Best Roller Coasters at Disney World (2024)

Ranking Disney’s Nine Roller Coasters Based on Thrills and Themes

The thrill rides are a major part of what makes Disney theme parks so special. Among the resort’s thrill rides are nine roller coasters, each offering a unique twist on the classic attraction. Listed below are Disney roller coasters ranked by their thrill factor and theme. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply looking for a fun family thrill ride, these Disney roller coasters will leave you entertained from start to finish. So buckle up and get ready to discover the best roller coasters at Disney World!

Overview

• Location: Epcot (World Discovery)
• Opening Date: May 27, 2022
• Height Requirement: 42” (107cm) or taller
• Max Speed: 60 MPH
• Inversions: 0
• Duration: 3:20
• Early Theme Park Entry: Available
• Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane Selection: Individual Lightning Lane (pay-per-ride)
• Lowest Wait Times: ILL, Early Theme Park Entry, Virtual Queue

Ride Description

Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a groundbreaking roller coaster ride that takes guests on a spinning journey through the cosmos, with immersive Audio-Animatronics and special effects. The attraction is based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe Guardians of the Galaxy films and is Walt Disney World’s first Marvel-themed attraction.

The ride is much like Space Mountain in that it is entirely in the dark. However, it is even more intense from the very beginning, as riders are reverse launched through a “jump point” into space. Loud music plays all around, and riders never know which direction they’re headed – up or down – thanks to the omnicoaster design, which allows the coaster to rotate and spin 360 degrees. Cosmic Rewind also features the longest enclosed space in any Disney theme park attraction, providing guests with an otherworldly journey through the stars.

With its innovative design and cutting-edge technology, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an unforgettable ride for the whole family. For this reason, we rank Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind as the best roller coaster at Disney World and #1 on our best Epcot rides list.

Who is it Best For?

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is an excellent ride for tweens, teens, and adults who love thrills. The ride is full of twists, turns, and drops, sure to get your heart racing. In addition, the interactive queue is a great way to spend some time before you board. You can safety-test your blaster skills and help the Guardians prepare for their next big adventure. And if you’re a fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, you’ll want to check out this ride.

Overview

• Location: Magic Kingdom (Tomorrowland)
• Opening Date: April 4, 2023
• Height Requirement: 48” (122cm) or taller
• Max Speed: 59 MPH
• Inversions: 0
• Duration: About 2:00
• Early Theme Park Entry: Available
• Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane Selection: Individual Lightning Lane (pay-per-ride)
• Lowest Wait Times: ILL, Early Theme Park Entry, Virtual Queue

Ride Description

In recent years, Disney has been working hard to update its theme parks with new rides and attractions that appeal to families. In particular, the company has focused on adding more thrill rides that can compete with some of the best rides at Universal Orlando Resort. So far, this effort has been successful, and Disney’s theme parks have seen an increase in attendance.The latest addition to Disney’s lineup is the TRON Lightcycle / Run roller coaster, with an official launch date of April 4, 2023.

Disney is no stranger to roller coasters, but the Tron Lightcycle Run is unlike anything else in the park. The coaster-style attraction takes guests on a thrilling ride through the digital frontier on two-wheeled Lightcycles. While a similar ride already exists in Shanghai Disneyland, Walt Disney World is set to benefit from the Tron Lightcycle Run’s unique concept and family-friendly nature.

After receiving a briefing and storing your bags in a convenient free locker, you’ll receive your briefing and board your lightcycle. The seating is similar to that of a motorcycle, or a Banshee if you’re familiar with AVATAR: Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. Then it’s into the grid!

A wild Linear Induction Motor (LIM) launch ensures a rapid takeoff. You’re then propelled briefly outside before heading back indoors for the heart of the experience — a race against a rival (digital) team to see who can pass through all the energy points first without getting derezzed.

While most of the ride takes place in a controlled indoor environment, a brief period of the launch is outdoors — and that means you’ll have a slightly different experience if you ride during the day versus at night. Given that the outdoor portion takes place under a large canopy that’s “wedding tent white” during the day and lit with colorful animated lights at night, we suggest a night ride if at all possible.

Who is it Best For?

TRON is a big thrill for tweens, teens, and adults — and of course anyone who saw the TRON movies and wanted to someday enter the grid themselves. Not only does the ride offer a high-speed adrenaline rush, but its rich soundtrack, vivid colors, high-res graphics, and spectacular lighting effects make it quite the sensory experience!

