There’s so much great material out there about both history and what’s happening today at Walt Disney World. I love diving into the news and trends that shape the parks. On the other hand, it’s just cool to throw together a fun ranked list. Disney fans love ranking the attractions in various ways, and I’m no different. Even as I write this post on roller coasters, I’m questioning my picks constantly.
Disney has focused more on thrill rides lately, but there are still only nine coasters across the four Walt Disney World parks. EPCOT finally has one coaster with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and I finally got the chance to ride it in March. The majority remain in The Magic Kingdom, which makes sense given its larger collection of rides. TRON Lightcycle Power Run now adds to the excitement right next to Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. It enhances a diverse collection of coasters across Walt Disney World.
EXTINCT! #10: Primeval Whirl, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Type: Reverchon Industries Steel Spinning Wild Mouse
Pros: Takes guests away from better attractions, the spinning
Cons: Off-the-shelf spinner coaster that we see everywhere, an unpleasant ride
Best Part: Retro vibe of Dinoland is effective in the queue and lift hill especially.
One of my least favorite aspects of the latter Eisner era was off-the-shelf attractions becoming more common. It’s okay to use a familiar ride system, but the theming should go beyond my local Six Flags. I’ve ridden Pandemonium (formerly Tony Hawk’s Big Spin) at Six Flags St. Louis, and it’s an okay ride. Primeval Whirl was a similar coaster with a modest theme. I liked the kitschy time-travel sets like a vintage roadside attraction, but it’s not a surprise that it’s been removed from the park.
My real issue with Primeval Whirl was the uncomfortable ride. While it’s not too scary for most families, you felt ragged afterwards. Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama has also never really clicked with me. The Animal Kingdom needs more rides, and this area helps on that front. Even so, it feels out of place because the rest of the park is so gorgeous. There are clever details and the story makes sense, but the carnival atmosphere doesn’t click in a lush theme park.
9. The Barnstormer, The Magic Kingdom
Type: Vekoma Steel Junior Coaster
Pros: Good first coaster for kids, the cut-out Goofy billboard
Cons: Painful and cramped experience for adults, queue is directly in the sun
Best Part: The first drop packs a bigger punch than you might expect.
There’s nothing wrong with having a kids’ coaster at The Magic Kingdom. It helps create multiple levels of thrills (and fear) for kids as they grow up with the parks. The Barnstormer sits comfortably inside Storybook Circus thanks to light re-theming with the Great Goofini. Nestled within the trees, it’s a fun jaunt that is over before you know it. That short length makes it impossible to rank the Barnstormer any higher.
The other issue with The Barnstormer is its slow loading time, which can lead to long waits in the warm outdoor queue. An influx of Lightning Lane guests can also lead to posted wait times that underestimate the actual wait. The cramped vehicles aren’t comfortable for full-size adults, which makes the short ride time a benefit. With all of that said, it’s still fun especially for younger riders.
8. Slinky Dog Dash, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Type: Mack Rides Steel Family Launched Coaster
Pros: A smooth ride, two excellent launches, Wheezy singing at the end
Cons: Limited theming, a very warm outdoor queue with minimal shade
Best Part: The second launch is surprisingly thrilling for a family coaster.
Although it opened back in the summer of 2018, I did not experience Slinky Dog Dash until late 2019. Thankfully, I was surprised to discover that more power existed on this coaster than you might expect. There are no large drops, but several moves provide serious g-forces and speed. It’s definitely a step up from Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the thrill department. I enjoyed it more on repeat rides on recent trips.
I appreciate that Disney went beyond just providing better-themed carnival rides in this Toy Story Land. Slinky Dog Dash is a huge step above the Zigzag Spin attraction in Paris. The difference between this coaster and my top picks is with the setting and smaller touches. Despite its bright colors and energetic atmosphere, Slinky Dog Dash is still a fairly straightforward attraction. It’s definitely worth a visit when you visit the Studios, and its ranking is more about the success of the coasters ahead of it.
7. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Magic Kingdom
Type: Vekoma Custom Steel Coaster
Pros: Smooth ride, a wonderful indoor section, old-school animatronics in the cottage
Cons: Long wait, short ride time, cars don’t sway very much
Best Part: The mine scenes, with updated animatronics and pitch-perfect music
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is an enjoyable ride for the whole family. It’s a lot smoother than its older brethren in the Magic Kingdom and the outdoor theming is subtle yet still clicks. In particular, the double-down drop when you exit the mine section comes together really well as you pass the waterfall. Despite the claims from Disney’s marketing before the attraction opened, the coaster vehicles don’t sway that much. That’s a minor quibble in a coaster that has enough thrills to please adults without scaring kids.
The highlight is easily the mine section, which includes striking animatronics and interesting sets. I’m still a bit mixed on the screens for the Dwarves’ faces, but they work in small doses here. The music in this scene adds a lot, particularly the “Heigh Ho!” portion as you ascend the lift hill. You’re so immersed that it’s easy to miss the fact that you’re moving upwards. The scene goes by quickly, which leads guests to want to get back in a pretty long line to see it all again.
