Walt Disney World is full of attractions to delight every member of the family. However, some are better than others. For those “less than an E-ticket” attractions, you might want to ride them only when the line is short.
I should reiterate: none of these attractions are “bad” or should be skipped, but if the crowds are high and the lines are long, there are better pay-offs for your time spent waiting.
Today we’re going to take a look at eight attractions to ride only when the wait time is short – and alternatives to consider.
1 – Astro Orbiter
Astro Orbiter is a high-flying aerial carousel in Tomorrowland. While the ride offers really cool views of the area, the cockpits are pretty tight.
Alternatives: Dumbo the Flying Elephant over in Storybook Circus is a similar ride but offers much more space, especially for adults. It’s also closer to the ground for those who don’t like heights. If it’s views of Tomorrowland you’re looking for, opt for the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover instead. You get to see a lot more of the land in a more relaxing, roomier ride vehicle!
2 – Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is a favorite for many guests visiting Tomorrowland. It’s so much fun to shoot lasers at those little Zs in an effort to defeat the evil Emporer Zurg. You can even rack up points and compete against your own personal best or your friends and family.
The only problem is that lines can sometimes be very long for Buzz. There’s a similar attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Mania!
Alternative: Both rides are lots of fun, but if you like both of them, it’s not worth waiting in line for both. Instead, head straight for Toy Story Mania in the Toy Story Land. It’s a very popular attraction so you’ll probably still wait in line, but you’ll only have to wait once and you’ll experience a newer attraction with better technology.
3 – Barnstormer
The Barnstormer is a kids’ rollercoaster, and it’s great for first-timers who might not want something big and scary. However, if you’ve conquered your first ride, the Barnstormer isn’t worth the wait especially since the ride is only a minute long!
Alternative: Instead, visit the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a newer ride in Fantasyland. It’s thrilling enough for adults and big kids while being calm enough for hesitant little ones. The ride vehicle is also larger offering more space for kids and parents to ride together. You will probably wait quite a bit longer for the Mine Train, but the wait there is worth it.
4 – Conservation Station
Conservation Station at Rafiki’s Planet Watch can be a great place to learn about wildlife and conservation. There’s a petting zoo and even a working veterinarian clinic. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know if the caregivers of Disney’s Animal Kingdom are performing any procedures that day until you actually arrive.
Alternative: If you have a real animal lover in your family, visit Kilimanjaro Safaris instead. There are lots of animals, and you’re guaranteed to see something. You can also ride at night when you’ll get a beautiful view of the savanna!
5 – Na’vi River Journey
Na’vi River Journey is one of two attractions in Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s new Pandora: World of Avatar area. I’m definitely not saying that you should skip this attraction, but if you only have time for one attraction in Pandora, this might not be the one you are looking for.
Alternative: Na’vi River Journey is beautiful and definitely worth seeing, but the Flight of Passage queue really cool, so you want to take the time to see it. It’s better to wait (likely longer) in the queue for Flight of Passage than for Na’vi River Journey.
6 – Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is the oldest opening day attraction in Disney World. This Fantasyland Classic is beautiful and exceptionally appointed. However, it’s a pretty standard Merry-Go-Round, which can be found just about anywhere including your local fairs.
Alternative: If you can ride the carousel without a wait, definitely do it, but if there’s too much of a wait, head over to Mad Tea Party, also in Fantasyland. This spinning ride is more fun, still classically Disney, and the theme is just as, if not more, whimsical.
7 – The Seas with Nemo and Friends
World Nature in EPCOT offers many educational opportunities camouflaged through rides and attractions. The Seas with Nemo and Friends is one such attraction. Guests learn about a variety of fish including Nemo and his father Marlin, both clownfish, Dory, a Blue Tang, jellyfish, sharks, an anglerfish, and rays. You’ll even get swept up in the East Australian Current.
Alternative: There’s an even more educational opportunity in the same building though: Turtle Talk with Crush. This show is interactive, and audience members of all ages can ask Crush questions. This means they can learn even more!
Also don’t miss the Living Seas portion of this building where you can view real sea life and ask Cast Member animal experts about the animals you see.
8 – TriceraTop Spin
TriceraTop Spin is part of Dinoland USA in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, which houses classic American carnival rides. It’s kid-friendly and great for little ones, but it’s a pretty standard aerial carousel-like Dumbo and Aladdin. Since there are other, better-themed attractions like this one, skip the line and opt for another attraction nearby.
Alternative: Take some time to wander around the Tree of Life and pick out all the beautiful animal carvings.
What ride do you like, but won’t wait in line for at Disney World?