Disneymania World Matches

The time has come and today is the date for the Disneymania World Matches to begin.

I picked my two favorite attraction rides from each of the four parks plus one show and/or parade to round out the top twelve. Then I took 4 different color papers and cut each paper into 4 pieces. I assigned each park their own color and I wrote the name of each attraction or show on a separate piece of paper on the color representing the park where the attraction or show is located. Then I mixed them all up in a bowl and selected 2 pieces of paper making sure I drew 2 different color papers for each match up.

The contestants are as follows:

Animal Kingdom: Expedition Everest, Kali River Rapids, Finding Nemo

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Toy Stoy Mania, Tower of Terror, Fantasmic

Epcot: Soarin’, Space Ship Earth, Illuminations

Magic Kingdom: The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Wishes

I know some of you are saying why isn’t Stich’s Great Escape on the list? Only kidding! I am sure some of you are wondering why no Space Mountain, Test Track, or one of your other favorites?  But, remember these are my two favorite attractions from each park, as well as, my favorite show.

Here is how the first battle round matches shape up:

1. Expedition Everest vs. Toy Story Mania

2. Finding Nemo vs. Illuminations

3. Tower of Terror vs. The Haunted Mansion

4. Kali River Rapids vs. Pirates of the Caribbean

5. Space Ship Earth vs. Wishes

6. Soarin’ vs. Fantasmic

In the first match the Yeti comes out swinging but due to its injuries the Yeti isn’t powerful enough to overcome the adrenalin rush created by Woody, Buzz, and friends. Despite coming out of this attraction with aching arms the fun factor is just too much to ignore. Winner: Toy Story Mania

In the second match Finding Nemo takes on the powerhouse, Illuminations. Finding Nemo is as close to a Broadway show as I have ever seen at Disney. The music is beautifully scored and the story is set perfectly on stage. There’s only one little problem, I have Finding Nemo matched up against the phenomenal Illuminations and its spectacular fireworks display whose music is as unforgettable as this great show. Unfortunately, Illuminations blows Nemo out of the water. Winner: Illuminations

Now it is time for the battle of superstars. In this corner standing as tall as the Sears Tower is the Tower of Terror and in the other corner is the scariest attraction that can bring smiles to all children and adult faces, the one the only Haunted Mansion. While the Tower of Terror is magnificently detailed so is the Haunted Mansion. Both have great ride repeatability factors and both bring the spirits out all day and night. While this was a close call I have to give the edge to the attraction that is one of my all time favorites. Winner: Haunted Mansion

In this match up we have Kali River Rapids vs. the Pirates of the Caribbean. One of the best queues on property is yours to experience while waiting on line to ride the kali River Rapids but the attraction is no match for Jack Sparrow and the Pirates of the Caribbean whose adventure is worth repeating over and over. Winner: Pirates of the Caribbean

Here we find a match between Space Ship Earth and Wishes. Every time I enter Epcot I peer over to the massive globe that houses Space Ship Earth and think to myself, how many times will I be able to ride it today? It was always my favorite attraction but that was prior to its last refurbishment which left me wanting just a little more. I still love the attraction but I wish they left at least part of the old descent in the attraction. As for Wishes there is something so very special about finding the right spot on Main Street (I like to watch from Casey’s Corner) and to witness the change in atmosphere as all the guests line up on Main Street for the fireworks extravaganza. Winner: Wishes

In the final first round match ups Soarin takes on Fantasmic. I love Fantasmic but I don’t like losing all that park time with having to get there before the show to not only make sure I can get in to see it but to find good seats. I will however admit the wait is usually worth it. Soarin, the human erector set is perhaps the most extraordinary attraction at Walt Disney World. If you don’t have a Fastpass the lines can get quite long but the ride is always worth it. It has in my opinion the very best music of any attraction in any of the parks. There is something about this attraction that no matter how many times you ride it and know what to expect the thrill is always there as if it’s your very first time. Winner Soarin

I have now written the names of the round one winners on the separate pieces of paper and placed them into the bowl to draw out the names for the second battle rounds.

Here is how the next battle round matches shape up:

1. Wishes vs. Soarin

2. Illuminations vs. Toy Story Mania

3. Haunted Mansion vs. Pirates of the Caribbean

In this round Wishes takes on Soarin and while fireworks go off they fizzle when compared to gliding over California. Winner Soarin

It’s Illuminations turn to battle Toy Story Mania and what a battle this is. You can see Illuminations rockets red glare and all those fire works bursting in air but, here comes Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the crew to extinguish them with the brilliance of their carnival game attraction repeatability. Winner: Toy Story Mania

Now it’s time for the final second round battle as the Pirates are set to face the Angels. There is just too much detail and story in the Haunted Mansion for the Pirates of the Caribbean to conquer. Winner: Haunted Mansion

That leaves 3 for a Triple Disneymania Match between Soarin vs. Toy Story Mania vs. The Haunted Mansion.

This is a really tough decision to pick from these 3 so I’m going to ask all of you for a little help. Please be kind enough to send in your comments and let me know of the three remaining attractions which is your favorite and why?

Who will be the Disneymania World Champ? Find out May 11th.

Magical Mentions:

I want to welcome MEI and Mouse Fan Travel as the official travel agency sponsor of WDW Fan Zone. Please visit their site for all your travel needs. They are true experts in Disney and all travel planning. In addition to their top notch expertise you will find an unparalleled level of customer service at your fingertips.  Don’t waste another moment make them your one stop shop for all your vacation arrangements.

MEI and Mouse Fan Travel

Stuart Sternberg is a founder of WDW Fan Zone you can find him on Google +, Facebook,  and follow him on twitter @disneygeekdad.

Tags: Expedition Everest, Fantasmic, Finding Nemo, IllumiNations, Kali River Rapids, Pirates of the Caribbean, Soarin’, Space Ship Earth, The Haunted Mansion, Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania, Wishes

This entry was posted on April 27, 2012 at 8:00 AM and is filed under Columns. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.