Are you visiting Disney World and looking for thrill rides? Our list of picks for the best thrill rides at Disney World and which parks to find them.
Families with kids of all ages visit Disney World for their family vacations and it offers many attractions to meet the needs of all ages. One of the best things we like about visiting is the thrill rides at Disney World.
We love to experience the thrill rides at Disney World, even more so as the kids have grown up.
Depending on the age of the people you are visiting with you can find different level of thrills at all the Disney World parks. Magic Kingdom thrill rides are great with younger kids and the intense thrills build at Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Best Thrill Rides at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom thrill rides are the tamest among the four Disney World theme parks. There are a few attractions that may be thrilling depending on the type of rides you enjoy.
Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain, soon to be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in 2024, is a log flume attraction that takes guests through indoor and outdoor scenes. There are a few small drops, one in the dark, during the ride. The ride finishes with around a 50 foot drop. For those that don’t like drops or getting wet this may be thrilling for you and out of your comfort zone.
Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain doesn’t have any drops but it does reach speeds of up to 36 mph. This is a great step up from The Barnstormer coaster in Storybook Village. It has a fun theme and some surprises in the indoor climb.
Space Mountain
Space Mountain is an indoor roller coaster that is mostly in the dark. While it only reaches speeds of 27 mph the darkness adds to the thrill of this attraction. It can be a bit jarring on your back. As I get older Space Mountain seems to be more difficult to enjoy.
Tron
Tron has taken its time settling on an opening date for the Magic Kingdom but it was announced it will open in Spring 2023. Tron will be a launch coaster that will reach speeds of 59 mph. For some guests the speed and launches will make this a major thrill ride at Disney World.
Related Post: 9 Best Rides at Magic Kingdom
Best Thrill Rides at Epcot
Soarin’ Around the World
Soarin’ Around the World is actually not that thrilling to me. It is a simulator ride that raises guests off the ground in seats. I recently rode this during a visit to Disney World with our extended family. Those that didn’t like heights thought Soarin’ was scary. Be advised if heights bother you this may feel like a more thrilling ride than expected.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a launch coaster that goes forward and backwards reaching speeds of up to 60 mph. This is one of the most popular attractions currently at Epcot and is probably the most thrilling attraction at Epcot.
Mission Space: Orange Team
Mission Space simulates a space flight experience and much like real life some people suffer nausea and other ailments riding Mission Space. The attraction offers a choice of green team or orange team. I have only done the green team for fear of getting sick and ruining my day at the parks.
The Orange team is a much more intense experience. The G-force is high with this and the ride even offers motion sickness bags for guests riding.
Test Track
Test Track is a fun all ages attraction that “tests” cars to see if they can withstand the elements of heat, sharp turns, and other car tests. Riders get to customize their cars before they ride to see if what they made works against the elements.
The thrilling part of Test Track is the final part of the attraction where the car tests their speed. The cars reach a top speed of around 65 mph. This attraction is thrilling but not scary to most riders.
Related Post: Epcot with Kids: Tips for Planning a Day at Epcot for Families
Best Thrill Rides at Hollywood Studios
Tower of Terror
Tower of Terror may be one of the scariest ride at all of the Disney World parks. There are people that refuse to ride it and it offers extreme thrills for your Disney World vacation. Tower of Terror is a drop tower ride that takes you into the Hollywood Hotel among an eerie Twilight Zone themed setting.
Rise of the Resistance
Rise of the Resistance is located at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and it is a fully immersive ride experience. This is one that is worth the long waits. Rise of the Resistance is a thrilling ride fighting along the resistance with encounters of Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren. It is a fantastic attraction.
Rock n’ Roller Coaster
Rock n Roller Coaster is an indoor inverted launch coaster at Hollywood Studios. It reaches speeds of 57 mph. It is a very typical amusement park coaster other than the Aerosmith themeing and indoor location. If you do not like roller coasters this ride is not for you.
Slinky Dog Dash
I included Slinky Dog Dash because it is not quite a kiddie coaster and not really a big kid coaster. Don’t underestimate this coaster, even if you are visiting without kids. Slinky Dog Dash packs some thrills and reaches a top speed of 40 mph.
Related Post: 12 Best Attractions at Hollywood Studios
Best Thrill Rides at Animal Kingdom
Flight of Passage
Flight of Passage is an indoor simulator ride where guests climb on the back of a banshee at Pandora. This is a thrilling and fun attraction that most guests enjoy. It may cause motion sickness if you are prone to it. FYI: The Pandora area of Animal Kingdom also has one of our favorite quick service options at Disney World.
Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest is an indoor/outdoor roller coaster that reaches top speeds of 50 mph. It has a few surprises with a Yeti breaking the track and at certain points you can’t really tell which direction you are going. Expedition Everest offers big thrills at Animal Kingdom with an 80 foot drop.
Dinosaur
Dinosaur is an indoor dark ride that has guests on an adventure among dinosaur animatronics. It is thrilling because of the dark and dinosaurs popping up around every corner. Most people either love it or hate it!
Kali River Rapids
Kali River Rapids is a water ride where guests board a multi-person raft. It is not very intense but does have a 30 foot drop. Some guests will find thrills in the unpredictability of who will get soaked on the ride. This is fun for all ages, as long as you don’t mind getting wet. It is perfect of visiting Disney World in the summer!
Related Post: Best Rides at Animal Kingdom You Don’t Want to Miss
Top Thrill Rides at Disney World
If I had to pick our top thrill rides at Disney World I would pick Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Tower of Terror, Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog, and Flight of Passage. These are the best thrill rides at Disney World and we make sure to ride them each time we visit.
Disney World thrill rides range from intense to very intense which makes it a great park for families of all ages to visit.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.