For the last three years I've been making my way through school, wondering why so many college-aged women are stupidly obsessed with Disney. I hadn't been to Disney World since I was 11, and although I remember enjoying it I haven't been able to understand why my peers seem to consider Disney World the end-all be-all vacation/honeymoon/wedding destination.
That is until last week.
I finally got to experience Disney as an adult, and let me tell you: it is amazing. Disney World blew 21-year-old Kasey's socks off. Since returning home, I've been dealing with the withdrawals of not waking up in the morning and running straight to the Tower of Terror and not being able to have Mickey-shaped popsicles for breakfast.
Disney is obviously on a lot of vacation lists this summer, which is why I've cultivated this definitive ranking of top five Disney rides. Go enjoy the happiest place on Earth, and know that I am insanely jealous.
We'll start with the Honorable Mention category.
Honorable Mentions
Splash Mountain
This classic ride in Magic Kingdom's "Frontierland" is the perfect way to jumpstart your Disney vacation. The ride follows Song of the South's characters Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit through a musical cartoon paradise, all the way down a fifty foot plunge into "The Briar Patch." Riders be warned: you will get soaked.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
The mine train is a fairly new ride but full of old Disney magic. Roll through the glittering mine from Snow White in a rocking mine cart, and brace yourself for lots of twists and turns. This ride can be found in Magic Kingdom's "Fantasyland."
5. Test Track
Epcot is not known for being exhilarating, but a spin around the Test Track may change your mind. This ride takes you through the rigorous testing of General Motors vehicles, and if you're feeling the need for speed this is the place to get your fix. While waiting in line, build your dream car with Chevrolet and watch how your car competes against the other guests on your ride.
4. Space Mountain
Since its opening in 1975, Space Mountain has been one of the most beloved rides in Disney World. Imagine Big Thunder Mountain Railroad but in near complete darkness, with only the stars to guide you. Be sure to get to Magic Kingdom's "Tomorrowland" early in the day or secure a fast pass, because this ride has been known to procure 145 minute waits at its busiest time of day. Popularity comes at a price.
3. Expedition Everest
I remember waiting in line 10 years ago to get on Expedition Everest. It had just opened, and had been featured on more Disney Channel commercials than I could count. I was a huge roller-coaster pansy, but one thing was certain: I had to ride Expedition Everest. How could I possibly start the sixth grade knowing I'd missed my chance? After the first time I rode it, I went twice more. This year the Animal Kingdom attraction was at the top of my to-do list. Needless to say, I loved this ride just as much now as I did when I was a kid. It peaks at 112 feet, so if you're afraid of heights beware. If you're a roller-coaster pansy, fear not-- you will not drop 112 feet. Instead this ride is full of easy twists and turns down the side of the mountain. Oh, you also go backwards. And there's a yeti. Yeah, its pretty awesome.
2. Tower of Terror
Naming this ride as second best was hard for me to do. In fact, I'd really put it right on par with Number One—its kind of a tie. I could write an entire article explicitly about how much I love this ride. Ah, the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Beautiful. Magnifico. A truly glorious monument to both amusement parks and classic television. My sister and I woke up early just to stand in line to ride this ride. The Tower of Terror spares no detail in fully immersing its guests in the Twilight Zone. After passing through the cobwebbed lobby and waiting in the dark, haunted library your bellhops bring you down, down, down to the belly of the tower. You strap yourself into the service elevator, sweep upwards through the Twilight Zone, and...drop. Thirteen stories. There are 167 different ways to fall from the Tower of Terror, and each one is more glorious than the last. I recommend buying your pictures from this ride—the faces are priceless.
1. Rock n' Roller-coaster
Topping out at Numero Uno is Aerosmith's Rock n' Rollercoaster. Folks, be prepared to have your mind blown. Its a race against the clock in your special-order limo—you're late to the Aerosmith concert. Reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour in only two seconds, this ride slingshots you forward with the force of a fighter jet taking off. Upon your first inversion, guests experience nearly 4 G's of force—that's more than an astronaut experiences during takeoff. Go upside down, take the corkscrews, and rock out to one of four Aerosmith songs played for each limo. The speedy, super-smooth ride is located right next door to the Tower of Terror in Disney's Hollywood Studios.
