Planning a trip to Walt Disney World and unsure of what rides to be searching for? Here are, in my opinion, the best 15 rides within the 4 iconic theme parks.
- Space Mountain
Space Mountain is an exciting, intergalactic adventure through space featuring multiple fast turns and drops, all of which are in the dark. This ride is particularly special to me, as it was the first roller coaster I had ever ridden. The coaster can be found in Tomorrowland, which is located at the Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida. Though the ride itself seems to pass quickly, Space Mountain is sure to send its passengers on an adventure through the galaxy.
- Splash Mountain
Not to be confused with Space Mountain, Splash Mountain is a water ride that resembles a typical log flume, but weaves a humorous story for riders to enjoy along their way. Featuring singing and dancing animal animatronics, fantastic storytelling, and a friendly soundtrack, this attraction is perfect for every member of the family, so long as they approve of the big drop at the end of its course!
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
This attraction, in my opinion, is the best coaster in any of the Walt Disney World theme parks. This high-speed ride goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour within a 4 second period at its launch, and is full of loops, drops, and thrills. The coaster additionally contains great storytelling, as passengers are given the opportunity to attend an Aerosmith concert with backstage passes, but must get through tons of traffic to do so. Thankfully, on this attraction, traffic is the last of anyone’s problems.
- Test Track
While the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith reaches only 60 miles per hour, this high-speed attraction reaches even greater speeds. Individuals are tasked to design what they believe will be the best car in terms of power, efficiency, responsiveness, and capability. As the fastest ride in any of the Walt Disney World theme parks, this one is a must-do for anyone seeking a thrill.
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Based on the eerie The Twilight Zone series, this frightening, yet exciting attraction brings passengers to an alternate dimension via the prestigious Hollywood Tower Hotel. It is all luxury and glamor until the guests hear of the haunting stories correlated with the elevator shaft. While waiting, each room the guests enter is full of gloomy detail, creating a rather spooky mood. The ride features a randomized drop sequence, leaving passengers to wonder whether they will drop only 2 stories, or as many as 13!
- The Haunted Mansion
Before the actual ride even begins, the attraction can still be referred to as one of the very best in Walt Disney World. “The Stretching Room” guests must walk through in order to board the ride demonstrates one of the best illusions I’ve seen. The Disney “Imagineers” were sure to use a fun combination of frightening effects and silly gags. I have an emotional attachment to this ride and could happily read theories about its backstory forever.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
This coaster is the newest attraction in Walt Disney World and can be located in Epcot. I like to think of this attraction as the “baby” of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Space Mountain, as it features key aspects of both of these beloved rides. Not to mention, this coaster is one of the smoothest I’ve been on in my life, making passengers feel as though they are gliding through the galaxy. The soundtrack for this ride includes 6 different songs, all of which are 70s and 80s throwbacks. It’s a super fun coaster, and a brand new experience for the whole family to enjoy.
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
It may not be the fastest attraction, but its combination of thrills, engaging storytelling, theming, and overall execution make this coaster one of the best overall, and certainly the best in Animal Kingdom park. The ride even travels backwards, including a reverse drop that goes directly into a sharp turn at fast speed. Your day will not be complete in Animal Kingdom without riding this coaster.
- Avatar Flight of Passage
I wish I was kidding when I say my sister and I waited a long four hours in line for this attraction during our last trip to Walt Disney World. However, I can confidently tell you that spending the 240 minutes in line was beyond worth it. This 3D flight simulator has an engaging backstory, spectacular visuals, a beautiful ride queue, and amazing music. The attraction transports you into the world of Pandora, and gives riders an incredibly realistic simulation experience on the back of a dragon. Wait for this ride, get a FastPass if you can, it WILL be worth your while!
- The Pirates of the Caribbean
This ride is a classic, as it has been enjoyed by thousands of visitors for decades now. This boat ride contains swashbuckling animatronics, the catchy theme song, and some engaging storytelling that is friendly for all members of your family. With a teeny bit of fright, some comedic relief, and tons of detail, this ride was what actually inspired the iconic film series. Though it’s not the most exciting ride, it’s an essential aspect of the Magic Kingdom park.
- Soarin’ Around the World
This hang-gliding simulator attraction guides passengers through some of our planet’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, the Great Pyramids, and the Taj Mahal. Using an IMAX projector screen, it is so easy for the attraction to engage its passengers into what feels like free flight. There is no feeling in the world that resembles what it was like riding Soarin’ Around the World for the very first time.
- Spaceship Earth
Not only is this ride the most iconic symbol of Epcot, but it may just be the most educational ride in all of the Walt Disney World parks. This slow-moving ride guides passengers through the most pivotal moments of our planet’s history, highlighting the different races, cultures, and traditions of the world. Spaceship Earth is certainly family-friendly, and even includes an interactive program within the ride.
- The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Though this is a particularly tame coaster, its track is one of the smoothest I’ve experienced riding on. The ride has a very interactive queue, full of gemstones and games. Furthermore, the storytelling elements are fantastic and the attraction contains some very engaging, and rather impressive in-ride show scenes. Being one of the most recently built coasters, the animatronics featured in this ride are realistic, high-tech, and function smoothly.
- Star Tours
Hollywood Studios park would simply not be the same without the presence of this attraction. Star Tours guides passengers on randomized, but exciting missions based on all of the different Star Wars films, placing everyone right in the middle of the action. The ride queue is not necessarily interactive, but is engaging and features some well-known characters. While in the simulator, riders are actually accompanied by C3PO!
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Located in the Mexico portion of Epcot’s World Showcase, this attraction exemplifies Mexican culture with the help of Donald Duck, Panchito Pistoles, and José Carioca. While the ride is not high-tech and the most exciting ride available, it’s an easy, relaxing boat ride that I find very enjoyable.
Each of these rides is sure to boost your serotonin and overall mood, as I find them to be engaging, fun, and worth your time!