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Overview

• Location: Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Asia)
• Opening Date: April 7, 2006
• Height Requirement: 44” (112cm) or taller
• Max Speed: 50 MPH
• Inversions: 0
• Duration: 2:50
• Early Theme Park Entry: Available
• Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane Selection: Genie+
• Lowest Wait Times: Genie+, Early Theme Park Entry, Single Rider Line, or Standby Line (1st or Last Hour)

Ride Description

Exhibition Everest is an exciting roller coaster ride in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Asia-themed land. The coaster takes riders on a wild ride through the Himalayan mountains, culminating in a thrilling drop into the base camp. This ride reaches speeds of up to 50 mph, making it one of the faster rides at the park, and it’s sure to give you an adrenaline rush. The Yeti is waiting for you at the top of the 199-foot drop, but don’t worry – you’ll be going too fast for him to catch you. The ride lasts 2:50 minutes, but it will feel much longer as you navigate through 3,884 feet of track. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating Disney roller coaster next time you’re at Disney World!

Who is it Best For?

Animal Kingdom’s Exhibition Everest is one of Disney’s most popular roller coasters. It is full of twists, turns, and surprises that will send chills down your spine as you race through the Himalayan mountains. It’s best for older kids, teens, and adults looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience. However, younger children may find it too intense.

Our Best Animal Kingdom Rides page ranks it #1, which tells you how much we love it.

Overview

• Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Sunset Boulevard)
• Opening Date: July 29, 1999
• Height Requirement: 48” (122cm) or taller
• Max Speed: 57 MPH
• Inversions: 3
• Duration: 1:22
• Early Theme Park Entry: Available
• Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane Selection: Genie+
• Lowest Wait Times: Genie+, Early Theme Park Entry, Single Rider Line, Standby Line (1st or last hour)

Ride Description

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is one of the best roller coasters at Disney World because of its intensity. The high-speed, rollicking coaster takes riders on a wild ride through the darkened streets of Los Angeles. Rock’ n’ Roller Coaster features some of the biggest drops and fastest speeds of any ride at Walt Disney World. The coaster takes guests from 0 to 57 mph in under three seconds, followed by an onslaught of sharp turns and upside-down loops. A soundtrack of Aerosmith hits plays during this Hollywood Studios ride, only adding to the adrenaline-pumping excitement.

Who is it Best For?

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is intense, with many twists, turns, and inversions. It is one of Disney’s shortest rides, but the music is exhilarating, and the coaster reaches speeds of up to 57 miles per hour. Families with small children may want to skip this one. However, this is a must-do for families with brave older children and teens.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is Disney’s only roller coaster with inversions, so anyone who enjoys thrilling roller coaster rides must check it out!

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Overview

• Location: Magic Kingdom (Fantasyland)
• Opening Date: May 28, 2014
• Height Requirement: 38” (97cm) or taller
• Max Speed: 34 MPH
• Inversions: 0
• Duration: 2:50
• Early Theme Park Entry: Available
• Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane Selection: Individual Lightning Lane (pay-per-ride)
• Lowest Wait Times: ILL, Early Theme Park Entry, or Standby Line (1st or Last Hour)

Ride Description

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a family-friendly roller coaster at Magic Kingdom. The ride takes passengers through the mines of the Seven Dwarfs, where they can see the Audio-Animatronic dwarfs working and singing as they go. The coaster then goes outside for a few moments of fresh air before heading back into the mine for a final drop.

Who is it Best For?

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train features a storyline based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs that kids will enjoy. The coaster itself is relatively tame, with no inversions and slower speeds compared to many other roller coasters at Walt Disney World. As a result, it is an ideal choice for families with young children or those looking for a gentler ride with great theming.

While it may not be the most thrilling coaster, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a fun ride with excellent theming and imagery, and easily ranks as one of the best Magic Kingdom rides.

Overview

• Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Toy Story Land)
• Opening Date: June 30, 2018
• Height Requirement: 38” (97cm) or taller
• Max Speed: 40 MPH
• Inversions: 0
• Duration: 2:00
• Early Theme Park Entry: Available
• Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane Selection: Genie+
• Lowest Wait Times: Genie+, Early Theme Park Entry, or Standby Line (1st or Last Hour)

Ride Description

Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly roller coaster at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. The ride takes place in the Toy Story Land area of the park, and the coaster vehicles are designed to look like Slinky Dog from the Toy Story movies. Guests will also see familiar faces like Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear. The ride culminates in a splashy finale, sending guests racing back to the start of the ride.

Who is it Best For?

Slinky Dog Dash is thrilling but not too intense for younger riders. It features plenty of twists, turns, and short drops that will get your heart racing, but the ride is smooth, and there are no inversions. Many families consider Slinky Dog Dash the perfect starter coaster for kids just beginning to enjoy theme park rides. So if you’re looking for a fun and exhilarating coaster ride that the whole family can enjoy together, be sure to check out Slinky Dog Dash.

