Top-10 Underrated Aspects Of WDW That I Absolutely LOVE

Bob Saget

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Yet another top-10 list to go along with "Top-10 Popular Aspects Of WDW That I Absolutely HATE."
These are the top-10 underrated things at WDW that we simply love and try to make a must-do on any trip. Starting with #10 and working our way up:

10). Mini-Golf
Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens. Sure, they're not the reason we visit WDW. But one way or another, we usually wind up at one or both of these mini-golf courses before a WDW vacation is finished. And despite knowing what to expect, we have a blast each time. Winter Summerland is my personal favorite, with FG right on it's heels. These creative, interactive courses have never left us with a "been there, done that" taste in our mouths. Great fun each time.

9). Ellen's Energy Adventure
The jokes can be corny, the script outdated, and the ride vehicles move at a crawl. But I friggin' love this thing. Not sure why, but I do. The ambience and attention to detail in the dino ride-thru; smells, sounds, etc...brilliant. I'll admit, it is very seldom a visit to Epcot goes without a ride with Ellen & Bill Nye.

8). Water Taxi's
Riding just for leisure. Not in route to a resort, nor rushing to DTD, Boardwalk, or Epcot. Just simply riding and sightseeing just for the sole purpose of riding & sightseeing. Some of my most relaxed WDW memories have been cruising on a water taxi.

7). Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
How does the inner child in someone NOT let loose when climbing through this immersive attraction? Maybe it's because of the nice escape from the crowds on the streets, maybe it's because there is hardly a wait, or maybe because I'm a fan of the 1960 film. Who knows, but we have to explore this once every trip.

6). Staying Off Property
*GASP* "Did Bob just say the dirty word?? Yes, I believe he did. Off property? And you call yourself a true WDW'er."
While not something we do every trip, lo and behold we've stayed off property quite a few times. And to be frank, (even though I'm Bob), there have never been any bad experiences so far. While we miss the immersiveness of the WDW resorts and sleeping in "The World", it's amazing how much $$$ one can save when doing a vacation off property. We have had some great stays at off-site properties while still being in Disney's backyard.

5). Enchanted Tiki Room
This thing is fun, just admit it. (And if you can't admit it, you're lying to yourself).

4). Hall Of Presidents
Deemed as one of the most boring attractions at WDW or any theme park, I would like to humbly disagree. While nowhere near the epicness and emotion of Epcot's American Adventure, the Hall of Presidents is still a quality attraction which (imo) doesn't receive the love it deserves from visitors. The attention to detail on the presidential AA figures, the way it all plays out...simply brilliant. And where else can you have people of all political parties sit down in an auditorium and listen to leaders of all political parties without the bickering and fighting that goes on in real life. If only real-world politics were this unified. Great show all around; great message.

3). Resort Hopping
No, not the dreaded pool-hopping. Just resort hopping for the sole purpose of seeing something that you haven't before. We've done it a bunch. We've gone back to resorts previously stayed at just to reminisce. We've toured resorts never stayed at to get ideas for future trips. Or we'll just tour a resort for the sole purpose of soaking in atmosphere. One of my favorite ways to relax without the hussle & bussle of a theme park's activities.

2). Tom Sawyer's Island
We love TSI, plain and simple. What a great way to escape the busy streets of MK and let your inner child run loose. The ambience, detail, and simplicity of this themed island is what makes it a favorite for our family. A true MK classic which should never be revamped for more high-tech entertainment. It is great as it is, and not all aspects of the park need to include NextGen.

And the #1 underrated thing at WDW which we simply love...

1). Carousel Of Progress
This classic attraction needs no explanation. Simply one of Walt's best.

Share your own if you'd like.
 

DisneyJunkie

Well-Known Member
10. Mini Golf - I can do that when I'm at home or if I make a trip to the beach. I have no desire to waste my time on that at WDW when I could ride Space Mtn, EE, RnRC, or ToT over and over.

9. Ellen's Energy Adventure - An embarrassingly bad attraction. When I was a lot younger, I used to like the dinosaur part of the attraction, but other than adding poorly-done animatronics of Ellen Degenerate (no spelling mistake) to the mix, they haven't updated it. Then, when you have rides like Dinosaur (at AK) with much better dino animatronics, it really makes UoE that much more embarrassing. I can't stand ED and her inclusion as part of the attraction just doesn't work for me.

8. Water Taxis - (see my reasoning for #10)

7. Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse - I've done the walkthrough on that once, and that was plenty. It's a pretty useless attraction.

6. Staying Off Property - I can definitely see the financial benefits of that, but when I'm going to WDW, I want the whole experience, and having to go off-property just to go to sleep and then take a shuttle (or my own car) back to the parks the next day takes away from it all.

