10 Classic Amusement Park Rides You Don't Want to Miss

These iconic attractions belong on any theme park bucket list.

By: Deanne Revel

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Photo By: Shutterstock

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Lake Compounce

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Photo By: Shutterstock

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Wonder Wheel, Coney Island

One of the oldest rides at Coney Island, this classic wheel opened in 1920 and has given more than 35 million rides. It’s a theme park institution, and it inspired Mickey's Fun Wheel at Disney’s California Adventure.

Space Mountain, Magic Kingdom

It’s the coaster most kids start on, and while this ride doesn’t have fancy loops or major drops like new coasters, it’s still pretty scary in the dark and definitely worth the wait.

Mad Tea Party, Disneyland

How can you not take a spin in this classic? Word to the wise: these colorful teacups may look cute, but depending upon how hard the people in your cup like to spin, you probably don’t want to eat right before.

Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood

What would Universal Studios be without this famous ride? Go behind the scenes of the world’s largest working studio and visit iconic sets and backlots. Currently narrated by Jimmy Fallon, you know you’re in for laughs along the way.

Spaceship Earth, Epcot

The Instagrammable giant ball actually has a ride inside. Learn about our planet’s history and how technology has changed in the last century. New additions like tablets for each rider and narration by Judi Dench give this classic an update for a new generation.

Wildcat, Lake Compounce

This wooden coaster should be on every coaster fanatic’s bucket list. Built in 1927, it is one of the oldest operating roller coasters in the world. It’s a great starter coaster for kids as the drops aren’t that scary.

It’s a Small World, Disneyland

“It’s a world of laughter, a world of cheer…” While the ride’s iconic song will be stuck in your head for days, park visitors have to pay homage to one of the original rides designed by Walt Disney himself. Originally created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the ride was later rebuilt at Disneyland and since then recreated at all Disney parks worldwide.

Cyclone, Coney Island

This iconic wooden coaster is on the New York City landmark list and the National Register of Historic Places. And it's had its share of famous cameos, from Captain America to Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt to Beyonce’s “XO” music video.

Haunted Mansion, Magic Kingdom

“Grim, grinning ghosts come out to socialize!” From the iconic song featured in the ride to characters, like Madame Leota, popularized on the big screen, this is a theme park institution. You’ll hear several familiar voices throughout the ride like the bass of Thurl Ravenscroft, known universally as the singer behind “You’re a Mean One, Mister Grinch.”

Pirates of the Caribbean, Disneyland

This was the last ride Walt Disney oversaw construction of before he died. Today the animatronic sing-a-long boat ride can be found at five other Disney parks worldwide, and it inspired the blockbuster film franchise of the same name.

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10 Classic Amusement Park Rides You Don't Want to Miss

Related To:

Shop This Look

Wonder Wheel, Coney Island

Space Mountain, Magic Kingdom

Mad Tea Party, Disneyland

Studio Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood

Spaceship Earth, Epcot

Wildcat, Lake Compounce

It’s a Small World, Disneyland

Cyclone, Coney Island

Haunted Mansion, Magic Kingdom

Pirates of the Caribbean, Disneyland

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