Have 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!

Best Disney World Rides in Magic Kingdom

If we were to ask you to name a Disney World ride right now, we bet that the ride you name is one in Magic Kingdom. That’s because the park is filled with classic Disney rides that feature your favorite characters, plus some classics that go all the way back to the very beginning of Disney’s history. We won’t lie…you’re probably going to want to ride them all. But, here are the top 5 best rides in Magic Kingdom to prioritize!

Best Overall: TRON Lightcycle / Run

As the newest ride in Magic Kingdom (and Walt Disney World in general), 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 the park.

Best For Kids: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

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. With that being 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.

Best For Teens + Adults: Space Mountain

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!

Best For Toddlers: Peter Pan’s Flight

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.

Best For Nostalgia: “it’s a small world”

We can almost feel your eyes rolling at the mere thought of the repetitive song. But we can’t talk about rides in Magic Kingdom 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.

Best Disney World Rides in EPCOT

To many, EPCOT is synonymous with the countries of the World Showcase. But it’s time we let you in on a big secret – some of the best Disney World rides are here! So, don’t spend all your time eating “around the world.” Here are the top 4 rides to go on at EPCOT!

Best Overall: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

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.

Please note that a virtual queue is currently being used at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This means that a traditional standby line is not offered. You can join the virtual queue on the day of your EPCOT park visit at 7AM or 1PM on the My Disney Experience app. If you are unable to secure a spot in the virtual line, you can not ride the attraction.

Best For Teens + Adults: Test Track

Build your own race car and put it to the test at Test Track! Before you board the ride, you’ll create a virtual car selecting everything from the frame to the wheels to the engine. Then, it’s time to hop in and see how your car does in performance assessments, extreme weather simulations, 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.

Best For Families: Soarin’ Around The World

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.

Best For Toddlers: 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.

Best Disney World Rides in Hollywood Studios

Between Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and Sunset Boulevard, there are a lot of can’t miss attractions in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But, the best of the best? We’ve got the top 5 rides to add to your itinerary!

Best Overall: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

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.

Best Roller Coaster: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Step into the world of the music industry, where you’ll find yourself on a super-stretch limo headed to an Aerosmith concert. With the countdown to showtime underway, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster launches you into a lightning-fast race through Los Angeles. This ride features inversions, twists, and turns with Aerosmith’s greatest hits in the background. The combination of speed, loops, and the soundtrack create an exhilarating and immersive experience that’s a true adrenaline rush.

Best For Teens + Adults: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

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.

Best For Kids: Slinky Dog Dash

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.

Best For Toddlers: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

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.

Best Disney World Rides in Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom may be best known for its conservation efforts, but there are still plenty of rides to keep you busy. Here are the top 3 must-do’s!

Best Overall: Avatar: Flight Of Passage

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.

Best For Teens + Adults: Expedition Everest

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 backwards in the dark, to encountering the Yeti himself, Expedition Everest has it all.

Best For Families: Kilimanjaro Safari

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.

Comments

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