When it comes to Disney, my trusted news sources are people and sites like MickeyXtreme.com, Lou Mongello, all the great people at AllEars.net, the guys at WDWToday and Jim Hill. These people cover Disney and Walt Disney World full-time. Whereas to other general travel magazines and columnists, Disney is just another travel destination.

So I’m usually somewhat skeptical when a travel magazine puts up or publishes a Disney-related travel feature. A lot of times they just don’t get it, or pass along flawed information.

Travel and Leisure posted a feature called “Disney’s Coolest Rides.” So it was with that jaundiced eye that I clicked on the link. I was curious what Travel and Leisure had to say. And who knows, the author might be a font of Disney info. He might be ONE OF US. Besides, it’s kind of hard to screw up cool Disney rides. I haven’t read the list yet, so I’m just going to go one by one and live-blog my reaction.

Let’s look at T&L’s list and see how they did.

First things first – the author, Jason Cochrane, went straight to a real pro – Jeff Kurtti.

Jeff Kurtti is fed up with people trashing It’s a Small World. “People who think they are too sophisticated for this kiddie attraction are kind of sad,” says Jeff Kurtti, content consultant for San Francisco’s Walt Disney Family Museum. “The world is full of people who refuse to let go and enjoy themselves.”

I love that quote. That’s exactly what happened on my first trip to Walt Disney World as an adult. My wife and I just let ourselves go and enjoy it all. Well said, Mr. Kurtti.

And now, to the list:

Soarin’ – Well, yeah. It’s hard to argue with that. It’s one of my top two in all of Walt Disney World.

Splash Mountain – Another triumph, to be sure, but I can see that he’s playing it safe by hitting the biggies. I love this attraction, but Amy does not. As a result, I think Katie has absorbed a little fear of it. I’ll get her on it as some point.

Kilimanjaro Safari – Again, who’s going to argue with him about this choice? Great attraction, great execution. I’m still hoping he throws in a dark horse contender.

Indiana Jones – I haven’t had the opportunity to experience this attraction yet, but I hear only great things. He (rightfully) points out the connection to Dinosaur at WDW, but qualifies it as “maligned.” The only problem I’ve ever had was the change in title in an attempt to tie it in to a movie. I love Dinosaur. It’s the only reason I go anywhere near Chester and Hester’s.

Mission: Space – It’s a good ride. But top 10 in all the theme parks? Debatable.

Jungle Cruise – It’s a classic, and I’m happy to see him straying into some of the older attractions. Of the classics, it’s not my favorite. But I don’t expect everyone to have the same Disney tastes as I do.

Toy Story Mania – Right on. This is one of my favorite attractions anywhere on Disney property. I’ve seen it criticized by the Re-Imagineering Blog (which I greatly respect,) but I’m going to just have to disagree with them on this one. I have an absolute blast with my family on this attraction.

Spaceship Earth – OK, it’s official – I like this guy. I love Spaceship Earth. I would marry it.* On a hot day, there’s nothing better than kicking back and going on a journey through time in the cool darkness. I liked it better before the re-do, since the second half of the ride is pretty much just gone, but it has not chipped away at my affection for this attraction. And here’s something I didn’t know about it: “It’s an S.O.B. to operate and maintain.” Interesting. I would kill for a chance to walk through with the lights on and really examine every corner.

It’s a Small World – Confession: I ride Small World on every trip. And Peter Pan. And Pooh. I’m a sucker for Fantasyland.

Pirates of the Caribbean – Of course. And I’m also a big fan of the post-Depped version. It retains the classic feel, and yet managed to drop in a few modern touches. The first time I saw Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack skulking next to a wall and then looking left and right, I could’ve sworn it was a human actor.

I guess that’s it. Decent list.

I was holding out for a real unexpected attraction. In particular, the Carousel of Progress. It’s still one of my favorites. I feel a direct connection to Walt’s guiding hand through that attraction.

*No, really. Mr. and Mrs. Spaceship-Burke.

What do you think of the list? What was left off?