Okay, so we’ll be honest.
Narrowing this list down to just seven rides was not easy. If we were putting together a “Top 7” for Disney die-hards, it might look a little different (looking at you, PeopleMover and Haunted Mansion). But this list? This one’s for everyone.
We’re talking about the heavy-hitters. The rides that most people, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, walk off saying, “Oh my goddd, that was amazing.”
Know that these rides can generate the longest lines BUT also the most post-ride grins.
Of course, there are so many incredible attractions across all four parks that picking just seven feels a little unfair. There are quiet gems, nostalgic favorites, and rides that totally depend on your vibe that day.
I mean, our writers will take a spin on Toy Story Mania over Rise of the Resistance any day at Hollywood Studios. But A LOT of people would disagree with us. And this blog is for the people. It ain’t about us.
Whether you’re mapping out your very first Disney World trip or just want to make sure you’re hitting the fan favorites, here are the seven rides that we—and a whole lot of other Disney fans—consider absolute must-dos.
7. Soarin’ Around the World
Park: EPCOT
Height Requirement: 40”
Have you ever felt like hang-gliding around the Eiffel Tower or across the Serengeti? Well, now you can. An innovative 4D experience, Soarin’ immerses all the senses in an exciting “flight” around the world.
Way less scary than it sounds, there are no sharp drops or turns, making it a ride we recommend to absolutely everyone.
6. Space Mountain
Park: Magic Kingdom
Height Requirement: 44”
Blast off in your (very tiny) rocket on this classic nostalgia-bomb of a Disney coaster! Much like deep space, there are no lights on this ride, and while Space Mountain’s drops and turns could be considered mild, the lack of visibility may heighten the thrill factor for new astronauts.
Also, please don’t watch us try to get out of the “bobsled-style” ride vehicles with all our merch at the end.
5. Expedition Everest
Park: Animal Kingdom
Height Requirement: 44”
Scoring a little higher on the intensity scale than, say, it’s a small world, this coaster is a thrilling, breakneck adventure around Everest in an attempt to escape the legendary Yeti.
If you’re not sure about riding, stand near the drop and listen for the screams…of laughter. Good luck riding this one only once!
4. Tower of Terror
Park: Hollywood Studios
Height Requirement: 40”
Thrills? Check. Theming? Yep. Tension? Oh, yeah.
Infamous for the nearly 200-foot vertical drop that has been terrorizing park visitors for the better part of three decades, would you believe us if we told you most people – even the nervous, hesitant ones – end up loving this ride? It’s almost worth it for the queue alone!
3. Rise of the Resistance
Park: Hollywood Studios
Height Requirement: 40”
Join forces with a rebel squadron as they try to bust out of the Empire’s clutches in an action-packed adventure you don’t even have to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy. Bursting with high-tech production and plenty of bad guys and light sabers, Rise of the Resistance is definitely worth the hype!
2. Flight of Passage
Park: Animal Kingdom
Height Requirement: 44”
Taking 4D simulator technology to the next level, here’s your chance to ride on the back of a banshee through stunning scenes in the world of Pandora.
We’re not into major spoilers around here, so let us just impart: Flight of Passage falls into its own “do not miss” category and is a truly jaw-dropping experience, especially the first time you ride. Buy the Single Lightning Lane Pass or hit it last thing at night before the park closes.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Park: EPCOT
Height Requirement: 42”
High-tech? Reverse launch? 360-degree rotating ride vehicles? It’s as if Space Mountain was built in 2050, and the seat is a couch. It’s a compliment, we swear.
This fully enclosed roller coaster hurtling through the galaxy is surprising, thrilling, and well worth the hype. Don’t miss it!
Note: Some people do complain of motion sickness after riding, but we actually recommend riding a second time later if you can handle it! You’ll know what to expect and can enjoy the effects much better as a result. We enjoyed our second ride way more than the first.
Are we ready to ride?
Like we said, narrowing down dozens of rides across each of the four Disney parks to a top 7 was tough. And if you want our honest opinion, there is no “bad” ride at Disney World.
But when we think about the rides at Disney you really don’t want to miss? The ones worth planning your day around? These are the ones that kept coming up, again and again.
How do you make sure you actually get to ride all of your high-priority attractions? We’ll tell it to ya straight: you need a solid game plan. Check out our itineraries for the best insider tips, expert strategies, and pro recommendations to help plan your next Disney vacay!