When one thinks about what goes into making a great Disney ride, what do they normally think about? Do they think about the thrills, the lights, the spectacle, or the lengths Disney will go to create a completely immersive experience? All these things are wonderful factors, but there is one that few forget to consider: the performances.
Dozens of attractions feature appearances by many of their best characters, and many of them are portrayed by familiar faces. Disney has a lot of star power on their payroll, so it makes sense they would utilize them in the parks as well as their marvelous feature films.
Tim Curry (ExtraTERRORestrial)
Seasoned actor and icon Tim Curry has a laundry list of credits under his belt, and he's no stranger to Disney, either. But despite his pedigree, one of his most underrated and overlooked roles was that of S.I.R. from the now-defunct ExtraTERRORestrial.
S.I.R. (short for Simulated Intelligence Robotics) was the host of the pre-show of this chilling attraction in which he demonstrated alien teleportation technology with a reluctant test subject. Very darkly comic, but the results of this attraction were certainly more than shocking.
Paul Rubens (Star Tours And Oga’s Cantina)
Most modern audiences recognize him as the one and only Pee-wee Herman, Disney and Star Wars fans know him as Captain REX from the original Star Tours. This quirky little droid was at one point the pilot for the most exciting trip across the galaxy, but now he's known for dropping beats at Oga's Cantina.
Reubens's distinctive squeaky style truly works in the character's favor. Even with all his modern bells and whistles, REX still knows how to win over a crowd, in and out of a cockpit.
Anthony Daniels (Star Tours)
On the subject of Star Wars, one of the most riveting new additions to the updated version of the attraction was the inclusion of everyone's favorite persnickety protocol droid, C3-PO. The animatronic is incredible, but it wouldn't be the same without the original actor reprising his role.
It's Daniels's performance that truly sells the character. The voice is so distinctive and seamless, that the transition from film character to park animatronic is true perfection.
Eric Idle (Journey Into Imagination With Figment)
A fan-favorite to be sure, but Journey Into Imagination With Figment wouldn't be the same without Dr. Channing, portrayed by the charmingly comical Eric Idle. Although he's no Dreamfinder, Idle's performance is a joy to watch as he slowly gets in on Figment's game and sets his imagination free.
Dr. Channing is as over the top as any of Idle's Monty Python Characters, and he's a perfect addition to Disney's hall of scientists. Unlocking the secrets of the brain has never been so much fun.
Patrick Warburton (Soarin’)
In the Disney fandom, Patrick Warburton and Epcot's Soarin' Around the World go hand in hand. It simply wouldn't be complete without his deep-voiced preflight instructions. He's practically essential to the full attraction experience.
Patrick, the character, is the mascot for the attraction in both parks in all but an official title. Whether guests themselves are soarin' around the world or just through California, the journeys can't begin without Warburton's delivery of "Nice work, pal" to all would-be aviators.
Judi Dench (Spaceship Earth)
"Remember how easy it was to learn your ABCs? Thank the Phoenicians..." Chances are if any Disney fans read that, it would be in the voice of Dame Judi Dench as the narrator from Epcot's Spaceship Earth.
Replacing the incomparable Jeremy Irons in the role, Dench definitely gives the reading a very professional and informative flavor, as well as a touch of gentleness lacking in previous versions. It goes without saying, but she's definitely a popular feature on the attraction.
Bill Nye The Science Guy (Dinosaur And Ellen's Universe Of Energy)
It's two for the price of one with this entry as the world's favorite Science Guy makes appearances in both Animal Kingdom's Dinosaur and the former Ellen's Universe of Energy at Epcot.
In Dinosaur, Nye narrates about the various species of dinosaurs in the museum portion of the attraction and preps guests for the monsters they'll meet inside. His role is larger in Ellen's former attraction, as he teaches her and the audience the properties of different forms of energy. When has learning from him not been a good experience?
Billy Crystal (Monsters Inc Laugh Floor)
While he makes an appearance in both Monsters Inc. attractions, one can't help but find Billy Crystal more at home in a comedy club than anywhere else. Reprising his role as Mike Wazowski, Crystal hosts the laugh riot at the Monster's Inc Laugh Floor.
Despite his corny jokes, Mike is a natural at the gig and his comedic chops are certainly a force to be reckoned with. Especially if Roz or a healthy amount of slapstick is involved.
Johnny Depp (Pirates Of The Caribbean)
The Pirates of the Caribbean ride simply wouldn't be the same without Captain Jack Sparrow at the helm, and there's no substitute for the real thing. So of course, when the ride received its movie-inspired makeover, an animatronic of Johnny Depp was made and the actor provided all his dialogue, as well.
Captain Jack is possibly one of Depp's most iconic characters, so why wouldn't Disney want to make him the ride's star attraction? Legions of Disney fans would jump at the opportunity to sail the high seas with him.
Robin Williams (The Timekeeper)
In hindsight, Robin Williams was one of Disney's greatest assets, and at one point he even had the lead role in one of their most underrated attractions. The Timekeeper was the host of a steampunk, time-traveling adventure in Disneyland Paris, and with the actor's unfortunate passing, it is sorrowfully missed.
Even behind the voice of an animatronic robot, William's zany spark of madness shines brighter than any point in the space-time continuum. If ever there was a ride that needed a massive comeback, it's this one.