In a recent analysis, Disney World’s most-loved rides have been unveiled, with Splash Mountain ascending to the crown. This study, an ingenious blend of social media, online searches, and user reviews, has created a comprehensive list of the top attractions in the world’s most frequented vacation resort, the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

The study examined each ride across Disney’s four theme parks: Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Instagram hashtags, Tripadvisor ratings, and average monthly Google search volume were the key variables that formed the popularity index for each ride.

Splash Mountain, nestled in the heart of Magic Kingdom Park, took the top honours. An evergreen favourite among park-goers, it boasts an impressive average of 205,193 monthly searches, 323,813 Instagram hashtags, and a high Tripadvisor rating of 4.5 out of 5. Interestingly, the ride is currently under renovation to morph into ‘Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’, themed after Disney’s beloved movie, The Princess and the Frog.

The heart-stopping Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is creeping in second place, located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Its eerie ambience, inspired by the classic TV series, garnered it the highest number of Instagram hashtags (465,274) among any ride. A stellar Tripadvisor rating of 4.5 out of 5 and a monthly search volume of 75,943 solidify its runner-up position.

Space Mountain, America’s third favourite ride, is a testament to nostalgia and thrill. This rollercoaster, soaring in Magic Kingdom since 1975, receives a staggering 128,593 average monthly searches and garners the fourth-highest number of Instagram hashtags. Notably, it holds the title of being Florida’s oldest operational rollercoaster.

In fourth place, ‘It’s a Small World’ perpetuates its legacy as a beacon of global unity. A boat ride that features cultures worldwide, it has been experienced by over 250 million visitors, amassing an average of 49,558 monthly searches and 352,796 hashtags on Instagram.

Rounding up the top five is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. As a newcomer, it has gained a following since its 2019 inauguration, receiving 84,218 monthly Google searches and 130,677 Instagram hashtags. The ride resides in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a 14-acre landscape within Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest took the sixth spot, with its five-star Tripadvisor rating placing it as a proper crowd favourite. The rest of the top 10 comprises Haunted Mansion (seventh), Big Thunder Mountain (eighth), Star Tours (ninth), and Jungle Cruise (tenth).

Magic Kingdom emerged as the undisputed leader, housing six out of the top 10 and seven out of the top 15 most popular rides. This underlines the enduring charm of Walt Disney World’s oldest and most iconic park.

Walt Disney World, with its yearly visitor count exceeding 58 million, offers many choices that can sometimes be overwhelming. However, this study provides a definitive guide to help you navigate the magical world of Disney and prioritize the must-visit attractions.

Splash Mountain’s ongoing popularity will be an intriguing narrative to follow, as its impending transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in late 2024 is highly anticipated. Only time will tell if the ride retains its reign in the hearts of Disney fans.

Written by: Matthew Thomas

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