5. Enchanted Tiki Room - No, it's not fun. Borrrrring.

4. Hall of Presidents - I've always liked this attraction, I just have to be close enough to it to think about it and go in.

3. Resort Hopping - Too much trouble and hassle to have to pick up, pack up, and move from one resort to another. I'm going to stay at one resort for the length of my trip and that's it.

2. Tom Sawyer's Island - (see #5)

1. Carousel of Progress - I've always enjoyed this attraction. Sure it can be quite dated, especially the final scene, but it's still entertaining and a good way to get out of the heat for a while or to spend time waiting to use a fastpass for something else.
 

Jeff456

Well-Known Member
10). Mini-GolfI have never been and I am pretty sure as part of our package we would be entitled to a free round as well, can't bring myself to waste time playing mini golf which I could do pretty much anywhere when I pay so much to go to WDW.

9). Ellen's Energy Adventure
Have to agree, one of my favourite rides! Not even sure why, sure it is dated and I probably no the script inside and out, but I still love it, I think it is just nostalgia...

8). Water Taxi's
Can't say I have ever ridden them for pleasure.... but they are nice to get to DTD from POFQ or from Epcot to the boardwalk (the only time I have used them), don't think I would find/see the benefit of using any more free time to ride.

7). Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
Done it a few times and will no doubt do it again, but we just do it to tick it off the list I think...

6). Staying Off Property
I don't agree, stayed off property once and never again, I like total immersion and the only way to get that is staying on Disney, we go off site to do other things but are always glad to return to our WDW resort.

5). Enchanted Tiki Room
I quite enjoyed this (have only experienced under new management) so am very excited to try to new (old) version.

4). Hall Of Presidents
It's ok nice to sit in the air conditioning for a while on a hot day.

3). Resort Hopping
Can't say we have done it bar having a quick look round the resorts on the monorail loop..

2). Tom Sawyer's Island
We did it briefly on our last trip but had to leave quite early to make an ADR, we didn't have enough time and will go back again, I will reserve final judgement until I have done it again.

1). Carousel Of Progress
Completely agree with this! CoP is awesome!
 

LuLaSue

Well-Known Member
Ellen's Energy Adventure
Love the Music here! I find it corny but it is always a return attraction!

Enchanted Tiki Room
Brings me right back to my childhood...

The American Adventure
Again, the music here is so moving and the story of America??? What is not to love.

Carousel Of Progress
This is my ringback tone, need I say more!

The Boardwalk
In the wee morning hours I take my mat down and and practice. Peaceful tranquility that is found only one other place...The Magnolia Mansion's waters edge.

People Watching
There is just something so magical about people watching especially in the Magic Kindgom. A child eating a ice cream cone. A Mom and Dad stealing a kiss in front of the Castle. Wathing a young girl make her wish in wishing well.
 

sgtmgd

Well-Known Member
The Boardwalk
In the wee morning hours I take my mat down and and practice. Peaceful tranquility that is found only one other place...The Magnolia Mansion's waters edge.

People Watching
There is just something so magical about people watching especially in the Magic Kindgom. A child eating a ice cream cone. A Mom and Dad stealing a kiss in front of the Castle. Wathing a young girl make her wish in wishing well.


Boardwalk in the early morning or late evening is awsome!

People Watching...lol...just take a few minutes and look around you at Disney Im sure you'll find some amusing folks to watch..good fun
 

bhg469

Well-Known Member
10. Mini Golf

9. Ellen's Energy Adventure - An embarrassingly bad attraction. When I was a lot younger, I used to like the dinosaur part of the attraction, but other than adding poorly-done animatronics of Ellen Degenerate (no spelling)

I am not a fan of Ellen and think her comedy is a bit lame but degenerate? Not sure I get that.
 

wiigirl

Well-Known Member
I agree - Carousel of Progress is awesome!!!
75.gif


Its a toss up between that and the mini-golf for me....
 

WondersOfLife

Blink, blink. Breathe, breathe. Day in, day out.
I love this list, but since I haven't been outside of the parks I can only judge on rides..

10. Country Bear Jamboree
I have a soft spot for this show. Alot of people say it's really outdated (true), but I just love it anyways! It gives me that warm fuzzy feeling when liverlips and big al come out and start singing :)

9. Ellen's Energy Adventure
I agree with you. Corny, old, outdated, but there's something about this ride that I love. Maybe perhaps it's the fact that they added so many different themes to the ride.. Dinosaurs, Ellen, Bill Nye, and Jeapordy. Honestly what theme park can base an actual RIDE off of Jeapordy? Brilliant:3

8. Flights of Wonders
I've seen alot of people say this show is boring, a waist of time, ect.. But I've seen it a couple of times and I've enjoyed it. Not exactly in my big must do's but if I'm walking past it and it's on I'll definately go see it.

