What NOT to Ride at Disney World: The Ultimate Skip List

Disney is the most magical place on Earth ✨ but that doesn’t mean every ride is a must-do. Some attractions feel outdated, others are a little too intense, and a few just don’t bring the same sparkle as the headliners. If you’re planning your trip and want to make the most of your time, here are ten rides you can skip without losing any of the magic.

1. Mission: SPACE at EPCOT 🚀😵

Mission: SPACE promises to take you to Mars, but for many guests it feels more like a trip to the doctor’s office afterward. The “Orange” track spins you in a centrifuge so hard that even thrill-seekers sometimes stumble off pale and queasy. The “Green” track is less intense, but the tiny capsule is still very cramped. Even if you don’t usually get claustrophobic, this ride can make you wish it was over fast. Some families love the challenge, but for others it’s a stomach-churning way to spend precious park time.

2. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Magic Kingdom 🧞‍♂️🌪️

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin looks delightful, and kids will enjoy the bright colors and the idea of flying on their very own carpet. The problem is, the ride itself doesn’t offer much beyond going up, down, and around in a circle. To make matters trickier, camels along the ride occasionally spit water onto guests, which might sound fun until your sneakers are soaked for the rest of the day. If the line is short, it can be a cute stop for little ones, but if you see a long wait, your time will be much better spent elsewhere.

3. Living with the Land at EPCOT 🌱😴

Living with the Land is an educational boat ride through greenhouses where Disney grows fruits, vegetables, and plants in unique ways. It’s calm, cool, and offers a chance to sit down, which is a plus after walking EPCOT’s massive World Showcase. But for many families, it feels more like a field trip than an exciting Disney experience. You’ll hear about soil, irrigation, and fish farms instead of music, characters, or thrills. It’s neat to see the gardens, but compared to attractions like Soarin’ or Guardians of the Galaxy, this one often feels skippable.

4. Journey Into Imagination with Figment at EPCOT 🐉🤔

Figment the dragon is beloved, and it’s easy to see why—he’s playful, silly, and a bit mischievous. Unfortunately, his ride doesn’t quite live up to the character’s charm. The storyline is confusing, the effects feel outdated, and instead of sparking imagination, it often leaves guests scratching their heads. Parents who rode the original version of Figment years ago may still feel nostalgic, but most families walk away wishing the ride was more magical. Figment deserves better, and hopefully someday this attraction will be reimagined into something truly inspiring.

5. TriceraTop Spin at Animal Kingdom 🦕🎡

TriceraTop Spin is basically Dumbo with dinosaurs, and while that might sound fun, the reality is pretty simple. The ride goes in a circle, your dinosaur car moves up and down, and before you know it, it’s over. Little kids may giggle, but older kids and adults usually shrug it off as too basic. Plus, the ride is located in DinoLand U.S.A., which feels more like a carnival midway than the immersive lands Disney is known for. With so many incredible attractions nearby, like Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest, this one usually lands at the bottom of the list.

6. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros at EPCOT 🎺🇲🇽

Tucked inside the Mexico pavilion, Gran Fiesta Tour is a slow-moving boat ride featuring Donald Duck and his friends. The story is simple: Donald goes missing, and the other two caballeros try to find him. Along the way, you pass screens with cartoons and a few small sets. While it’s colorful and cheerful, most guests find it underwhelming compared to EPCOT’s other offerings. It’s great if you need a break in the air conditioning, but it’s not something families remember as a highlight. Many leave feeling it’s more filler than Disney magic.

7. Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom ⏳🎶

Carousel of Progress is one of Walt Disney’s original creations, and it’s packed with history. You sit in a rotating theater and watch how American family life has “changed” through the decades. The song is catchy, and the idea is clever, but the scenes feel dated, and the “modern” day finale looks stuck in the 1990s. While history buffs and die-hard Disney fans may enjoy the nostalgia, most kids get restless quickly. It’s a nice place to rest in the air conditioning, but it’s rarely anyone’s favorite attraction of the trip.

8. Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom 🍵🤢

The Mad Tea Party is one of Disney’s most iconic rides, with its bright teacups and cheerful music. But once you climb inside and start spinning, you quickly realize why many families skip it. Even the strongest stomachs can feel queasy after a few spins, and parents often regret letting their kids take control of the wheel. It makes for adorable photos and fun memories for little ones, but the aftermath can be less magical. If motion sickness is an issue in your family, you’ll definitely want to pass on this one.

9. Stitch’s Great Escape (Closed, but Not Missed) 👽😬

Though it’s no longer running, Stitch’s Great Escape still has a reputation as one of Disney’s least-loved attractions. Guests were strapped in as Stitch escaped, and the room went dark. Strange effects, loud noises, and even a chili dog scent made the experience more odd than fun. Kids were often scared, and adults usually walked out confused. Stitch is a character many people love, but this ride never really worked. It’s a good reminder that not everything Disney tries ends up being a classic.

10. It’s Tough to Be a Bug at Animal Kingdom 🐜😖

This 3D show inside the Tree of Life seems like a fun idea, but it surprises a lot of families. Between sprays of “bug juice,” pokes in the back that feel like stingers, and the illusion of creepy crawlies under your seat, many kids leave in tears instead of smiles. Adults often squirm, too! While it’s creative and full of special effects, the scare factor can outweigh the fun. If you have younger children or don’t love surprises, this one is easy to skip.

Final Thoughts 🌟❌

Disney has countless incredible rides and shows, but not every attraction hits the same magical note. Some are outdated, some are a little too intense, and some just don’t stand out compared to the newer, more exciting options. By skipping these ten, you’ll free up time to enjoy the attractions that truly make Disney unforgettable. And that’s the goal—less time spent on “meh” rides and more time making magical memories with your family.