Attractions that are "shockingly" good

[WedwayPM]

Philharmagic. I had no idea what to expect when I first went in there. It's one of my favorites and a must do every trip.

 

[ShoalFox]

I rode EEA for the first time in 2013 expecting it to be totally awful and outdated. I left thinking it was a fun attraction, but still outdated. (Though it pales in comparison to the masterpiece that was the original UoE)

 

[SeanWM48]

i don't know if it counts as an attraction but i got a real kick out of the Canadian lumberjack show at Epcot. It got mixed (at best) reviews on most boards i've been on but it was fun. saw it twice

 

[Jwhee]

Cranium Command was a hidden gem

 

[Chef Mickey]

Carousel of Progress, despite its maintenance issues is one of my favorite WDW attractions of all time. Leaves a great message, upbeat, never has a wait, and makes me happy every time.

 

[ImagineerDude]

Spaceship Earth. It was a crowded Christmas week night at Epcot a year ago so we hopped in the shortest line in the park, for SE. I had no clue what to expect and I was pretty ashamed I (an insane Disney fanatic) had never ridden SE in my 10 trips I think it was then. I loved it.

The People Mover. We discovered this one hot summer afternoon and now it's a must-do every trip.

The Great Movie Ride. Oh, hey there's something behind the hat?

Festival of the Lion King. Everyone raved about it and the first time I saw it I think I was like 4(?) so I didn't remember it. I was blown away and still am every time I watch it.

it's a small world. I know I've ridden it every trip to WDW, but as I get older I appreciate it more and all the hard work, talent, and detail put into the ride. My whole family groans when they first board and hear the music, but we are all mesmerized by the finale and they know it

 

[DManRightHere]

Carousel of progress
Test track 1.0
O Canada
Philharmagic
Kilmanjaro Safaris
Expedition Everest
Spaceship Earth
Space Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Haunted Mansion
Splash Mountain
Tower of Terror
Rock N Rollercoaster
Pirates of the Caribbean
Peoplemover
Star Tours

 

[Matt in the Hatt]

i am going to have to echo everybody saying monsters inc laugh floor, we only went in because we were soaked to the bone and a little miserable. ended up loving the show

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

Space Mountain.

It scared me as a kid because it was all unknown-no views of it from the outside or queue. Just didn't know what to expect. Would it be scary? Fun? Uneventful? Now it's one of my classic favorites.

 

[Sudcaro- Sudcaro]

Peoplemover

 

[Matt_Black]

Flights of Wonder. It was both educational and VERY amusing.

 

[Otterhead]

When I went with EPCOT first-timers recently, Living with the Land was one of their favorites... they even went on the Behind the Seeds tour afterwards and loved it too. I always enjoy that ride, though I miss the music. If you like Living with the Land, definitely eat at the Garden Grill; it rotates so that you get to see the ride as you eat... and you eat veggies grown in the ride.

 

[BigHero4]

+1 for Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor

 

[zurgandfriend]

The American Adventure.I put off seeing it for years but when I did I enjoyed it very much.

 

[216bruce]

Laugh Floor
Turtle Talk
Flights of Wonder
Tom Sawyer Island- most relaxing "I'm not at DisneyWorld" place on-property. Find a rocking chair or bench and chill

 

[KLinder7]

Philharmagic. I had no idea what to expect when I first went in there. It's one of my favorites and a must do every trip.

Agree, Philharmagic brings a smile to my face when I'm in there. Always have to stop in at Muppets as well.

 

[Otterhead]

Agree, Philharmagic brings a smile to my face when I'm in there. Always have to stop in at Muppets as well.

I forgot to mention PhilharMagic! It's held up surprisingly well; the 3D doesn't look dated. Lots of fun!
Storytime with Belle has some really impressive moments. From the entrance scene to the animatronics, it's extremely well done. I was a 'knight' last time, standing only a few feet from Lumiere, and the flames on his hands and head look exactly like actual fire; I've no idea how they pulled that off.

My great lost 'shockingly good' attraction was the Adventurer's Club at Pleasure Island. The puppet effects and animatronics there were terrific. When it was running, it was one of the best single attractions in all of Disney World.

 

[sgtmgd]

Ok as much as I hate to admit it..the Frozen Sing Along

Saw this a couple weeks ago and thought it was pretty darn amusing and a well done show. The "historians" are great and thought he overall show was well worth the time

 

[sgtmgd]

3 Caballeros ..Im a huge Donald fan and the ride just amuses me

 

[MaxsDad]

In June/July 1999 (first visit since early 70's), I got to ride Rock n Roller Coaster in soft opening. I did not even know it existed, as it was not in the Birnbaum guide book AAA gave me. I had no idea what the launch system was, or even knew such a thing existed. As a fan of rock music, I was loving the pre-show. Because the ride was not advertised, very few people were in line. I did not see a car launch in the alley prior to boarding! Again for emphasis, I had no idea what was coming! Shockingly good. (I still get a kick out of watching the reaction of first timers in the alley)

After that trip, I was well versed in WDW prior to any visit. I know information, but I refrain from ride videos. Others:

I agree with others above. When Lumiere lit his candle in Philharmagic, I was hooked.
I got to ride Everest after it first opened. When the show was full on, people literally applauded and cheered afterwards. It was awesome when in all its glory.
I was on my way to the Tower in 1999 when we got diverted by a CM to RnR. when I finally rode it, yea, I was impressed.