If it's one thing the Disney Parks Imagineers know how to do better than anything else, it's tell a story in new and creative ways. Nowhere can this more thoroughly be seen than in the stories presented in their rides, attractions, and shows in Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
In the realm of theme parks, there are few more immersive and imaginative attractions than the ones made by Disney. But with so many wonderful movies, how can they not apply the same amount of detail to their rides? In honor of their incredible narrative skills, here are ten Disney attractions that tell the best stories.
Carousel of Progress
Although this attraction is a bit dated, there's no denying its historical value to fans of the Disney Parks, Walt Disney Imagineering, or simply theatrical productions in general. Brought to us by Walt Disney himself in 1964, the Carousel of Progress has been performed more than any other stage show in the history of American theatre.
True, the concepts and narrative of the attraction are more retro than accurate, but there's still an undeniable amount of charm after watching the animatronic family go through the ages. And, honestly, who could ever dislike that catchy theme song? Here's to a great big beautiful tomorrow.
The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
Though the story is no doubt familiar, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh earns a spot on our list for its ability to make the rider feel like they are truly inside the story. This is mainly achieved through the various movement of the ride's vehicles, making it much more than your average dark ride.
Guests will be blown through a blustery day, bounce through the night with Tigger, encounter psychedelic Heffalumps and Woozles, and float along a flooded forest when the rain-rain-rain comes down-down-down. Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, it's hard not to like a trip to the Hundred Acre Wood.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Dead men tell no tales... But the Imagineers do, and since the very beginning, Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction has been a mechanical marvel that shows the fantastic abilities and imaginations of the minds that bring the crew of swashbuckling buccaneers to life. And thanks to the successful film series, the ride has a little extra adventure thrown in.
If the dastardly deeds of Captain Jack Sparrow weren't enough to persuade you to board the longboats, then the classic Disney dedication to immersion certainly might. You'll smell the gunpowder, feel the heat of a burning town, and be tossed in the waves of a maelstrom. Yo-ho Yo-ho, a pirate's life for us!
Star Tours
Now how can we talk about Disney Park attractions with great stories without mentioning one of the greatest sci-fi stories ever told? Disney's Star Tours takes guests on their own journey to a galaxy far, far away and puts them right in the middle of the action.
With C-3PO and R2D2 at the helm, you'll have to hold on to your seats as you escape the clutches of the First Order. With different shuttles containing different adventures and different planets to visit, multiple ride-throughs are heavily encouraged. Grab your goggles and get ready for a galactic adventure. May the Force be with you!
Expedition Everest
If it's one thing we have to give Disney some massive applause for, it's for the ability to tell an intense and even scary story by way of a roller coaster. It could possibly be said that the concept of a story-coaster is an original Disney idea, and nowhere is that more prevalent than on Expedition Everest.
At the base of the Forbidden Mountain in the village of Zerka Zong, an old steam train awaits to take you on the thrill ride of your life. But beware, it's not the wind howling at the top of the mountain, but its ferocious guardian, the Yeti! Dare you venture up to the summit? Or will you be the creature's next victim?
Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout
Say what you want about the Tower of Terror, but for our pic, we've got to go with Mission Breakout featuring our favorite group of space-rogues, the Guardians of the Galaxy. Though it might feel like the same elevator ride, there's definitely more of an action-packed thrill than a trip into the Twilight Zone.
The story is simple, Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Groot are all being held captive by Tivan the Collector, and Rocket needs a little help getting them out. With a little assistance from the audience and a '70s rock soundtrack, guests go crashing through the levels of Tivan's collection of aliens and monsters.
The Haunted Mansion
"When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake, spooks come out for a swinging wake" in perhaps one of the most beloved rides in all of the Disney Parks. Whether you're riding a Doom Buggie through the halls of Disneyland's version in New Orleans Square or Disney World's in Liberty Square, you can't deny the ghoulishly great experiences.
There are few rides as story-heavy than the Haunted Mansion. In fact, you could say there are dozens of them that make up this house of happy haunts. From the lore of the Manor itself to the tale of Constance Hatchaway the Black-Widow-Bride, this ride is absolutely dripping with stories to tell.
Phantom Manor
There's only one Disney dark ride that could possibly beat out the Haunted Mansion in terms of pure story, and that's Disneyland Paris's Phantom Manor. This trip through the ominous Ravenswood Manor truly puts the dark in dark ride, thanks to its ghostly tale of murder, madness, and lost love.
Phantom Manor is Disneyland/Disney World's Haunted Mansion jacked up to twelve, focusing more on the Gothic horror elements than the silly spooks. With a crypt full of zombies, a brokenhearted bride, and a murderous phantom played by Vincent Price, there's definitely a lot to admire in this ghoulish delight.
Galaxy’s Edge
Not a ride, not a show, not even an animatronic display, but an entire land dedicated to the incredible world of the Star Wars franchise. Whether you're a fan of the original series, the prequels, or Disney's new trilogy, there's something for every fan of any age in this piece of the galaxy far, far, away.
Galaxy's Edge weaves its tale through immersion in this galactic outpost. It's a place where Padawans can build their own lightsabers from spare parts, where droids are built in an incredible factory, and where the plight of the Resistance and First Order rages on. The Force is definitely strong with this one.
Fantasmic
When it comes to Disney's Nighttime Spectaculars, narratives aren't really something brought to the forefront. It's mostly castles, lasers, and enchanting music, right? Not at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Welcome to Fantasmic, a spellbinding stage show that puts the powers of Mickey's imagination against a legion of Disney's greatest villains.
Yes, the fireworks display at Cinderella Castle is awe-inspiring and dazzling, but does it have a giant dragon that sets a lake on fire? We don't think so! For a show that only lasts 25 minutes, it has one of the most epic stories involving a cast of Disney characters. With that in mind, we grant this spectacular show our top spot.