Jenna SaxtonHave you ever wanted to fly with Peter Pan? Visit with Elsa and Anna in Arendelle? Test your hand at being a space ranger with Buzz Lightyear? Or, zip through space as an honorary Guardian of the Galaxy? Well, you can do all that and more at Walt Disney World!
With over 170 rides, your theme park days are sure to be filled with fun. But, what are the rides that you absolutely can’t miss out on? What are the best rides for toddlers? And, which ones will keep your teens talking about their trip for years? We’ve got the complete list of the best Disney World rides so that you don’t miss out on anything during your next Disney World vacation.
How We Ranked Our Best Rides at Disney World
These rides span across all four parks: Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Ride rankings are based on a few categories:
- Theming
- Immersiveness
- Thrills
- Ride Length
- Rewatchability
This means the best ride is not always the most thrilling! Disney World is based on storytelling, and Disney Imagineers work hard to put guests right in the middle of the story. Some of the best rides at Disney World might be some you may not have even considered!
The 25 Best Rides at Disney World
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Hollywood Studios
One of Disney World’s most immersive rides, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance takes guests into the heart of the Star Wars galaxy. Here, you’ll be recruited to join the Resistance in their fight against the dark forces.
From being captured by stormtroopers to escaping the Star Destroyer, every moment feels like a scene from the iconic film series brought to life. The attraction’s intricate storytelling and seamless transitions between ride vehicles and show scenes create an unparalleled level of immersion.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – EPCOT
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the newest ride in EPCOT. And it has quickly become one of the most buzz-worthy rides in Disney World. As Disney’s first-ever reverse-launch roller coaster (and one of the largest indoor coasters in the world!), Cosmic Rewind takes guests into a high-speed battle to help the Guardians of the Galaxy defeat their newest foe.
A unique aspect is that the ride vehicles rotate and pivot as they move on the track, giving you a better view of the visual elements. And, no matter how many times you ride it, your experience is always different. You’ll hear one of six different songs hand-picked to shape the ride experience.
3. Flight Of Passage – Animal Kingdom
On Avatar: Flight of Passage, you’ll be transported into the breathtaking world of Pandora from the iconic movie Avatar. You’ll step into the Avatar Link System where you become an honorary Avatar and hop on the back of a Banshee. Through 3D technology, motion simulation, and sensory effects, you’ll feel like you’re actually flying through the lush landscapes, towering mountains, and bioluminescent forests in the movie.
The ride is just as beautiful as its land – Pandora!
4. TRON Lightcycle / Run – Magic Kingdom
As the newest ride in Magic Kingdom, TRON Lightcycle / Run has gotten a lot of attention – and for good reason! Inspired by the iconic TRON franchise, this ride takes you into the heart of the Grid, where you reach speeds of up to 60 mph on a partially indoor and outdoor track.
The ride itself is identical to the attraction in Shanghai Disneyland. What makes it so unique is that your ride vehicle is an actual lightcycle from the movie. So, you’re essentially riding a motorcycle rather than sitting in a traditional seat (though there are a few adaptive seats if you’d prefer). Keep this in mind when deciding what to wear to the park.
5. Expedition Everest – Animal Kingdom
Expedition Everest is one of the most thrilling rides in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It has become a fan-favorite roller coaster over the years. Onboard a vintage train, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the legend of the fearsome Yeti, twisting and turning through the forbidden mountain.
From heart-stopping drops to reaching speeds of 50 mph going backward in the dark, to encountering the Yeti himself, Expedition Everest has it all. I don’t think this coaster gets enough love, personally. This is a must-do at Animal Kingdom! Plus, the single rider line is never long.
6. Toy Story Mania! — Hollywood Studios
Step into Andy’s bedroom for some rootin’ tootin’ fun! This 4D shooting-gallery ride turns you toy-sized and hands you a spring-loaded cannon for a series of carnival-style games. It’s genuinely competitive (bring your trash talk) and one of the most replayable rides at Disney. This ranks high on our list as one of the top family-friendly attractions at Walt Disney World.
The winner will be gloating for weeks to come!
7. Kilimanjaro Safaris – Animal Kingdom
Did you know that Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to actual animals? It’s true! And one of the best ways to see them is on Kilimanjaro Safari! This attraction takes you on a bumpy ride into Disney’s African Savannah. Here, you’ll encounter everything from giraffes to elephants, to crocodiles, to rhinos, to cheetahs, and other rare animals. While the ride across the nature preserve can get a bit rough, this attraction is perfect for any age.
Not only do guests get an up-close and personal view of rare animals, but it’s also a 20-minute break off your feet!
8. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets – Hollywood Studios
Step into the world of the music industry, where you’ll find yourself on a super-stretch limo headed to the Muppets World Tour! With the countdown to showtime underway, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster launches you into a lightning-fast race through the city. This ride features inversions, twists, and turns with hits sung by the Muppets in the background. The combination of speed, loops, and the soundtrack creates an exhilarating and immersive experience that’s a true adrenaline rush.
