Oookay, friends… You may have joined us as we’ve ranked the rides in each of Disney World’s theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But today, we’re tackling one of our biggest challenges yet: We’re talking about ALL of the BEST Disney World Rides and how YOU should rank them.

What do we mean by that? Well, it means we’ll be sharing a few special considerations (kind of like pros and cons) of each ride to help you  decide which ones will best suit your traveling crew and should be added to your MUST-RIDE list.

Before we get started, let’s go over a few quick things:

• First: Remember that our rankings below are completely subjective. What might work for us won’t necessarily work for you or your traveling group, and vice-versa. (That’s what the noted “Potential Concerns” are for – to see BOTH angles from a more balanced perspective! It’s like taking a walk – or better yet, a RIDE – in someone else’s shoes.)
• Second: We’re breaking things down into three categories: Thrill Rides, Nostalgic Rides, and Kid-Friendly Rides. There could be some overlapping among the categories, but we’ll only review each attraction once.
• Third: We’re focusing on traditional rides, NOT shows, so you won’t find mention of a few favorites such as Animal Kingdom’s Festival of the Lion King or EPCOT’s Turtle Talk with Crush here.

And now, we’re off! Please keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the post at all times… and ENJOY THE RIDE!

The Best Disney World Thrill Rides

Ready for some THRILLS? Well then, we’ve got some good news for you… with the recent additions of TRON Lightcycle / Run to Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to EPCOT, every single one of Disney World’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — has at least one major thrill ride these days. Let’s rank ’em!

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a new attraction, having opened in EPCOT’s World Discovery in May of 2022. And in addition to being EPCOT’s very first roller coaster, there are other factors that make this ride truly unique. The attraction — which is one of the longest indoor roller coasters ever built — takes YOU on an intergalactic adventure with the Guardians of the Galaxy!

Cosmic Rewind is a family-friendly Omnicoaster, which means that the ride vehicles — the Starjumpers — spin a full 360 degrees on the track while reaching speeds up to 55 miles per hour. Cosmic Rewind also features the first ever reverse launch on a Disney coaster! The attraction also uses screen technology to project MCU characters around the ride. And we want to be sure to mention that because, even though this ride is unbelievably smooth, it DOES make a handful of guests queasy because of the rotating motions – PLUS the screen action – going on around them.

Oh, did I mention it’s all set to an AWESOME MIX?

DON’T MISS IF: You’re looking for a family-friendly coaster that’s both thrilling AND smooth-as-butter; It’s also got a hilarious script, a fantastic soundtrack, and it’s the first-ever Disney World Marvel ride!

POTENTIAL CONCERNS:  This ride can be rough on those who get motion sickness easily, so we talk about that more in-depth here and provide tips for those concerned here. Also, getting the required Boarding Pass to ride can be tricky on busy park days. Make sure to prepare ahead of time by clicking here.

Find out MUCH MORE about Cosmic Rewind HERE!

2. Tron Lightcyle/Run

The newest thrill to hit the scene is TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland! This coaster, based on the TRON films, just opened on April 4th, 2023 (it’s just new enough to still have that “new ride” smell 😉 ). Riders board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles and launch into THE GRID reaching speeds up to 59 miles per hour! (To give you an idea of the speed… although this is faster than Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, it doesn’t quite out-speed Test Track’s 65-mile per hour maximum.)

Though it’s a short ride (lasting just over a minute) without any inversions or huge drops, it packs a punch thanks to an EPIC launch and owing to the fact that it offers a DIFFERENT experience from day to night with help from the ride’s GIGANTIC canopy!

DON’T MISS IF: You love a speedy, zippy, winding, smooth, quick rush of a ride!

POTENTIAL CONCERNS:  Not every guests is physically comfortable in the ride vehicles (known as Lightcycles), which put the rider in an extreme forward lean. Fortunately, there are test seats in front of the attraction that allow you to try it out ahead of time. And if you find they aren’t comfortable for you, you can request adaptive seating for your ride. Also, getting the required Boarding Pass to ride this one can also be tricky. Make sure to prepare ahead of time by clicking here.

Click HERE for EVERYTHING You Need to Know About TRON Lightcycle / Run

3. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

“One stormy night long ago, five people stepped through the door of an elevator and into a nightmare…” And so begins your chilling ride on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! After you learn the story of the ill-fated five, you’re invited to board the still-functioning service elevator through the boiler room for a one way trip straight to the Twilight Zone.

