classic you can see from almost anywhere in the park. Beautifully detailed, it’s one of my favourites. Ride first thing in the morning or use Fastpass+.
Muppet*vision 3D- One of the last things Jim Henson worked on before he died, this 3D show featuring the Muppets is definitely a classic. I suggest getting there early to watch the pre-show, it’s surprisingly funny! If you are travelling with little ones, they will love the 3D gags!
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage- Show times are available in the times guide. This is a Broadway scale production! For Beauty and the Beast (a Disney classic) fans, they will definitely love it! It has been at Hollywood Studios for a long time, and even though rumors have been flying for years of it being replaced with a Tangled production, it still holds strong. A great show for the whole family!
Epcot
Spaceship Earth- Inside the giant golf ball is a classic. A ride that takes you through the history of communication is one of my favourites. Wait times can be hit or miss, but Fastpass+ is available. I use the Disney Parks App to look at wait times and head over when the wait isn’t long. It’s a constantly loading ride so the line generally moves quickly.
World Showcase- While this isn’t an attraction, this section of Epcot is a classic. It captures the theme of Epcot, and is a great place to spend the day. There is always more to explore and see within World Showcase, and I don’t even mean food! It is always fun to try something new. During the spring the Flower and Garden Festival is always beautiful, and in the fall the Food and Wine Festival is great for tasting! Next time you visit Epcot, definitely spend some time here.
Animal Kingdom
Kilimanjaros Safaris- I wouldn’t really call this a “classic”, mostly because Animal Kingdom is only 18 years old, but I think this attraction encompasses the theme of Animal Kingdom more than any attraction there. Ride this first thing in the morning (when the animals are most active and lines are the shortest) or use Fastpass+.
It’s Tough to be a Bug!- Again, while not necessarily a classic, this show is underneath the park centrepiece, the Tree of Life. It’s a fun show with some sensory surprises! Show runs continuously, so the longest you would wait is for the next show. Fastpass+ is not needed.
As you can see Walt Disney World is home to many classics, all of which you should see at least once. If you are a “once in a lifetime guess” you may want to by-pass some of these, but hopefully this list helps you determine which to see! I also hint at my strategy in the parks, which you can read here.
What is your favourite Disney classic? Let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading!
