Disney World Rides

There are many reasons to choose a Disney World Resorts vacation, and the Disney World rides are, for many, one of the biggest draws. The most popular rides include thrilling coasters as well as gentler rides that are appropriate for all ages. Whether you want to get wet, learn about science, remember the Dinosaurs, or feel like you are falling 20 stories, there is a Disney World ride for you. Read below to learn about ten of the rides at Disney that should not be missed!

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain, located in Magic Kingdom, not only provides thrilling twists and turns and a gut wrenching five story drop, it’s also a fun way to cool off on a hot day. Like some of the other Disney World theme park water rides, you might get a little wet or you might get soaked from head to toe. Either way, you’re sure to love this ride that shares the story, characters, and musical fun of Disney’s classic movie “The Sounds Of the South.”

Why it’s a must ride: Splash Mountain won the 2004 Reader’s Choice Award in Disney Magazine for favorite attraction in Magic Kingdom. All of those Disney guests can’t be wrong!

Disney World has plenty of unique and fun rides for all ages and interests.
Disney World has plenty of unique and fun rides for all ages and interests.

Aerosmith wrote the music and Disney designers created the ride. This winning combination, called the Rock N Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmoth, includes upside down turns and superfast speeds that help to make this one of the most popular roller coasters in all of Disney World’s four theme parks. This ride, located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, has a height requirement of 48 inches.

Why it’s a must ride: The sound system in each of the cars is enough to blow your hair back. Combine the music with the thrill of the ride itself, and you have a winner.

Kali River Rapids

The Kali River Rapids, located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, are popular for those who enjoy a thrill but might not like roller coasters. This ride takes place on 12-person rafts. After an ascent, you will drop about 90 feet where you travel under waterfalls and through geysers. This is one of those rides that many people are willing to stand in line for over and over again.

Why it’s a must ride: It is a great way to cool off on a hot Florida day. Some riders will get soaked, but everyone who rides will get wet!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Set in a 1939 upscale hotel, this ride uses both amazing visual special effects and heart stopping free fall style drops to provide unmatched thrills. Because there are various “drop sequences”, you never know when to expect the next drop. Even if you have been on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 100 times, you will never be sure what to expect next! The height requirement for this ride is 40 inches, but it is too intense for some children who meet the height requirement.

Why it’s a must ride: The free falls occur with such force that some riders are actually lifted off of their seats. Plus, Rod Serling narrates. Win, win.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Through the use of visual effects and gentle motion, riders will get an aerial view of London. Of course, the attention to detail is amazing. Peter Pan shows up for a showdown with Captain Hook and, of course, Peter saves the day. Since there is no height requirement for this ride, it is something that the whole family can enjoy together.

Why it’s a must ride:  It is a ride geared toward the little kids, but older kids and parents may enjoy the chance to take a seat in an air conditioned building – and look down on the fun and action from their flying ship.

Space Mountain

When this innovative Magic Kingdom ride first opened in 1975 it became an instant hit. Much of the thrill of Space Mountain was in the fact that for most of the ride, riders are in the dark. Not knowing what is next somehow adds to the fun of this attraction. Guests must be at least 44 inches tall to ride.

Why it’s a must ride: Even if you think this ride, which travels at a maximum speed of about 28 miles per hour, is too tame, its status as a Disney classic lands it on this list.

Mission: SPACE

Disney designers worked with real space experts, including several astronauts, to be sure that this ride simulated the sensations of actual space travel. In fact, for some guests, the feeling was a little too real. In response to feedback from guests, Disney provided an alternative, toned-down Mission: SPACE experience in addition to the thrilling original version of the ride. Those who choose the original ride can still experience up to 2.4 G’s of force (yes, that is a lot) by choosing to be on the Orange Team. Guests with motion sickness, or who want a less intense experience, can choose the Green Team. There is a height requirement of 44 inches for this ride, and it is located in Epcot theme park.

Why it’s a must ride: If you ever wanted to know what it felt like to travel in outer space (and who hasn’t?) then this may be as close as you ever get.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Located in the Magic Kingdom theme park, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fun choice for adults and kids that are at least 40 inches tall. It is a step above a kiddie coaster, but does not have the terrifying drops that may be too much for the kids. This ride includes twists and turns and mild dips and drops, and it turns through an amazing recreation of the wild wild west of mine trains and the gold rush.

Why it’s a must ride: It’s a great “starter coaster” for older kids and is still thrilling enough to be fun for adults.

Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest is located in Animal Kingdom. Riders are stalked by Yeti, also called the abominable snowman, as they enjoy this ride full of hairpin turns and thrilling drops. Riders must be at least 44 inches tall, so older kids can ride along with adults.

Why it’s a must ride: The Guinness Book of World Records named Expedition Everest, which cost about $100 million, the most expensive roller coaster in the world. When you have a chance to ride on the most expensive roller coaster in the world, you take it!

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

The list wraps up with something that both kids and adults love. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin puts you inside a video game. You will have to use your laser cannon to thwart the evil intentions of the bad guys in this indoor attraction. Since there is no height or age requirement, this is a ride that the whole family can enjoy.

Why it’s a must ride: Riders compete against each other for the highest score, so it’s a fun way to have a little family competition while getting to spend some time in the air conditioning.