105 Best Sights in Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida

The rousing theme music from the Indiana Jones movies heralds action developed by Glenn Randall, a stunt coordinator who has worked on such movies as Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., and Jewel of the Nile. Presented in a 2,200-seat amphitheater, the show starts with a series of near-death encounters in an ancient Maya temple. Indy slides down a rope from the ceiling, dodges spears, avoids getting chopped by booby-trapped idols, and snags a forbidden gemstone, setting off a gigantic boulder that threatens to flatten him.

Next comes the Cairo street scene, circa 1940, where lucky audience members are chosen to perform as extras. When the nasty Ninja-Nazi stuntmen come out, you start to think that it's probably better to remain seated. Eventually, Indy returns with his redoubtable girlfriend, Marian Ravenwood, portrayed by a Karen Allen look-alike. She's kidnapped and tossed into a truck while Indy fights his way free with bullwhip and gun, and bad guys tumble from every corner and cornice.

The actors do a commendable job of explaining their stunts, so you learn how cameras are camouflaged for trick shots. Only one stunt remains a secret: how do Indy and Marian escape the grand finale explosion? That's what keeps ’em coming back. Note, though, that there are continuous rumors about this show being updated or possibly dropped, in keeping with Disney's new "immersive" theme. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible. Equipped for assisted-listening, audio-description, and handheld-captioning devices. There's sign-language interpretation twice weekly. Don't waste valuable early-morning hours here; there's plenty of room in the afternoon. Come at night to see the idols' eyes glow.

The famous honey lover and his exploits in the Hundred Acre Wood are the theme for this ride. You can read posted passages from A. A. Milne's stories as you wait in line. Once you board your "Hunny Pot," Pooh and his friends wish you a "happy windsday." Pooh flies through the air, held aloft by his balloon, in his perennial search for "hunny," and you bounce along with Tigger, ride with the Heffalumps and Woozles, and experience a cloudburst. This ride replaced Mr. Toad's Wild Ride; look for the painting of Mr. Toad handing the deed to Owl. For people with disabilities: If using a scooter, see a cast member about transferring to a standard wheelchair for the ride. Equipped for handheld-captioning and audio-description devices.

Mickey Mouse might be the headliner here, but it's Donald Duck's misadventures—reminiscent of Mickey's as the sorcerer's apprentice in Fantasia—that set the comic pace in this 3-D animated film. As you settle into your seat, the on-screen action takes you behind the curtains at a grand concert hall where Donald and Mickey prepare for a performance. But when Donald misuses Mickey's sorcerer's hat, he finds himself on a whirlwind journey that includes a magic carpet ride and an electrifying dip under the sea. And you go along for the ride. On the way, you meet Ariel, Simba, Aladdin, Jasmine, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, and others.

The film startles with its special-effects technology—you'll smell a fresh-baked apple pie, feel the rush of air as champagne corks pop, and get lost in the action on the 150-foot-wide screen. The 3-D film marks the first time that classic Disney characters appear in a computer-generated animation attraction. Some of the effects can startle small children, and some of the darker scenes are a bit muddy through the recycled 3-D glasses. For people with disabilities: There's a special viewing area for guests in wheelchairs. Reflective captioning is provided; equipped for assisted-listening and audio-description devices.

It took five years for Disney Imagineers, with the help of 25 experts from NASA, to design Mission: SPACE, the first ride ever to take people "straight up" in a simulated rocket launch. The story transports you and co-riders to the year 2036 and the International Space Training Center, where you are about to embark on your first launch. Before you board the four-person rocket capsule, you're assigned to a position: commander, navigator, pilot, or engineer. And at this point, you're warned several times about the intensity of the ride and the risks for people with health concerns. After many guests became sick after riding, Disney created an "orange" and a "green" mission. The Orange mission heads to Mars and has a height requirement of 44 inches. A spinning motion creates the feeling of a rocket launch and weightlessness (the effect is also cumulative, so stick with one go-round unless you have a particularly hardy constitution). The Green mission on Earth, with a height requirement of 40 inches, is still plenty bumpy, but doesn't use spinning to create special effects. Pregnant women and anyone with heart, back, neck, balance, blood-pressure, or motion-sickness problems shouldn't ride either version.

