And over the years, some clear patterns have emerged as to which rides, shows, and restaurants at Disney World are the most popular one with our readers. You (collectively) know what you like and you (collectively) have let other Theme Park Insider readers know, through your ratings.
But what is true for the group is not always true for each individual within it. As the editor of Theme Park Insider, I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit not just Disney World, but many other parks around the world, on a regular basis. And as much I as try to defer to the community's judgment in leading conversations on the site, that hasn't kept me from wondering... just what in the heck y'all has been thinking now and then. ??
I mean, I love all of you, but that doesn't mean we have to agree on everything. Here are 10 examples of attractions and restaurants that Theme Park Insider readers love as a group that I, as an individual, think are overrated. Keep in mind that these are not what I consider the 10 worst things at Disney. Far from that. Some of these are wonderful, delightful experiences. I just don't think that they are nearly as wonderful or delightful as everyone else seems to believe.
Let's count down my top 10 overrated locations at the Walt Disney World Resort, from the mildly overrated to the wildly overrated:
Okay, Toy Story's a good ride. But it's not special enough to be worth the hassle of experiencing it at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Midway Mania's Fastpass+ times disappear as soon as the become available and the stand-by wait times for this interactive dark ride routinely exceed an hour... and often last much longer. When considering my including Midway Mania on an "overrated" list, keep in mind that I live in Southern California, where I can ride Midway Mania at Disney California Adventure and wait far less time for it than I ever do when I ride it at Disney World.
9. Le Cellier Steakhouse
Again, here's another example of a good location that just isn't as good as the ridiculous hassle of getting in would suggest that it should be. If you really want a steak while visiting Epcot with less hassle getting a table, just walk over to the Yacht Club and eat at the Yachtsman Steakhouse.
The in-queue puns make me smile, but RnRC is a pretty basic Vekoma launch and loop, without any particularly compelling elements beyond that. And as for the show? Well, RnRC fell on to my overrated list the moment that I realized that it rests on the same device as DCA's late, very unlamented Superstar Limo ride.
A bit of a twist here: Theme Park Insider readers aren't especially enthusiastic about the various topped mac and cheese dishes that Disney serves in places such as the The Friar's Nook in the Magic Kingdom, either. But I'm putting them on the overrated list simply because you haven't downvoted these things into oblivion. Mac and cheese ought to be a can't-miss comfort food — rich, creamy and fulfilling. But WDW's mac and cheese is too often greasy, slimy and tasteless — and made worse by the fatty toppings that leave you wondering why you bothered eating this mess.
6. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
I sense a disturbance in the Force as I now really start to tick off readers. So allow me to qualify this one, too. The current IllumiNations show is fine. But it's just not as good (in my too-rarely humble opinion) as the original IllumiNations show, which played from 1988-1996 and featured a "greatest hits" collection of classical music, including the goosebump-raising moment when all spotlights converged on the American Adventure pavilion as Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" began to play.
If Universal produced a Disney World show, this is what it would be: computer-animated characters on a screen, breezing through one highlight after another, chasing more laughs than feels. Check that. Let's try again. This is what would result if Disney re-imagined Mickey and the gang as Looney Tunes characters. It's an interesting experiment, but I want to see Disney when I visit Disney. Not Universal. Not Warner Bros.
My problem with this restaurant is the same that I have with the 50's Prime Time Cafe at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I just can't stand restaurants where rudeness is played for laughs. Whispering Canyon gets the place on this list, though, because of an incident when our server couldn't break out of his "rude" character to acknowledge that we had an actual, real problem with the food served us. At least at Prime Time, the servers I've had have known when to kick the schtick.
I will concede that I might just be the unluckiest guest when ordering at The Land pavilion's food court, but even meal I've gotten here has been nearly inedible. Gristly meat, bland flavors, and of course, the ubiquitous cheap paper and plastic service found at quick service eateries throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Maybe I'm spoiled by Disneyland's QS restaurants, but, to me, Sunshine Seasons just tastes, well, spoiled.
2. Be Our Guest
Yeah, it's a nice place to sit down and eat. The decor is wonderful, and the food generally better than average for Disney. (Though I don't think it is as good as it was when the restaurant debuted.) But c'mon. It feels like it's easier to win the freakin' Powerball than to get a reservation at this New Fantasyland restaurant. Maybe if we Insiders begin a campaign to downvote BoG, the casual visitors will stop wanting to book it — and then maybe we actually could get a seating in here once in a while.
1. Soarin'
Technically, Soarin' has flown away forever, as it is being replaced by the new Soarin' Over the Horizon show, which will debut this summer. But it's hard to imagine that Soarin' Over the Horizon, even with an additional theater, will alleviate the ridiculous wait times that propelled Soarin' to the top spot on my list. Again, my California bias shows here, as Soarin' Over California at Disney California Adventure rarely hits even a third of the wait time that the Epcot version routinely posted. Overshadowed as a travelogue by the far superior Impressions de France, Soarin's gimmick — watching the show from "hang gliders" suspended in front of the screen — would impress more if the seats did anything during the actual show beyond tilt so gently as to be imperceptible. Save this one for your next trip to California, instead.
