Most nostalgic attraction at WDW

[Walt Disney1955]

We've been talking a lot lately about the most thrilling attraction. How about the most nostalgic attraction at WDW? For the most part the attraction probably has to have been around for a while, or all comes together with a little magic like Mickey's Philharmagic. If I missed an option, just choose other. I'll do my best

 

[wolf359]

I went with Carousel of Progress. Not only is the entire attraction based on nostalgia, but nostalgia for CoP is about the only thing left to justify keeping it in the park.

 

[Krack]

I voted for Dumbo. Primarily, I did so because we have rides that are almost identical both in the park and in other parks, and they don't have anywhere near the popularity. The only explanation can be peoples' inherent knowledge that it's not only one of the 1971 originals, but really one of the 1955 originals. It's a visceral reaction triggered by nostalgia.

I think It's a Small World gets the same kind of nostalgic pull in Disneyland, but the effect of the attraction is not nearly as pronounced in WDW (mostly because of the location and ride exterior).

EDIT: I think the tea cups are in the conversation, too. When I think of my childhood at Disney World (mid to late 70s), I think of the song It's a Small World, the Dumbo ride vehicle (it's iconic), and the Tea Cups ride. All three are uniquely Disney.

 

[matt_taylor1985]

I love COP, and it's partly due to the retro nature of it. Oddly our two year old daughter also loves it.

We went to see it back in March and it was when the cheer leading things were on and we had a couple of them in front of us who totally ripped the whole show (LOUDLY) and the parents sat and did nothing and occasionally laughed.

 

[Thrill Seeker]

One not mentioned on the poll: Spaceship Earth.

I loved it as a kid, and even though they keep changing it, I will always love it simply for the nostalgia value and because it's a good old fashioned dark ride.

 

[David S.]

I voted for Dumbo. Primarily, I did so because we have rides that are almost identical both in the park and in other parks, and they don't have anywhere near the popularity. The only explanation can be peoples' inherent knowledge that it's not only one of the 1971 originals, but really one of the 1955 originals. It's a visceral reaction triggered by nostalgia.

I'm not sure people are queueing up more for Dumbo because it's one of the 1971 originals as much as it is the cuteness and belovedness of the Dumbo character himself. At least that's the reason it's always been my favorite of the spinners. And when little kids point to Dumbo and want their parents to take them on the ride, I doubt they are even aware (or care) that it's a 1971 original!

The ride is based on one of Walt's most beloved Animated Classics (cited by even some film critics such as Leonard Maltin as being his "favorite Disney film")

When you consider it's prime location in the heart of Fantasyland, I'm sure this helps it's popularity as well.

So for me at least, it has nothing to do with nostalgia. If Dumbo would have been added to Fantasyland as the NEWEST of the similar 4 WDW spinners, it would immediately become my favorite Disney spinner (and an overall fave) based on my love of both the character and the film!

(I don't mean any of the above in an argumentative way, it's just my opinion on why Dumbo is beloved)

 

[wbc]

but nostalgia for CoP is about the only thing left to justify keeping it in the park.

It was Walt's favourite attraction. If they removed it, he'd roll over in his grave.

 

[NORMNB8S]

I voted for Carousel of Progress. That attraction screams nostalgia for me.

 

[adv.bluedude]

It was Walt's favourite attraction. If they removed it, he'd roll over in his grave.

Im pretty sure he's been doing that for years

 

[FreedomWrangler]

I voted for Peter Pan. The tie to the movie, which in my opinion is the most perfect Disney film, put's it over-the-top. The ride always sends me back to being a kid, watching Peter Pan (really any Disney movie), and believing that all is good and right in the world.

Although I wouldn't mind if CoP win's the poll.

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I voted for Peter Pan. The tie to the movie, which in my opinion is the most perfect Disney film, put's it over-the-top. The ride always sends me back to being a kid, watching Peter Pan (really any Disney movie), and believing that all is good and right in the world.

I selected Peter Pan as well, for much of the same reason you did. No matter what age, this ride is a classic.

 

[Tooning]

I voted for Haunted mansion, and my second choice would definately be Carousel of Progress

 

[Grizzly Hall 71]

I'm going to go with an ORIGINAL attraction to the Magic Kingdom. The Country Bear Jamboree. It was Walt's idea and his brother followed through with it.

 

[Mstr Gra-c]

Peter Pan...first ride I ever rode at WDW and still to this day it is the first ride of every trip.

 

[MarkTwain]

I went with Carousel of Progress. Not only is the entire attraction based on nostalgia, but nostalgia for CoP is about the only thing left to justify keeping it in the park.

I could think of some other reasons - like its extremely high capacity, and that it's about one of the only attractions left that actually fits the theme of TOMORROWland.

I went with CoP too, because the attraction is both themed to nostalgia, and a lot of people have nostalgia for it. My 92 year old granddad is debating going to WDW for the first time in decades just so he can see Small World and CoP again (he was a major fan of the '64 World's Fair).

 

[preludevtec01]

Another vote for CoP. I ride it once sometimes more every trip. Everything about it is great!

 

[Walt Disney1955]

I almost had a heart attack...........forgive me Father, for not including Mickey's Philharmagic in there. Okay well I guess no one has mentioned it yet but very few attractions epitomize Disney like that one

 

[Party of 5]

It's CoP for me! "It's a great big beautiful tomorrow..."

Gotta love that jingle. My DH and the kids love it, and we take turns quoting "Dad's" sayings or "Mom's" little quips (remember the wallpaper paste all over her "rumpus....room"?) LOL. The show reeks of Americana!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I also picked CoP. I remember the first time I saw it...it just has this vibe to it that makes you think of Walt. Funny- while I've see it with both songs...I think I saw it more with the interim "Now is the time, now is the best time, now is the best time of your life," so that's always what I hear in my head when I think of this attraction.