“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls… I present to you the 8th wonder of the world, THE BACKSIDE OF WATER!” This statement very much embodies the if you know, you know the mindset. Disney fans around the world can tell you that famous line is from the “world-famous” Jungle Cruise at the Disney Parks.
Disney Parks attractions have the title of can’t miss for various reasons. Some of the best rides at Disney World bring a feeling of nostalgia and take you back to your childhood. Some attractions are can’t miss for adrenaline junkies.
We took a look at the attractions at Walt Disney World and came up with a list of what we think are the 15 best rides at Disney World. These are rides that visitors should not miss when visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth. We even invited some of our young Mouseketeers to give you their opinions on why you should try these fun attractions.
Although the attractions you are going to enjoy will depend on your personal preference (and threshold for thrill rides), the following list are some of our favorite Disney attractions and why we love them.
1. Avatar Flight of Passage
Sivako! Climb on top of a banshee for a breathtaking 3D flight over Pandor’s unique landscape.
“It feels like you’re there in this new world of Pandora. You can even smell it! I like how you can feel the banshee breathing! It’s like you are really on its back.” – Brooke
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 4.5
With the 3D elements and simulations, guests that are prone to motion sickness should proceed with caution. - Height Requirement: 44” or taller
- Park Location: Pandora – The World of Avatar — Disney’s Animal Kingdom
2. Rise of the Resistance
Rise of the Resistance is more than just a ride, it’s an experience. We would have to say that this is one of the best rides at Disney World or any Disney park. For nearly 20 minutes, you are fully immersed into a Star Wars story like no other.
“I just want to ride it again and again. You can’t really describe the overall feeling. It’s awesome!” – Joey, 13
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 4.5 (But the experience is a 10+!)
- Height Requirement: 40” or taller
- Park Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — Disney’s Hollywood Studios
3. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Do you want a backstage pass for the most thrilling attraction featuring one of the most famous bands? This attraction is not for the faint at heart. Our eyes widen and our face is in a permanent state of glee as we whip around at speeds of 57mph.
We are big fans of Aerosmith, so getting the chance to enjoy the attraction while jamming out to songs like “Walk This Way” or “Sweet Emotion” is a big bonus for us and gets it a spot on our list of best rides at Disney World.
“I don’t think my heart stops beating super fast for like 10 minutes after we ride it!” – Ava, 10
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 10
- Height Requirement: 48” or taller
- Park Location: Sunset Boulevard — Disney’s Hollywood Studios
4. Slinky Dog Dash
Some of our favorite Disney/Pixar films are the Toy Story movies. Seeing our toys come to life is simply magical. When Toy Story Land was added to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Slinky Dog Dash quickly became a fan favorite.
“You go up and down and woah! I like to see Jessie and Rex when you go down the really big part. It makes you go ahhhh!!” – Winston, 4
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 6
- Height Requirement: 38” or taller
- Park Location: Toy Story Land — Disney’s Hollywood Studios
5. Expedition Everest
It would not be a trip to Asia without climbing Everest. Not only is this attraction a thrilling coaster, but it adds a perfect backdrop for unique park pictures.
“It’s really fun! When you are on, even when you know what’s going to come next, you don’t know! It is always a surprise as if it was your first time. The height really makes you feel like you are on a mountain” – Ava, 10
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 9
- Height Requirement: 44” or taller
- Park Location: Asia — Disney’s Animal Kingdom
6. Splash Mountain
Let’s head on down to the laughing place! We have a soft-spot for Splash Mountain as it is a classic Disney Parks attraction. Perhaps the biggest draw is that not only do you get to cool down as you splash down, but the attraction lasts for nearly 20 minutes.
“The line queue has fun little things hidden and it’s fun for everyone. If you are hot in the parks it cools you off. Also, it takes a long time so it’s worth the wait and super funny.” Pia, 9
Recently, Disney Parks Blog announced that Disney would be retheming this attraction to feature the characters of The Princess and the Frog. We know it will still be a magical experience.
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 5.5
- Height Requirement: 40” or taller
- Park Location: Frontierland — Magic Kingdom
7. Kilimanjaro Safari
I know what you are thinking. Why would we suggest a ride in a truck to look at animals? It’s simple. This attraction is what Animal Kingdom is all about. Getting the chance to learn about animal conservation and seeing so many species in a unique way.
“The safari is fun because you bump around and see lots of cool animals” – Patrick, 8
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 2
- Height Requirement: None!
- Park Location: Africa — Disney’s Animal Kingdom
8. Soarin’
This is by far one of our favorite attractions and we truly think it’s one of the best rides at Disney World. Soarin’ is relaxing and fun.