Tomorrow: The 10 Most Underrated Things at Walt Disney World
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I agree mostly about Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, but I do think they do d a good job with the theming. I haven't experienced any coaster with theming even close to that at my local Six Flags park. It also is more of a thrill ride because of the comparable offerings at Disney. It may not be Top Thrill Dragster, but it still packs a punch to guests who aren't really coaster fans.
I love Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, but you're right that the show in the '90s was so much better. It also used the pavilions better and didn't have the drop-off in the middle.
And please, go to our Hotel & Park Reviews pages to rate and review all the places you have visited recently, too.
As for Robert's list, I have to disagree with the inclusion of Illuminations, Rock N Roller Coaster and Soarin'. They're three of my favorite things in the parks. Of course, I always thought that Soarin' could use some improvements, which it looks like are coming.
Toy Story Midway Mania, though: Yeah, I am completely baffled by the line ups for that one (even when 1/2 the park wasn't closed). It's cute and all. Not a bad ride. But nothing that impressive.
No doubt many will not like the inclusion of Frozen but to me as great a film it was the hype is way over the top.
No doubt many will not like the inclusion of Frozen but to me as great a film it was the hype is way over the top.
Wish I'd had a chance to see the original Illuminations. The current version is still one of my very few absolute must-do things on an Orlando trip. I'll be sad to see it go/change, though it's probably due an update.
I'd be tempted to include Jungle Cruise on my list, if I didn't fear for my safety at the hands of TH. And if we were broadening this out to Orlando generally, Forbidden Journey would be close to a number 1 for me. But that's an argument for another time, perhaps.
MK is the most-attended theme park in the world, and all of the major live shows are in one corridor (sure, the parades travels through Frontierland and the fireworks can be seen from other vantage points in the park, but most of the crowds are centered on Main Street/the Hub). Even with the hub redevelopment/bypass setup (which is nice), the crowd flow issues are numerous and most non-magical on most days of the year. And, it also causes the vehicles to go away early in the day.
Dapper Dan's, Dream Along with Mickey, Move-it/Shake-it, the main parade, MSEP, fireworks, Magic/Memories/You... Just try to get to Starbucks with all that going on! Meanwhile, the other lands have a Jack Sparrow impersonator, an evening dance party, and a totally non-spontaneous flash mob.
Personally, I found Festival of the Lion King to be pretty overrated. The story was jilted and the characters were barely used. For some reason, I remember Finding Nemo as the superior show at Animal Kingdom. Sorry gang.
On a side note, we had dinner at Artist Point last night, and it was great! I would add it to my list of under appreciated things at WDW!
Frankly, if attractions are to be judged just by how they make you feel, they are going to get boring and short-lived. Maybe, suggests a Real Old Timer, you ought to expect attractions that make you THINK and LEARN.
But, basically, I think Disney fans deserve what they get. Over the (many) years, they have gotten collectively more emotional and less cerebral, so they tire of expensive attractions faster, and complain when Park prices go up.
And, like the rest of the United States, they don't want to be presented with ANYTHING the least bit controversial. Accordingly, they cut themselves off from most of human art.
What do you expect?
I'm a strong and long-time Disney fan, and Vacation Club owner, but, really, I think people, including those who frequent Walt Disney World, can REALLY be a piece of work.
I'm a big fan of Soarin, Philharmagic, and adore the storybook boat ride at Disneyland. I will completely agree these attractions are highly overrated! I still love them though. :)
Keep up the good work. I love your site.
The whole Magic Kingdome is overrated.... It is a nice park but $100 for a day pass and wait times are terrible, even at midnight, still wait times for below average attractions.
Popular will never mean better, I give Olive Garden as an example. Popular but still terrible.
I agree with almost all of Robert's list. He also has a great point, let's stop voting these attractions/restaurants so high and maybe we can actually have a change to get into them.
I live 1.5 hours away and am a pass-holder but will not be renewing. You can't get into any of these restaurants unless you've made a reservation months in advance, the wait line for rides is ridiculous - if you don't have FP it's not worth waiting for. And don't get me started on the parking: OK, I will...First you have to park, scramble to catch the tram. Then you have to scramble to get onto the ferry OR the Monorail. Monorail is breaking down A LOT so I don't even bother. THEN, you have to walk around a very reasonable entrance to the entrance closer to the monorails (more expensive resort guest benefit?), scramble to the bag checks, wait in line for the magic band scanner. I'm mentally over the lines before I've even attempted to get on a line for a ride!!
While I will miss playing Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom I've decided I just need to stay away for 5 yrs so they can be done with all the updating and the novelty to wear off.
1. Test Track: Minimal thrill, long queue that replaced a classic Disney Dark Ride.
2. Pirates of The Caribbean: A very abbreviated version of Disneyland California.
3. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: a carnivalesque attraction to counteract the objection of Fantasyland becoming to oriented for young girls.. Fire Mountain/ Journey to The Center of The Earth, A Matterhorn.... Any other hopeful contender?