For those who can handle the intense spinning, the sensation of liftoff is a turbulent, heart-pounding experience that flattens you against your seat. Once you break into outer space, you'll even feel weightless. After landing, you exit your capsule into the Advanced Training Lab, where you can play some very entertaining space-related games. For people with disabilities: This ride requires a transfer from wheelchair to seat. Service animals aren't permitted to board. Video-captioning devices can be used on the ride; assisted-listening devices can be used in the postshow Training Lab. Both lines move swiftly, and people rarely ride this more than once, so if you see long wait times, give it an hour and try again. Don't ride on a full stomach.

Although this is an indoor roller coaster like Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain, the similarity ends there. With its high-speed launch (0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds), multiple inversions, and loud rock music, it generates delighted screams from coaster junkies, though it's smooth enough and short enough that even the coaster-phobic have been known to enjoy it. The vehicles look like limos, and the track resembles the neck of an electric guitar that's been twisted. Hard-driving rock tunes by Aerosmith blast from vehicle speakers to accentuate the flips and turns.

Pregnant women and guests with heart, back, or neck problems or motion sickness should skip this one. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs must transfer to a ride vehicle. Service animals aren't allowed. If you aren't heading to Star Wars first thing, take a right and do Rock 'n' Roller or Tower of Terror first. Lines are long in the afternoon but shorter in the morning, when everyone is at the newer rides.

The needlelike spires and gleaming, white, concrete cone of this 180-foot-high attraction are almost as much a Magic Kingdom landmark as Cinderella Castle. Inside is one of the world's most imaginative roller coasters, one that had a real astronaut, Gordon Cooper, for a creative consultant. Although there are no loop-the-loops or high-speed curves, the thrills are many as you take a trip into the depths of outer space—in the dark.

You can pass the wait time playing one of the many games on the Disney Play app. As you walk to the loading area, you'll pass whirling planets and hear the screams and shrieks of the riders, pumping you up for your own launch. Once you blast off, the ride lasts only two minutes and 38 seconds, with a top speed of 28 mph, but the devious twists and invisible drops in the dark make it seem twice as long. You can hear the screams from other cars, but you don't know where they are, adding an additional fright factor.

Stow personal belongings securely, and note that this ride isn't appropriate for pregnant women or guests wearing back, neck, or leg braces. For people with disabilities: You must be able to step into the ride vehicle and walk short distances. Guests in wheelchairs should see a cast member for boarding options. Service animals aren't permitted. The wait can be long. Come early, late, or during a parade.

Star Wars fans, wield your lightsabers! This fan favorite multiplies the thrills with more than 50 ride scenarios powered up by Dolby 3-D video and motion-simulator technology. Here's the basic storyline: C-3PO and R2-D2, at the helm of a misappropriated spaceship, must navigate the galaxy with a rebel spy on board (it could be you!) while Imperial forces try to thwart the journey.

You'll encounter multiple thrills from the Star Wars universe including the lush Wookiee planet Kashyyyk and the underwater world of Naboo. Kef Bir, the water moon with a destroyed Death Star, has also been added to the lineup. One flight takes you to the climatic battle from The Rise of Skywalker. You might come face-to-menacing-mask with Kylo Ren or be recruited by Lando Calrissian. Other characters sprinkled throughout the different films include Admiral Ackbar, Chewbacca, and Boba Fett. Your 40-passenger Starspeeder 1000 rockets through space with enough high-speed twists, turns, and nosedives to guarantee that the Force is, indeed, with you.

Those who are pregnant or have heart, back, neck, or motion-sickness issues shouldn't ride. Children less than 40 inches tall may not ride. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs must transfer to a ride seat. Equipped for handheld-captioning and video-captioning devices. Service animals aren't allowed. Lines swell when the Indiana Jones show lets out. If they're long, check back in an hour, they may have shrunk. For the wildest ride, sit in the back.

The white-knuckle finale of this fan favorite is as thrilling as ever. Create a custom concept vehicle at an interactive design station, and then buckle up in a six-person SimCar to put the design through its paces in a neon-splashed, futuristic setting that surrounds the attraction's original hills and mountain switchbacks. Everyone can create their own designs and see how they compare to everyone else's—first in their car and then at the end of the ride.

The High-Speed Test is last: your vehicle bursts through an opening in the Test Track building to negotiate a steeply banked loop at a speed of nearly 60 mph. At the special effects–laden postshow, you can see how your custom car performed and create your own car commercial.