The Tower of Terror is actually a combination of two different ride systems – an accelerated drop tower (to the tune of 13 stories) and a dark ride. Additionally, the ride sequences are random, so you never know if you’ll start the ride by shooting UP the elevator shaft or dropping down, down, DOWN into its depths. (You also don’t know how many times you’ll wind up dropping in total, so some ride experiences might be more intense than others.)

DON’T MISS IF: You love the THRILL of the CHILL! This ride delivers on the eerie and ominous tones that you begin to pick up on in the queue to enter this long-forgotten hotel. And if you love that free-falling feeling, this one’s for you, too. (The reason the drop feels so dramatic is that it actually has cables to pull the ride vehicle slightly faster than a normal free-fall would be — up to a max speed of 39 mph!)

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Do you fear the freefall? I do. I sincerely love this ride because it’s SO immersive and amazingly well-executed… and yet I can still only deal with the drop about once a year. (I’m not kidding — it takes me that long to gather my courage again.) It’s also not the best for kiddos (or adults) who don’t want to experience the dark and creepy side of Disney.

LOVE the Tower of Terror? Find out EVERYTHING you want to know about it HERE!

4. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

“Love in a ROLLER COASTER!” It’s Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith! This ride is also located on Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, just steps away from the Tower of Terror. Rock ‘n’ Roller is a high-speed indoor coaster where YOU’RE on your way to party backstage at an Aerosmith concert.

This coaster launches you from 0-60 mph into the dark — and STRAIGHT into a LOOP — with only neon signs lighting your way and hit tunes from Aerosmith providing your soundtrack. (My personal favorite? Sweet Emotion. What’s yours?)  This one is a true blast for thrill ride enthusiasts, thanks to loops, corkscrews, and surprising sharp turns that can’t be anticipated in the darkness. However, where TRON and Cosmic Rewind are surprisingly smooth, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is ANYTHING BUT. You WILL experience jostling on this rather rough ride.

DON’T MISS IF: You’re a thrill ride enthusiast who loves a coaster loop and the idea of a 0-60 LAUNCH! Believe me, you’ll FEEL IT.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: It’s not traditional motion sickness that’s the concern with this one (though it may be for you, if you can’t handle inversions) so much as the bit of jarring on the corkscrews and (at least for me) at the end. Members of our team have shared the need to take a Tylenol after taking on the ride. It’s also not recommended as a first-time roller coaster.

5. Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

There’s no mistaking it when you see it looming large in the distance in Animal Kingdom’s Asia… it’s EVEREST. More specifically 😉 , it’s Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain!

And there’s a LOT more to it than that HUGE HILL on this high-speed roller coaster you see in the photo above. Brace yourself for intense turns, steep hills, and speeding around the track in complete darkness… while riding BACKWARDS. Oh, and there’s the not-so-small matter that a YETI is chasing your train down the whole time. And I’m here to tell you: He’s NOT this cute and cuddly on the ride…

DON’T MISS IF: You love a good thrill ride with unique and fantastic theming! The backwards movement packs an extra punch.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Well, we’re back to that whole “backwards” thing, which might not be a fit for those with motion sickness concerns or those who don’t like the feeling of not being able to see what’s coming. The darkness certainly adds an ominous air to the experience that can frighten younger ones. And just a note that there are some flashing lights at moments for anyone who may be sensitive.

6. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Next up: Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Okay, I’m guessing you might be thinking, “Wait a minute… why is possibly the single most popular ride in Disney World ranked as just sixth this list?” Well, it’s because Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, while certainly exciting, isn’t your typical thrill ride. It’s not your typical ride, period. We’re not talking about loop-dee-loops or huge drops (though there IS a bit of a surprising drop that’s short and smooth).

Disney has stated that Rise of the Resistance is “one of the most advanced and immersive experiences ever undertaken by Walt Disney Imagineering.”  The attraction is a 20+ minute experience featuring multiple levels, 4+ ride systems, and over 300 animatronic figures. Perhaps the most thrilling aspect is the tension you feel due to the unbelievable level of immersive details as YOU face-off Kylo Ren… and he’s NOT backing down easy! This is it: You are IN STAR WARS.

DON’T MISS IF: You can’t resist the lure of Star Wars and/or experiencing a truly one-of-a-kind ride that uses multiple ride systems to pull the whole story off.  Oh, and the story doesn’t just take place on the ride – it happens in the queue, too! It’s Disney at its best.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Honestly? The biggest concerns with this one are 1. long wait times due to its immense popularity; 2. the potential for the ride breaking down during your visit due to the complexity of the attraction; and 3. the potential to do some budget damage. You see, Rise of the Resistance does offer a traditional — and free —  Standby Line. But you can purchase an Individual Lightning Lane (pay-per-ride) via the Disney Genie to the tune of $15.00 – $25.00 (GULP!) PER PERSON in your traveling group. (Prices vary based on date.) While this obviously helps you avoid those waits in the Standby Line, it can cost a pretty penny indeed.

