The Best of Walt Disney World for Seniors
Welcome back to Part 6 of my blog series – The Best of Walt Disney World! In case you missed it, over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing with you the top picks in attractions for various groups of travelers visiting the Walt Disney World theme parks. So far we’ve discussed favorites for babies, preschoolers, grade school kids, teens and adults. Next up are the still-going-strong seniors. When checking out the list, keep in mind each attraction that made the cut scored at least four stars by the seniors surveyed. Come on, everybody, here we go!
The Best of Magic Kingdom for Seniors
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Location: Frontierland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Drops, Fast
4½ Stars
Don’t let the name fool you; this is definitely more roller coaster than railroad. Take a ride in a runaway mine cart at speeds up to 35 mph through an old mining town. More Details
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Location: Tomorrowland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Spinning, Dark, Slow
4½ Stars
Climb aboard and take aim as you help Buzz Lightyear save the universe from the evil Emperor Zurg. Ride along on this slow-moving attraction where you control the spinning as you shoot your laser and score points. More Details
Country Bear Jamboree
Location: Frontierland
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Entertainment
4 Stars
Clap your hands and stomp your feet along with these lovable Audio-Animatronic bears as they sing humorous, old-fashioned country songs. More Details
“it’s a small world”
Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow, Dark
4½ Stars
Sail away on this joyful cruise past child-like dolls wearing their nation’s authentic clothing while singing one of the most well-known songs of all time. More Details
Jungle Cruise
Location: Adventureland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow
4½ Stars
Set off on a fun-filled cruise through the wild where you’ll encounter Animatronic elephants, gorillas, and headhunters while enjoying the hilarious narration delivered by your top-notch skipper. More Details
Liberty Square Riverboat
Location: Liberty Square
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Slow
4 Stars
Cruise aboard an authentic steam-powered paddle-wheel boat while enjoying stunning views of Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Tom Sawyer Island. More Details
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
Lose yourself in this enchanting 3D musical masterpiece featuring favorite Disney characters and songs from animated classics. More Details
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Location: Tomorrowland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
The monsters of Monstropolis need laughter to power their city and they are after yours in this hilarious interactive show. More Details
Peter Pan’s Flight
Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Small Drops, Dark, Slow
4½ Stars
Climb aboard a magical pirate ship and fly high over London with Peter Pan on your way to Never Land. Unique to this attraction, your pirate ship is suspended in the air from a guide rail to allow for a more authentic flying sensation. More Details
Pirates of the Caribbean
Location: Adventureland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Small Drops, Dark, Slow
4½ Stars
Climb aboard and set sail on a voyage past exquisitely themed scenes of pirates’ adventures from the blockbuster movie franchise. More Details
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Drops, Fast
4½ Stars
Climb aboard your mine train and get ready for an adorable ride filled with small thrills and beautiful details as you adventure along with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. More Details
Splash Mountain
Location: Frontierland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Big Drops, Water
4½ Stars
Journey on a 10-minute anything but traditional log flume ride, with enchanting music (including “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah”) and characters from the Disney movie Song of the South. You will get wet! More Details
The Haunted Mansion
Location: Frontierland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow, Dark
4½ Stars
Board your own Doom Buggy for a creepy tour of this spooky haunted house filled with extraordinary details and effects. More Details
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Location: Tomorrowland
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Slow, Dark
4½ Stars
Take a relaxing ride on this smooth tram of the future that provides fantastic views of Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle; especially beautiful at night. More Details
Under The Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow, Dark
4 Stars
Climb aboard your own giant clam shell as you journey under the seas with Ariel and the gang. More Details
Walt Disney World Railroad
Location: Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Fantasyland
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Slow
4½ Stars
Enjoy beautiful views while riding the rails on a vintage steam-powered train during a 1.5-mile full loop around Magic Kingdom. A great place to rest your feet! More Details
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Location: Tomorrowland
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
Travel in time from 1900 to the present in a rotating theatre as you witness how technology has changed over the decades through the eyes of an Audio-Animatronic family. More Details
The Best of Epcot for Seniors
Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
Location: Future World
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
Enjoy this lively and entertaining 3D experience that includes three animated Disney short films. More Details
Impressions de France
Location: World Showcase France Pavilion
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
A lovely 18-minute film featuring the beauty of France set to moving music. More Details
Living with the Land
Location: Future World
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow, Dark
4½ Stars
Hop aboard this relaxing boat ride to learn about food production and to tour several greenhouses that actually provide food to The Land pavilion. More Details
O Canada!
