Today I am going to talk about some of my favorite rides – Peter Pan, Haunted Mansion, and Winnie the Pooh. All three of these rides are what is called a “dark ride”, meaning you get in a car ( or Pirate Ship or Doom Buggy or Honey Pot in these instances) and ride into a building. They are all calm, good for the whole family rides and have bench seats with minimal restraints in the form of a bar. As a super plus person, I can tell you they will fit just about everyone. I am a size 28 on the bottom with 68 in hips and I fit in all three with ease.
Peter Pan is probably my most favorite classic ride on property simply because I feel it is an extension of the vision Walt had for his parks – leave adulthood behind and be a kid again. You climb in a Pirate Ship and fly away, over London and off to Neverland, where you get to witness some of the most iconic scenes from the movie – Mermaid Lagoon included. After Peter Pan defeats Hook ( he has every time so far anyway), you return to where you started, but hopefully with just a drop more of your childhood whimsy colored in!
Haunted Mansion is a ride invented for Disney with a bit of a creepy twist. While there are no jump scares or actual violence in the ride, you are startled by pitch dark and lightning in the very beginning and lead by a Ghost Host through the 999 haunts that inhabit this old home. Some small children may be frightened- but it is never loud or inappropriate. The “magic” used to bring the ghosts to ‘life’ is unsurpassed and, even after riding it well over 50 times, still makes me question how they do it.
Winnie the Pooh is a delightful jaunt through the 100 Acre Woods in Pooh’s Honey Pot. Along the way you meet all of his friends and even his worst nightmare- Heffalumps and Woozles – you bounce with Tigger, witness a blustery day, and float away as the Rain,Rain,Rain comes Down, Down,Down. Enchanting young and old, this simple, joy-filled ride makes me happy every time I ride it.
Want to know what I think about any other rides or shows? Let me know. Want to share your favorite rides and why you love them? Please do!!