Click HERE for MUCH MORE about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance!

7. Avatar Flight of Passage

In the same vein as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Avatar Flight of Passage in Animal’s Kingdom’s Pandora – The World of Avatar  does not classify as your typical thrill ride. It’s NOT a roller coaster, and again, it’s safe to say it’s also unlike any other ride in Disney World (though the ride does share some similarities with EPCOT’s Soarin’ Around the World; however, as opposed to a chair, guests board seats similar to a bike, and the experience is presented in 3-D).

Though the ride doesn’t technically go upside down, there is a moment where you sure do feel like it does. Cast Members inform guests that they will be restrained at a height above the ground and that the floor will move in case fear of heights or motion sickness is a concern.

Essentially, Avatar Flight of Passage places you on the back of your own banshee to glide over Pandora alongside the Navi. As Dr. Jackie Ogden explains while you’re in the queue, “You’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of Pandora, but you might also face some of its greatest challenges. Some of this flight might be intense. But trust your guide and be brave. As the Na’vi say during this important rite of passage, ‘Sivako.’ Rise to the challenge.”  And if you do rise to challenge, you’ll discover a ride that is simply stunning.

DON’T MISS IF: You want to experience the feeling of flying (I mean, not that I’d know personally, but it sure feels like it’s pretty darn close!) and you don’t want to miss some truly amazing ride technology, sensations, and immersive storytelling.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: It’s not best for those who get motion sickness easily OR have an intense fear of heights; Additionally, the ride itself begins with intense flashing lights which we want to mention for those who are sensitive.

For more on Avatar Flight of Passage, click HERE!

8. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

They don’t call it “The WILDEST RIDE IN THE WILDERNESS” for nothin’! It’s none other than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland! This family-friendly roller coaster twists and turns through a haunted gold mine by way of an abandoned train that runs itself! Beware the ghostly town of Tumbleweed, unless “U.B. Bold…”

This coaster takes some sudden turns through a ghost town (and a couple of caves, too)! But for those who get a little shaken by giant ride drops or upside down loops, no need to fear! This coaster might be thrilling (and a little bit rough at times), but it’s a pretty accessible one for all riders over 40 inches tall.

DON’T MISS IF: You want a classic wooden roller coaster experience with terrific theming. This one is especially great for those who like thrills, but might get easily motion sick on coasters with loops and big drops. 

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: The back seat of this attraction offers a faster — and bumpier — experience. Just a heads up that it might be too rough for some kiddos (and even adults). If this causes concern, you may request a seat closer to the front from the Cast Member assigning rows. (Typically, special requests for the back are more popular, so it should be less of a challenge to score a seat closer to the front.) 

Mosey on over to Frontierland with us HERE!

9. Test Track

In the same neighborhood as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — EPCOT’s World Discovery — you’ll encounter another thrill: Test Track. Here, your vehicle is put through a pretty intense performance test with VERY sudden stops and sharp turns,  all culminating in a speed text of 60+ miles per hour outside.

A heads up: because the final zooming stretch takes place outside, this ride is EXTREMELY sensitive when it comes to stormy weather. It’s a good idea to check your weather app BEFORE you get in line to make sure your wait time isn’t going to be interrupted by inclement weather. 

DON’T MISS IF: You have a NEED for SPEED!

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Again, the vehicle brakes are “tested” with VERY sudden stops that can be quite jarring.

10. Space Mountain

Before TRON came along, Space Mountain was Tomorrowland’s solo thrill. Another one of Magic Kingdom’s famous MOUNTAINS, Space Mountain will launch you on a roller coaster… in the DARK! The twists, turns, and drops you’ll encounter can’t be seen ahead of time, making this star-filled space adventure all the more thrilling!

Due to the darkness of this ride, you’ll likely feel as though you’re going a LOT faster than you actually are – but, in reality, you’re only reaching speeds up to 35 mph. There are sudden small drops and a few jolt-worthy turns, but no inversions. 

DON’T MISS IF: You want to experience an iconic Disney coaster that zips through space IN THE DARK!

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Take a little more time with your decision to ride if you’re uncomfortable not seeing what’s in front of you and therefore not knowing what to expect next. Also, the much newer Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has a lot of the same vibes, so you might prefer it’s smooth-sailing over Space Mountain’s undeniably rougher tracks. 

