Disney World's Best Non-Thrill Attractions
The Best Non-Thrill Attractions In Disney World
Many people go to theme parks for the thrill rides but thrills and chills are not for everyone. What attractions are in Disney World that you can "ride?" Why would you want a non-thrill attraction or ride? For a few reasons:
1. A break from walking. Theme parks involve a lot of walking and even the most fit people get tired eventually. At extreme peak times, wait times for the most popular attractions can take 4 hours for a new ride. This list has attractions that traditionally don't have extra long wait times.
2. An air-conditioning break. Theme parks are popular in warm weather and Disney is no exception. It gets hot in Florida in July and August and a nice cool spot will do the trick. Why not be entertained at the same time.
3. It's mild. Walt Disney wanted a park that the whole family could enjoy, not just kiddie rides or thrill seekers. And that makes sense. Why pay over $100 for a ticket just to walk around and eat? You can do that for free at a mall.
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So, here we go (these are in no particular order):
Magic Kingdom
1. It's a Small World (Fantasyland): you will certainly get a rest and you'll be cool. And you get to sing that famous song in several languages for 12-15 minutes.
2. People Mover (Tomorrowland): you're supposed to be taking a "tour" through Tomorrowland but it's really an elevated tram ride. That's ok, though, because you won't want to get off. I've seen people ask if they could go around again. Sit and relax for about 10 minutes.
3. Carousel of Progress (Tomorrowland): Theoretically, you are watching an entertaining animatronic show about the influence of electricity on the American home from the 1900s-21st century (not as boring as it sounds, honestly). The four segments take place in 4 different theaters and the audience rotates in a circle through the scenes. A darkened theater, air conditioning and a whopping 21 minutes of sitting in theater seats. What more could you ask for? And it's one of my favorites!
5. Pirates of the Caribbean (Adventureland): this is a boat ride through scenes from the movies, complete with Johnny Depp's likeness, a water drop that can splash and a simulated pirate fight. It is not a thrill ride. But, it is a nice break, just not a quiet one. The Magic Kingdom's version is the shortest, according to some sources, 8 1/2 minutes, with the longest one clocking in at over 15 minutes in Disneyland.
6. The Hall of Presidents (Liberty Square): a huge theater, animatronics, cool air and a 25 minute show about the history of the USA ending with a presentation of all of the Presidents of the United States. It's kind of interesting to see modern Presidents sitting with their predecessors, all in the wardrobe of their eras, like they traveled through time.
7. Mickey's Philharmagic (Fantasyland): Donald Duck disobeys Mickey Mouse and puts on the Sorcerer's Cap, sending him on a 3D adventure through some of Disney's musical hits. You might sing along the whole 12 minutes. This is another one of my favorite attractions.
8. Enchanted Tiki Room (Adventureland): A show with stadium benches and animatronic birds presenting the corniest nightclub act ever, unless you count The Country Bear Jamboree (Frontierland, another 16 minutes off your feet with almost always no wait). Combined with the pre-show, you're in for about 18 minutes of sitting down and cooling off.
Epcot
1. Living With The Land (The Land): one of the few attractions from 1982, it's a slow, dark boat ride takes you through climate simulations and an actual working greenhouse that grows food and plants for use throughout Epcot. For 20 minutes, you can relax in a soothing boat (and maybe learn something, like how to make a Mickey-shaped melon). There is also a behind the scenes walking tour that costs extra. Me? It's a must-do every time I go to Epcot and I actually bought an indoor garden because of this ride.
2. Spaceship Earth (World Celebration): another dark ride that takes you through movie-like scenes with animatronics that demonstrate how far we have come in technology. The sets are really great. It's not really as boring as it sounds and the magnificent Dame Judith Dench's hypnotizing narration croons in your ear for 15 minutes. It's cool, dark and long: perfect time for a rest.
3. The movie attractions in the World Showcase: China, France, America and Canada. Each pavilion has a main attraction and/or entertainment. These four countries have theatre presentations to showcase the culture of the country. You can sit in a theatre in America (almost 29 min) and France (18 min, one of my favorite movies since I love going to France). China (12:30 min) and Canada (nearly 14 min) have a 360 degree show in a standing room only theater. It is a good place to cool off. Runner up for a break: any show in the American Garden Theatre. It's outdoors, but the seats have backs and whatever show that's playing will be good.
4. Gran Fiesta Tour (Mexico, World Showcase): Another dark boat ride that takes you through Mexico as two of the three caballeros look for Donald Duck just before they have to perform. This is only 7 minutes but the Mexican pavilion is a nice one. I love this ride!
Disney's Hollywood Studios
1. Currently on hiatus: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (Echo Lake): sit, relax and cool off for about 25 minutes while watching a pretty good stunt show.
2. Beauty and the Beast show (Sunset Boulevard): You can rest your feet, cool off or get out of the rain (I did that once) and be entertained at the same time for 25 minutes.
3. Muppet Vision 3D (Grand Avenue): actually, this show is really cute. Who can resist the Muppets! The pre-show part is fun and you can cool off. and it's a nice theater: comfortable chairs, cool air, dark room. There hasn't been a long wait for years, you'll get right in. Take 15 minutes and relax. And look to the side of the theater. There are some familiar faces in the box seats.
Animal Kingdom
1. It's Tough to Be a Bug (Discovery Island): a cute show about the good contributions of insects to our world. Told in true Disney entertaining style, you can hang out for 9 minutes and cool off and rest up. But beware, there are a couple of interactive features that might wake you up. Bonus: it's the base of the Tree of Life.
3. Festival of the Lion King (Africa): The seats are stadium style. Simba and his friends are there with music, dance, and excitement.You will be off your feet in cool air for a almost half hour and that's hard to resist.
5. The current bird show (Asia): Although there is no air conditioning, you can take a break and be amazed at the feathered cast as they entertain and educate you at the same time. Your feet will thank you for approximately 25 minutes.
Well, there you have it: how to get a break in all four parks with the non-thrill attracitons.
