Which Disney Attractions Does Everyone Know?
As diehard Disney fans, we know all sorts of obscure facts about unheralded attractions like DINOSAUR and Journey into Imagination with Figment.
When we talk about Disney with normies, they…don’t. So, in the wake of recent holiday family gatherings, I thought this one would be fun.
Which Disney rides would everyone know, whether they’re a Mickey Mouse fan or not?
Country Bear Jamboree
Everything about these discussions is relative and in the eye of the beholder.
Still, I expect that my first choice on this (alphabetical) list proves the most divisive.
Many fans consider Country Bear Jamboree something of a relic of a Disney past that Imagineers have since outgrown.
The Audio-Animatronics for this attraction are undeniably antiquated, but who cares?
People know the name of the attraction well enough that Disney once chose Country Bear Jamboree as one of three subjects for big-budget Hollywood productions.
Not coincidentally, all three of those titles earn a spot on this list.
Hall of Presidents
I view two other attractions here as a bit subjective, while I suspect everyone will nod emphatically at the rest of the selections.
Hall of Presidents is one of those two, as it’s not a must-do attraction at Walt Disney World these days.
In truth, the show reflects a societal divide in the nature of politics. I’d rather not dwell on the negative, though.
Instead, I’ll focus on the underlying optimism of this presentation. It celebrates American history and our constitutional republic.
Since this article will publish soon after July 4th, I’d feel un-American if I didn’t include it.
Haunted Mansion
At the end of this month, a new Haunted Mansion movie will debut in theaters roughly 20 years after the previous one.
Disney has no need to explain the backstory for the new film, as everyone knows.
Haunted Mansion has proven that iconic as a ride since its inception in the late 1960s.
People with virtually no passing knowledge of this ride can name some of its characters, like Leota and the Ghost Host. And they can quote dialog as well.
It’s a Small World
I apologize for putting the song in your head. Still, the fact that it happened speaks volumes.
An argument exists that It’s a Small World is the most-played song of the past century.
In fact, the only song played as regularly is Happy Birthday, and that’s because 18-20 million people celebrate those daily.
In short, It’s a Small World is iconic as any piece of music you’ve ever heard. And people know nearly as much about the ride and its puppets as well.
Jungle Cruise
A movie starring The Rock and Emily Blunt certainly raised the profile of this attraction, but it didn’t really need the attention.
A long time ago, Walt Disney and his Imagineers had an idea to build a bunch of sets that echoed memorable moments from a non-Disney film, The African Queen.
Disney Legend Harper Goff styled the Jungle Cruise boats after that vessel.
Then, everything came full circle in 2021 when critics pointed out the uncanny similarities between the Jungle Cruise movie and The African Queen.
That wasn’t accidental. Everyone recognizes Jungle Cruise for its humor, script, and hysterical set pieces.
Ultimately, the attraction has earned rarefied pop culture status of its own due to its quirky style.
Mad Tea Party
Here’s the other attraction that some may not have included if they created a list of ten Disney rides everyone would know.
I feel like Mad Tea Party deserves a mention due to its memorable design. It’s a glorified vomit comet that kids love.
They use the spinning on Mad Tea Party to punish their parents, leading to unforgettable moments for families.
Still, I’ve learned a harsh life lesson here. Don’t even ride this with someone you don’t trust. Your stomach will regret it if you team with a super-spinner.
Pirates of the Caribbean
If I’d left this one or the next one off the list, y’all would have come after me with torches and pitchforks. Don’t even deny it.
There’s no need to defend this choice.
Pirates of the Caribbean already symbolized Disney theming and dark rides long before Johnny Depp portrayed Jack Sparrow.
Space Mountain
Similarly, when people think about the most iconic roller coaster rides ever, Space Mountain usually stands at the top of the list.
There’s a reason why “Nature Boy” Ric Flair used Space Mountain for one of his catchphrases. He knew that everyone watching would understand the term.
Spaceship Earth
Here’s one that lacks the name recognition of a few other attractions on the list. Everyone knows about this place, though.
Most Americans would recognize the giant silver golf ball and correctly identify it as an EPCOT attraction.
Some of them may not know its name or at least that the ride shares the same title as the exterior structure. Still, they know it.
This jaw-dropping monument to the majesty of Disney Imagineering defines EPCOT and is every bit as integral to Walt Disney World as Cinderella Castle.
Oh, the ride is great, too. In fact, it’s my favorite!
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Something that many fans struggle to comprehend is that their Disney isn’t the same as someone else’s.
Disney theme parks remain in constant motion, frequently updating to maintain their magic for modern audiences.
So, while all the other attractions I’ve listed here are more than 40 years old, one didn’t exist until the end of 2019.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance quickly emerged as the new alpha at Disney theme parks, best signified by the fact that it’s available at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Imagineers knew that they’d crafted a masterpiece and ensured that fans on both coasts could access its brilliance.
Rise of the Resistance encapsulates an entire Star Wars adventure in a dizzying 20 minutes wherein the line blurs between what’s part of the ride and what isn’t.
Since Star Wars fans are among the most devout on the planet, word has spread quickly that Rise of the Resistance justifies a Disney trip.
This ride may be one of the newest E-ticket attractions, but it’s already a name even casual Disney followers know.
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Feature Photo: Disney.