Space Mountain in Disneyland vs. Disney World

The BEST Disney World Nostalgic Rides

Want to feel like a kid again? Or maybe bring your own Mini Me for their first ride on those attractions you loved the most when you were a child (and that still hold a special place in your heart)? That’s what this list is all about: the BEST Disney World rides for a rush of nostalgia!

1. Peter Pan’s Flight

“Think of the happiest things, it’s the same as having wings…” Yes, YOU CAN FLY over London (and even into Neverland and Pirate’s Cove) on one of Disney World’s most popular attractions: Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland! Peter Pan’s Flight is a timeless dark ride with a rather unique omnimover system. Instead of your ride vehicle being pulled along via track on the floor, you’ll soar through the air thanks to the track up above. 

Fair warning: Despite being one of the oldest rides in the park, Peter Pan’s Flight racks up sky-high wait times starting early in the morning and rarely dwindling throughout the day. A few years ago, the ride’s queue was enhanced with interactive elements, which provide some fun while you wait. 

DON’T MISS IF: You love that quintessential Disney charm… it simply oozes out of Peter Pan’s Flight! This ride gets extra fun points for its immersive indoor queue.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Though the queue is indeed fun, it is really  tough to be distracted through the entirety of what can be a VERY  lengthy wait for what is ultimately a VERY short ride. Should you choose to purchase Disney Genie+ for your visit to Magic Kingdom, Peter Pan’s Flight is included and is a great use of Genie+ for its Lightning Lane access.

2. Jungle Cruise

Welcome to the World Famous Jungle Cruise in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland! Your dedicated Jungle Cruise Skipper will guide you through a gentle boat ride along exotic rivers across Asia, Africa and South America. Here, you’ll see (audio animatronic) elephants, tigers, hippos, and more in the wild, along with unforgettable sites such as the Eighth Wonder of the World… the BACKSIDE OF WATER!

Yes, it’s all more than a little punny. And if you don’t believe me, then you’re in the river of… DE-NILE. You see, what REALLY makes this ride stand out are the Cast Members — here known as Jungle Cruise Skippers — leading you along the way with jokes, wisecracks, and puns (and more puns and then a few more puns) for a humor-filled adventure!

DON’T MISS IF: You appreciate Disney humor, corny jokes, and wonderful Disney Cast Members combined with an easy-going boat ride and fun audio animatronics!

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: If you’re looking for REAL animals, you won’t find ’em here. (We’ll chat a little bit later about Kilimanjaro Safaris for that.) And though Skipper jokes can indeed vary (and the ride receives an overlay and becomes the Jingle Cruise for the holiday season!), they can also become familiar after a few ride throughs. One more note: because the boats are slow-loading, the waits can become quite lengthy! Tackle this one early in the day (or later at night for some extra mystique!) or use Disney Genie+ for its Lightning Lane access if you purchase it.

3. Haunted Mansion

999 Happy Haunts dwell inside the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square (and you can learn ALL about them here). Climb into a Doom Buggy for a dark (yet family-friendly and whimsical!) ride through these chilling chambers, guided by your Ghost Host. But, BEWARE…

… “A GHOST MAY FOLLOW YOU HOME!” BUT, don’t you fret all that much… though the Mansion indeed appears ominous as you approach (and the tone continues through the indoor portion of the queue), the Happy Haunts are more charming than frightening, and are completely appropriate for all ages. It is possible that little ones may be scared by the darkness along with the haunting presences lurking around every corner. But — just sharing a personal experience — my four-year-old niece was somewhat hesitant to ride Haunted Mansion, then had completely fallen in love with it by the time a Hitchhiking Ghost “appeared” in her Doom Buggy. 

DON’T MISS IF: You love classic Disney served up with a side SPOOKS! This ride is so beloved — and with good reason — that it even has its own dedicated merchandise location SOLELY dedicated to the ride.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Might not be the best if your little one scares easily.

Click HERE to read 25 seriously cool facts and secrets about the Haunted Mansion!

P.S. Another Ghost will soon be taking up residence in the Mansion… FIND OUT MORE HERE!

4. Spaceship Earth

Not only does Spaceship Earth in EPCOT’s World Celebration serves as the park’s signature icon… it’s also an attraction! (Perhaps you’re feeling so very nostalgic right now that you’re thinking to yourself, “Huh? What’s World Celebration??” Well, it’s one of three neighbrhoods — along with World Discovery and World Nature — that now comprise the area previously known as Future World.) Spaceship Earth explores the history of human communication as you travel through time by way of an Omnimover-style ride vehicle. And as the 16-minute ride concludes, you may get a glimpse into your own FUTURE!

