by Monique Smalling Last updated: December 14, 2020

Ten Underrated Walt Disney World Rides and Experiences

When we think of Walt Disney World, the first attractions that come to mind are Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom, Soarin' in Epcot, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Disney's Hollywood Studios. But there are some attractions and experiences at Walt Disney World that often get overlooked as they're overshadowed by those most popular rides! So here are the 10 most underrated rides at Disney World so you can make sure you don't miss a second of the magic.

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1. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park. Travelers can embark on a 10-minute tour of Tomorrowland aboard this mass transit system of the future. This narrated tour takes Disney fans behind the scenes of attractions like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain and Mickey’s Star Traders retail shop. Guests will also see architectural models of Progress City, which is the prototype for Epcot. This unique ride accelerates magnetically using linear induction motors. Kids of all ages and heights can enjoy this attraction which is considered a slow ride.

This attraction offers splendid views of Tomorrowland and is one of the underrated rides at Disney World as guests are too busy bustling their way over to the major ticket rides in Magic Kingdom. Take some time to slow down in the afternoon and take in the views.

2. Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress is also located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park. This Audio-Animatronics show takes guests through the 20th century and demonstrates the evolution of technology. Guests will follow an American family through four generations of progress and observe how technology transform their lives. Technology evolves from gas lamps and hand-cranked washing machines to the advent of electricity and the electric iron, radio, and light bulb. The journey also shows the impact of the automatic dishwasher and television, and then concludes with virtual-reality games, high-definition televisions and voice-activated household appliances. Guests of all ages and heights can enjoy this attraction. Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress is considered a slow ride.

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress is one of the most underrated rides at Disney World despite the amount of Disney magic and history it holds. Make sure you take the time to enjoy it on your trip!

3. Swiss Family Treehouse

Guests can visit the ultimate tree house in the Swiss Family Treehouse, which is located in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park. This attraction is inspired by the classic Disney film, Swiss Family Robinson. Guests will climb handcrafted wooden stairs to a 6-story-high summit. Along the way, Disney fans will see the living quarters of this beloved family. When guests reach the top they can enjoy 360-degree views of Adventureland and Magic Kingdom park, including Jungle Cruise river. All ages and heights can enjoy this attraction however, guests must be able to climb a total of 116 stairs.

The detail in this treehouse is amazing and should not be overlooked! Take the time to pause and enjoy our favorite treehouse in our list of underrated rides at Disney World.

4. DINOSAUR

The DINOSAUR attraction is located in DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Thrill seekers are recruited by a paleontologist to race back in time to rescue a dinosaur before a meteor strikes. Disney fans will board rugged Time Rover vehicle and careen through a primeval forest filled with life-like dinosaurs. Be sure to avoid the fearsome Velociraptor and the flying Cearadactylus, who are hunting for prey! Thrill seekers will love the unpredictable hairpin turns. Guests must be 40” (102cm) or taller to enjoy this attraction. Additionally, DINOSAUR includes loud sounds in the dark and menacing dinosaurs that may scare some children.

DINOSAUR is often mistaken for a slow ride but this underrated ride in Disney World is actually bouncy and fun! For those that enjoy Disneyland, the ride's mechanics are often compared to the Indiana Jones ride.

5. Kali River Rapids

The Kali River Rapids is located in Asia at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Guests will board a round tube raft that seats several people on this whitewater adventure. Rafters will sail along fast-moving rapids, pass gushing waterfalls, and enjoy beautiful views of the lush jungle in the heart of Asia. Please note that you will most likely get wet on this ride! Rafter will plummet down a dramatic 20-foot slope. Lockers for mobile devices and other items you want to stay dry are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lockers are across from the entrance to Kali River Rapids. Guests must be 38” (97cm) or taller to enjoy this attraction. This attraction is considered a thrill ride with small drops and spinning.

This is not one of the major underrated rides at Disney World but it can easily get overlooked since Animal Kingdom also holds the World of Pandora! Take the time to come back to earth and go spinning down the river in this water ride.

6. Kilimanjaro Safaris

Animal lovers can set off set off in an open-air vehicle when they board Kilimanjaro Safaris. This attraction is located in Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and provides a guided tour of an African savanna. Guests will enjoy breath-taking views of the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, which is home to 34 species of animals. The Harambe Wildlife Reserve includes 110 acres of beautiful open plains, shady forest landscapes and picturesque rocky wetlands. The safari vehicle is driven by an expert guide who narrates this18-minute expedition and points out the animals. Guests can catch glimpse of hippopotamus, lions, giraffe, rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas and zebras! Animal and nature lovers of all ages can enjoy this safari.