Disney has recently announced updates to this attraction, but no firm dates on when this will happen. Check the Disney website before you travel if this is a "must-do" for your party. The speeds and some jarring effects can be unsettling, so this ride isn't suitable for pregnant women or guests wearing back, neck, or leg braces. For people with disabilities: Visitors in wheelchairs are provided a special area in which to practice transferring into the ride vehicle before actually boarding. One TV monitor in the preshow area is closed-captioned. Service animals aren't permitted onboard. This ride won't function on wet tracks, so don't head here after a downpour. Also note that the Single Rider queue has been eliminated here.

Based on the toys Andy got from the Pizza Planet claw machine in the first Toy Story movie, this ride puts you on a rocket being driven by aliens in flying saucers, who are trying to have their rocket chosen by The Claw. Rather than just spinning, the cars swirl about in figure-eight formations, sending passengers back and forth within the car. Kids love the unexpected twist, making this a must-do for kids as young as 4. For people with disabilities: You must transfer from a wheelchair to ride.

On the edge of the lagoon, directly opposite Disney's magnificent bit of colonial imagery, is this open-air, partially tree-shaded venue for concerts and shows. Most performances are hot tickets with themes tied to EPCOT events, such as Disney On Broadway during the International Festival of the Arts in the winter, Garden Rocks concerts with pop legends during the March through July EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, and Eat to the Beat concerts during the late July through mid-November EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival. Check the festival schedules before your trip, and plan to visit EPCOT on an evening with a musical guest you'll enjoy.

This is also the setting for the annual yuletide Candlelight Processional—a not-to-be-missed event if you're visiting during the holidays. The Candlelight Dinner Package (available through Disney's dining reservations hotline) includes lunch or dinner in a select World Showcase restaurant and preferred seating for the moving performance. Roomy restrooms are behind the Kidcot Fun Stop. Arrive more than an hour ahead of time for holiday and celebrity performances, though the first show is always the least crowded.

Every mermaid princess should have a giant seashell throne, and that's where Ariel fans can meet the fashionably finned, redheaded beauty. Built into the rock work of Prince Eric's castle, the grotto provides shade for those waiting in the queue and a more secluded experience for families who want to photograph or record the royal meet-up.

This gleaming superstructure of revolving planets has come to symbolize Tomorrowland as much as Dumbo represents Fantasyland. Passenger vehicles, on arms projecting from a central column, sail past whirling planets, and you control your car's altitude but not its velocity. The line is directly across from the entrance to the TTA PeopleMover. For people with disabilities: You must be able to walk several steps and transfer to the vehicle. The line moves slowly; skip this attraction on your first visit if time is limited.

This 11-minute film focuses on how we can work together to keep our awesome planet livable in the future. The entire film is a real-estate pitch about how lucky we are to live on our planet, narrated by the ultimate real estate agent, Ty Burrell. For the first half, you're shown how Earth came to take form and the different biomes around the globe. The second half talks about how we are facing unprecedented changes to our planet and what can be done about it. There is breathtaking imagery from around the globe mixed in with this worthwhile message.

This coaster stars the Great Goofini, stunt master—a perfect fit for Fantasyland's Storybook Circus area. The twisting, turning roller coaster "flight" takes you high above the circus fun. It's perfect for young children's first thrill ride if they are 35 inches or taller. Circus props and theme posters tell Goofini's tale with references to some of the short films of Goofy's heyday. For people with disabilities: You must be able to walk a few steps from your wheelchair to board the ride. Service animals are not permitted.

Kids scramble up several steps tucked between faux-rock formations, where a lifeguard sits to supervise their slide into Blustery Bay. The incline is small, but the thrill is great for young kids, who whoosh into the bay (sometimes into the arms of waiting parents). These two scaled-down versions of the Storm Slides are geared to kids shorter than 60 inches.

Kids really burn up energy going up the steps and down the slides repeatedly. Parents should be prepared for their wanting to ride over and over again.

As its name implies, little ones love singing along with beloved classics from Beauty and the Beast at this show, which plays in the same theater as Impressions de France. The traditional story has a twist, however. As Mrs. Potts narrates, you realize that LeFou, best known as Gaston's sidekick, was actually working behind the scenes to help Belle and the Beast fall in love. Although this 15-minute film is particularly good for younger kids, everyone will appreciate the chance to sit down and enjoy a cute storyline. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair- and ECV-accessible; reflective captioning and equipped for assisted-listening and audio-description devices.

