Top 10 Nostalgic Disney Attractions

If you are anything like many of my clients and friends who have visited Walt Disney World, you know that those parks have a high nostalgia factor to them. If you can’t pinpoint it now, you definitely can when you are smelling the popcorn wafting out of the vents on Main Street U.S.A. or walking under the looming golf ball of Epcot’s Spaceship Earth. These are the sites and smells though. We want to hit on the actual attractions within the parks that have a high nostalgia aspect to them that remind you of trips gone by.

1. Test Track

The first one up to the plate on this list is Test Track. Now, we have to say that the dreaming of days past comes only with the previous version of this ride. We miss the rough, gritty aspect of it even though we may have need extra visits to the chiropractor. That version definitely felt like an actual test run for a vehicle and we really do miss it.

2. Peter Pan

Do we actually have a “nostalgic rides” list if we don’t mention Peter Pan in it? I definitely don’t think so! Just about everyone that you meet who has visited Disney while a child will talk about memories of soaring through the sky on a pirate ship while overlooking the city of London. It’s unforgettable! While Anthony doesn’t particularly love this ride, we both agree that there is a sweet and innocent element to it that keeps this dark ride a favorite among so many.

3. Space Mountain

This rollercoaster was actually Anthony’s first rollercoaster ever! Talk about a core memory. Even if this isn’t one of the greatest rollercoasters, it definitely is different than most. The darkness sets it apart from other coasters and adds a bit of mystery to the adventure. With how long this attraction has been in the parks, you can’t blame anyone for adding this to their list of nostalgic attractions.

4. Country Bear Jamboree

Honestly, I know this could surprise many of you. I’m alright with that. Ha! Maybe you are one of the people that despises this animatronic show. Maybe you have never experienced it. However, if you are one of the few who must sit in the little theatrer and watch this animatronic bears perform at least once during your trip, you get me. There’s just something about “Blood on the Saddle” and “Tears Will Be The Chaser for Your Wine” that brings out all the fun memories of watching this show. The interesting part is that I don’t actually remember this one just for the show, but rather I cherish the memories of laughing with my family. The enjoyment we had together while experiencing this quaint, and honestly, dated show make it worth entering onto this list.

5. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

One of the few attractions left in Hollywood Studios that reflects the orginal intention and vision for the park, it remains one of our favorites as well. The behind-the-scenes look at movie-making, the gags, the tricks, and the involvement of the audience make this a fun show every time. We love finding the time to sit and enjoy the live storytelling as well as watch the actors show how movie magic is made.

6. Festival of the Lion King

What a show! This one really has everything: live singers, acrobats, animatronics, dancers, costumed characters. It’s all there. Plus, with it being such a long-standing show, it’s given us the years to get really aquainted with this show and develop a love for it. The memories and feelings tied to this ride are undeniable. If you’ve never seen this one before now, make the time for it on your next trip. Then come and chat with me. ;-)

7. Fantasmic!

I’m not going to chat about this one long because if you have been around here for any length of time, you know this is our favorite nighttime, possibly all-time, show. The different variations of Mickey, topped off with sorcerer Mickey, make this one hit right at the core of what Disney is. Not only does this show bring up nostalgic feelings becuase of memories made from seeing it in the past, but it pulls up memories of watching the films, hearing familiar music, connections to beloved characters. It hit home with all of it and we couldn’t love it more.

8. Journey into the Imagination with Figment

“Imaaaaaaagination.” (Now I’ve got you singing it, amiright?) This is yet another ride that many do find a bit boring and yet I still love it. Now, there was a time when this dark ride had a much deeper story. I agree that it is gravely missing heartfelt story and originality in its current form. Still, I can’t let it go. The cute dragon with the purpose of helping others understand the imagination makes it so memorable! This stands as one of my favorite rides within Epcot.

9. The Trolley Show

There’s something about seeing the trolley head down Main Street U.S.A. that ties the whole atmosphere together. Bring out the dancers and the show stop and you’ve got one of the most nostalgic moments in Magic Kingdom. “The Trolley Song” from “Meet Me in St. Louis” obviously fits so perfectly and sets a beautiful tone for the show.

10. Spaceship Earth

The memory that comes to mind first about this attraction is the final scene in the dome of the “golf ball” looking over Earth and watching the stars. Even though this comes to mind first, the scene that really brings back memories over years and years of visiting the parks is the Renaissance scene. I’ve always had a fascination with the Italian Renaissance and even focused my thesis for my bachelor’s degree on an aspect of it. So, it’s no wonder that this scene gives me all the feels. It’s just plain perfect.

Honorable Mention: Star Tours

While I definitely wear Anthony out with this one, there is no denying that Anthony was introduced to the Star Wars universe through this ride. That’s a pretty cool fact, if we don’t say so. There’s always a little bit of pixie dust sprinkled over our experience here as a result.