Not every ride at Walt Disney World lives up to the hype. While Disney is known for its incredible storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and unforgettable experiences, a few attractions fall short, especially when you factor in long wait times and high expectations. So, we’re breaking down the worst Disney World rides across all four parks to make sure you don’t waste any time on your next vacation. Here’s what attractions to avoid…and what to ride instead!

Worst Disney World Rides at Magic Kingdom

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a ride in Adventureland that lets you fly high up in the sky on Aladdin’s preferred form of transportation – a magic carpet, of course! During the ride, your carpet will go in slow circles, and you’re in control of the motion up and down and the tilt.

This attraction often ranks low among Disney fans because it’s a near-identical copy of Dumo the Flying Elephant with a different (and often viewed as worse) theme. Of course, this could still be worth riding if you’re traveling with toddlers and preschoolers who like gentle rides or fans of the classic Disney film. However, with so many other family-friendly rides in the park, we recommend skipping this one and heading to Dumbo the Flying Elephant or Peter Pan’s Flight for a more immersive and kid-friendly experience.

Astro Orbitor

If you’re skipping The Magic Carpets of Aladdin because it’s basically a lesser copy of Dumbo, then Astro Orbitor is another ride you can do without. This attraction is perched atop a platform high above the PeopleMover entrance in Tomorrowland.

This attraction is often a disappointment because you spend a long time waiting in line for a very short, very mediocre ride. While the views of Tomorrowland and Magic Kingdom can be cool from way up high, the ride vehicles are small and uncomfortable for adults. And, all you’re doing is riding around in a slow circle. That being said, if the line isn’t long and you don’t mind the height, it can be a rather thrilling experience for younger children.

If you want a similar experience with a more immersive theme and queue, head to Dumbo the Flying Elephant instead.

Tomorrowland Speedway

Tomorrowland Speedway is a staple of Magic Kingdom, having been operating in the park since it opened in 1971. You’ll find it along the edge of Tomorrowland, close to Space Mountain. And, while the history of the attraction may be a draw for you, this ride can often be a major headache (literally!).

You’ll likely smell the fumes from the gasoline engines just walking through Tomorrowland, and the long exposure that comes with waiting in line and then riding can bring on a headache if you’re sensitive to smells. And if you do skip it, you won’t be missing much. The ride’s theme and technology are pretty outdated compared to other attractions in the park, making the cars slow and hard to steer.

Of course, your small kids may still rope you into riding the attraction if they want to “drive” for the first time, and there’s no harm in that! Or, you may want to give it a go for nostalgia purposes. However, we recommend getting your “driving” experience at Disney World over at EPCOT on Test Track instead.

CLICK HERE for a FULL GUIDE to Magic Kingdom Rides and Attractions!

Worst Disney World Rides at EPCOT

The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Spaceship Earth. It’s a slow-moving dark ride through an undersea world inspired by Pixar’s Finding Nemo. While the bright colors and familiar characters might draw in young fans, this attraction often lands at the bottom of “best-of” lists for a few reasons.

The ride uses fairly basic dark ride technology, with dated projection effects and minimal animatronics. People often feel let down when they compare it to the cutting-edge experiences Disney is known for. Many guests find the storytelling a bit flat, and fans of more immersive aquatic attractions (like those at SeaWorld) often leave underwhelmed.

That said, it’s not without an audience. Young kids who adore Nemo will likely enjoy the gentle pace, and it’s a solid option for families needing a cool, quiet break. Adults who remember “The Living Seas” pavilion may also appreciate the nostalgia.

Still, if you’re looking for a slow-paced ride with more polish, we recommend Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid at Magic Kingdom. It offers similar appeal but with more detailed sets, a stronger soundtrack, and better overall execution.

Gran Fiesta Tour

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros is nestled inside the pyramid at EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion, right in the heart of World Showcase. It’s a charming indoor boat ride that takes you on a search for Donald Duck alongside José Carioca and Panchito. But while the setting might be intriguing, the ride itself often leaves guests wanting more.

The ride features basic animatronics and screen projections, with a simple storyline and slow pace that may bore older kids and adults. It’s just not as immersive as the other rides and attractions in EPCOT, which may leave you feeling like you wasted precious park time.

That said, young children may enjoy the colors and music, and it’s a great spot to cool off indoors. Additionally, nostalgic fans of The Three Caballeros might also find it charming.

If you’re looking for a better boat ride, Frozen Ever After in Norway offers more impressive visuals. Or, for something more modern and engaging, try Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Spaceship Earth.

Mission: SPACE

Mission: SPACE is located in EPCOT’s World Discovery area and is a motion simulator that makes you feel like you’re in a rocket being launched into space using intense G-forces and motion. There are two versions, and the Orange version (with spinning) is especially notorious for causing motion sickness, dizziness, and even claustrophobia due to its tight cockpit setup.

While it delivers on realism, the tradeoff of potentially having a day-long headache or dizziness may not be worth it. Additionally, while the ride technology was once brand new, over 20 years later, the visuals and limited interactivity just feel dated. It’s often a one-and-done experience, especially if you walk off feeling queasy. Still, space enthusiasts or thrill-seekers may appreciate the challenge.

If you prefer something that likely won’t give you a day-long sickness, try Spaceship Earth for a calm journey through time, Soarin’ for immersive flight-style motion, or Star Tours for a classic simulator with a broader appeal.

CLICK HERE for a FULL GUIDE to EPCOT Rides and Attractions!

Worst Disney World Rides at Hollywood Studios

Alien Swirling Saucers

Alien Swirling Saucers is located in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s a spinning ride that is similar to the old-school Twister rides with bright colors and a playful Toy Story theme. However, most people consider it one of the least exciting attractions in the park.

The ride is short, repetitive, and lacks real thrills. Long waits paired with minimal payoff make it a skip for people who have been on it before, especially with better rides like Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania nearby. The queue also offers little shade or visual interest, making it particularly hard to wait long with little ones.

That said, if the line is short, this is a great ride for toddlers and preschoolers. Thanks to the gentle motion and the Toy Story theming and music, little ones are sure to get at least a little bit of a thrill. But, if you’re traveling with older kids or on an adults-only trip, skip this ride and head to Slinky Dog Dash instead!

CLICK HERE for a FULL GUIDE to Hollywood Studios Rides and Attractions!

Worst Disney World Rides at Animal Kingdom

Kali River Rapids

Kali River Rapids is located in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and is one of the only water rides in Disney World. But, while it promises a whitewater rafting adventure, many people find it underwhelming thanks to its short length, minimal thrills, and hit-or-miss soak factor.

When it comes to thrills, the ride has one major drop and…well…that’s it. You’ll slowly move through a relatively un-themed area that might leave you barely wet or completely soaked, depending on where you’re seated. There’s just really nothing that special about the attraction, and if you’re one of the unlucky ones, you could end up needing a change of clothes or having to walk the park in wet shoes.

For a more thrilling ride in the park, try Expedition Everest.

CLICK HERE for a FULL GUIDE to Animal Kingdom Rides and Attractions!

Comments

What do you think are the worst Disney World rides? Let us know in the comments what attractions you always skip!