When I started writing this blog I found myself quite conflicted on what ten attractions were the most “overlooked”, meaning an attraction that does not get the attention it rightfully deserves. So I queried three reliable Disney aficionados – my three daughters – on which attractions they thought were the most overlooked. There was surprising disagreement, not only with which attractions should be included on the list, but also on the order in which to list them. Therefore, I decided to take all the lists and average the ratings and here they are, the Top Ten Overlooked Attractions at Walt Disney World:
10. These two attractions are listed as number 10 largely because at least half of us did not think they were “overlooked” – rather than continue the debate, let’s give Mickey’s PhilharMagic and Country Bear Jamboree a tie…personally I love the 3D musical film at Mickey’s PhilharMagic, but am not a big fan of the animatronic Country Bears. Don't argue with me - everyone has their own tastes!
9. Kidcot Fun Stops at Epcot – At each country around
World Showcase there is a little craft station where kids (or adults can join the fun!) can create a free souvenir to take home – it’s usually a mask or cut-out of Duffy attached to a paint stick. They can color on it and get it stamped with each country’s “passport” stamp. These stops are not always easy to spot and if you don't know what it is you could easily walk by wondering why there are children gathered around a table with crayons etc. without ever knowing that your child could take part for free!
8. Grouped together in the number 8 spot are the three spectacular movies in the China, France and Canada pavilions at Epcot. “Impressions de France” is a traditional film, while “O Canada!” and “Reflections of China” are shown in Circle-Vision 360. While people may overlook these because they think they’re a boring travelogue, all are beautifully filmed highlights of their respective country and, incidentally, a great way to beat the Florida midday heat. Be forewarned -- watching them can also make you dizzy!
7. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom – apparently I like this 10-minute ride around Tomorrowland more than my kids do. I think it’s fun to circle above that section of the park, going in and out of shops and attractions while looking down at all the people…listen for the announcement “Calling Tom Morrow…”!
6. In Epcot’s Land Pavilion, while rushing to the popular Soarin’ attraction or one of the restaurants, you could easily miss Living With The Land. This takes you into the back of the pavilion through the greenhouses where they are constantly experimenting with different growing techniques. Depending on when you’re there you could see anything from a 9-pound lemon to Mickey-shaped pumpkins being grown.
5. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in the Mexico pavilion of Epcot transports you on a gentle boat ride while you take in the sights and sounds of various places in Mexico. Donald Duck and his amigos Pancito and Jose Carioca appear throughout the ride. It’s easy to miss when you’re distracted by the shops and Cava del Tequila!
4. In Disney’s Animal Kingdom park you can board the Wildlife Express Train in the center of Africa. While people may think it’s a long ride out to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the 1.2 mile journey takes only 7 minutes and you’ll see some of the animal housing and veterinary facilities where they take care of the park’s animals.
3. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland is a classic piece of Disney straight out of the mind of Walt himself. Though the outdated reputation of this ride and the fact that it isn't a "thrill" make this a less desirable attraction for some, it’s still fun to see the vast changes in communication through the 20th Century in this audio animatronics show.
2. In the Animation Courtyard section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios you’ll find an attraction called The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction has several components including an entertaining short film about the process of creating Disney animated characters, a character meet and greet area, a gallery of original artwork and more. But one of the more overlooked areas (although it seems to have gotten more crowded lately!) is the Animation Academy where a Disney artist will teach you how to draw a character. This is one of my favorite things to do and I now have my own “gallery” of characters I drew myself! NOTE: This attraction has been closed to make room for Star Wars Launch Bay.
10. These two attractions are listed as number 10 largely because at least half of us did not think they were “overlooked” – rather than continue the debate, let’s give Mickey’s PhilharMagic and Country Bear Jamboree a tie…personally I love the 3D musical film at Mickey’s PhilharMagic, but am not a big fan of the animatronic Country Bears. Don't argue with me - everyone has their own tastes!
9. Kidcot Fun Stops at Epcot – At each country around
World Showcase there is a little craft station where kids (or adults can join the fun!) can create a free souvenir to take home – it’s usually a mask or cut-out of Duffy attached to a paint stick. They can color on it and get it stamped with each country’s “passport” stamp. These stops are not always easy to spot and if you don't know what it is you could easily walk by wondering why there are children gathered around a table with crayons etc. without ever knowing that your child could take part for free!
8. Grouped together in the number 8 spot are the three spectacular movies in the China, France and Canada pavilions at Epcot. “Impressions de France” is a traditional film, while “O Canada!” and “Reflections of China” are shown in Circle-Vision 360. While people may overlook these because they think they’re a boring travelogue, all are beautifully filmed highlights of their respective country and, incidentally, a great way to beat the Florida midday heat. Be forewarned -- watching them can also make you dizzy!
7. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at Magic Kingdom – apparently I like this 10-minute ride around Tomorrowland more than my kids do. I think it’s fun to circle above that section of the park, going in and out of shops and attractions while looking down at all the people…listen for the announcement “Calling Tom Morrow…”!
6. In Epcot’s Land Pavilion, while rushing to the popular Soarin’ attraction or one of the restaurants, you could easily miss Living With The Land. This takes you into the back of the pavilion through the greenhouses where they are constantly experimenting with different growing techniques. Depending on when you’re there you could see anything from a 9-pound lemon to Mickey-shaped pumpkins being grown.
5. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in the Mexico pavilion of Epcot transports you on a gentle boat ride while you take in the sights and sounds of various places in Mexico. Donald Duck and his amigos Pancito and Jose Carioca appear throughout the ride. It’s easy to miss when you’re distracted by the shops and Cava del Tequila!
4. In Disney’s Animal Kingdom park you can board the Wildlife Express Train in the center of Africa. While people may think it’s a long ride out to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, the 1.2 mile journey takes only 7 minutes and you’ll see some of the animal housing and veterinary facilities where they take care of the park’s animals.
3. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland is a classic piece of Disney straight out of the mind of Walt himself. Though the outdated reputation of this ride and the fact that it isn't a "thrill" make this a less desirable attraction for some, it’s still fun to see the vast changes in communication through the 20th Century in this audio animatronics show.
2. In the Animation Courtyard section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios you’ll find an attraction called The Magic of Disney Animation. This attraction has several components including an entertaining short film about the process of creating Disney animated characters, a character meet and greet area, a gallery of original artwork and more. But one of the more overlooked areas (although it seems to have gotten more crowded lately!) is the Animation Academy where a Disney artist will teach you how to draw a character. This is one of my favorite things to do and I now have my own “gallery” of characters I drew myself! NOTE: This attraction has been closed to make room for Star Wars Launch Bay.
If you're lucky, you might win the artist's drawing.
1. The most overlooked attraction could be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream is both a small “museum” and a film tribute to the man who started it all. People walk right past this treasure trove of rare models, sketches and costumes. Walt's story is recounted through these artifacts in the gallery, which leads into the theater. Narrated by Julie Andrews, the film tells the story of Walt’s life and genius, including rare footage from home movies. It always brings a sentimental tear to my eye!
So what are your favorite attractions that you feel deserve more attention? Did I miss anything? Let me know!
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream is both a small “museum” and a film tribute to the man who started it all. People walk right past this treasure trove of rare models, sketches and costumes. Walt's story is recounted through these artifacts in the gallery, which leads into the theater. Narrated by Julie Andrews, the film tells the story of Walt’s life and genius, including rare footage from home movies. It always brings a sentimental tear to my eye!
So what are your favorite attractions that you feel deserve more attention? Did I miss anything? Let me know!
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