Chip threw down the gauntlet the other day, challenging one of us to write a series of stories on what the one ride at a park you would absolutely have to ride, and why.  So, for this post, I’m going to focus on my must ride for the Magic Kingdom.

There are so many choices to choose from, it really is a difficult decision to make.  Some of my favorite rides are located at the Magic Kingdom, largely because there are such a huge variety of different rides to enjoy.  You’ve got the classic nature of Peter Pan’s Flight and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; you’ve got the timeless thrills of The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean; and you’ve got the thrill rides of Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

For me, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is my absolute MUST ride.  There is so much to enjoy about this roller coaster.  For us, the queue moves pretty quickly, so it is easy to get in several rides in a day.  Also, the ride is incredible no matter where you sit, although it is better if you sit in the back of the train.

Another aspect of this ride that makes it a must ride is the fact that the ride is entirely different when you ride it at night.  In fact, I would say that if you only had one time to ride BTMR, I would highly suggest that you ride it at night!  There is an entirely different element to the ride when you experience it at night.  The turns feel faster; the different scenes seem more distinct.  One thing you have to try and do when you ride at night is look for the saloon as you pass through town.  If you see it, look on the second floor for the dancing girls dancing in the windows!  You have to be looking for it, because it will pass quickly.

With so many choices at the Magic Kingdom, it is really hard to choose just one ride to be my must ride.  For now, it is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; however, who knows when that might change.  The beauty of the Magic Kingdom is that you can tailor your trip towards many different types of experiences; today I am into the thrill rides, but tomorrow, who knows – maybe I’ll be more interested in “it’s a small world“!

Next time I’m going to be telling you what my must ride is for Epcot — the answer may surprise you!

Mike is one of the writers for Chip & Company, and an avid Disney fan!  Right now he is busy planning his families’ next trip to Disney World this coming June.  When he isn’t writing for C&C, he can also be read at My Dreams of Disney.  It is there that you can learn about his childhood nickname, and why that isn’t such a bad nickname to him anymore.

Mike (162 Posts)

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