15 Rides You Can’t Miss At Walt Disney World

How do you know which rides to add to your “must do” list? Start with our Top 15 list, but remember that ride preferences aren’t “one size fits all”. Thrill seekers will want to experience a certain set of rides (the “Mountains”, for example) whereas nostalgic Disney fans may gravitate toward original attractions like the Carousel of Progress and Enchanted Tiki Room. Here’s our list of the 15 “don’t miss” attractions at Walt Disney World.

15. Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight is set apart from other Disney “dark rides” by the fact that the ride vehicles are suspended from the ceiling. Flying over London and Neverland is a truly magical experience. If you check out the ride wait times on the My Disney Experience app, you’ll almost always find a long wait for Peter Pan’s Flight. It’s one of the most popular attractions in any of the parks, despite not being a thrill ride.

14. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

The newest park attraction is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a family-style coaster with unique cars that rock back and forth as you ride. You’ll also love the incredible animatronics and Snow White scenes.

13. It’s a small world

This classic was originally created for the 1964 World’s Fair. Sit back and enjoy the artistry and the message of peace and harmony as you take the “happies cruise that ever sailed.” It’s a small world is such an iconic experience that each of the 5 Disney parks locations worldwide has one.

12. The Jungle Cruise

This humorous boat ride will take you on a tour of the world’s most famous rivers, complete with corny jokes delivered by your boat captains and “perilous” obstacles around every turn. Take the cruise after dark for an even more adventurous time (and more “off-script” humor from Cast Members).

11. Pirates of the Caribbean

Imagine a ride so popular that it inspires an extremely lucrative film franchise and, voila: You have Pirates of the Caribbean. The boat ride will take your through several scenes depicting the pirate’s life. A small drop even adds a bit of thrill to the ride. While many children are not fazed by the drop, it’s something to keep in mind if you have a more anxious child in tow.

10. Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain delivers a winning combination of amazing animatronics, fabulous storytelling, and heart-stopping thrill. The ride is based on the controversial film, “Song of the South,” and showcases the hijinks of Br’er Rabbit. As whimsical as most of the ride is, it’s not for the faint of heart. Your voyage ends with a 52 foot drop!

9. Space Mountain

Appealing to both families and thrill seekers alike, Space Mountain is a roller coaster that takes you on a fun jaunt through space. The best part is, it’s completely dark!

8. The Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion is extremely popular- a true cult favorite. Enjoy your Doom Buggy ride through the mansion, but beware the 999 Happy Haunts who inhibit the place. Remember, there’s always room for one more.

7. Test Track

On Test Track, you’ll have the opportunity to design your perfect vehicle and then learn the impact of your decisions. The best part, though, is the final burst of speed you’ll experience as you race around the outside of the attraction.

6. Toy Story Midway Mania

Put on your 3-D glasses and get ready to hit as many targets as you can as you zoom through the midway games. Be warned- this ride is addictive! It’s an attraction that everyone can enjoy and will want to ride again and again- a fact that’s reflected by the long wait times the ride consistently has.

5. Kilimanjaro Safaris

A trip to Animal Kingdom would hardly be complete without a ride on the Kilimanjaro Safaris, and open air safari vehicle ride. You can expect to have great views of some of Africa’s most majestic creatures, including lions, hippos, giraffes, and more.

4. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Disney World’s only looping coaster, the Rock n Rollercoaster is housed entirely indoors. It also boasts a launch speed of 0 to 57 miles per hour in less than 3 seconds. You’ll want to check out the ride photos at the end to see your reaction to the launch!

3. Soarin’

You’ll love this simulated flight over California, complete with special effects to appeal to all the senses. Don’t be apprehensive about being hoisted many feet off the ground; the ride is extremely calm. If you’re afraid of heights, though, be aware that you do really feel like you are gliding through the air!

2. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

This accelerated drop ride is sure to get your heart pounding! You’ll rise to the top of the building, only to be dropped several times. The drop sequence is randomized, and there’s no way to know how far you’ll drop each time or how many times you’ll drop! Don’t close your eyes- you’ll want to see the awesome park view when the doors open at the top!

1. Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest is one of the most thrilling rides at Disney World, as well as the highest structure in the parks at 199.5 feet tall. This coaster is not for the faint of heart, as it zooms through the mountain not only forward, but backward as well.

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