5 Rides You Should Always Avoid at Walt Disney World

When it comes to experiencing the magic of Walt Disney World, not every ride may be the best fit for everyone. With so many attractions spread across the parks, it can be tempting to try and experience them all.

However, to truly maximize your time and enjoyment, it’s important to recognize that some rides might be worth skipping, depending on your personal preferences, susceptibility to motion sickness, wait times, or simply the redundancy of similar experiences.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top reasons you might consider passing on certain rides during your Disney adventure. By prioritizing the experiences that best align with your interests and comfort levels, you’ll ensure that your trip is as magical and memorable as possible.

1. Rides That Trigger Motion Sickness

While Disney is known for its thrilling and immersive attractions, not all rides are suitable for everyone, especially those prone to motion sickness. If you’re someone who has a sensitive stomach or tends to feel unwell on certain types of rides, it’s essential to be mindful of which attractions might exacerbate these issues.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT) 

One of the newest and most talked-about coasters at EPCOT, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, offers an incredible, action-packed journey through space. With its unique reverse launch and ride vehicles that spin 360 degrees, this indoor coaster is a must-ride for thrill-seekers. However, the very features that make this ride so exhilarating can also be challenging for those sensitive to motion.

The combination of high-speed movements, spinning, and screen-based visuals can trigger motion sickness, especially in those sensitive to excessive screen time or rapid directional changes. If you’re considering this ride, it might be wise to watch a ride-through video first to assess whether it aligns with your comfort level. For those who decide to brave the experience, taking motion sickness medication or wearing a relief band can help mitigate any discomfort.

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) 

A staple at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Tours is a 3D motion-simulator ride that takes guests on an intergalactic adventure through the Star Wars universe. While it’s a fan favorite, the combination of 3D visuals and jerky motions can be disorienting for some riders. The immersive experience is designed to make you feel like you’re flying through space, but it can also cause motion sickness, headaches, or dizziness for those who are sensitive.

If you’re unsure about how you’ll handle the ride, consider taking a break and enjoying a snack or people-watching instead. This way, you can still soak in the atmosphere of Star Wars without risking discomfort.

Mission: SPACE (EPCOT)

Is notorious for inducing motion sickness. The ride simulates the intense experience of a space mission, complete with spinning motions that create the sensation of G-forces. The Orange Mission, in particular, is the more intense version of the ride and is known to be challenging even for those who don’t typically experience motion sickness.

Throughout the queue, there are warnings about the potential for motion sickness, and guests are advised to think carefully before boarding. If you’re prone to queasiness, it might be best to opt for the Green Mission, a milder version of the ride, or skip it altogether.

2. Redundant Rides: When One Is Enough

Disney’s parks are filled with unique attractions, but there are also several rides that offer similar experiences with different themes. If you’re short on time or simply want to focus on the most distinctive attractions, consider skipping the rides that feel repetitive.

Spinner Rides (Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

Spinner rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Astro Orbiter, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and Triceratops Spin all follow a similar format: guests sit in a ride vehicle that spins around a central axis, often with the ability to move the vehicle up and down. While each of these rides has its own charm, they offer very similar experiences.

For families with young children, Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a must-do, not only for the ride itself but also for the interactive play area in the queue. Astro Orbiter, with its higher elevation and faster spin, offers a bit more thrill and a great view of Tomorrowland. However, if you’ve already experienced one of these spinner rides, you might want to skip the others in favor of more unique attractions.

3. Rides That Don’t Match Your Preferences

One of the great things about Walt Disney World is the variety of experiences available, but that also means not every ride will appeal to everyone. If there are attractions you’ve tried before and didn’t enjoy, or if you know certain types of rides don’t suit you, it’s okay to skip them.

Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)

Space Mountain is an iconic Disney attraction known for its dark, indoor setting and thrilling drops. However, if you’ve ridden it before and found that its sudden movements give you headaches or make you uncomfortable, it’s perfectly fine to skip it on your next visit.

Instead of pushing yourself to ride something you know you don’t enjoy, take the opportunity to explore other areas of Tomorrowland, grab a coffee, or browse the gift shop while your companions enjoy the ride.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is another thrill ride that isn’t for everyone. If you’ve ridden it before and found the drop sequences too intense, or if the spooky atmosphere just isn’t your thing, don’t feel obligated to ride it again. You can still appreciate the theming and storytelling from the safety of the ground and spend your time enjoying other parts of the park.

4. Rides With Long Wait Times

Time is precious at Walt Disney World, and long wait times can eat into your day if you’re not careful. It’s important to strategize and decide which rides are worth the wait and which might be better to experience later when lines are shorter.

Alien Swirling Saucers (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

This playful, spinning ride in Toy Story Land often has moderate wait times, but it’s not necessarily worth the wait if the line is particularly long. The experience is similar to other spinning rides, so if you’ve already done those, you might want to skip this one if the wait is more than 20 minutes.

Journey Into Imagination with Figment (EPCOT)

This whimsical dark ride is beloved by many for its nostalgic charm, but it’s also a ride where the wait time rarely justifies the experience if it’s over 20 minutes. The ride’s story and special effects are fun, but if you’re short on time, it might be better to save this one for a quieter part of your day.

5. Basic Rides: Opting for the Unique Disney Experiences

Walt Disney World is home to some of the most unique and immersive attractions in the world. While basic rides like carousels and tea cups have their charm, they might not be the best use of your time in a park filled with one-of-a-kind experiences.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (Magic Kingdom)

This beautiful carousel is a classic, but if you’ve ridden carousels at other amusement parks, it might not feel like a must-do. Instead, consider spending your time on more distinctly Disney attractions that you can’t experience anywhere else.

Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom)

The Mad Tea Party is another classic ride that’s fun but not particularly unique. If you’re not a fan of spinning rides or if you’ve experienced similar attractions elsewhere, it might be worth skipping in favor of something more exclusive to Disney.

Make the Most of Your Disney Adventure

When visiting Walt Disney World, it’s all about making the most of your time and ensuring you have the best experience possible. By considering which rides might not be the best fit for you, whether due to motion sickness, redundancy, personal preferences, long wait times, or the appeal of more unique attractions, you can tailor your visit to maximize the magic.

Looking for more tips to plan your perfect Disney day? Discover our latest insider advice to help make your visit unforgettable!