Love them or hate them, simulator attractions are a huge part of the theme park experience. At Walt Disney World, you can experience some seriously amazing thrill rides that use film, movement, and sensory effects to transport you to different parts of the world, imaginary lands, or even other planets. Here is how we ranked all of the simulator attractions at Walt Disney World.
Motion Sickness Scale
😀 😐 😟 😨 😲
1 2 3 4 5
6. Mission: SPACE
Photo Credit: Magic Guides
Located in EPCOT, this attraction is a space shuttle simulator where passengers get to experience the feeling of being launched into outer space. There are two missions in which guests may choose to embark -- Green and Orange -- with green being described as the "less intense" mission. Each rider will be assigned a role (navigator, pilot, commander, engineer) and will complete two tasks throughout the mission. Don't worry. The task only requires you to push a button after it lights up, and you won't crash if you forget. If there is one attraction that will cause you to lose your lunch (or Mickey pretzel...), this is it. Any excitement I have about riding this attraction is greatly outweighed by the fear of experiencing severe motion sickness. While I can usually handle the Green mission and walk out without feeling too bad, the Orange mission was a one-and-done experience for me.
Motion Sickness = 😲
5. Star Tours
Photo Credit: Magic Guides
Using hydrolic motion-based cabins, this attraction takes you on the ultimate Star Wars adventure. In this ride you will find yourself jumping to lightspeed, flying through the action, and receiving wonderful commentary from an animatronic C3P0. I actually really enjoy this attraction. It's not the latest or greatest motion simulator ride, but it's surprisingly fun. In December 2019, brand new scenes from "Star Wars: The Rise of
Skywalker" were added to the ride, which makes the technology feel newer
and fresher. C3P0 is a great focal point to stare at if you begin to feel any motion sickness. I experience motion sickness from Star Tours about 50% of the time, so on days where I'm not feeling my best I choose to skip it. You can find this attraction in between Muppet Courtyard and Backlot Express in Hollywood Studios.
Motion Sickness = 😟
4. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
As one of the newest attractions in Hollywood Studios, I think Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run blends the film and the movement perfectly to make it feel as if you are actually flying the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. Just like Mission: SPACE, this ride has different roles guests are assigned before boarding the ship (pilot, gunner, engineer). Each role has it's own job. This attraction can be wildly fun, especially if you have a good group of guests who don't take themselves too seriously and aren't afraid to backseat drive. The downside to this attraction is that some roles are better than others. The pilots have an unobstructed view of the screens and can do their job without looking away. On the other hand, the gunners and engineers are forced to look off to the side to know which buttons to press. If you are prone to motion sickness easily, the latter roles might be better for you since you aren't fixated on the screen 100% of the time.
Motion Sickness = 😐
3. Soarin'
Photo Credit: Magic Guides
This attraction flies you around different places in the world on a hang glider. Not only will you see some incredible sights, but you will also feel the wind in your face and experience the smells of whatever is depicted in the film. The downside to this attraction is that the hang gliders in concourses A and C sit on the sides of the curved dome, which will lead to guests experiencing a warped picture. I'm looking at you, Eiffel Tower. If you are able to make the request, ask to sit in B-1 (no feet dangling above you) or B-2 (center glider) for the best, warp-free views. The other downside to this attraction that the CGI is downright terrible at times -- if they ever decide to update this attraction, I (really really) hope they create more realistic computer generated images. Even with its flaws, I still look forward to experincing Soarin' every time I visit EPCOT.
Motion Sickness = 😀
2. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
While this ride does not incorporate simulator technology 100% of the time, it does so to the extent that I'm willing to include it on this list. This ride is simply spectacular in every way. The attraction completely immerses you into the story from the second you begin the preshow, and the practical effects blend seamlessly with the screen technologies. The downside to this attraction is that you need a Boarding Group to ride, which can be obtained on the My Disney Experience app when the park opens. Beware, these reservations go in a matter of minutes (sometimes seconds). The other downside to this attraction is reliability. Because the ride frequently goes down, you may not get a chance to ride if you got a later Boarding Group. Regardless of its problems, this is THE attraction to ride in Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World, and perhaps in entire world right now.
Motion Sickness = 😀
1. Avatar Flight of Passage
Photo Credit: Magic Guides
This is the gold standard when it comes to simulator ride technology. Avatar Flight of Passage allows you to fly on the back of a banshee through the floating mountains of Mo'ara in James Cameron's world of Pandora. This ride has it all -- a beautiful CGI film, seamless motions that sync perfectly with the visuals, and practical effects that make it feel like you are really there. The sprays of water, the wind rustling past you, the ride vehicle expanding and contracting in between your legs to simulate the banshee's breathing, the scents of sea salt and jasmine, the astounding musical score. All of these things combine to create an emotional and transcendental experience. This is THE must-do attraction at Animal Kingdom and is considered by guests to be one of the best attractions Walt Disney World has ever created.
Motion Sickness = 😀
Happy riding!
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