The Seven Wonders of Walt Disney World

[BabaGanoush]

This idea was taken from Mouse Extra which in turn took it from a Mousetunes podcast back in Nov 2006 so excuse me if it has already been done.

Let's name our Seven Wonders of Walt Disney World. What are the seven things that truly make you shake your head in wonder and amazement at the sheer creativity and inventiveness that it took to come up with them? Mouse Extra defined it as something that blows your mind everytime you see it.

Here is my list.

7. The Kilimanjaro Safari – By far, the most ambitious attraction Disney has ever designed. We all know Walt’s fondness for animals and this is truly one of the premier zoological exhibits anywhere. Extremely well thought out in the design in that the barriers between guests and animals, if there is one, are noticeable only by the well trained eye. Granted, the storyline may get old but they are fiddling with it and are still trying to get across the central message that many of the animals seen on the safari are experiencing severe problems. This is one of those attractions that I believe Walt would be most proud of if he could see it.

6. Splash Mountain – My favorite ride and what I think is the most pure Disney ride out there. This is just pure fun. But what makes it a wonder and gets it onto the list is the creativity it took to fit it all into what looks to be a small little mountain. Add to the fact that the Magic Kingdom steam train actually passes right through the middle of it just boggles the mind.

5. The Monorail – Almost taken for granted now but still one of those modern marvels of Disney’s design. From the moment it approaches with only a hint of noise, the smooth ride with spectacular views, the passing THROUGH the lobby of a modern resort, and the sheer capability of handling HUGE crowds… it is an amazing form of transportation. It is even more amazing that it got built due to its extraordinary expense.

4. Expedition Everest – Now THIS is how Disney should do roller coasters. Extremely well themed and beautifully engineered. It is the small details that set this ride apart. I very much suggest taking the stand by cue line at least once to see the great setup to this coaster for all ages. And if ever there was a coaster for everyone, this would be it. Thrilling enough to satisfy the coaster junkies yet tame enough to not scare off everyone else. And everyone has to take a picture of it.

3. Spaceship Earth – Ahhh the big golf ball. Architecturally amazing and beautifully engineered. I still kind of wonder how they fit that whole ride into that space. The view of Earth from afar is what sets it apart. One of the best combos of education and entertainment at the resort.

2. The Hollywood Tower of Terror - The ride that got me hooked on thrill rides. I was a ride wimp prior to being forced on this themed juggernaut and I haven’t looked back since. By far the most well themed thrill ride on property and a technological marvel. Screw the hat - It IS the place to get your picture taken at the Studios.

1. The Tree of Life - Who seriously comes up with this idea and has the will to pull it off? Visually the most artistic and stunning of all the park centerpieces. It would have merited a place on this list by itself but it is also the home to a great 3-D show as well as a ton of animals that live within its roots. If you have not taken the chance to explore the trails around the tree, you are missing out.

What do you guys think?

 

[bookgirl2632]

I'll play!!

1. Cinderella's Castle~I get chills every time I walk into MK and see it! It is truly a beautiful piece of architecture. And to think that not one stone was used to build it!

2. Space Mountain~There are better roller coasters all over the world, some are even in the World. But nothing beats getting on Space Mountain for the first time each trip. Love it!

3. Seeing Mickey~I am 37 years old. But when I see Mickey, I believe. I really do.

4. Tower of Terror~The theming of this ride is perfect. The imagineers really hit a home run with this one. I could ride it over and over and over again.

5. The Tree of Life~You could stand and look at it for hours and still not see all that there is to see.

6. Tinkerbelle's Flight~I get chills when she flies, kicking off the fireworks.

7. Soarin'~My favorite new rides! Once again, my hat is off to the imagineers. They outdid themselves on this one.

 

[BabaGanoush]

1. Cinderella's Castle~I get chills every time I walk into MK and see it! It is truly a beautiful piece of architecture. And to think that not one stone was used to build it!

2. Space Mountain~There are better roller coasters all over the world, some are even in the World. But nothing beats getting on Space Mountain for the first time each trip. Love it!

I agree that Cindy's castle is an awesome sight but in the end, it really is just a castle. It reminds me of one of the first criticisms of EuroDisney in that the big centerpiece castle wasnt that big of a deal because they have castles all over Europe.

From a sentimental viewpoint, I would also agree with Space but there are so many things that have just become bigger and more intricate than Space which is essentially a wild mouse coaster inside a building.

P.S. Im not really argueing... just giving a reason to bump this up.

 

[PamNC]

what a great thread!

1) Cinderella's Castle - It chokes me up each and every time I see it. And it makes me cry when it's our last evening and I'm leaving the Magic Kingdom as it changes colors.

2) The Monorail - Especially as it glides through the Contemporary Resort. No matter how many times I see that, it will amaze me.

3) Illuminations - This show is truly a spectacular. The timing to the music amazes me each and every time I see it.

4) Animal Kingdom as a whole - C'mon now - this was once a dried up cow pasture. I have a video "the making of the Animal Kingdom" and you wouldn't believe how much went into designing this park. Every plant, rock and building!!! I love it.

5) Fantasmic - this show truly embodies the Disney spirit. I love the ending "Some Imagination huh?" There is so much going on that I sometimes want to jump up out of my seat...I feel the spirit!

6) Splash Mountain - my favorite attraction. And my DH's. It never fails to make us smile and sing along. I love the ascent before the drop. The music is so ominous and then right before you go over Brer Bear says "Briar Patch?" You see the hidden Mickey face and then you go on over! What a treat!

7) Haunted Mansion - a Classic! (and they better not mess it up with the rehab). Some the best, yet simplest, tricks of the trade. Extremely detailed and well done. Hurry back, hurry back - that's my favorite part.

8) Disney Resorts - I'm amazed by the resorts - even the ones I don't really want to try. Where else can you go on vacation and pick from such a variety of themes. And get such service. I'd like to give the resorts a big round of applause now!!! And a dance.

9) Spectro Magic - I love it - I love it - I love it. What a way to cap off a day at the MK. Love the lights and music and the whole feeling of it.

10) WDW Railroad - Can you imagine the MK without it. It might sound silly, because we don't have kids, but we ride it a couple of times (at least) every time we go.

Shoot - I just realized I did the Top 10 Wonders instead of 7. Sorry, i got carried away.

this was fun! Thanks to the OP.

PamNC

 

[labattblue]

1.That WDW was built on borderline worthless swampland.

2.Monorail

3.When there was no precedent(not counting DL) in the amusement park industry, designing and building attractions like CoP, SM, HM, PoTC, JC, HoP, etc...

4.Great customer service!

5.Epcot...it wasn't what Walt had in mind, but completely different then its predecessors...DL and MK, and is still Disney's 2nd best park IMO.

6. This one is outside of WDW property, but do you ever consider how many businesses have thrived in Orlando because of WDW? Simply amazing.

7.The ability to keep people happy within the WDW boundary for an entire vacation.