This ride is both charming and educational, but it’s definitely in need of some TLC. In fact, back in 2019, Disney announced that Spaceship Earth would be undergoing MAJOR renovations – “featuring great moments of human history along with a focus on storytelling rather than inventions and technology” — that would require a lengthy closure of the ride to accomplish! However, after the temporary closure of Disney World in 2020, these plans were postponed indefinitely. (But we’ll certainly keep you posted if the status changes!)

DON’T MISS IF: You want to experience classic retro-EPCOT! In the midst of the HUGE transformation of EPCOT, Spaceship Earth remains in its OG form (not counting changes in narration and a few other aspects over the years) as the park’s flagship attraction. Plus, this ride is PACKED with animatronics in detailed scenes, so there’s something new to see even with multiple re-rides.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Regarding our little “TLC” note above, technical difficulties can cause this ride to have a few “hiccups.”

5. Living with the Land

We need to give you a FAIR WARNING about Living with the Land in EPCOT’s World Nature: You may become so relaxed by this gentle 14-minute boat ride that you won’t even realize the education you’re receiving as you pass through EPCOT’s own greenhouses and hydroponic gardens! This ride will teach you all about Disney’s innovative growing methods and fish farming techniques, all while exploring the history of human impact on our planet while using different cultivating practices. 

Adults might be ready to paint their thumbs green after this ride, but Living the Land may get a bit tedious for younger riders wondering where their favorite Disney characters might be hiding out. (SPOILER ALERT: Save for a few really fun Hidden Mickeys, they aren’t in there.) 

P.S. You can enjoy produce directly from this attraction when you dine in Sunshine Seasons or Garden Grill Restaurant!

DON’T MISS IF: You’re beyond ready for some rest and relaxation in a truly peaceful atmosphere.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Do you have a squirmy little one who gets bored easily? Maybe save this one for when you feel naptime approaching. There’s no thrills here, and no real storyline, either… it’s just good ol’ agriculture. (That said, I think many folks are surprised to find how much they truly do enjoy this classic EPCOT attraction.)

Explore EPCOT’s World Nature HERE

6. “it’s a small world”

Take a relaxing voyage by boat on “The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed!” “it’s a small world” is a truly quintessential Magic Kingdom Opening Day attraction that should not be missed… no matter what I say in the “concerns” below! It should absolutely be ridden AT LEAST once.

You’ll sail through the seven continents surrounded by dancing dolls dressed in beautiful costumes representing various counties and cultures as you take in the distinctive design work of artist Mary Blair and the attraction’s signature song composed by the Sherman Brothers. It’s another one of those iconic Disney rides that Walt Disney himself played a major hand in creating. 

DON’T MISS IF: You want to experience ALL the classic Disney World rides! (Plus, I’ve already shared my opinion that this colorful, cute attraction should not be missed by anyone. Even if the song gets on your nerves after hearing it over and over and over throughout the ride, it’s still a beautiful sentiment and when you really take it the detailed design, it’s actually quite a stunner.)

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Really, just a few notes more than “concerns”: Yes, you may get the song stuck in your head for the rest of the day. And heads up that the Disney World version does not feature any Disney characters (as the ride in Disneyland does).

7. Journey into Imagination with Figment

“From head to tail, he’s royal purple pigment, and there — Voila! — you’ve got a Figment!” And this Figment of Imagination will lead you on a whimsical and musical journey (with help from Dr. Nigel Channing) through the five senses on Journey into Imagination with Figment in EPCOT’s World Celebration!

During the course of this easy-going ride, Dr. Nigel Channing is trying to take you through his Sensory Lab inside the Imagination Institute, but his little purple dragon companion – Figment – has OTHER ideas on how this tour should go. The ride features mind tricks, illusions, and stinky smellitizers. Kiddos are either going to go absolutely bonkers for this ride… or be slightly terrified of it. Expect loud noises, sudden rushes of air blown into your face, and a lil’ Eau de SKUNK. 

DON’T MISS IF: You’re looking for a colorful, kooky, and great ride for kiddos… and if you want to know what all the FIGMENT FUSS is about! OR if you want to see Figment in his attraction BEFORE you meet him when he arrives at EPCOT at his own Meet-and-Greet soon!

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: I repeat: Eau de SKUNK. (And, seriously, there are some moments that can really take little ones by surprise… and not necessarily in a good way.) It’s not the best for older kids or teens who might find the different gimmicks and the “Imagination” song *cringe-y*.

8. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Relax and take in the views of Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland (and beyond) by way of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover! (And if the first thing that just popped into your mind is “WEDWAY,” then WELCOME TO THE NOSTALGIA CLUB, my friend!!)

This slow-moving tram takes you around the perimeter of Tomorrowland AND behind-the-scenes of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Space Mountain, and the Star Traders gift shop. (It’s sort of like a kitschy touristy tour through a futuristic realm.)  Sit back and breeze through Space Mountain and get a GREAT look at TRON Lightcyle / Run while enjoying terrific overhead views of the land.

FUN FACT! While riding the PeopleMover, you’ll get a glance at the model for the original vision for EPCOT called Progress City. This original model was intended to be a living community, which is very different than the EPCOT we have today! This is the real-deal actual model, restored over the years and moved to Disney World for guests to view.

DON’T MISS IF: You need to be part of the PeopleMover’s cult following. (WE WELCOME YOU!) It’s also a fun, relaxing, and cool way (like, literally cool, since you can get a little A/C) to experience seeing Space Mountain. It’s a simple attraction that also quite enjoyable.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: There are no action-packed thrills here. Plus, this classic attraction breaks down more than your average ride. (I’ve been evacuated off of it at least twice, and once sat still on it for a half-hour while waiting for said evac.)

The BEST Disney World Kid-Friendly Rides

Our final list features Kid-Friendly rides, but the vast majority are FUN for the whole family!

1. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

In Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, riders “shrink” to rat-size and embark on a journey across Chef Gusteau’s restaurant kitchen in Paris. The ride bombards guests with the sights, sounds, and smells of the kitchen as they’re chased through it on their way to safety in this trackless dark ride!

Complete with 4-D effects like water, wind, and even fragrances adding to the experience, you will STEP IN to Ratatouille like never before! These add to the 3-D effects from the screens presenting the story (with help from 3-D glasses, of course) in addition to HUGE props that really make you feel… well, rat-sized. Being set in Paris, naturally this ride is found in EPCOT’s France pavilion.

DON’T MISS IF: You’re looking for a great family-friendly attraction. While this is certainly kid-friendly, there are enough thrills and effects that all ages can find it enjoyable and memorable.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: The WAIT TIMES! Even though Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is EPCOT’s newer attraction (it opened in May 2022, while Remy opened on October 1st, 2021), Remy keeps on racking up the Wait Times pretty consistently. Disney World Resort hotel guests can tackle it during Early Theme Park Entry, and those purchasing Disney Genie+ should consider prioritizing a Lightning Lane for this attraction.

Read more about Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure HERE!

2. Frozen Ever After

If you have any little Frozen fans in your group, you CAN’T MISS Frozen Ever After in EPCOT’s Norway pavilion! This ride features audio animatronics of all the most beloved characters and songs from the first film. (Which means that, YES, you can belt out “Let It Go” with Elsa herself!).

There are even a few unexpected small thrills here (like the tiny drop at the end of the ride after you come face-to-face with Marshmallow the Snow Monster). And because this is a water ride, you may even get a bit wet (though not soaked). 

DON’T MISS IF: You don’t need me to tell you.. the minute your kiddo sees the word “FROZEN,” they’ll probably be begging you to go on this one. 😉 Additionally, this ride features some pretty cool audio animatronic technology that you won’t see in many other spots, making it a fun ride for all ages. (And don’t try to tell me you don’t want to sing along with Elsa, too!)

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Again, there is a bit of a drop, but not so big that this kid-friendly ride should be avoided. But it might be worth giving your kiddo a heads up, or simply placing your arm around them when you see Marshmallow. And yep, you’ll surely encounter LINES, so once again, those purchasing Disney Genie+ should consider prioritizing a Lightning Lane for this attraction.

3. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway  — which is the first ride-through attraction starring Mickey Mouse himself — features an original storyline and an original song. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway utilizes what Disney calls 2½D (as opposed to 2D or 3D) technology that brings the ride’s two-dimensional cartoons to life in a brand new way. So not only do you follow Mickey and Minnie into the zany cartoon world, but you truly become immersed and feel like part of the cartoon yourself!

Seriously, through the power of projection mapping, screen technology, and audio animatronics, this trackless dark ride will make you feel like YOU’VE been dropped directly into one of those Mickey Mouse animated shorts that you can find on Disney+! Oh, and you can find the RIDE on Hollywood Boulevard, front and center in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

DON’T MISS IF: You’re looking for a great family-friendly attraction. This is another one!