This is more than just a trip to the zoo- that misconception has made this ride one of the most underrated rides at Animal Kingdom. Make sure you don't miss this amazing safari and even better, enjoy it at night!

7. Living with the Land

Living with the Land is located in Future World at Epcot. This enchanting ride takes guests on a gentle boat tour where they cruise past greenhouses and learn about the history of farming. Guests will learn how Walt Disney World horticulturalists utilizes innovative growing techniques and cross-breeding high-yield crops to help feed our growing planet. Fans of all ages will wonder at modified fruits and vegetables, such as 9-pound lemons, Mickey-shaped pumpkins, and more. Disney fans will also see eels, tilapia, catfish, and freshwater shrimp in the fish farm. All ages and heights can enjoy this attraction as it is considered a slow ride. After the ride, be sure to enjoy a meal at Sunshine Seasons or the Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land Pavilion. Both of these restaurants serve fresh produce and seafood grown in Disney World.

This ride is pure Epcot magic! Make sure you don't miss it on your trip.

8. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros

¿Dónde Está Donald Duck? Donald has gone missing and it’s up to you to find him! Guests can take in the sights of Mexico when the visit the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros in World Showcase at Epcot. This ride is inspired by the 1944 Disney film The Three Caballeros. Riders will sail on a gentle boat ride through the Mexico Pavilion and down the Rio Grande. Sailors will be entertained by the antics of Donald Duck and his two feathered amigos, Panchito, the Mexican charro rooster, and José Carioca, the Brazilian parrot. This hilarious boat ride includes live-action footage, hand-drawn animation, and an upbeat musical score from the movie. Guests of all ages and heights can enjoy this boat ride.

This easy going boat ride is pure Disney magic and history and you don't want to miss it!

9. Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room was the first Disney Parks attraction to feature audio-animatronics and was Walt Disney World's favorite! The Disney World version is located in Adventureland and is based on the original from 1963. Take a trip to the Enchanted Tiki Room and marvel in the magic of the small details and music.

10. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Be our Guest! Guests of all ages can relive a tale as old as time when they watch Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage on Sunset Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This 25-minute show is an enchanting Broadway-style musical version of the beloved movie, Beauty and the Beast. This musical features colorful costumes, gorgeous scenery, and talented performers. Guests can check the Entertainment Schedule, the My Disney Experience app or the Times Guide at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for daily showtimes. Please note this is an outdoor show that is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

The perception that this show is meant for small children has pushed it into that underrated rides at Disney World category- but fear not, this is a Broadway quality production and the young and old alike will enjoy it.

This show is currently unavailable due to implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope it returns soon!

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Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Monique Smalling

Monique and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento, California with their two daughters, Sydney (14) and Reagan (13). Sydney's first trip to Disneyland was at one year old, and the family has been hooked ever since. The family has been annual pass holders for several years and visit the Happiest Place on Earth every couple of months. Each visit includes 3 to 4 days in the parks before heading to the beach. Monique and her daughters consider themselves huge Disney fans, and love sharing their knowledge and tips on the parks.

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Discount Walt Disney World Tickets<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://cdn1.parksmedia.wdprapps.disney.com/resize/mwImage/1/433/433/75/dam/disney-world/en-gb/home/mickey-kid-castle-412x412.jpg?1579810068909" alt="Image result for walt disney world" />

2. Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-7246 size-full aligncenter" style="font-size: 16px;" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Disney-Image-1.png" alt="" width="1140" height="775" />

3. Swiss Family Treehouse<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-7247 size-full aligncenter" style="font-size: 16px;" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Disney-Image-3.jpg" alt="Inside view of Swiss Family Treehouse" width="1140" height="775" />

4. DINOSAUR<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-7248 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Disney-Image-4.jpg" alt="DINOSAUR attraction at WDW" width="2001" height="1125" />

5. Kali River Rapids<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-7249 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Disney-Image-5.jpg" alt="Kali River Rapids" width="1140" height="775" />

6. Kilimanjaro Safaris<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-7250 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Disney-Image-6.jpg" alt="Kilimanjaro Safaris" width="1140" height="775" />

7. Living with the Land<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-7251 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Disney-Image-7.jpg" alt="Living with the Land" width="1140" height="775" />

8. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-7252 size-full" src="https://mickeyvisit.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Disney-Image-8.jpg" alt="Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros" width="1140" height="775" />

9. Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room<img decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://cdn1.parksmedia.wdprapps.disney.com/media/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/nghgfsjdk.jpg" alt="Image result for Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room" />