Unlocking The Magic: Talking all things Disney Parks, Universal and Cruising · Konstantina Irving

486: Best of Disney Parks 2024

January 3, 2025·52 min·4 clips
Why did Haunted Mansion beat out iconic rides like Pirates for best classic attraction at Disney?
Hosts Connie and Bruce rank the best Disney Parks experiences for 2024 based on listener feedback and their own research. They focus on Walt Disney World but also highlight international parks. The episode covers categories like attractions, dining, and theming. Listeners voted Haunted Mansion as the best classic attraction at Walt Disney World. The best queue experience was a tie between Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Avatar Flight of Passage. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was named the best new attraction, beating TRON Lightcycle / Run. Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom won for best nighttime show. Kilimanjaro Safaris was selected as the best family ride. For international parks, Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast at Tokyo Disney Resort was voted the best attraction. Satuli Canteen in Disney's Animal Kingdom was the top quick-service dining pick. Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort was the favorite table-service restaurant. The cheeseburger spring rolls at Magic Kingdom were named the best snack. For international dining, Bistro Chez Remy at Disneyland Paris was highlighted. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge was voted the best-themed land. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge was chosen as the most immersive hotel. Connie expresses surprise that Haunted Mansion won the classic category over opening-day attractions. Bruce finds Kilimanjaro Safaris a compelling choice because the experience changes with each visit due to animal behavior and weather. The hosts note that Topolino's Terrace likely ranked highly due to its popular character breakfast, not just its signature dinner. Connie personally prefers the California Grill over Topolino's for its nostalgic connection and fireworks view. Bruce believes the high expectations for 'Ohana make some guests feel it is overrated, though he enjoys its bread pudding. They agree that immersive quick-service locations like Satuli Canteen and Docking Bay 7 offer a sit-down restaurant feel. The tone is conversational and enthusiastic, featuring friendly banter between the two co-hosts. The style is informal and recommendation-focused, blending listener polls with the hosts' personal opinions. This episode is ideal for Disney Parks fans planning a trip or those who enjoy ranking and debating park experiences. Listeners who prefer deep-dive interviews or news updates might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A conversational Disney Parks roundup built around listener rankings and practical food-and-park opinions.

PlayNext notes this episode as a listener-powered Disney Parks roundup, with the hosts weighing 2024 rankings across attractions, queues, new rides, nighttime shows, dining, theming, and park experiences.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Want a Disney Parks countdown that feels like two fans arguing from inside the line?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Listen to the show on