Must-Experience Thrill Rides at Disney World: Top 5 Attractions

If you wish Splash Mountain was a little higher, Test Track was a little faster or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was a little more rickety, then you’ll love this list of the most thrilling Disney World rides.

Disney World Thrill Ride Tips:

  • All of the rides on our list are designed for big kids, teens, and adults, and all have height restrictions.
  • If you are traveling with others who are unable or unwilling to ride, take advantage of Disney’s rider switch program.
  • You should be in good health and not prone to motion sickness to enjoy these thrilling attractions.

01. Expedition Everest

Joe Shlabotnik / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Address: Expedition Everest, Asia, Kissimmee, FL 34747, USA

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The Expedition Everest railway car will hurl you forward, backward, and all around the mountain; you’ll even encounter an angry Yeti along the way. The Animal Kingdom’s fastest and most furious ride is a “must-see” for any serious thrill seeker.

02. Humunga Kowabunga

Address: Humunga Kowabunga, Orlando, FL 32821, USA

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Think a ride with no moving parts can’t be scary? Think again! The Humunga Kowabunga towers over every other slide in Typhoon Lagoon. Riders on this partially enclosed speed water slide can reach speeds of up to 35 mph—without a seatbelt.

The line for this attraction may not be caused by volume—once guests get a look at the drop, it often takes them a moment to prepare for the plunge. Some even decide against riding entirely.

If you brave the rapid drop of the Humunga Kowabunga, do it wearing a one-piece bathing suit so your suit doesn’t arrive at the bottom of the slide before you do.

Tip: If you are in Typhoon Lagoon and feeling daring, don’t miss your chance to swim with sharks and rays in Shark Reef.

03. Tower of Terror

Disney's Twilight Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Chad Sparkes

Address: The Tower of Terror, Perimeter Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34747, USA

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The Tower of Terror is one of the most thrilling rides you’ll find anywhere in Disney World. From the creepy atmosphere to the breathtaking plunge, the Tower of Terror is a must for any serious thrill rider.

Moreover, the ride offers a different experience each time, as the drop sequence changes frequently, so you’ll never know when you’ll take the plunge—even if you’ve already ridden dozens of times.

Tip: The line at this ride can build up quickly, so consider grabbing a Fastpass if needed or if you want to ride more than once in a single day.

04. Mission: SPACE

Address: Bay Lake, FL 32836, USA

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Phone: +1 407-939-5277

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Mission: SPACE is so intense that you’ll often see entire families waiting outside while one family member rides. Designed to simulate a real rocket launch, Mission: SPACE offers plenty of thrills for those hearty enough to give it a try.

Consequently, the line for this attraction is usually very manageable, regardless of how many people are waiting outside.

05. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

The Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Disney World.
HarshLight / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Address: 351 S Studio Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, USA

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Phone: +1 407-939-5277

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The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is easy to spot—just look for the towering red guitar outside the entrance. Expect great music, high-speed twists and turns, and the best coaster launch in Disney World when you ride the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

The take-off of this coaster is so thrilling that it actually has an alternate exit for those who lose their nerve once they get a look at the launch.

Tip: Love the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster? You’ll be able to ride it a few times in a row during Extra Magic Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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