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: You’ll spin through a windy tornado scene that can easily knock any lose Minnie Mouse Ears or hat off your head if you don’t remove them first! (That’s been my experience, anyhoo… not the losing part, thankfully, but I always keep an extra grip on my Ears, just in case!) And, as one of the newest rides in Hollywood Studios (and due to its prime real estate in the park), the lines stay fairly consistent throughout the day. They’re not HUGE, but it’s not unusual to see an hour wait. Disney World Resort hotel guests can tackle it during Early Theme Park Entry, and those purchasing Disney Genie+ should consider prioritizing a Lightning Lane for this attraction.

4. Toy Story Mania!

You’ll find Toy Story Mania! in Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This 4D ride simulates classic carnival shootin’ gallery games complete with Toy Story friends and themes! Take a spin while you take on your friends and family in 5 different games: Hamm & Eggs, Rex & Trixie’s Dino Darts, Green Army Men Shoot Camp, Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers, and Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery!

This ride-meets-larger-than-life video game uses 3D glasses. So if you’re already wearing glasses, you should STILL be okay, buuuut they could make things a little more difficult.

DON’T MISS IF: You’re excited about a fantastically fun ride with the Toy Story pals and don’t mind a little friendly competition among the fam! The queue features so many awesome nods to toys from childhood (well, my Gen X childhood, in any case) that we might have opted to include this in the Nostalgic Rides category for the queue alone!

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: This ride isn’t the greatest for those who aren’t fans of the 3D glasses-based rides. Oh, and you may feel the burn in your arm from the attraction’s spring-loaded shooter if you’re the competitive sort… but don’t let that stop you!

Take a tour of Toy Story Land HERE!

5. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

“To Infinity… and BEYOND!” Buzz Lightyear has recruited YOU to help him stop the Evil Emporer Zurg on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland! And spin you will as you ride  an XP-37 star cruiser through the Gamma Quadrant and aim at glowing targets throughout the attraction with an infrared laser cannon.

P.S. Up for a little more friendly competition? Hit those targets (the “Z”s you see in the photo below), and you’ll earn POINTS to see which recruit in your group has helped Buzz the most!

DON’T MISS IF: You’re excited about ANOTHER ride with Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story and OODLES of the Little Green Men!

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: There is 360-spinning action, BUT you can control how much you spin on this ride, if that’s a concern. And simply speaking frankly, it’s not as good as of a shooting gallery ride when compared to Toy Story Mania!, as discussed above. If you’d like to experience both, consider spinning with Buzz first to save the best for next. 

6. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Earlier in this post, we FLEW with Peter Pan in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, and now it’s time to SOAR with Dumbo the Flying Elephant! Use the levers in your flying pal to move up and down, and be sure to take in the magical views when you’re in the sky on this aerial carousel.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant was an original Magic Kingdom Opening Day attraction. But even elephants might crave some change from time to time. These days, there is a DUO of Dumbo rides to accommodate more guests, and everyone can also enjoy some air-conditioning thanks to the addition of a nearby circus-tent-meets-play-area as they await their chance to ride!

DON’T MISS IF: You plan to hit up all the classic Disney attractions during your trip. Whether you’re a fan of ariel carousels or not, Dumbo is ICONIC. It’s truly one of those “rite of passage” Magic Kingdom experiences. Plus the interactive play area is air conditioned for adults while the kiddos can burn off some of that extra energy! WIN-WIN!

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: This simple ride is short and can also get monotonous. Fortunately, Duo Dumbo can welcome more guests these days, which has brought weight times down significantly, so you won’t likely wait a long time for potentially little payoff. 

7. Kilimanjaro Safaris

Animal Kingdom’s Africa hosts its very own SAFARI: Kilimanjaro Safaris feels much longer that its 18-minute ride length… but I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s because it packs such a full experience into that time. During the course of this safari tour, you’ll get to see up to (and possibly over) 34 species of live animals on Disney’s very own African savanna – featuring wildlife such as giraffes, hippos, lions, elephants, rhinos, flamingos… (Seriously, I could keep going, but I think you get the idea. There’s a LOT to see here.)

And because this is a ride-through featuring real animals, you’ll have a truly different experience every time! It’s simply amazing, and a must-do. 

DON’T MISS IF: You don’t want to miss Animal Kingdom’s centerpiece. It’s a relaxing Jeep tour that’s great for everyone.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: The savanna is the animal’s home. And while that’s the BEST aspect of this attraction, it’s good to know that animals — just like us — can get tired in the height of the midday heat. If you hit this ride up when it’s TOO hot, you may not get to see as many animals as you would when temps are cooler. Riding first thing in the morning is a great touring strategy for this one. 

8. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros

The Mexico Pavilion is the ONLY country in EPCOT’s World Showcase where most of the action’s happening INSIDE an Aztec Pyramid, in order to reflect the nighttime energy of a festive Mexican marketplace underneath a starlit sky no matter the time of day. You’ll find shops, restaurants, and a looming smoking volcano in the distance – and you’ll ALSO find the Gran Fiesta Tour – Starring The Three Caballeros. This gentle boat ride drifts past the San Angel Inn Restaurante before taking you inside the show building, where you’ll meet Jose Carioca, Panchito, and…

WAIT. Where’s Donald? Turns out, he’s off on his own adventures around Mexico. Meaning it’s up to YOU and the other two Caballeros to track him down!

DON’T MISS IF: You’re looking for relaxation and some vintage charm. Basically, you’re not gonna work too terribly hard tracking down Donald. You’re main job is to float along and enjoy. Plus you can often hop in line WHENEVER and get on with little-to-no wait. 

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: This one might feel a bit dated to some.

9. Under the Sea — Journey of The Little Mermaid

Is Sebastian the crab correct? Is life truly “THE BUBBLES Under the Sea?” Well, we know one way you can find out… by boarding your very own clamshell and winding through the Journey of The Little Mermaid in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland! See friends like Ariel, Prince Eric, Scuttle, Flounder, and many, MANY more nautical pals and become part of their world through songs and sea creatures depicting scenes from the beloved film in this dark omnimover ride. 

P.S. If you’re little one LOVES this attraction and/or The Little Mermaid, don’t forget that they can also meet Ariel herself in TWO different locations! Right in Magic Kingdom, you’ll find Ariel from the animated version of the film at Ariel’s Grotto. And in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can meet Ariel from the new live-action film!

Check out the NEW Ariel Meet-and-Greet HERE!

DON’T MISS IF: You or your own little mermaids or princes would LOVE to relive a thorough recap of The Little Mermaid movie in a colorful and musical journey!

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Just a heads up for wee ones that Ursula, the film’s Villain, does make an appearance… and she’s not so much a “LIFE IS THE BUBBLES!” kinda gal.

10. The Seas with Nemo and Friends

The Seas with Nemo and Friends in EPCOT’S World Nature is an omnimover dark ride where you’ll be along to help Marlin, Dory, and the rest of the big blue friends find Nemo. (Again!) And it’s certainly cute. Plus the lovable Crush is one of the “Friends” that makes an appearance! 

But, in my opinion, the coolest part is when Nemo and the crew come together at the end swimming side by side along REAL sea creatures straight from the large aquarium in the pavilion’s SeaBase Alpha! (And you can get a CLOSER look at these fish AFTER the ride, since it’ll exit you out into the SeaBase area to learn more about the sharks, rays, anemones, and other aquatic creatures living within the facility.)

DON’T MISS IF: You want to sing along with “BIG BLUE WORLD!” And you’d like to get a glimpse at some of many the REAL creatures who call The Seas pavilion their home in a ride-along fashion.

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: Older kids and teens might be looking for something more exciting. 

11. “it’s a small world”

I’ve said it before (under “Nostalgic Rides” above), and I’ll say it again…

DON’T MISS “it’s a small world”!

I believe I’ve made my point. 😉

12. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Hop in a Hunny Pot and bounce-bounce-bounce your way through The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland! Friends from Hundred Acre Wood will join you in this slow dark ride adventure including Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo, Eeyore, Piglet… aaaand, let’s see… who am I forgetting?

Oh, that’s right… TIGGER, TOO! This feel-good ride brings you right alongside Pooh and pals during their most well-known journeys.

DON’T MISS IF: You enjoy the idea of a gentle dark ride through the Hundred Acre Woods, with a few mechanics adding some extra fun to the whimsy. (Remember… I mentioned bounce-bounce-bouncing earlier, didn’t I? But don’t worry — it’s nothing rattling — it’s just fun!)

POTENTIAL CONCERNS: As is the case with Nemo and Friends above, older kids and teens might be looking for a different or more exciting tone. (But who doesn’t love the Heffalumps and Woozles??)

We hope this helps you make your list of Must-Rides for your Disney World vacation! And if you’re looking for more planning help, we’ve got plenty for you RIGHT HERE!

Click HERE for the ULTIMATE Guide to Planning A Walt Disney World Vacation!