Location: World Showcase Canada Pavilion
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Entertainment
4 Stars
A charming 18-minute film showcasing the magnificent scenery of Canada, hosted by actor Martin Short. More Details
Soarin’
Location: Future World
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Small Drops, Slow, Dark
Height Restriction: 40″ or taller to ride
4½ Stars
Fly high in the skies taking in beautiful landscapes from around the world in this hang-gliding simulator ride. More Details
Spaceship Earth
Location: Future World
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow, Dark
4½ Stars
Travel through time to relive the story of communication from the beginning of recorded history until today. More Details
Test Track
Location: Future World
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Small Drops, Dark, Fast
Height Restriction: 40″ or taller to ride
4½ Stars
Create your own virtual concept car and then put it through the paces against other people’s creations on the test track. More Details
The American Adventure
Location: World Showcase America Pavilion
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
A stirring and patriotic show depicting the history of America brought to life with touching stories, beautiful photography, and moving music. More Details
Turtle Talk with Crush
Location: Future World
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4 Stars
Adults and kids alike will be entranced by this interactive marvel where young dudes and dudettes can have a hilarious improvised conversation with the sweetest turtle around, Crush. More Details
The Best of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Seniors
Beauty and the Beast – Live On Stage
Location: Sunset Boulevard
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
Watch this enchanting retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast filled with delightful music and dancing that everyone is sure to enjoy! More Details
For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Location: Echo Lake
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
A retelling of Frozen by the outrageously funny royal historians of Arendelle complete with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, songs, stories, sing-alongs, and even snow. More Details
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
Location: Echo Lake
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
An incredible stunt show that demonstrates and explains how some of the Indiana Jones movie magic was made. More Details
Muppet*Vision 3D
Location: Streets of America
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
Join the Muppets for this delightful and hilarious 3D feature filled with fun and surprises sure to be a hit with the entire family. More Details
Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
Location: Echo Lake
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Drops, Dark, Loud
Height Restriction: 40″ or taller to ride
4½ Stars
Blast off on an exciting 3D motion-simulated journey into the world of Star Wars. More Details
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Location: Sunset Boulevard
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Big Drops, Dark
Height Restriction: 40″ or taller to ride
4½ Stars
Embark on a tour of the Hollywood Hotel and into the haunted elevator that plummets 13 stories. More Details
Toy Story Midway Mania!
Location: Pixar Place
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Spinning
4½ Stars
Climb aboard and try your hand at simulated 3D midway games with the Toy Story gang. More Details
Walt Disney Presents
Location: Mickey Avenue
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Experience
4½ Stars
A fascinating exhibit of Walt Disney memorabilia and models of upcoming Disney theme park projects. More Details
The Best of Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Seniors
Avatar Flight of Passage
Location: Pandora – The World of Avatar
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Drops
Height Restriction: 44″ or taller to ride
4½ Stars
Board a banshee for a one-of-a-kind extraordinary flight soaring high above the moon’s magnificent landscape. More Details
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Location: Asia
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Big Drops, Dark, Fast
Height Restriction: 44″ or taller to ride
4½ Stars
Climb aboard your train for an exhilarating ride through the Himalayan Mountains. More Details
Festival of the Lion King
Location: Africa
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
This 30-minute extravaganza combines puppetry, acrobatics, and music to tell the moving story of The Lion King. More Details
Finding Nemo – The Musical
Location: Dinoland U.S.A.
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
This Broadway-caliber production is an impressive combination of music, puppets, lighting, colors, and special effects that together tell the story of Nemo. More Details
Flights of Wonder
Location: Asia
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
A trainer demonstrates the incredible talents of several exotic birds. Keep in mind that some of these fine-feathered friends swoop into the audience. More Details
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Location: Africa
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Experience
4½ Stars
A tranquil pathway where you observe animals such as gorillas and meerkat. More Details
It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Location: Discovery Island
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4½ Stars
Be fully immersed as you watch this 3D adventure about the life of bugs hosted by Flik from the movie A Bug’s Life. More Details
Kali River Rapids
Location: Africa
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Small Drops, Spinning, Water
Height Restriction: 38″ or taller to ride
4½ Stars
Climb aboard your raft for an incredibly wet and wild ride down the river and through the lush jungle. More Details
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Location: Africa
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow, Bumpy
4½ Stars
Climb aboard an open-air safari vehicle for an 18-minute journey through the savanna where you can spot exotic creatures like hippos, elephants, giraffes, and lions in gorgeous natural settings. These animals are the real deal; no Audio-Animatronics here. More Details
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Location: Asia
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Experience
4½ Stars
A self-guided pathway where you can observe several animals such as tigers, deer, foxes, and birds. More Details
Na’vi River Journey
Location: Pandora – The World of Avatar
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Dark, Slow
4½ Stars
Enjoy a gentle, dark boat ride along a mysterious river through the bioluminescent rainforest of Pandora. More Details
Well, there you have it folks. I hope you’ve enjoyed Part 6 of The Best of Walt Disney World series. Look for the final installment Part 7 – The Best of Walt Disney World for Families coming soon!
