Zagat Survey of Disney World finds some interesting results.
The always fun to read Scott Powers of the Orlando Sentinel has an article this morning about a new guidebook and survey. Zagat Survey, known for their restaurant and hotel ratings, polled thousands of Disney World die-hards to come up with the most popular stuff. And they certainly picked die-hards…
Zagat surveyed 4,841 people by computer between Nov. 16 and Dec. 3. The average participant had been to Disney World 36 times. And 58 percent possessed annual or season passes.
This is a fascinating decision. While this type of Disney World guest is probably the most informed, I think even those of us who fit into this category will admit our opinions may be a bit jaded. When I first read this, I was expecting some seriously traditional results. But that’s not exactly what Zagat found. Though respondents predictably voted the Magic Kingdom as the best park, take a look at the results from the attractions survey…
Most popular attraction: Soarin’ at Epcot, followed by Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, both at Disney-MGM Studios.
Though not as popular as Soarin’, Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom got the highest average rating (29 points) from adults, and the Wishes Spectacular fireworks show at Magic Kingdom got the highest from children (29 points).
I admit all of these would be on my list of favorites, though I personally like Illuminations better than Wishes, but am I the only one surprised by these results? Where is the Pirates of the Caribbean? Where is the Haunted Mansion? Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster does better among Disney addicts than Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain? There are four attraction mentioned here. Not one is a classic dark ride, and they are all relatively new thrill rides.
Like I said, if I were to make a list of my favorite rides at Walt Disney World, all of these would be mentioned. But I thought I was in the minority when it came to people who visit the Mouse as often as I do. What this says to me is perhaps there are far fewer purists out there than one might think.
Matt said,
April 25, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
Looks like the Studios aren’t “expendable” after all…
David said,
April 25, 2007 @ 3:33 pm
Still upset about that, huh? Yes, MGM is a wonderful place. OK?? Feel better now??
Matt said,
April 25, 2007 @ 5:24 pm
All I need is for the survey to say the Sci-Fi is a bad value and I’d be content. That or I’d be willing to settle for a joke at Lou’s expense.
Mouse Extra said,
April 26, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
[...] even more information this morning about the new Zagat Survey of Walt Disney World we talked about yesterday. This was a survey of thousands of Disney fanatics, and the results seem to indicate even those [...]