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7. Matterhorn Bobsleds

Image: Disney

I've written an entire introductory section of a book about the importance of Matterhorn Bobsleds to the roller coaster industry. It became the starter pistol for the coaster arms race that still benefits theme park tourists today. I love everything about it in terms of historical significance.

As a modern ride experience, it’s loose and free and vaguely unsettling, just like a bobsled ride should be. Unfortunately, everything else on this list is so iconic that Matterhorn Bobsleds seems a bit dated by comparison.

6. It’s a Small World

Image: Disney

I have a love/hate relationship with this song, and I frankly worry about anyone who doesn't. It's decidedly repetitive and undoubtedly annoying when you're in a bad mood. Even so, the eternal optimism of this attraction will soothe even the most troubled of souls.

At its core, It’s a Small World celebrates the diversity of the human race. The sets demonstrate the ways that countries are different, yet it embraces those cultural variations as a net positive for society. And the various puppets demonstrate daily that Mary Blair was quietly one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.

5. Space Mountain

Image: Disney

Given the kind words I just had for It’s a Small World, I clearly admire everything in the top five. After all, anything that beats Matterhorn Bobsleds and Walt Disney’s little boat ride must be extremely impressive. And Space Mountain certainly qualifies.

Oddly, the history of this attraction involves Disneyland the least of anything listed here. It’s a Walt Disney World attraction through and through, at least in terms of development and construction.

Still, the Disneyland version with two riders per row is superior, at least in my opinion. It provides a tandem ride that makes the experience feel less isolated. I fully understand why some may prefer that, but I like sharing space Mountain with others. Plus, the Disneyland version is nowhere near as bumpy and sometimes features brilliant ride overlays.  

4. Jungle Cruise

Image: Disney

This ride covers two of my go-to trivia notes about the early days of Disneyland. The first fact involves Walt Disney, who wanted real animals on Jungle Cruise, which would have changed everything.

The other fact involves the script for the ride. Disney officials never intended Jungle Cruise to include comedy. Alas, the dialogue for the attraction lost its freshness within a few years of the opening. Skippers took it on themselves to liven up the experience by adding some jokes, and the rest is history.

To this day, Jungle Cruise is somehow timeless and modern. You know many of the jokes by heart, but cast members have developed their own distinctive spiels. So, each ride is slightly different. Plus, you never know when you might hear a new joke! Skippers always possess the ability to improvise.

 
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