Monday Top 10: The Most Popular Rides in Orlando

By Robert Niles: We know that you love talking about theme parks. (You probably wouldn't be reading theme park websites if you didn't!) Over the years, we've learned which theme park attractions are most likely to get people talking, and they are among the most popular theme park rides in the world. To kick off our weeklong celebration of theme parks, here are our Top 10 Most Popular Rides in Orlando, as determined by the most votes cast in our Theme Park Insider reader ratings. Obviously, newer attractions are at a bit of a disadvantage here, as they haven't been open that long. And "popular" doesn't necessarily mean "best," but the 10 rides here certainly include some of our Orlando favorites.

10. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue revamps Disney's original Star Tours ride with a 3D projection system and multiple, randomly-selected scene options during your flight from the pursuit of the evil Galactic Empire.

9. Splash Mountain

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

Fans love this musical romp with fun characters, some nifty twists and bumps, and its soaking wet, 40-miles-per-hour, 52-foot drop.

8. Test Track

Epcot

While you wait to board, you'll get to choose some of the elements of a new car that will be tested during your ride. Once on board, you'll ride in a six-seat "test vehicle" as unseen engineers test your car for traction, response, efficiency, and, of course, speed.

7. Jurassic Park River Adventure

Universal's Islands of Adventure

"Oooh, ahhh... that's how it always starts. Then later there's running and screaming." Sure enough, the velociraptors escape, the meat-eaters are running loose, and, oh, is that a T-Rex trying to eat you? Hang on, because it's all downhill from there.

6. Soarin'

Epcot

Board one of three massive "hang gliders" for a flight around the state of California, breezing along above river rafters, orange groves, golf courses, national parks, and even an aircraft carrier. For the finale, you'll skim above a downtown Los Angeles freeway on your way to a fireworks display at Disneyland, making this the only theme park attraction whose climax is a scene from... another theme park.

5. Haunted Mansion

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

This Dutch Gothic Revival New England mansion looks innocent enough on the outside, but 999 "happy haunts" reside inside. The Haunted Mansion long has been one of Disney's most popular attractions at theme parks around the world, with its deft use of stagecraft to create a variety of illusions.

4. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Themed to an "Old Hollywood" resort from the late 1930's, this elaborately themed drop ride offers multiple drop sequences, so you'll probably not get the same ride twice.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

Walk through the Spanish fortress and step into a bateau for your ride into a mysterious cavern. Be sure to "keep your ruddy hands in board," though, for "there be rough seas ahead," ones that will drop you into a musical pirate adventure.

2. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Universal's Islands of Adventure

J. Jonah Jameson's hired you as an intern at the Daily Bugle, to test its new automated news-gathering vehicle, the SCOOP. But, of course, news breaks and everything goes “terribly wrong,” and you're soon twisting and spinning around the city as a collection of villains torments you with fireballs, floods, and even a 100-story drop.

1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Universal's Islands of Adventure

Professor Dumbledore has opened Hogwarts Castle to Muggles for the first time, and you're invited. Step inside the castle for a walking tour of the dungeons, greenhouses, and Dumbledore's office, before Harry, Ron and Hermione catch up to help you board a flying bench for an airborne tour of the castle and grounds. Now if only you could get away from that nasty dragon that keeps chasing you....

What is your favorite theme park attraction in Orlando? And which one have you gone on the most over the years? Tell us, in the comments.

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