6. Radio Disney Song Maker

While you are in the creatin’ mood, walk a few feet over from Sid’s Create-a-Toy to another second floor staple, Radio Disney Song Maker. Here, you are again empowered to construct something wholly original from a series of options. You are provided with selections such as style of music and type of singer (male or female voice) plus lyrics options. Then, you are provided with an astoundingly complex number of musical accompaniments to make a song 100% your own. Disney Quest claims that there are two billion potential combinations, which means that there are 1,999,999,999 more variations of songs than Nickelback has managed over six albums. Once you are done flexing your inner Randy Newman, you can purchase your CD straight down to being able to build your artwork for the jewel case. Kids absolutely adore Song Maker, and it’s a keepsake you can have for the rest of your life.

7. Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlaster

Do you like indoor bumper cars? Do you like Toy Story? Do you like the idea of shooting strangers with nerf projectiles? Do you looooove the idea of forcing strangers in nearby vehicles into 360 degree spins? If you have answered yes, to any/many of these questions, Astroblaster is the ride for you.

The idea is simple. Disney has taken the Bumper Cars concept and updated it to give kids exactly want they want: violence. You drive your Astroblaster over Nerf balls (technically, they’re called asteroids) that you then pick up and shoot at targets on other cars. If you hit them in the right spot, the opposing driver loses control of their car and is sent into a tailspin. It’s pretty awesome. If you’re worried about safety, note that the bumper cars have Plexiglas windows for protection.

AstroBlaster is one of the most exciting things to do at Disney Quest, but be aware that it also has a tendency to be down for maintenance more than anything else there. We’re batting a thousand on AstroBlaster being torn up at some point during our Disney Quest visits.

8. Virtual Jungle Cruise

Image: WillMcC, Wikimedia (license)

Basically, you ride an air mattress that rocks to the beat of the imagery on the screen in front of you. This ride is an interactive Jungle Cruise simulator that places the rider in prehistoric times. You must navigate the rapids including the occasional dip and hard turn, not to mention a dinosaur head popping toward you from time to time.  The key selling point of Jungle Cruise is that your actions in steering/paddling the boat drive the action, so whatever you do is reflected onscreen. There is also a game aspect to it in that better drivers can advance deeper into the land of the dinosaurs. Alas, it is not the best ride for people who suffer from motion sickness, so be judicious when guiding your craft.

9. Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride

Image: Dave Pape, Wikimedia (license)

This experience is half Oculus and half Nintendo Virtual Boy. You get on a console similar to an arcade motorcycle game and then you wear headgear that takes you into a whole new world, as the lyrics go. The experience mimics the concept of a magic carpet ride through Agrabah, collecting coins to present the Genie at the end. It’s a fun game to try, but the helmet is tight for large adults. Also, it is clearly targeted toward kids, so lower your expectations if you’ve already reached puberty.

10. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold

Dead men tell no tales! If you want more from Captain Jack Sparrow’s crew than just a few pinball quips, this ride will be more your style. This five player experience gives one player the captain’s wheel and four others cannon triggers. It’s sink or be sunk as enemy ships appear off port and starboard. And right when you think you are done, a ghost ship apparates and tries to steal your ill-gotten booty. I defy anyone to play Battle for Buccaneer Gold for more than a minute without shouting “Ahoy maties!” As arguably the most popular ride in Disney Quest, the lines can get long for this one, so schedule your plans around when the first floor area is the least crowded.