7. Primevil Whirl
(HATERS GONNA HATE) Yea it's a carnival ride. Yea the theming sucks. Yea it's too intense for you older people:p but let me tell you, alot of people actually LIKE this ride! O: Shocker. I went with a group of 20 teens on this ride and there wasn't a line at the time so we did it about 10 times in a row. It is so fun and I love it. End of story.

6. The Enchanted Tiki Room
Alot better than it's original replacement.

5. 3 Cabellero's (Mexico Pavillion)
Lots of people will say that the original version is better, but I don't think so. The new version is more funny and entertaining. I personally thought the original was pretty boring. I love this ride and I never miss it when I go to the countries. My only problem with this ride is that it's.. well.. noisy.

4. Stitch's Great Escape
OMG OMG OMG SHOCKER!! O: Personal opinion. I like this ride. Come at me bro.

3. Carousel of Progress
Exactly what you said... But I mainly love this one for the smell. :)

2. Captain EO
Everybody in the forums hating on this now. But hey, guess what? You asked for it. Everyone's been complaing about how old and outdated HISTA was and how you'd rather have Captain EO. Everyone kept sayign to bring back EO. Now what do I see? "Bring back HISTA!" Good God. |: I'm 14 and I like this movie. It's pretty weird tho.

1. Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
I could literally spend HOURS on this thing! I love it SOOOOO much and I have no idea why! And the fact that I never have to wait to ride it is even better!! There's not much to say about this, but I just love this ride and it happens to be in my top 5 favorite Disney rides haha! (:)
 

MagicMike

Well-Known Member
People Watching
There is just something so magical about people watching especially in the Magic Kindgom. A child eating a ice cream cone. A Mom and Dad stealing a kiss in front of the Castle. Wathing a young girl make her wish in wishing well.

Those people lugging around Ziploc bags full of quarters trying to find every penny press machine in the park.

Smaller kids exiting rides, either walking out filled with exhilaration and pride upon conquering a thrill ride or crying and blaming dad for telling them that the Tower of Terror isn't as fast as it looks from the ground.

Reactions of people when they meet their favorite character for the first time (or 20th time).
 

LuLaSue

Well-Known Member
So what is wrong with bringing quarters and pennies to do the penny press? My 5 year old loves this.

Absolutely nothing! I think it is absolutely wonderful for the kids!

I am chuckling here because the person I refer to is a big burly biker dude and out he pops his zippie filled with change. He makes fun of my DH for collecting trains so for him to pull out a zippie of quarters is just funny. Just goes to show you...Disney brings the child out in all of us!

Please take no offense.:)
 

MagicMike

Well-Known Member
So what is wrong with bringing quarters and pennies to do the penny press? My 5 year old loves this.

Absolutely nothing! I think it is absolutely wonderful for the kids!

For the Kids?! I found myself pumping more and more quarters into penny press machines the last time I was there. It started for me when I had a some loose change I didn't want to hold on to all day in the park so I deposited it into the nearest press machine. Next thing I knew I had a coffee mug half full of flattened pennies (or half empty depending on your prospective). While I haven't gone full Ziploc yet, I'll admit it becomes addicting.
 

LuLaSue

Well-Known Member
For the Kids?! I found myself pumping more and more quarters into penny press machines the last time I was there. It started for me when I had a some loose change I didn't want to hold on to all day in the park so I deposited it into the nearest press machine. Next thing I knew I had a coffee mug half full of flattened pennies (or half empty depending on your prospective). While I haven't gone full Ziploc yet, I'll admit it becomes addicting.

Absolutely nothing! I think it is absolutely wonderful for the kids!

I am chuckling here because the person I refer to is a big burly biker dude and out he pops his zippie filled with change. He makes fun of my DH for collecting trains so for him to pull out a zippie of quarters is just funny. Just goes to show you...Disney brings the child out in all of us!

Please take no offense.:)

Like I said Disney brings out the kid in all of us!!!
 

menamechris

Well-Known Member
I have to admit - I am surprised at how many love Ellen. It's long, terribly boring, and I have to admit - I doze off everytime I ride this. I took a friend on this once who had never been (one of the first things we did that day), and her response when we got off was - "Please tell me the other rides aren't like that one.." I assured her they weren't - but she was ready to leave if they were.

CoP and Hall of Presidents are 4th of July must do's for me every single year. That's really the only time of year I do see them. I love them - and 4th of July at MK wouldn't be complete without seeing them.
 

mickey2008.1

Well-Known Member
We love the penny press machines! Or I should say I do. Another underrated thing is that ride on Astro Orbitor. Dont know why, it just is awesome to see the park from that high up. We also like getting salt water taffy from there, nothing special, but somehow its made better just by having it there.:p
 

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom