Which Walt Disney World Rides Offer the Worst Bang for the Buck?

I recently discussed the Walt Disney World attractions that last the longest.

You’ll treasure these attractions when you’re tired and want to get off your feet.

Photo:visitorlando.com

Alas, the opposite is true as well. Some attractions will require you to wait in line for a while. Then, they’ll end in a flash.

Here are the ten Walt Disney World attractions that provide the worst bang for the buck.

Space Mountain – 150 seconds

I want to preface this by stating that everyone will time these differently as several factors come into play.

For example, does an attraction start when you enter the boarding area or the instant the ride starts?

Photo: Pexel.com

I favor the latter, and that’s simply one of several caveats. I’ll address a couple of others as we proceed.

Still, you may be surprised to learn that Space Mountain is this short. It’s also not the easiest to time during a normal ride, as everything happens in the dark.

So, I’m including a ride video with each estimate so that you can decide for yourself.

With the lights on, the roller coaster portion appears even shorter than I’ve estimated.

Since the attraction employs sensory deprivation to disorient guests, defining when it starts and stops isn’t simple in the dark.

So, I included a lights-on video as well.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – 145 seconds

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel challenges us with its evaluation as well.

Does this experience start when you sit on the horse or when the carrousel starts spinning?

You may think that’s a quibble, but this ride caters to children, whom cast members must safeguard.

Photo: Disney

There can be a gap of several minutes between when you mount your horse and when the carrousel starts turning.

I timed it at two minutes and 25 seconds, but there’s some wiggle room.

Slinky Dog Dash – 100 seconds

I timed this one based on movements from start to finish, but there’s an argument to be made that it’s even shorter.

Remember that Slinky Dog Dash briefly stops in the middle to build up excitement for its twisting, turning climax.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant – 95 seconds

When I discuss this attraction, I’m simultaneously discussing three different ones.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant has ride twins at Magic Carpets of Aladdin and TriceraTop Spin.

Photo: Disney

All of them are very brief, but the same statement from Prince Charming Regal Carrousel applies.

You’ll board the ride much earlier than the actual movement begins.

Tron Lightcycle / Run – 90 seconds or 120 seconds

Okay, here’s the shocker on the list.

You probably hadn’t realized Disney’s new roller coaster ends this quickly.

Well, it kind of does and kind of doesn’t.

I’ve listed it at 90 seconds, but that might be too harsh.

There is a stopping point where the narrator proclaims your team the winner.

After that, the ride cart moves again to carry you to the exit station.

Photo: Disney

If you count that, Tron gains another 30 seconds, or 33 percent.

Still, the recurring theme with several roller coasters at Walt Disney World is that Disney builds them confidently.

You’ll have such an incredible, immersive adventure that it won’t feel like a short ride.

Alien Swirling Saucers – 90 seconds

Here’s another one with some variance.

Cast members seemingly provide longer rides at times depending on the number of people in the attraction queue.

Also, during the holiday season, Alien Swirling Saucers seems to run a bit longer.

Still, even if you’re lucky, you won’t get more than two minutes from this attraction.

I presume that’s part of the reason why it’s typically one of Walt Disney World’s less popular rides.

Mad Tea Party – 88 seconds

Now, we’ve reached the point where the bang for the buck is questionable across the board.

Of course, in the specific example of Mad Tea Party, anything more than 88 seconds may cause you to lose your lunch anyway.

Maybe we should be grateful that Disney doesn’t provide more laps.

We know they don’t want to clean up the protein spills.

Astro Orbiter – 85 seconds

When I think about long waits for short rides, Astro Orbiter exemplifies my frustration.

You wait on the bottom floor for a long time. Then, you wait on the top floor for a while.

Finally, you enter an uncomfortable rocket seat. And, if you’re anything like me, you’re torn between wanting it to last or end instantly because it’s so uncomfortable.

I think you can tell this one’s not a favorite of mine.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – 75 seconds

This is the flaw with valuing an attraction based on its duration.

Everyone loves Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and rightfully so. It’s just plain fun.

Still, if you ever put a stopwatch to it, you’ll realize you’re only hearing about a third of a song during each coaster ride.

That is not hyperbole. Some people have clocked their rides at as little as 70 seconds.

Would you call that bang for the buck for an hour-long wait?

The Barnstormer – 65 seconds

This one at least makes sense.

Even for a gentle junior roller coaster, you don’t want a long ride because you never know when a child might freak out.

So, Disney does everyone a solid here by making this experience short and sweet.

Photo: MickeyBlog

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