As a Disney fan, it’s easy to dream of brighter magic in faraway parks, where unique attractions make every visit feel extraordinary. While it’s natural to grow accustomed to your local Disney resort’s charms, those late-night searches for flights to Tokyo or Hong Kong stem from a desire to experience the global variety that makes Disney special.
The diversity of Disney parks is part of their charm, and we’d likely be the first to complain if every park felt the same. Yet, that doesn’t stop us from wishing some of the world’s most innovative rides would find a home in Florida.
Mystic Manor (Hong Kong Disneyland)
Haunted Mansion will always hold a special place in our hearts, but Mystic Manor offers a whimsical twist that’s hard to resist.
Designed to avoid China’s cultural sensitivities to ghosts (hence why Haunted Mansion was a no-no), this trackless dark ride swaps ghosts for enchanted artifacts and mischief. Guests follow Lord Henry Mystic and his curious monkey, Albert, as a magical music box breathes life—and chaos—into the manor’s treasures.
With dazzling visuals, advanced technology, and Danny Elfman’s enchanting score, Mystic Manor is a refreshing reinterpretation of Disney’s mansion magic. A stateside version? Yes, please.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (Shanghai Disneyland)
Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean is a masterpiece, but Shanghai Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure takes it to uncharted waters. Literally.
This magnetic-powered dark ride immerses guests in a cinematic adventure featuring the Graveyard of Lost Ships, Davy Jones’ lair, and a climactic sea battle between the Dutchman and the Black Pearl. While unlikely to sail stateside, it remains a testament to Imagineering’s ability to reinvent a classic with cutting-edge tech.
Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast (Tokyo Disneyland)
Tokyo Disneyland’s Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast redefines Disney’s dark ride experience.
This colossal attraction boasts some of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics ever created, bringing the beloved tale to life with stunning visuals and a breathtaking transformation scene. It’s a technical and emotional marvel that deserves a place in Disney World’s future.
Journey to the Center of the Earth (Tokyo DisneySea)
Nestled within Mount Prometheus, Journey to the Center of the Earth is an exhilarating dive into Jules Verne’s classic tale.
This immersive ride blends bioluminescent caverns, exotic creatures, and a fiery subterranean beast for a pulse-pounding adventure. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves you wondering if Disney World could ever pull off something so daring.
Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars (Hong Kong Disneyland)
Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars is like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but with a twist.
Inspired by California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains and the gold rush, this ride combines the familiar thrills of Thunder Mountain with unexpected surprises reminiscent of Expedition Everest. It’s a wild ride that feels like the best of both worlds.
Crush’s Coaster (Walt Disney Studios Park)
Crush’s Coaster is the unexpected gem of Walt Disney Studios Park – which, admittedly, isn’t hard, considering that, well, it’s Walt Disney Studios Park.
Blending dark ride elements with the thrill of a spinning coaster, it’s a unique experience inspired by Finding Nemo. Long queues in Disneyland Paris prove its popularity, and it’s easy to imagine it making waves in Disney World.
Pooh’s Hunny Hunt (Tokyo Disneyland)
Pooh’s Hunny Hunt elevates the classic dark ride with trackless technology and storybook charm.
Gliding through the Hundred Acre Wood, honey pots dance through vibrant scenes, delivering playful surprises at every turn. It’s a masterpiece that sets a new standard for Disney attractions. Honestly, we wouldn’t mind if it replaced our current Pooh ride—it’s that magical.
Which of these international Disney rides would you love to see in Disney World?
