While Walt Disney World offers nostalgic rides that are great for the entire family, it also has some exciting rides. These rides range from major to minor thrills, including rides that go upside down and others that go backward. Here are 10 of the most exciting rides at Walt Disney World.
I have been on complimentary press trips to Walt Disney World, but all opinions are mine. This post contains affiliate links and purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.
Rock N Roller Coaster: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Jump in a stretch limousine ride vehicle to catch Aerosmith’s concert. But, you’ll need to navigate the LA traffic first, so the ride goes quickly and upside down to get there in time. This ride has a single-rider line, which can help you save time waiting in line. For the biggest thrills, wait for a seat in the front row.
Avatar Flight of Passage, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Located in Pandora, the World of Avatar, this 3D ride is one of the best in all of Walt Disney World. It’s a motion simulator ride, so while it doesn’t have actual big drops, it feels like it does. In Avatar Flight of Passage, you’ll board a banshee motion simulator and “fly” on its back through the beautiful world of Pandora. It’s a unique ride and is worth the usual long line.
Expedition Everest: Animal Kingdom
This coaster, located in the Asia land of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is, surprisingly, the tallest attraction at Walt Disney World. In addition to traveling at very fast speeds, it has a backward motion right as you see the Yeti at the top of the mountain. While the Yeti audio-animatronic no longer works to move the Yeti, it’s still a thrilling ride. A single-rider line is available.
TRON: Lightcycle/Run
This new ride at Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom is based on the movie TRON: Legacy. However, you don’t need to be familiar with any of the movies to appreciate this ride because it’s so much fun. It’s one of the fastest coasters at the Disney Parks and is semi-enclosed. The ride vehicle is a motorcycle-style, so you’ll need to lock any of your belongings in the provided lockers before riding.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
With the opening of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, there’s now a legitimate coaster in EPCOT. This ride is an indoor, enclosed coaster themed with the Guardians of the Galaxy characters. It’s the first attraction at Walt Disney World to feature Marvel characters (unlike Disneyland, which has an entire land dedicated to the Avengers). It offers a unique, backward launch with some twists and turns, and is located in the building that previously housed Ellen’s Energy Adventure.
Space Mountain
The iconic Space Mountain has always been one of my favorite attractions at the Magic Kingdom. While there are newer, more thrilling coasters at Walt Disney World, this is still one of my nostalgic favorites. The ride is a traditional roller coaster, but because it’s so dark, there’s a big element of surprise.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a thrill ride, unlike others on this list. It’s not a roller coaster, and instead has accelerated drops and climbs. Step inside the Hollywood Tower Hotel, where a family disappeared after a lightning strike. As you enter an elevator vehicle, you’ll realize this is not a traditional elevator. The Tower of Terror is so unique and fun, and a must-do if you are a thrill ride fan.
Big Thunder Mountain: Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a mine-train-themed outdoor roller coaster in the Magic Kingdom, is relatively tame. While there are some drops, they are fun and not very scary. At the top of the roller coaster hills, you’ll find some of the best views of the Magic Kingdom. This is one of the coasters where you can bring kids who aren’t ready from rides like Cosmic Rewind and the Rock N Roller coaster.
Slinky Dog Dash: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Slinky Dog Dash is one of the newer rides at Hollywood Studios. Located in the new Toy Story Land, Slinky Dog Dash is an outdoor coaster that is so fun to ride. The whole queue is fully themed, and it’s one of the best attractions at Walt Disney World. While Slinky Dog Dash may seem very kid-friendly, it is still more thrilling than the Barnstormer at the Magic Kingdom.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: Magic Kingdom
This ride at the Magic Kingdom is one of my favorites, although it is less thrilling than the other rides on this list. Part roller coaster, part dark ride, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train glides through the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The new ride mechanism sways, making it smoother than a traditional coaster. It’s a unique coaster but is so much fun.
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