Other Posts In This Series:
- The Best of Walt Disney World for Babies
- The Best of Walt Disney World for Preschoolers
- The Best of Walt Disney World for Grade School Kids
- The Best of Walt Disney World for Teens
- The Best of Walt Disney World for Adults
Have you traveled to Walt Disney World as a senior? Do you agree with this list? Have any additions or subtractions? Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!
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I have to say, you were pretty “right-on”with your list. I just can’t handle RnRC and SM, but FOP is a new favorite attraction for me. My husband and I look forward to many more years of Disney World Fun.
Hi Pattie – So happy to hear that you felt my list was on target! I hope seniors aren’t scared off by Disney billing Avatar Flight of Passage (FOP) as a thrill ride. It is so well done and smooth, that barring any health restrictions, I think so many seniors will love it. My parents definitely do! I hope you and your husband have many more wonderful vacations to Walt Disney World…a perfect place to never grow up! 🙂
As a senior, I’ve gone to WDW many times, sometimes with friends and sometimes by myself, and had a ball. As of this year, however, I have some mobility limitations. I’d love an article about how limitations affect the enjoyment of each ride, park by park. For example, when do you have to step down into a boat? Are there a lot of steps to climb? Can a cast member slow down a moving walkway? These are the kind of things you don’t even think about until it happens to you!
Hi JoAnn – That is a fantastic idea for a post, and I’m sure you are not the only one with those questions. I’ll pass your suggestion onto my fellow bloggers here at TouringPlans, and we’ll see what we can put together for you! 🙂
I’m a little surprised Space Mountain and Rock’n’Roller Coaster didn’t make the list.
In Epcot, we love Turtle Talk with Crush. Yes its a children’s show, but at it’s heart is improve comedy. Seniors will laugh their heads off. Honest
I couldn’t agree more, Chuck. Turtle Talk with Crush and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor are two of Disney’s best interactive entertainment options…adorable, hilarious, and different every time, love them!
As a newly-minted senior, I’m pretty sure Space is in my past, and RnRC is likely not far away. They’re pretty rough for many of us oldsters.
Separate question, but is there somewhere on the site where we can see a list of *all* the ratings, without having to look up each attraction/restaurant/resort one at a time?
For each park, there’s an “Attractions” link you can navigate to – try looking under “Things to Do” if you’re just going by links on each page, then look for “Attractions”. The Magic Kingdom one can also be found at “https://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/attractions”. There are similar pages for dining at each park. Not sure there’s a page that has all the things for all the parks on one page, but easy enough to go one park at a time.
Thanks so much, Brad, for passing along the info to Nicholas. TouringPlans readers are the best!
Hi Nicholas – We do have pages here on TouringPlans that conveniently list the “Senior Ratings” for all of the attractions at each park in one place. Here are the links for you…
MK: https://touringplans.com/magic-kingdom/attractions/seniors-appeal
Epcot: https://touringplans.com/epcot/attractions/seniors-appeal
DHS: https://touringplans.com/hollywood-studios/attractions/seniors-appeal
DAK: https://touringplans.com/animal-kingdom/attractions/seniors-appeal
Hope this helps and here’s to many more magical trips to come with or without roller coasters! 🙂
Thanks, Kristi. And the lists are even sortable by various choices.
Is there any sort of “master list” for dining, where I can find restaurants sorted by their ratings? (Even an area-by-area list would be helpful. I promised I’ve looked, but the site is a big place and I can’t promise I haven’t missed something.)
Master lists are really helpful for referring friends who may be less expert than we are.
Little more searching and I see that each park has a list of table-service restaurants, but Epcot and DAK don’t include the ratings. (MK does, didn’t check the Studios.)
But I couldn’t find, for example, a list of all the *resort* restaurants, even though I could find them by going to individual resort pages.
The perfect thing would be something Jim and Len have done on the podcast – a discussion of the ratings property-wide. I suspect it’s just another page tapping in to the database that’s already on the site.
Hi Len – Space Mountain and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster were close to making the list; both pulling in solid 3 1/2 star ratings. I think the biggest factor in the lower ratings is by far the roughness of those rides. I’m guessing as I get older, I’m definitely going to feel those two coasters the next day. I already get a headache after RNRC most of the time, but it is so worth it!