This popular stage show takes place at the Theater of the Stars, a re-creation of the famed Hollywood Bowl. The actors playing a luminous Belle and delightfully vain Gaston sing passionately with a lively cast of characters and dancers. The enchanted prince (Beast) and household characters (Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumière, and Cogsworth) deftly navigate the stage despite their bulky costumes. Even some set pieces sway along during the charming "Be Our Guest" number. There's high drama during the mob scene and a sweet ending when ballroom dancers in frothy pink and purple waltz along with the fairy-tale couple.

As you arrive or depart, check out handprints and footprints set in concrete of the TV personalities who've visited Disney's Hollywood Studios. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair and ECV accessible and equipped for handheld-captioning, audio-description, and assisted-listening devices. Sign language twice a week. Arrive 30 minutes early on crowded days (which are rare) or if you want the "perfect" seat; otherwise show up 15 minutes before. Attend in the afternoon when you'll appreciate a chance to sit down.

This attraction uses 12 surrounding screens to give you a 360-degree view of Canada's majestic landscape. The narrators break the nation down province by province, sharing knowledge, along with the breathtaking views, about this distinguished country. There are a couple of downsides here: it's a standing-only theater, strollers aren't permitted, and toddlers and small children can't see unless they're held aloft. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair and ECV accessible; reflective captioning and equipped for assisted-listening and audio-description devices.

The Casey Jr. circus train has just pulled into town, and train cars full of faux circus animals are taking a break in this circus-theme play area across from Dumbo the Flying Elephant. The critters might not be real, but they sure do put out a lot of water as children run hooting and squealing past spitting camels, spraying elephants, and other water hazards. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible. While the kids cool off and burn energy, parents can take a break and grab a hot dog or soft pretzel from nearby carts. Pack towels and fresh clothing for cooler days.

This circular, 15-foot-wide, 3-foot-deep, 2,000-foot-long waterway is satisfyingly soothing. Just snag an inner tube and float placidly along a clear creek that winds through the park and around the Surf Pool and beaches. You'll pass through a rain forest that showers you with spray, slide through caves and grottoes, float beneath overhanging trees, and get drenched from the "broken pipes" at the Water Works. The current flows a gentle 2½ feet per second. Along the way are five landing areas. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs must transfer to an inner tube.

A full circuit takes about 20 minutes, longer if you stop at one of the five lifeguard-manned launches.

No subtropical skiing paradise would be complete without a chairlift, and this one is an attractive alternative to trekking to the top of Mt. Gushmore over and over again. The two-minute ascent is a great opportunity to scout out other slides and enjoy the "ski beach" scenery. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs must transfer to a ride seat and subsequent attractions. A companion will have to meet you with the wheelchair at the base of Mt. Gushmore. If the wait is too long or you have children under 32 inches tall, hiking up is good exercise.

Although similar to Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle, at 189 feet this iconic structure is more than 100 feet taller, and, with its elongated towers and lacy fretwork, it's more graceful. Don't miss the elaborate mosaics on the walls of the archway as you rush toward Fantasyland from the Hub. The five panels, measuring some 15 feet high and 10 feet wide, were created from a million bits of multicolored Italian glass, silver, and 14-karat gold by mosaicist Hanns-Joachim Scharff. The mosaics tell the story of the little cinder girl as she goes from pumpkin to prince to happily ever after.

The fantasy castle has absolutely real foundations, made of solid steel beams, fiberglass, and 500 gallons of paint. Instead of dungeons, there are service tunnels for the Magic Kingdom's less-than-magical quotidian operations, such as Makeup and Costuming. These are the same tunnels that honeycomb beneath much of the park.

Within the castle's archway is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where the "royal treatment" transforms little girls age 3 and older into princesses or divas. Hair and makeup are by a Fairy Godmother's Apprentice. The valiant Knight Package offers a heroic makeover that includes hairstyle, sword, and shield. If you have reservations to dine at Cinderella's Royal Table, you enter the castle by way of an ascending spiral staircase. You are attended by costumed waiters and joined by Cinderella and other princesses in one of Disney's most popular character-dining experiences. For people with disabilities: For those with limited mobility, elevator access to the dining experience is provided. Call or book online 180 days ahead, if possible, to reserve the character breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

This is a great place to meet some of the park's animal handlers and to gather round for a critter encounter. You'll learn about the park's veterinary care, ongoing research, and food preparation for hundreds of animal inhabitants. Interactive exhibits are simple fun for younger children and have messages about worldwide efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats. Here, you also can find out how to connect with conservation efforts in your own community. At The Animation Experience at Conservation Station, a Disney artist leads a class in drawing a famous (animal) Disney character. For people with disabilities: Guest may remain in wheelchairs or ECVs. Begin a family conservation project here.

