What Are the Best Slow Rides at Disney World?

Sometimes, we all want to take a break.

A Disney theme park visit provides all the whimsy and pure joy we could ever need.

Photo: orlandoattractions.com

However, after a couple of roller coasters and a long walk, we’d all rather relax and catch our breath.

Thankfully, Disney has thought of everything with its masterful theme park design.

Photo: Playbuzz.com

Many theme park attractions provide a bit of tranquility in between thrill rides.

So, what are the best Disney slow rides?

7. Pirates of the Caribbean

Photo: Disney

The challenging part of constructing this list is deciding what qualifies.

For instance, for all its excitement, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance doesn’t move very fast.

Photo: Disney

Similarly, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and Toy Story Mania! technically qualify as well.

Still, I discarded their candidacies because they’re so kinetic in nature.

Photo: Disney

That same bit of logic explains why Pirates of the Caribbean is listed so low.

Yes, this one’s a slow ride where you can sit back and relax a bit. However, the cannon fire makes it a bit more intense.

(Renie Bardeau / Associated Press)

So, I’ve listed Pirates of the Caribbean, but I’m only slotting it seven. As far as slow rides go, it’s a bit more chaotic.

You understand why it belongs on this list, though. You ride a boat through some of Disney’s most recognizable set pieces.

Photo: click Orlando

This is the pinnacle of theming, and it’ll remind you that you’re ensconced in the magic of Disney. That’s what you want from a slow ride.

6. It’s a Small World

The same logic applies to It’s a Small World, an attraction that definitely belongs on this list.

However, when you think slow rides, you probably anticipate tranquil experiences that soothe the nerves.

For some, the theme song, “It’s a Small World,” isn’t that. It’s an exercise in subliminal musical messaging that will poison your very soul, albeit with Sherman Brothers positivity.

Ignoring that one flaw, It’s a Small World provides an ideal respite when you want to chill out. The ride can take up to 15 minutes, and everything in sight is gorgeous and engrossing.

That’s the artistry of Mary Blair on full display.

So, for the admiration alone, I highly recommend this slow ride.

5. Living with the Land

Ah, naptime.

Look, I know that I should celebrate the scientific wonders of this attraction, and I have on many occasions.

Then again, I’ve been equally transparent about how the darkest elements of this dark ride encourage dozing off.

Nobody will blame you, because they’ll be too busy snoozing themselves.

Then, you can pay attention again when you enter the lab section of the ride… or just keep snoozing for the full 15 minutes.

You’re at Disney. It’s your vacation. Do what you want.

4. Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

Obviously, many of Disney’s best slow rides are the Omnimover attractions that control the pace.

I like the straightforward ones that recreate Disney’s best stories.

Photo: Disney

This attraction based on The Little Mermaid is among the best of them.

Your clamshell ride cart methodically carries you through all the movie’s highlights, including the “Kiss the Girl” scene, Ursula’s comeuppance, and the happy ending.

3. Spaceship Earth

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While I adore the earnestness and sincerity of Journey of the Little Mermaid, let’s be honest that the ride falls on the shorter side.

Sometimes you want a slow ride that takes a while. Otherwise, you’ll never catch your breath, especially on a hot day.

That’s why you’ll notice my top three selections all last ten minutes or longer.

You can sit down, kick back, and enjoy yourself during Disney’s most calming rides.

Spaceship Earth in EPCOT

On Spaceship Earth, Disney throws in World Civilization 101 class, but if you’re not in a learning mood, you don’t have to engage.

The instant you see a woolly mammoth, just shut your eyes and enjoy the next 15 minutes.

Conversely, if you’re like me, you’ll delight in the knowledge base that is Spaceship Earth.

This story recounts some of the seminal moments throughout the millennia and throws in the delightful smell of Rome burning for good measure.

Then, during the back half of the ride, you can plan your entire future.

At that moment, you’ll be every bit as accurate as any Wall Street C-suite executive spewing unrealistic garbage about what happens next.

2. Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion

I’m listing this one because A) my wife would kill me if I didn’t and B) many people describe this as Disney’s best slow ride ever.

You’ll enjoy a rollicking good time on a slow-moving Doom Buggy.

Photo: Haunted Mansion Wiki

Along the way, you’ll smile uncomfortably when you meet Constance Hatchaway, the Hatbox Ghost, and those three hitchhiking ghosts who never want to leave your side.

Haunted Mansion embodies Disney at its weirdest and most creative, which makes it a must-ride for me.

Also, that breath of cool air – you know the spot – is sheer perfection on super-hot days.

1. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Photo: Disney

You may disagree with this answer depending how frequently you visit the parks.

Those of us who attend regularly view the PeopleMover as an oasis, an escape hatch hidden in plain sight in Tomorrowland.

PeopleMover

The PeopleMover rarely has a long line and provides a 12-minute respite from walking, sweating, or even thinking.

You just sit down and admire unprecedented views of Tomorrowland attractions.

Photo: Disney

During this slow ride, you’ll witness Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin from angles typically reserved for Cast Members.

Even better, this ride comes alive at night, when you can appreciate the glowing majesty of Tron Lightcycle / Run and the pristine beauty of Cinderella Castle.

The experience is even better when you’re lucky enough to ride during the fireworks, but the specifics don’t really matter.

All you need to know is when you’re in desperate need of a slow ride, the PeopleMover is your best friend.

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Feature Photo: Disney