Here is a tip: We always request to sit in the B section, 1st row. This gives us the best views of all destinations without any feet dangling in front of us. You may have to wait for the next ride to load, but it’s always worth it.
“Soarin takes you to places of the world you can’t always go and it makes you feel like you’re really there. I like the feeling of being up in the air and kind of flying” – Addi, 9
- Thrill Rating: 2.5
- Height Requirement: 40” or taller
- Park Location: The Land Pavilion — Epcot
9. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Never flown a starship before? Hondo Ohnaka is looking for discreet flight crews to deliver a backlog of hard-to-find items to particular clientele—no experience necessary!
Step onboard the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. Take on the role of pilot, engineer, or gunner on a daring smuggling mission.
“That was the best ride ever! If you sit on the right side, you can be the one to go into hyperspace!” – David, 9
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 4.5
- Height Requirement: 38” or taller
- Park Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
10. The Haunted Mansion
Another classic attraction at the Walt Disney World is the Haunted Mansion. Did you know that every Disney Park in the world has its own version of this ride?
“You get to solve a little mystery on your way in and enjoy the story. The ride is fun and I like the different scenes. It’s slow enough everyone can do it. Basically, it’s a spooky good time.” Grace, 13
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 2
- Height Requirement: None!
- Park Location: Liberty Square — Magic Kingdom
11. Pirates of the Caribbean
We love to take a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean each time we visit the Magic Kingdom. While the only real thrill is the small drop early in the ride, we love to marvel in the history of the ride. Seeing all of the animatronics created by the Imagineers is truly magical.
“It’s a really cool ride where you get to look for Jack Sparrow. And it’s got a good song” – Patrick, 8
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 2
- Height Requirement: none!
- Park Location: Adventureland — Magic Kingdom
12. Peter Pan’s Flight
You may walk by this attraction and wonder why it always has a long queue. Our answer is simple: it’s a classic!
The dark rides have nostalgia to them. We love being able to board a pirate ship, have a Cast Member sprinkle some Pixie Dust on us, and head to Neverland.
“It feels like you are really flying to Never Neverland. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, which everyone should, it tells the whole story so it’s like you are really in it. I love Peter Pan’s Flight.” Pia, 9
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 0
- Height Requirement: none!
- Park Location: Fantasyland — Magic Kingdom
13. Tower of Terror
Are you ready to check-in? Tower of Terror is perhaps one of the rides that we go on just for the sake of being scared. Our adrenaline goes up as we make our way through the story. Then when the drops start, so does our laughter.
“I love that it has sudden drops! I know they are coming, but they still scare me. …but scared in a good way!” – Leah, age 8
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 7.5
- Height Requirement: 40” or taller
- Park Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
14. Toy Story Mania
Who doesn’t love a little competition? This ride combines the fun of an attraction with the competitive nature of carnival games.
We love to battle it out for not only the top score in the car but the top score of the day! Want a higher score? Don’t play the practice round! Save your energy for the real games.
“It’s a ride but there are mini-games inside of it that you can play and compete against your family.” Laina, 14
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 3
- Height Requirement: None!
- Park Location: Toy Story Land — Disney’s Hollywood Studios
15. Spaceship Earth
Many ask if they should ride this attraction on the way into Epcot or on the way out. We say, why not both!
This classic attraction is a perfect fit for all ages. While there are no spills and thrills, there is something that brings out the magic of this attraction. How else would we know to thank the Phoenicians for being able to read this article?
“I like that it’s like a really, really slow rollercoaster. You can see lots of history and then be a part of the future. They take your picture and you get to see what the future when you grow up is like.” Merida, 7
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 0
- Height Requirement: None!
- Park Location: Future World — Epcot
* BONUS *
The Jungle Cruise
We can start this article with a Jungle Cruise quote without mentioning it as a must. The campy jokes make this ride a perfect attraction for the entire family.
If you have an adult-only cruise, you may even hear a few jokes that you would normally not get the opportunity to hear which makes it one of the best rides at Disney World for adults. We like to do our best to group up with other adults just for the added fun.
“The skippers have funny and unique jokes.” Laina 14”
- Thrill Rating: (0-10) 1
- Height Requirement: None!
- Park Location: Adventureland — Magic Kingdom
What’s Your Favorite Disney World Ride?
As you can see, there are lots of fun attractions to enjoy around the parks at Walt Disney World for everyone in the family. Be sure to check out all of the rides that Walt Disney World has to offer! If you have any questions about the rides and attractions Walt Disney World has to offer, reach our team of Dream Designers or request a quote here.
Be sure to contact your favorite Dream Designer travel agent, or request your free quote by clicking here.
