I've been going to Disney World for over 30 years. Here are 12 rides I always go on and 4 I skip.

Disney World is home to over 100 attractions across Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom, including over 50 rides and roller coasters. 

I've been to the central Florida destination over 500 times, and there are certain ones I ride every visit — along with others I usually skip.

Magic Kingdom

PICK: I ride Pirates of the Caribbean whenever I'm at Magic Kingdom

Pirates of the Caribbean is the pinnacle of Disney's excellence when it comes to storytelling. In fact, it was one of the last rides Walt Disney personally oversaw before his death.

Even with its many updates throughout the years, it still has a nostalgic feel thanks to its recognizable smell, familiar characters, and catchy musical soundtrack.

PICK: Haunted Mansion is a beloved classic for good reason

Haunted Mansion is another classic Disney attraction. No matter how many times I ride it, I can't get enough of it.

From the spooky soundtrack to the iconic ballroom scene that utilizes the simple Pepper's ghost effect, it's a must-do every time.

SKIP: I think Space Mountain is a little overrated

I'll usually skip Space Mountain because I think it pales in comparison to other versions of the ride at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and Disneyland Paris (my personal favorite).

My favorite part of Disney World's version is actually the exit queue, which features a robot butler from the defunct Horizons attraction.

Hollywood Studios

PICK: One of my favorite rides in all of Disney World is Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

The indoor launch coaster, featuring music from the rock band Aerosmith, is pure fun without being too aggressive.

Each seat is outfitted with personal speakers that blast the special soundtrack during the ride, adding to the appeal.

PICK: There's nothing like Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Housed in a replica old-school Hollywood "hotel," the dark attraction uses a randomized drop system to make each ride a unique experience.

It's creepy in the best possible way.  

SKIP: I usually don't waste my time on Rise of the Resistance

I'm not the biggest fan of the "Star Wars'' franchise, but I love exploring Galaxy's Edge when I visit Hollywood Studios.

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Even so, I'll usually skip the land's big attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, as it often has a long wait time or a pricey Individual Lightning Lane purchase (about $20 a person).

Instead, I take in the atmosphere and delicious food and drinks at Oga's Cantina or Ronto Roasters.

Epcot

PICK: Living With the Land is a total underrated hit

Living With the Land is unique because it's not just a ride — it's an actual working greenhouse facility that provides produce to restaurants throughout Disney World.

The attraction itself is a slow-moving boat ride that travels through beautifully scenic greenhouses. During the "edutainment" experience, I enjoy learning about the history of farming and agriculture while also getting a chance to sit back and unwind.

PICK: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has such a great overall story

One of Disney World's newest attractions, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, is a thrilling family-friendly indoor roller coaster.

The reverse-launch coaster features characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a completely original storyline.

In my opinion, the highly immersive queue and preshow are just as good as the actual ride, making for a great experience from start to finish. 

PICK: Spaceship Earth is a relaxing classic

Housed in Epcot's iconic geodesic sphere, Spaceship Earth is a relaxing, slow-moving attraction that tells the story of mankind's advancement through technology.

One of my favorite scenes depicts the fall of Rome and is known for its distinct scent of burning wood.

PICK: Some people don't even know about Gran Fiesta Tour

Located inside the Mexico Pavilion along the World Showcase, Gran Fiesta Tour is great when I need an afternoon break.

The indoor attraction is a slow-moving boat ride that's been updated throughout the years and has a playful soundtrack featuring the Three Caballeros.

PICK: Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is definitely worth the wait

Nearly identical to its predecessor in Disneyland Paris, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is based on the beloved Disney animated film.

The 4D dark ride uses a motion-based trackless system as you move through beloved scenes from "Ratatouille."

I love how the ride taps into all the senses, including smell, as you are transformed into the size of a rat. The ride's dialogue also alternates between French and English, further adding to the unique sensory elements. 

SKIP: Frozen Ever After can be a huge time suck

I love Frozen Ever After. But I usually skip the Epcot ride because it often breaks down, and I end up wasting valuable park time.

Animal Kingdom

PICK: Dinosaur is thrilling every time

On Dinosaur, guests "travel" back to prehistoric times.

The high-energy, thrilling ride features large-scale audio-animatronics that can be quite scary at times, especially in the dark atmosphere, but it's overall a really fun ride.

PICK: Kilimanjaro Safaris is such a unique experience 

I love riding through the simulated East African savanna aboard the open-air safari vehicles.

The unpredictable elements of Kilimanjaro Safaris are one of my favorite parts — you never know if the ride is going to be halted suddenly because a tower of giraffes has taken over the pathway.

PICK: Avatar Flight of Passage is absolutely worth the hype

When visiting Animal Kingdom, I always walk through the incredibly immersive Pandora — The World of Avatar.

Its crown jewel is Avatar Flight of Passage. The 3D simulated-flight ride takes guests through a visually stunning landscape while riding on the back of a winged mountain Banshee.

SKIP: You won't catch me on Kali River Rapids

Nothing can ruin a theme-park day quicker than getting soaked.

Florida's sporadic rain showers are largely unavoidable, but I can skip out on getting drenched on Kali River Rapids. The raft ride is scenically beautiful, but the water effects are so intense you'll likely end up soaking wet.