This attraction, previously starring Aerosmith, reopened with a reimagined Muppets theming in May 2026.
9. Slinky Dog Dash – Hollywood Studios
This family-friendly adventure takes you on a ride through Andy’s backyard aboard Slinky Dog from the Toy Story movie franchise. The coaster’s innovative design gives you the sensation of stretching and springing along the track, as you dash through twists, turns, and small drops.
Slinky Dog Dash offers just the right amount of excitement and moderate intensity for riders of all ages. This makes it a great choice for families with kids.
10. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Magic Kingdom
Hop aboard a swaying mine train and enter the world of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs! You’ll go straight into the mines with Doc, Sleepy, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Bashful, and Sneezy and end up on a wild ride with several dips and twists. This family-friendly roller coaster seamlessly weaves together the classic story and thrills, making it perfect for guests of all ages.
This is one of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom. That said, wait times can get lengthy, so consider getting to the park early to beat the line! Or, consider visiting during off-peak times of the year.
11. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Hollywood Studios
Inspired by The Twilight Zone, this haunted hotel-themed ride is sure to keep you on your toes! As you enter the Hollywood Tower Hotel, you’ll be transported back in time to 1939. You’ll soon uncover that something has gone terribly wrong. You’re led to a service elevator, which takes you into the heart of the tower where sudden drops and rises await. The unpredictable nature of the drops means that you never know exactly what’s coming, even if you ride multiple times.
This is the icon of Hollywood Studios! Pro tip: If the wait time is 13 minutes, that means it’s a walk-on!
12. Peter Pan’s Flight – Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is one of the best parks for a toddler because there’s so much they can ride. With Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Tea Party, and other less intense rides, you’ll definitely be busy here with a little one! But, the one that you really don’t want to miss? Peter Pan’s Flight!
With a little bit of pixie dust from Tink, you’ll board a pirate sailboat and fly over several scenes from the classic movie. Passing over London’s rooftops and into the heart of Neverland itself, your little one is sure to feel like they’ve entered the story themselves.
13. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure — EPCOT
One of my personal favorites! As Disney World’s only ride that shrinks you down to rat-size, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure uses trackless ride vehicles to chase you through the kitchen of Gusteau’s restaurant. Though the ride debuted with 4D projections, it has since gone to standard 2D views. However, that doesn’t lower the magic! In fact, I like it better this way!
It’s newer, it’s clever, and it’s become an underrated option in EPCOT’s France pavilion.
14. Haunted Mansion — Magic Kingdom
Haunted Mansion is a Disney classic that never ages. Travel through the stretching room, the ballroom of dancing ghosts, and the hitchhiking ghosts might even catch a ride at the end! Haunted Mansion is proof that atmosphere and storytelling can outlast any thrill ride. It’s slow-moving and gentle enough for most ages, but detailed enough to reward repeat visits.
The queue is immersive itself, but the ride is also a great break from the A/C!
15. Test Track – EPCOT
Newly reimagined, Test Track has just reopened at Test Track 3.0!
Take a test drive into the future of cars to see all of the ways that technology is changing the way we drive on Test Track! You’ll learn about some of the ways that cars keep you safe now, imagine cars in the future, take a joyride through country roads, and even a high-speed circuit around the exterior of the attraction! With speeds reaching up to 65 mph, Test Track offers an adrenaline rush that’s sure to get your blood pumping.
16. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad — Magic Kingdom
Here, folks, is the wildest ride in the wilderness! This ride also just went through a lengthy year-long refurbishment. With an entirely new track placed down, what once was a bumpy ride is now a smooth, thrilling adventure!
This runaway mine train travels through the “tallest mountain range this side of the Rockies.” Big Thunder Mountain is the perfect gateway coaster for young guests, fast enough to feel thrilling, tame enough for most of the family to ride together. It’s also one of the best-themed queues in Frontierland.
17. “it’s a small world” – Magic Kingdom
We can almost feel your eyes rolling at the mere thought of the repetitive song. But we can’t talk about the best rides at Disney World without mentioning “it’s a small world”! There’s so much Disney history behind this attraction, as the original version of the attraction was created all the way back before Disneyland even opened. Walt Disney actually worked on it himself! Though it’s not just history buffs who will enjoy this 15-minute boat ride through international scenes filled with animatronic dolls from different cultures.
This ride has been enjoyed (or at least tolerated) by generations. So, whether you’re creating new memories with your children or reliving your own, “it’s a small world” is sure to leave a lasting impression.
18. Space Mountain – Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain is one of the most thrilling indoor roller coasters in all of Disney World. Riding in a “rocket”, you’ll be thrust into space on a high-speed ride with twists, turns, and drops in almost total darkness. This has been a classic Disney thrill ride for decades. Versions of it can be found in almost every single Disney park around the world!