Even timid youngsters love this stage show's wisecracking, cornpone, lovelorn Audio-Animatronics bears as they joke and sing. Check before visiting this attraction: although performances have featured country music and 1950s rock and roll, a new-in-2024 version will reportedly feature the bears belting out Disney showstoppers in a Nashville-style review. Regardless, the emcee, the massive but debonair Henry, will no doubt lead a stellar Grizzly Hall cast of characters like the robust Trixie; the harmonizing Bubbles, Bunny, and Beulah; and Big Al, the off-key cult figure who has inspired his own shopping kiosk.

For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible; reflective captioning provided; equipped for assisted-listening devices. If you lip-read, ask to sit up front.  Visit during an afternoon parade or late in the day. Stand to the far left in the anteroom for the front rows and to the far right for the last row, where small kids can perch atop seats to see better.

Grab an inner tube, hop on, and circle the entire park on a leisurely 25-minute float on this 3,000-foot-long creek. Along the way, you'll get doused with frigid water in an ice cave—wonderful on a steamy Florida day. Tubes are provided at seven launch sites, but they're not required. Kids soon discover that the fastest and most enjoyable way to get around the park is to glide with the current and hop off at whichever landing they wish. For people with disabilities: Guests using wheelchairs must transfer to inner tubes. There are landings near most thrill rides, and moving through the park this way is oodles more fun than walking.

This is one of Walt Disney World's best shows for tots and preschoolers. Throughout the show, kids are encouraged to sing and dance along with Doc McStuffins, Timon, and Vampirina as the characters cha-cha-cha their way through the fun. Special effects further inspire kids to participate. The entire event is capped off with Mickey appearing in his racing gear from Mickey and the Roadster Racers. For people with disabilities: Wheelchair and ECV accessible, equipped with preshow-area TV monitors with closed-captioning, and equipped for assisted-listening, audio-description, and video- and handheld-captioning devices. Come early, when your child is most alert and lines are shorter. Be prepared to sit on the carpet. Don't miss character meet and greets before or after the show.

Based on the movie about the gigantic-eared baby elephant who learns he can fly, the ride consists of flying pachyderms, each packing a couple of kids and a parent. A joystick controls your Dumbo's up-and-down movement. A popular feature for parents and children: the Big Top "play while you wait" indoor area chock-full of climbing equipment for kids of most ages. As you enter the colorful circus tent, a Disney "ringmaster" hands you a pager that buzzes when it's your turn to join the ride queue. Parents can supervise tots in a small circus ring of play equipment while older kids burn up energy on multilevel climbers like the Thrilling Tower of Flames. Adults enjoy the bench seating. For people with disabilities: If using a wheelchair, prepare to transfer to a ride vehicle. This is a great place to visit in the afternoon when kids may need to run around and parents may need to sit down. Let the kids enjoy the play area before riding.

Knowledgeable experts offer insight on some of the more exotic birds found around Animal Kingdom. Expect to see macaws, parrots, vultures, and, occasionally, an American bald eagle. This show is a great option for the afternoon, as it only fills up during the busiest of times. Those not wanting a bird flying over their heads should sit in the bleachers in the back. 

Ever since the Disney film Frozen hit the jackpot, Disney's theme parks have been mining the blockbuster with character meet and greets, entertainment vignettes, a ride, and this show, which packs the house up to 10 times a day. The comical emcees are two costumed "Royal Historians" of Arendelle, who pepper their Frozen story narration with witticisms. Animated segments of the film accompany the narration on a giant screen, and live actors portray Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff convincingly as they interact with the historians and audience. Song lyrics are displayed on two additional video screens, and everyone sings along to the film's playlist, especially the Academy Award–winning "Let It Go" and the sweetly melodic "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?". For people with disabilities: Wheelchair accessible. A large theater makes this is a great option for the afternoon.

Families who scale Mount Mayday have to haul their raft to the peak before the adventure begins. Upon takeoff, a 6½-foot-long inflated raft plunges down the slide with impressive speed, with things getting bumpy at times along the 300-foot river. It's a pleasant ride for families—not too scary for kids, and not too dull for adults. Those who are pregnant or have heart, back, or neck problems should sit this one out.

The inner tubes are heavy, so have at least two willing carriers. Also be prepared to ride with two to four riders (five if some are smaller kids).