Countdown Time: Top 7 Must Sees at Walt Disney World (2003)
The evolution of Walt Disney World Resort in-room television got a major upgrade in 2003 with the debut of Top 7 Must Sees — hosted by the energetic and iconic Kryssa. It was a big departure from the prior Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah Tip for Today format, and it introduced a fast-paced, countdown-style guide to the biggest and boldest Disney experiences.
Let’s take a look back at what made the 2003 Top 7 so memorable.
#7 – Downtown Disney and La Nouba
We kick off the countdown at Downtown Disney, specifically the West Side, home to shopping, dining, and Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba. The stunning show brought breathtaking acrobatics and unique visuals to the Disney experience.
#6 – Disney Water Parks
Next up, it’s Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Kryssa focuses mainly on the thrilling Summit Plummet, one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-fall body slides. Pure adrenaline and Disney theming in one unforgettable drop.
#5 – Playhouse Disney Live!
At Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios), families were loving Playhouse Disney Live on Stage, featuring Bear in the Big Blue House, Stanley, and more. This interactive show was a hit with the preschool crowd.
#4 – Mountains of the Magic Kingdom
Time for some thrills. We head to the Magic Kingdom to conquer the trio of Disney mountain classics: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, and Space Mountain. No trip is complete without tackling these legends.
#3 – Mickey’s PhilharMagic & Wishes
Still in the Magic Kingdom, the all-new Mickey’s PhilharMagic made its debut in 2003, blending 3D animation and music in a sweeping tribute to Disney’s animated classics. Don’t forget to end your day with Wishes, the newest nighttime spectacular.
#2 – Kilimanjaro Safaris
Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kryssa takes us on a rugged adventure through the African savanna with Kilimanjaro Safaris. Real animals, stunning landscapes, and Disney storytelling combine to make this a can’t-miss.
#1 – Mission: SPACE
Finally, the countdown ends at Epcot. We tour World Showcase, check in on IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, and arrive at the crown jewel of 2003: the brand-new Mission: SPACE. The high-tech thrill ride simulates a journey to Mars, redefining what a theme park attraction could be.
A New Era of Disney Resort TV
The Top 7 Must Sees wasn’t just a list — it became part of the Disney vacation tradition for many guests. Kryssa’s charm, the upbeat music, and the fast-paced editing made it a classic. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or seeing it for the first time, this 2003 countdown captured the magic of Disney in a uniquely early-2000s way.
