Part of the magic of a vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort is the incredible amount of attractions and experiences available to Guests. With so many options, there is something for everyone to enjoy including some big thrills found throughout the four Disney Parks.
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But what about attractions for Guests who don’t love thrills? Thankfully, the Walt Disney World Resort features countless calm attractions and experiences that are designed for the entire family, and Guests who are avoiding thrills can enjoy these while the rest of their party hits the big ones. Don’t love thrills? Then be sure to check out these alternative experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort!
“it’s a small world”
One of the most classic and quintessential experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort is “it’s a small world” which can be found in the heart of the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. Originating at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, this calm attraction invites Guests to enjoy the happiest cruise that ever sailed and glide past charming scenes from many different countries around the world.
“it’s a small world” is as calm as an attraction can get and is a great alternative to enjoy in Fantasyland while thrill seekers head to the nearby Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. With the classic Sherman Brothers’ song of the same name and so many wonderful details, “it’s a small world” is a true favorite of many Guests in the Magic Kingdom.
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Tom Sawyer Island
Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom is home to Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a duo of two thrilling and very popular attractions found right next to each other on the banks of the Rivers of America. Guests who are not interested in the thrills of the mountains can instead opt to enjoy a unique raft ride across the river to Tom Sawyer Island.
One of the most tranquil and overlooked areas of the Magic Kingdom, Tom Sawyer Island is filled with caves, rope bridges, and pathways for Guests to explore as well as Fort Langhorne. Guests can also check out stunning views of the Haunted Mansion, Liberty Square, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Frontierland from various paths and bridges throughout the area!
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
On the opposite end of the Magic Kingdom is Tomorrowland, a tribute to the future that never was filled with amazing experiences including the thrilling Space Mountain. Space Mountain blasts Guests off on a adventure in the dark, but it is definitely intense so those looking to skip it can opt for a nearby calmer option.
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is the highway in the sky that whisks Guests around Tomorrowland for a scenic tour of the area, offering beautiful views of the theming and other attractions. In addition to soaking up the views and breeze and taking a few moments to sit and relax on the calm attraction, Guests also get a glimpse inside of Space Mountain without having to endure the thrills!
Spaceship Earth
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the newest thrill in EPCOT and it invites Guests to team up with the Guardians and help to save the galaxy from a brand new villain. Combining omnimover technology with the movement of a roller coaster, this attraction can be intense, so Guests who are looking for a calmer experience can head to a nearby classic.
Spaceship Earth located in the front of EPCOT in World Celebration is an iconic attraction that brings Guests on a gently journey to the beginning of time to explore the history of communication. With a memorable narration by Dame Judi Dench and unforgettable moments like Rome burning and the dramatic reveal of Earth from space, Spaceship Earth should not be missed!
Living with the Land
The Land Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Nature is home to a duo of attractions that celebrate the beauty and diversity of the planet in totally unique ways. Soarin’ Around the World invites Guests to take flight on a hang gliding adventure over some of the world’s most amazing locations, but it is a definite skip for those who have a fear of flying or heights.
Guests looking for a calmer experience should instead head to nearby Living with the Land, a serene boat ride that combines entertainment and education to showcase the incredible nature of the land. Guests can check out various environments and stunning greenhouses while learning how to better take care of our planet in this wonderful attraction.
Frozen Ever After
Mission: SPACE and Test Track Presented by Chevrolet are two thrilling attractions in EPCOT’s World Discovery that send Guests on a daring mission to Mars and invite them to partake in thrilling automotive tests, respectively. Both are entertaining, but definitely pack some big thrills that Guests might not feel comfortable with.
Guests looking for a calmer experience nearby should head into World Showcase to the Norway Pavilion to enjoy a ride on Frozen Ever After. This charming experience brings Guests to a summer festival in Arendelle where they can find Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf, and the gang and hear favorite songs from the films.
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to many big thrills, including The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster which are situated next to each other at the end of Sunset Boulevard. Both attractions feature immersive stories and big thrills through sudden drops, high speeds, and inversions and should absolutely be avoided by Guests who don’t enjoy the rush.
Also found on Sunset Boulevard is Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, a Broadway-style production that retells the classic story of the Disney animated film through musical numbers and beautiful acting. With favorite characters and songs, and an unforgettable caliber of performance, this production is the perfect experience to enjoy on Sunset Boulevard for Guests who don’t enjoy thrills.
Toy Story Mania
Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is appealing for all Guests as it features several attractions that invite Guests to get playing like toys. Slinky Dog Dash is a roller coaster in the area that was designed by Andy and rockets Guests along an elevated track and through two launches, bringing some great thrills and views of the Disney Park.
Instead of big thrills on Slinky Dog Dash, Guests can also enjoy nearby Toy Story Mania which invites Guests to compete in a series of 3D midway games hosted by Woody, Buzz, and the gang. Guests can aim at moving targets and try their best to get the highest score on this fun and interactive attraction.
Muppet Vision 3D
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is one of the most immersive locations at the Walt Disney World Resort and Guests who explore the area find themselves on the planet Batuu wandering through the Black Spire Outpost. While there, Guests can also enjoy Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, two immersive and thrilling attractions that allow them to pilot the infamous ship and join the resistance.
Both attractions in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are incredible, but those who do not enjoy thrills can head to nearby Grand Avenue to enjoy Muppet Vision 3D instead. This hilarious 3D show brings humor like only the Muppets can pull off complete with chaos and groan worthy jokes that Guests are sure to love.
Na’vi River Journey
Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom brings the stunning Valley of Mo’ara to life and offers Guests the chance to wander beneath majestic floating mountains, explore bioluminescent vegetation, and more. Also found in the area if Avatar Flight of Passage, a unique and thrilling adventure where Guests are able to link to Avatars and take flight on the back of a banshee.
Guests who don’t enjoy thrills or heights should definitely opt to skip Avatar Flight of Passage and head to the Na’vi River Journey instead. This serene attraction has Guests board small boats and set sail through a stunning bioluminescent forest that is alive with many different creatures as well as the amazing Shaman of the Song.
Maharajah Jungle Trek
The Asia area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also home to some big thrills and Guests can set off down the Chakranadi River for a soaking adventure on Kali River Rapids or come face to face with the Yeti on Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain.
Guests who are not looking for thrills or to get soaked can instead enjoy the absolutely beautiful Maharajah Jungle Trek, a self-guided walking tour that is located right near the exit of Kali River Rapids. This serene pathway winds through various animal habitats and crumbling palace ruins and offers Guests the chance to see animals including Asian tigers and Elds deer.
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