While every visit to Walt Disney World is a magical adventure, we all have our personal preferences. With so much to see and do, it’s impossible to experience every ride and attraction on every trip. Some rides simply don’t make the cut for us, and that’s okay! This doesn’t mean they’re not great experiences—they just don’t align with how we choose to spend our limited time at the parks.
Here’s a breakdown of the Walt Disney World rides we often skip and why they don’t make it onto our must-do list. Do you feel the same way, or are some of these your favorites?
Mission: SPACE (EPCOT)
First up is Mission: SPACE at EPCOT. While it’s an immersive experience simulating a space launch, the intense motion-simulator effects often leave us feeling queasy. Whether riding the more relaxed Green Mission or the intense Orange Mission, motion sickness seems inevitable for us.
That said, if you dream of feeling like an astronaut and don’t mind the motion, this ride may be for you. But for us, there are plenty of other adventures at EPCOT—like Soarin’ or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure—that take priority.
Kali River Rapids (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
While Kali River Rapids offers thrilling drops and splashes, we often skip this ride during our visits to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The main reason? We don’t enjoy walking around in wet clothes, socks, and shoes for the rest of the day. Although it’s refreshing on a hot Florida afternoon, we prefer staying dry and comfortable.
If you’re visiting on a scorching day, this might be a perfect way to cool off. Just be sure to bring a change of clothes or a poncho if you want to avoid soggy shoes!
Astro Orbiter (Magic Kingdom)
The Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom, but for us, this spinning ride sits a little too high—both in elevation and in wait times. The boarding process, which involves an elevator ride to the loading platform, often results in longer-than-expected waits.
Additionally, the ride’s faster spinning motion can leave us feeling dizzy. While we love the classic Dumbo the Flying Elephant or The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, the added height and speed of Astro Orbiter make it an experience we tend to skip.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
Nestled inside the iconic Tree of Life, It’s Tough to Be a Bug offers a unique, interactive 3D show featuring Flik from A Bug’s Life. While the concept is fun, the execution can be too intense for us. Effects like bugs running under your seat, a stink bug’s smell, and some creepy crawlers make this show more uncomfortable than enjoyable.
If you’re traveling with little ones or anyone with a fear of bugs, this might be an experience to skip. Instead, we recommend soaking in the incredible animal exhibits and live performances throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom)
A perfect starter roller coaster for young Disney fans, The Barnstormer in Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus area doesn’t hold the same appeal for us as adults. The ride is very short, and the seats are not the most comfortable for grown-ups. We’d rather spend our time on bigger coasters like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
However, if you’re traveling with little ones experiencing their first roller coaster, The Barnstormer can be a wonderful introduction to Disney thrills.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment (EPCOT)
We know this one might ruffle some feathers, but Journey Into Imagination with Figment often doesn’t make our list of must-dos at EPCOT. While Figment is an iconic and beloved character, the ride itself feels outdated and lacking in coherence.
With EPCOT offering so many incredible attractions—like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, and the various festival booths—we often prioritize those over Figment’s whimsical journey. That said, we’d love to see this attraction get some TLC in the future!
Why We Skip These Rides
Ultimately, skipping these attractions doesn’t mean they’re not worth experiencing—it just means they don’t align with how we choose to spend our time. Walt Disney World offers so many amazing options that it’s impossible to fit everything into one trip. By focusing on our personal favorites, we can make the most of our magical Disney days.
Tips for Choosing Your Must-Do Rides
Here are some quick tips to help you decide which rides to prioritize:
- Consider Your Interests: Are you a thrill-seeker, a fan of immersive storytelling, or someone who loves Disney classics? Let your preferences guide your choices.
- Check Wait Times: Use the My Disney Experience app to monitor real-time wait times and decide which rides fit best into your day.
- Plan for Breaks: If certain rides don’t appeal to you, use that time to explore shows, dining options, or quieter areas of the parks.
- Be Flexible: Sometimes the unexpected can turn into your favorite Disney memory—be open to trying something new.
Do You Skip These Rides?
These are the attractions we tend to skip on our Walt Disney World vacations, but everyone’s preferences are different. Are any of these rides on your “must-skip” list, or are they among your favorites? Let us know your thoughts!