Overview

• Location: Magic Kingdom (Tomorrowland)
• Opening Date: January 15, 1975
• Height Requirement: 44” (112cm) or taller
• Max Speed: 27 MPH
• Inversions: 0
• Duration: 2:30
• Early Theme Park Entry: Not Available
• Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane Selection: Genie+
• Lowest Wait Times: Genie+, Early Theme Park Entry, or Standby Line (1st or Last Hour)

Ride Description

Space Mountain is a much-loved classic indoor roller coaster at Magic Kingdom. It is themed after a futuristic space journey where riders are taken on an exhilarating adventure. Guests enter the spacecraft-themed loading area and strap into their seats before being launched into space. The high-speed ride lasts just over two minutes, but it is sure to leave guests feeling like they have been on a much longer journey. With sharp twists, turns, and plenty of drops – and almost entirely in the dark – Space Mountain is sure to get your heart racing.

Who is it Best For?

While it may be too intense for younger riders, kids who are tweens and up will likely enjoy the thrill of the ride. Likewise, adults looking for a dose of nostalgia will enjoy Space Mountain’s classic charms. So whether you’re seeking thrills or simply looking to relive some childhood memories, Space Mountain is sure to please.

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Overview

• Location: Magic Kingdom (Frontierland)
• Opening Date: September 2, 1979
• Height Requirement: 40” (102cm) or taller
• Max Speed: 35 MPH
• Inversions: 0
• Duration: 3:00
• Early Theme Park Entry: Not Available
• Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane Selection: Genie+
• Lowest Wait Times: Genie+ or Standby Line (1st or Last Hour)

Ride Description

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a classic roller coaster at Magic Kingdom. It takes guests on a wild train ride through the mountains, with plenty of twists, turns, and surprises along the way. The queue for the attraction is also interactive, with many fun elements for families to enjoy while they wait. Families will have a blast on this classic Magic Kingdom ride.

Who is it Best For?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a classic attraction at Magic Kingdom, and it’s perfect for families. The ride is relatively slow, so it’s not too intense for younger kids. However, it is bumpy — and somewhat dark and loud at times — so little ones might not enjoy it as much as older kids and adults. Tweens and teens will appreciate the twists and turns, and adults will enjoy the nostalgia of this classic ride.

Overview

• Location: Magic Kingdom (Fantasyland – Storybook Circus)
• Opening Date: October 1, 1996
• Height Requirement: 35″ (89cm) or taller
• Max Speed: 27 MPH
• Inversions: 0
• Duration: 00:53
• Early Theme Park Entry: Available
• Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane Selection: Genie+
• Lowest Wait Times: Genie+, Early Theme Park Entry, or Standby Line (1st or Last Hour)

Ride Description

The Barnstormer is a junior roller coaster in the Storybook Circus section of the Magic Kingdom. With a height requirement of only 35″, this roller coaster is perfect for young riders, especially as a rite of passage as their first ever roller coaster. The coaster features two trains that seat up to four riders each. The ride begins with a gentle climb up a small hill, followed by a fast drop down into a series of twists and turns. The Barnstormer then winds its way back up another hill before stopping. The entire ride lasts less than a minute, but it will surely get your heart racing.

Who is it Best For?

The coaster is best suited for preschoolers and young kids, as it is relatively short and not too intense. It features several twists and turns but doesn’t reach high speeds or include any inversions. Families with young children will enjoy riding The Barnstormer together, and kids will love riding a roller coaster in the Magic Kingdom without being terrified.

The Barnstormer is not the best rollercoaster at Disney World for thrill seekers. Leave it to the kids instead.

Disney World Roller Coaster FAQs

What is Disney World’s Fastest Roller Coaster?

The Guardians of the Galax: Cosmic Rewind is Disney World’s fastest roller coaster, maxing out at speeds of 60 mph. It features a unique reverse launch system that propels riders backward through a twisting tunnel of lights before hurtling them forwards. The experience is unlike any other, and families will want to ride it again and again.

Do Any Roller Coasters at Disney World go Upside-Down?

The only upside-down roller coaster at Walt Disney World is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

How Many Roller Coasters Does Disney World Have?

Disney World is the happiest place on earth for families who love roller coasters. With nine roller coasters to choose from, there is a ride for everyone. The newest addition to the lineup is TRON Lightcycle Run, a 2023 addition to Magic Kingdom. It was immediately preceded by Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, which opened in 2022.

Can you take your bag with you on a Disney Roller Coaster?

Yes, you can usually store your backpack or bag either at your feet or in a pocket in front of you on the seatback. For TRON Lightcycle Run, a free locker system is used (unlock it with your MagicBand or other digital key).

What Disney park has the best roller coasters?

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is home to five roller coasters, Hollywood Studios features two, Epcot offers one, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom features one. Disney World’s Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster is our favorite, but it’s subjective. Magic Kingdom, however, offers the best value for money on roller coasters since half of all Disney roller coasters are found there. Therefore, Magic Kingdom is Disney’s best theme park for roller coasters.

To truly understand the best roller coasters at Disney World, you must experience each one for yourself!

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We hope you’ve enjoyed this article. If you’re spending time at Universal, too, be sure to check out our article on the Best Roller Coasters at Universal Orlando!