Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass allows you to book up to three return times for attractions before you even enter a park, a substantial improvement over the Genie+ system it recently replaced. But how do you do fill the time when you have a 10:15 AM reservation window for Jungle Cruise and your next window for Haunted Mansion isn’t until 1 PM? You visit some Disney World filler rides.
Filler attractions are the second tier, less popular attractions, and their chief attribute is they almost never have a long wait time. This makes them perfect for “filling” the gap between your Lightning Lane return times. But this is not to say that these attractions are not worth experiencing in their own right.
Disney World Filler Attractions to Use Between Lightning Lanes
With that in mind, here are the top twelve filler attractions in all Walt Disney World parks, as well as nearby E-ticket, heavy-hitter, Lightning Lane-worthy attractions.
Magic Kingdom
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Nearby Attractions: Space Mountain, TRON Lightcycle / Run
Got a Lightning Lane return time for Space Mountain? Well you can get a preview of that attraction, as well as the rest of Tomorrowland, on this relaxing, futuristic trolley ride in the sky. You’ll also see Cinderella Castle and the Contemporary Resort.
Country Bear Musical Jamboree
Nearby Attractions: Haunted Mansion, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean
This opening day attraction recently received a complete makeover, as all of its original songs were replaced with Disney classics like “The Bare Necessities,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “A Whole New World,” done in various styles of country music. And the new costumes look great.
Photo by WDW Magazine Photography Team
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Nearby Attractions: Seven Dwafs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight
This charming ride uses special effects, hand-drawn animation sequences, music from the film and audio-animatronics (including one very scary Ursula the Sea Witch) to retell Ariel’s story. Fans of the beloved classic will truly enjoy this attraction.
EPCOT
Awesome Planet
Nearby Attraction: Soarin’ Around the World
Before you go soaring around the world, enjoy this beautiful yet cautionary film, which presents an important message about caring for our planet. Stunning images of the natural world are enhanced by special effects, as well as narration from Ty Burrell, a familiar voice we are always glad to hear.
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Nearby Attraction: Soarin’ Around the World
This is the third iteration of the beloved opening-day attraction Journey Into Imagination, and while not as good as the original, it is nonetheless far superior to the (thankfully) short-lived Journey Into Your Imagination. As an added bonus, you can also meet Figment the purple dragon, who hosts the ride (and serves as the park’s unofficial mascot), in the Imagination Pavilion.
Meet Winnie the Pooh in the U.K. Pavilion
Nearby Attraction: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
This is one of my favorite character experiences in all of Walt Disney World, where you get to meet Pooh, and sometimes his friends, inside Christopher Robin’s bedroom. Yet despite how charming this meet-and-greet is, there is almost never a long line, as it is tucked away in a building at the back end of the UK Pavilion, far removed from foot traffic and curious passers-by.
Reflections of China
Nearby Attraction: Frozen Ever After
Although this 40-plus year-old film needs some serious updating, it nevertheless features some spectacular images of China in Circle-Vision 360° format. If there is a wait before the next showing, visit the adjacent exhibit featuring props and costumes from Shanghai Disneyland.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Beauty & The Beast – Live on Stage
Nearby Attractions: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster
This Broadway-style, highly condensed version (25 minutes) of the beloved musical nonetheless features all of its classic songs, as well as colorful costumes and gorgeous sets. The perfect way to relax before hitting those nearby thrill rides.
Photo by WDW Magazine Photography Team
Pixar Plaza/Edna Mode Experience
Nearby Attractions: Toy Story Mania, Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Although you can meet Woody, Jesse and Buzz in Toy Story Land, the waits can be as long as those for Toy Story Mania or Slinky Dog Dash. Satisfy your character cravings right around the corner at Pixar Plaza, where you can meet Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Sully from “Monsters, Inc.” and Joy from “Inside Out,” all with nominal wait times. But the real highlight here is the Edna Mode Experience, where you can tour the Super-Suit Gallery and meet the fabulous designer herself, all in air-conditioned comfort.
Muppet*Vision 3D
Nearby Attractions: Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
The laughter on this attraction, easily the funniest in all of Walt Disney World, starts before the film even begins with the hilarious pre-show. The show itself features sight gags, heckling from the audience (namely Statler and Waldorf), musical numbers, and in-theater special effects. It is also notable for being Jim Henson’s final performance as Kermit the Frog.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue … and Beyond!
Nearby Attraction: Expedition Everest
I have to admit I avoided seeing this show for a long time, thinking it would only appeal to small children. When I finally gave in to my family’s wishes and saw it, however, I was pleasantly surprised. This is a big, bright, colorful production that will entertain all ages. The Theater in the Wild which houses the show holds 1,500, but come early for the best seats.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Nearby Attraction: Kilimanjaro Safaris
Get up close and personal with some awesome African animals while waiting to board your safari. On the winding paths of Pangani Forest you’ll encounter colobus monkeys, meerkats, zebra, and, of course, a troop of lowland gorillas.
