Top five must do attractions:
1. Flight of the Banshee
(Only at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora extension.) While some people with body shapes outside the average will be challenged by this ride – you’re not going to fit into the safety locks if you’re too big or too tall – it is a chance to simulate riding a dragon-like creature and is, in all likelihood, the future of themed attractions. It seamlessly continues the ‘‘illusion’’ that you are not in Florida, or even on Earth, from the second you hit the line.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout!
(Only at Disney’s California Adventure.) This is as close as most of us will ever get to 1. Getting in on a heist; 2. Becoming a Guardian of the Galaxy; and 3. Plummeting through space at Mach 10 without dying. Do not miss this ride.
3. Soarin’
(Both Parks) As you lift into the air, and soar towards the clouds, you’ll know what it feels like to fly for the first time. True Disney magic. For total immersion in the fantasy, ask to wait for the front row.
4. Hyperspace Mountain
(Only in Disneyland – the original Space Mountain is still available at the Epcot Centre in Disney Florida.) If Space Mountain is a terrifying pitchdark scream through break-neck twists and turns that will have you screaming hysterically from go to whoa, Hyperspace Mountain is that times 50 – with added Star Wars.
5. Radiator Springs Racers
Disneyland.) I’m still trying to figure out how they do what they do with the animatronics on this one. This attraction mindbendingly brings cartoon characters to life in a way that just borders on being freaky, and then caps it all off with a thrilling ride through a real-life cartoon landscape. Stunning.
Honourable mentions: Grizzly Rapids:
This is the best imaginable way to end a day at the park.
Pirates of the Caribbean:
(Only at
Elegy rides, with their dioramas and animatronics, are Disney’s stock and trade. But by far the best, particularly since the increased interest in this ride after the release of the films, is Pirates of the Caribbean. Don’t miss it.