FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

8. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

The Seven Dwarfs are among the greatest AAs ever designed, and the explanation for their exacting detail comes from the planning phase. For the first time ever, Disney used 3-D modeling to construct the dwarfs in a more precise manner. Then, they added digital projections, the kind that you’ll see during the Happily Ever After fireworks display, to perfect their realism. The output of this attention to detail is readily apparent. What blows my mind about Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is that the dwarfs are only part of the beauty. The gems that they’ve farmed are spectacular to behold. They’re multifaceted and eye-grabbing, giving this attraction twin stimuli, both of which are worthy of recognition.

9. Soarin’

Image: DisneyThe IMAX screen improves a viewing experience so much that movie consumers pay massive upcharges to watch their favorite titles the best possible way. Soarin’ is Disney’s answer to the phenomenon, as the ride lifts guests into the air and takes them on a journey around the world. Along the way, you’ll see unforgettable landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Eiffel Tower. You’ll feel like a tourist of the world, not just theme parks, as you fly through the clouds. This rare bird’s eye view of world-famous locations is a dazzling display that Disney imports beauty just as effectively as they create it.

10. Spaceship Earth

You know how you can think someone is attractive inside or out, but you know that you have a winner when you find them attractive both ways? Spaceship Earth is like that as an attraction. From the exterior, it’s an architectural marvel, thousands of triangular panels tethered together by alucobond. It took 26 months to build and has triggered millions of photographs over the years due to its unique structure. Inside, it’s a celebration of the evolution of mankind, starting with a wooly mammoth hunt projected on an entire wall. The attraction reaches its crescendo as you reach the top of the ball, where you see a planetarium-esque ceiling projection of the planet from beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. Spaceship Earth is a spectacle within and without.

11. Test Track

In a perfect world, I’d include the Tree of Life here, but this artificial construct isn’t an attraction per se. Test Track is my fallback option, one I accept may be controversial. The appeal of it is the Tron-like décor spread out across several different set pieces. The novel illumination would seem right at home in Tomorrowland, as it feels futuristic in style. There’s something disorienting about Test Track’s interior, and I mean that in a good way. It seems to have its own internal time-space continuum due to this dizzy kind of whizbang stop-and-go ride design. In its own way, Test Track is ephemeral and otherworldly. Perhaps that’s why the ride vehicle’s explosion into the harsh light of day is so unforgettable.

 
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Add new comment

About Theme Park Tourist

Theme Park Tourist is one of the web’s leading sources of essential information and entertaining articles about theme parks in Orlando and beyond.

We are one of the world’s largest theme park guide sites, hosting detailed guides to more than 80 theme parks around the globe.

Find Out More About Us...

Plan Your Trip

Our theme park guides contain reviews and ratings of rides, restaurants and hotels at more than 80 theme parks worldwide.

You can even print them.

Start Planning Now...