My opinion? It’s a great ride, but in desperate need of a refurbishment. The track is bumpy and can cause havoc on a back or neck. It’s lower on the list for this reason only, but still worth the ride!
19. Soarin’ Around The World – EPCOT
Soarin’ Around The World is located in the World Nature section of EPCOT. This ride takes guests on a simulated hang-gliding journey around the world. Strapped in and lifted up for the best view of the 180-degree, 80-foot IMAX digital projection dome, you’ll soar through the majestic mountains of the Swiss Alps to the shimmering oceans of Fiji, and more, experiencing all of the sights and scents they have to offer.
20. Pirates of the Caribbean — Magic Kingdom
Yo-ho, yo-ho! This ride inspired a multi-billion-dollar movie franchise, not the other way around. This slow boat ride through pirate-plundered towns and Caribbean seas is packed with detail, small thrills, and one of Disney’s most beloved theme songs.
Not only is this ride family-friendly with no height requirement, but the entire queue is also indoors, and the ride is nearly 10 minutes long!
21. Jungle Cruise — Magic Kingdom
This hilarious boat ride through the jungle is led by a jungle skipper, delivering a nonstop stream of pun-heavy jokes. It’s corny, yet hilarious. While the jokes remain similar, each skipper brings something unique to the ride, so you never have the same journey twice!
The animatronics have held up well, as it is an opening day attraction. However, lines can get long, and the entire queue is outdoors. Head to this ride in the morning or evenings to avoid the midday heat.
22. Frozen Ever After
Still have Frozen on repeat in your house? Then, this is the ride for you and your kiddos! Located in the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT, Frozen Ever After takes guests on a boat ride through some scenes of the popular movie. Say hi to Kristoff, Sven, Olaf, Elsa, Anna, and even those cute little snowgies.
While Frozen Ever After is a slow-moving boat ride, it does involve some forward and backward plunges down small waterfalls. So, keep that in mind before you ride with your little ones.
23. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — Hollywood Studios
This ride is one of the most immersive rides at Disney World, even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan! Guests step onto the actual Millennium Falcon and take on a role – pilot, gunner, or engineer – for a smuggling mission through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Your experience really does depend on your assigned role, with pilots generally getting the most engaging ride. However, it’s impossible to have a bad time flying on this hunk of junk!
24. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Hollywood Studios
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway takes you into the cartoon universe where you’ll hop aboard a trackless train led by Goofy. You’ll find yourself pulled into a whirlwind of unexpected events with Mickey and his pals. You’ll dance with Daisy, journey through an epic tornado chase, and more! With both 2D and 3D elements, even your littlest travelers will feel immersed in the cartoon world of Mickey Mouse.
Since it’s the first ride guests encounter walking into Hollywood Studios, wait times stay pretty consistent between 45-60 minutes. Head here at the end of the night or early in the morning for the shortest wait times.
25. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin — Magic Kingdom
Newly refurbished, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin sends guests into the galaxy to defeat evil Emperor Zurg! The new handheld laser guns, digital screens, and colored lasers have transformed this ride from an “eh, we could skip it” to a must-do!
Similar to Toy Story Mania, this attraction will have you competing for bragging rights – or for who buys the next round of Mickey ice cream bars!
Best Rides at Disney World per Category – A Breakdown
Best Rides for Adults
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – EPCOT
- Tron Lightcycle/Run – Magic Kingdom
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Hollywood Studios
- Flight of Passage – Animal Kingdom
Best Rides for Kids
- Toy Story Mania! – Hollywood Studios
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Magic Kingdom
- Slinky Dog Dash – Hollywood Studios
- Frozen Ever After – EPCOT
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – EPCOT
Best Thrill Rides
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – EPCOT
- Tron Lightcycle/Run – Magic Kingdom
- Tower of Terror – Hollywood Studios
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets – Hollywood Studios
- Expedition Everest – Animal Kingdom
Best Slow Rides
- Haunted Mansion – Magic Kingdom
- Peter Pan’s Flight – Magic Kingdom
- “Its a small world” – Magic Kingdom
- Kilimanjaro Safari – Animal Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 best ride at Disney World?
My top pick is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Hollywood Studios. It’s the most immersive and longest ride at Walt Disney World, featuring the latest technology.
What is the most popular ride at Disney World?
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Flight of Passage all frequently have wait times over 75 minutes, making them some of the most popular rides at Disney World.
How many rides are there at Disney World total?
Walt Disney World has over 170 rides and attractions across its four theme parks.
Which park has the best rides?
Magic Kingdom has the most rides, while Hollywood Studios offers the most thrilling attractions. Best depends on preference here, though EPCOT has the most thrilling roller coaster at Disney World.
Comments
Do you agree with our list of the best Disney World rides? Did your favorite park attractions make our list? Leave us a comment below to share what Disney rides you can’t miss during your visit to the theme parks.