4. Dinosaur: A tame overlay of Indiana Jones from Disneyland
5. Kali River Rapids: Way to short, Kali (Over in a second) River Rapids... The original raft concept art looked amazing. Replace it with a Jungle Book overlay and lengthen the attraction.
6. Toy Story Midway Mania (Ridiculous queue for an underwhelming ride
7. The Little Mermaid (MK)This ride could have been a amazing...
8. San Angel Inn: over priced mediocre Mexican food.
9. Rock n' Roller Coaster: Great ride just needs a re-theme (Perhaps a fictional band?
10.Indiana Jones SS: I want a temple of doom coaster ride!
The rest of your list, I agree with.
I do have one addition... Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to me is on the same level as Goofy Barnstormers. It's a "C ticket" ride for the little kids at most (if Disney still did tickets). I can't believe people sometimes wait TWO HOURS in a standby line for it. So many better things at the MK to do with your time.
TSMM-don't quite understand all the hate I'm seeing for this one. Yes the line's long, but I think it's more than worth the wait. In fact, if it weren't for the wait, I'd reride it multiple times! It's just so much fun and there's so many fun little interactive things.
RnRC-maybe I'm just biased because this was the first roller coaster I went on that goes upside down, and I love Aerosmith, but I love it and have always found it to be one of Disney's best. I love how it's the exact opposite of everything you'd expect from a Disney ride, but in a good way. And that launch....ooooh, that launch! I've heard that the launch required so much power that they literally had to give the ride it's own power grid, as Disney was afraid that the launch combined with TIT's drop sequence would be too much for the park's power grid to handle. Plus, it's a lot better than Rip Ride Rockit.
Soarin-Again, don't understand the hate. I've always thought this was the best ride in Epcot!! Even if it wasn't in the current state it's in now! Just everything about this ride is perfect! The motions, the visuals, the sounds, the smells....did I miss something? Where's all the criticism coming from?
Mickey's Philharmagic-so what if it doesn't have sweet, sugary feels that Disney is known for? Not everything they make has to be. Just like how not everything that Universal makes has to be sarcastic and satyrical. I would argue that ET and Despicable Me have quite a bit of heart to them.
Now here's some stuff at WDW that I do think is overrated.
Country Bears Jamboree-yeah, I've gone on before about how much I can't stand this show. But I'm sorry, I just don't understand the appeal! Annoying characters! Dreadful music! Every time someone talks about the worst Disney attractions and talks about Stitch, all I'm thinking is, "that should be Country Bears in it's place."
Peter Pan-this isn't easy for me to say. This ride is always one of the first things that comes to my mind when in thinking of "Classic Disney." But it's unfathomable that such a short ride with such outdated effects has such an unforgivingly long wait time!
7DMT-Another ride I really like. I actually think this ride gets more hate than it deserves. But just like Peter Pan, the ride itself does not justify the queue.
Impressions de France-this is actually one of my favorite Epcot attractions. But better than Soarin? Seriously?! This show doesn't even come close to Soarin. And an attraction gains a reputation for putting the park's target audience to sleep, I take that as a bad sign.
And the most overrated thing at WDW is:
Blaming everything on Iger-if you don't like Iger, that's fine, but for Heaven's sake, some of the criticisms against him are just ridiculous. I don't like Obama, but I don't think he's responsible for every single problem in our country. Same thing with Iger! Just like the government, the Disney parks have over a bajillion people running the show. So there's always going to be several people, not just one. So please use some common sense.
I could not disagree with you more on Illuminaitons. The greatest hits of classical music makes sense to adults, but completly bores the kids. I absolutely love the music of Illuminations and feel it acts as a more subtle "its a small world".
You must be the unluckiest person when it comes to Sunshine Seasons Food Fair. I actually put it on the top of my table service list.
10. Toy Story Midway Mania - Disagree, it's a lot of fun when you're with a competitive friend.
9. Le Cellier Steakhouse - Neutral, I still haven't gotten a reservation. Hopefully it'll be worth it...
8. Rock n' Roller Coaster - Disagree, it's one of Disney World's only "grown-up" coasters and a lot of fun.
7. Specialty Mac and Cheese - Agree.
6. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth - Neutral, I'm too young to have ever seen the original.
5. Mickey's Philharmagic - Agree.
4. Whispering Canyon Cafe - Strongly agree.
3. Sunshine Seasons - Agree.
2. Be Our Guest - Disagree, this is solid food, and I got a reservation very easily. My girlfriend loves the croque monsieur.
1. Soarin' - Agree.
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Completely agree with Soarin' as the #1 most overrated, if only because the wait times are extremely long. Even the Fastpass line often moves slowly and has a long wait.
Disagree on Philharmagic and Illuminations. Philharmagic because the waits are often really short and its humor and surprises appeal to all 4 members of our family (which is unusual for any attraction). Illuminations because as long as you get a close spot, it's a tremendously visceral experience "feeling" part of the fireworks and music more than Wishes or Fantasmic which while great are more like "watching" (I'm hopeful that the new Star Wars fireworks in Hollywood Studios is also visceral in the same way). Would choose that nighttime show over the other 2 anytime because of that feeling.