Walt Disney World is known for a wide variety of different rides and attractions – from classic rides like it’s a small world and Peter Pan’s Flight to heavily themed rides like the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Avatar Flight of Passage, and Rise of the Resistance. However, thrill seekers aren’t left out. Love roller coasters? You are lucky because there are plenty of options 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.
Space Mountain: Magic Kingdom
I’ve always loved Space Mountain. This space-themed, indoor coaster dark ride is an icon. As you enter the queue, you’ll pass a variety of space-themed scenes until you finally enter the main area. At this point, it splits into two separate queues for the two tracks (both are the same). The ride itself is a traditional roller coaster, but because it’s so dark there’s a big element of surprise.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Magic Kingdom
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a mine-train-themed outdoor roller coaster, is relatively tame. While there are some drops, they are entertaining and not scary. At the top of the roller coaster hills, you’ll find some of the best views of the Magic Kingdom. So don’t close your eyes, and be sure to look around.
Barnstormer: Magic Kingdom
I was thrilled when the Barnstormer was moved from the old Mickey’s Toontown Fair over to the new Fantasyland area (by Dumbo the Flying Elephant). I always felt this was a great first roller coaster for young children to see how they’d handle the mild drops, and I was initially afraid we’d lose the ride when Toontown Fair closed.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: Magic Kingdom
This ride at the Magic Kingdom is one of my favorites. 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 a smoother ride than a traditional coaster. It’s a unique coaster but is so much fun.
TRON: Lightcycle / Run: Magic Kingdom
This new ride at the Magic Kingdom is based on the movie TRON: Legacy. It’s one of the fastest coasters at the Disney Parks and is semi-enclosed. While I do find this ride very thrilling, it is shorter than I’d expect. Once you get to the front of the queue, you’ll need to put all of your items in a complimentary locker. Then, you can get on the motorcycle-like ride vehicle.
Expedition Everest: Animal Kingdom
In Expedition Everest, you’ll travel through the Himalayan Mountains to the base of Mount Everest. However, the Yeti has already reached the tracks and broken them, requiring riders to travel backward to escape. In addition to going backward, this coaster travels very fast, creating a thrilling feeling that some may find a little scary. It’s a good idea to have your kids experience other roller coasters first before going on this one.
Rock N Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: Hollywood Studios
In this rock and roll-themed roller coaster, guests jump into a stretch-limousine-styled vehicle to race to beat traffic and attend an Aerosmith concert. There’s loud music, a very fast start, and twists and turns – including several upside-down turns. Overall it’s one of the most exciting rides at Disney and is a fantastic ride experience.
Slinky Dog Dash: Hollywood Studios
Slinky Dog Dash is one of the new 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. Slinky Dog Dash may seem very kid-friendly, but it is more thrilling than the Barnstormer at the Magic Kingdom. So I would still have your kids try the Barnstormer first if you aren’t sure how they’ll handle a roller coaster.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: EPCOT
In the past, EPCOT didn’t have any real roller coasters, although they did offer some fun thrill rides. 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.
More Information
Read more about roller coasters at Disney World here. If you are booking a Disney World vacation, we recommend getting a quote from Get Away Today.