Any fan of Disney attractions knows that sometimes the attraction begins the moment you step food into the queue. Disney Imagineers are experts at theming and setting the mood for the guest from the moment they first see the attraction’s sign. Many attractions utilize a pre-show to give guests something to interact with or watch while they wait, and also to explain more about the attraction itself and what sort of protocols will be in place for boarding the ride. Just as guests have favorite attractions, they will have favorite pre-shows as well. Here are some of the best pre-shows for Disney attractions.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
One of the most fun pre-shows to exist is that for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This pre-show begins as any other, with a character explaining the attraction and giving guests the story behind what they are about to experience. Through special effects like sound and lighting, of course, something goes wrong! The Guardians characters appear and give the guests further instructions as the doors open and the line to the ride vehicle begins.
Rise of the Resistance
The pre-show for Hollywood Studios’ Rise of the Resistance is one of the more intricate pre-shows that Disney has to offer. Some might even argue that the attraction begins as soon as the queue does. Guests are “transported” to the attraction, come face to face with dozens of Storm Troopers in an extremely realistic spaceship setting, and watch a hologram of Rey and BB-8. This attraction’s pre-show is a truly immersive experience that spans nearly the entire wait for the ride.
Haunted Mansion
This pre-show is so classic that many repeat guests have it memorized. Upon entering the Haunted Mansion itself, guests are escorted into the “stretching room”. This room has no windows and no doors, and guests are challenged by their ghost host to find a way out. The walls begin to stretch and reveal more to the seemingly innocent paintings that meet the eye. The lights go out suddenly as a scream and crash is heard from above. Once the doors open guests are able to walk to the ride vehicle loading zone.
The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror
Guests who are traveling through the queue of The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror are suddenly invited into a dark room with a small tube television set. This television set begins to play an introduction to your very own episode of The Twilight Zone. Guests are introduced to the Hollywood Tower Hotel in which they are currently inside of, and they are given an explanation of the unfortunate events that have occurred. They are then told that they are about to board the service elevator of the building and enter their very own episode of The Twilight Zone. This pre-show really sets the eerie and unsettling mood of the attraction and gets guests ready for a scare.
Do you enjoy pre-shows for Disney attractions? What is your favorite pre-show to experience? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her family. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
