5. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail

Where it is: Africa, Disney's Animal Kingdom

What it is: A self-guided walking tour/zoological exhibit.

Why you'll like it: Disney's Animal Kingdom is easily the most zen of Disney's theme parks. There are fewer attractions here than the Magic Kingdom, more natural beauty than Epcot, and more places to explore than the Hollywood Studios.

When you find yourself in one of those spots ripe for exploring, such as Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, the artifice of Disney can recede, and the surrounding natural beauty can trick you into believing it's not just a massive commercial enterprise.

You know – just for a second.

4. Pirates of the Caribbean

Where it is: Adventureland, Disney's Magic Kingdom

What is is: A slow-moving pirate-themed boat ride.

Why you'll like it: The short answer? Pirates. The slightly longer answer?

Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most influential themed attractions on earth, consistently being hailed for its immersive, aesthetically complete story. The version at Disneyland in California is thought to be the more definitive iteration, but Florida's ride is excellent, too.

What may surprise you is that this ride doesn't shy away from the less family-friendly side of old-time piracy. Sure, there's a catchy Sherman Brothers song and, yes, they've even added Captain Jack Sparrow to the mix. In the middle of it all, however, are pirates torturing politicians, auctioning off women, and drinking themselves silly. It's not exactly a gritty reboot, but it perfectly portrays why some people find the pirate lifestyle so fascinating.

And why a pirate's life is not for everyone. 

3. Polynesian Beach

Where it is: Disney's Polynesian Resort, on the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

What it is: A beautiful beachfront relaxation spot.

Why you'll like it: One of the great pleasures of a Florida vacation is relaxing in the sun on a beach. If you think that you can't get that experience while you're at Disney World ... well, you're mostly right. But the closest you'll come is on the sandy beaches of Disney's Polynesian Resort.

You can't actually swim in the Seven Seas Lagoon, but with sand under your toes and a freshwater swimming pool nearby, relaxing with a fruity beverage and a nice book here can be almost as good as the real thing.

2. World Showcase

Where it is: Epcot.

What is is: Twelve different pavilions showcasing the culture of foreign lands.

What you'll like it: The twelve nations of World Showcase – Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, China, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom and Canada – are all represented by a pavilion showcasing their food, art, fashion, wine and many other elements of their culture.

The real reason you'll love it is because this is the best spot in all of Walt Disney World to grab a great bite to eat and a delicious something to drink.

While the rest of your party heads off to Hollywood Studios to ride Toy Story Mania, you can hang behind and eat your way around the world, trying one dish at each country. Or, if you're over 21 (and have a buddy – be safe!), you can sample some local adult beverages at each exotic locale.

Either way, hating Disney doesn't have to include hating food, right? 

1. Soarin'

Image: Disney

Where it is: The Land Pavilion, Epcot

What it is: Motion simulator.

Why you'll like it: The idea for Disneyland came to Walt Disney as he watched his daughters play at a local park in Los Angeles. Surely, he thought, there could be a place where adults and their children could play together and experience rides and shows designed to entertain them both.

Over half a century later, that dream has no better modern home than on Soarin'.

The ride is simply a motion simulator recreating the experience of hang-gliding. It's not particularly thrilling or nausea-inducing, but instead creates one of the closest analogues to flying you'll find on terra firma.

You may never be a Disney lover, but Soarin' can offer you a glimpse into what Disney World looks like through a Disney lover's eyes.

When guests talk about the “Disney magic,” this is what they're talking about; they see it in every ride, show and hotel on the property. It's not the same for you, and that's perfectly OK.

But those 3 minutes on Soarin' are probably the closest you'll come to feeling it – and what's a Disney vacation without a little magic?