I could make the case that Seven Dwarfs Mine Train should be ranked higher given its popularity, but my top picks are too strong. The ride time is also quite brief at less than three minutes. I enjoy the cottage scene at the end with the old animatronics. I love the excitement of hearing vehicles zooming around the track from all different places in Fantasyland. Even so, it falls a little short of being the type of iconic attraction that will be at the top of my list.
6. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Type: Vekoma Steel Enclosed Launch Coaster
Pros: Incredible launch, on-ride audio, inversions, fun Hollywood sets
Cons: Short ride time, loses steam as it goes along
Best Part: The entire launch, from countdown to the takeoff
I still have clear memories of seeing the track for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster being constructed during our May 1998 trip. Walt Disney World would have a coaster with inversions! Years passed before I finally rode this attraction, and it was worth the wait. The thrilling launch is set up so well in the queue as we see other cars soar into the night. Going 0 to 57 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds packs quite a punch, though it isn’t a rough experience.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a short ride and doesn’t even last 90 seconds, yet there’s still plenty to like. The on-board audio blasts familiar Aerosmith hits while you speed through Hollywood. It’s a cheesy storyline (stretch limos!) yet fits with the theming during the ride. Having vehicles play different Aerosmith songs adds to repeatability, and it’s loads of fun. The Hollywood Studios version is miles ahead of the now defunct Paris clone, which just used lighting effects instead of sets.
There are a few obstacles that keep this attraction from reaching the top five. The queue moves slowly, and the outdoor part seems to take forever. There’s also limited theming before you enter the launch room. Those are all minor quibbles, however. Nearly 25 years after its opening, this attraction remains one of the most exciting coasters at Walt Disney World. Can you grab my black Les Paul?
5. TRON Lightcycle Run, The Magic Kingdom
Type: Launched Vekoma Motorbike Coaster
Pros: Surprising speed, inventive seating, cool queue
Cons: Short ride time, beginning is the highlight
Best Part: It’s obvious, but it’s definitely the launch.
Ever since the TRON Lightcycle Power Run opened at Shanghai Disneyland in June 2016, I’d hoped that Disney would clone it for the U.S. parks. I remember seeing the original TRON in the movie theater when I was a kid, and it’s perfect for a theme park attraction. This version of the TRON Lightcycle Run at the Magic Kingdom creates what’s basically a mini-land in a massive space.
I just enjoy the entire vibe of the area outside and within the TRON queue. The reveal of the motorbikes is a great touch, and Disney went all out to recreate the atmosphere of TRON: Legacy. The ride vehicles are a little hard to figure out at first, but the motorbike set-up just adds to the thrills. I loved the excitement of the initial launch, which is definitely the highlight of the entire coaster. I suspect it would be an even better experience at night with the lit-up canopy and vehicles.
There have been complaints about the short ride time, and I agree that TRON is over before you know it. That’s a small issue especially if you wait a long time, but I’m not sure how much longer I’d like it to really last. Without a lift hill, there’s only a short set-up before the launch is initiated. It also feels similar in timing to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster for the same reason. TRON comes very close to surpassing Space Mountain in my rankings, and it’s possible it will get there with a few more rides on it.
4. Space Mountain, The Magic Kingdom
Type: Walt Disney Imagineering Steel Indoor Coaster
Pros: Indoor setting feels immersive, darkness enhances speed, cool effects
Cons: No on-board audio, seating arrangement can be painful
Best Part: The initial ride through the flashing lights to the lift hill
Riding Space Mountain for the first time was a definite rite of passage for me as an eight-year-old in 1984. I remember visiting with my dad late at night when the lines were gone and conquering fears to do it. Since that point, Space Mountain has always been a key part of each trip. My kids are now 14 and 11, and riding it with them is a real treat. They’re a lot less afraid than I was 40 years ago. I suspect that many kids of all ages have similar stories about this attraction.
Calling Space Mountain a “wild mouse in the dark” understates its achievements. It’s one thing to put a coaster in the dark; it’s another to create an immersive experience. The ethereal music and setting of the queue just adds to the feeling that you’re traveling to another world. There is no clear storyline, but our mind fills in the blanks. Space Mountain opened at Walt Disney World in 1975 and remains the standard by which others are judged. Serious talents like John Hench, Marty Sklar, Claude Coats, and George McGinnis helped bring that vision to life.
While I miss the outer-space effects of earlier versions, the current Space Mountain still works. It’s darker than I remember, and the lack of light creates a greater sense of speed. I miss the on-ride audio of Disneyland’s version, but the dual coasters create a larger scope. Each is a different ride experience, and the ride feels epic inside the massive structure. After you board the coasters, the initial lighted straightaway and long queue hill build the anticipation for thrills to come. Bill Watkins designed Space Mountain, which was the first all-computer design for a coaster.
Unlike modern coasters like Everest, Space Mountain is still a rough ride. You can make the case that the last big refurb didn’t do enough to fix that issue with the coasters. Even so, the more hectic experience does add thrills. You feel like anything can happen even after countless rides. I still couldn’t describe the vehicles’ path on Space Mountain. Each ride feels new, and that unpredictability adds to its charm. I couldn’t imagine visiting Walt Disney World without riding Space Mountain.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, EPCOT
Type: Vekoma Enclosed Spinning Coaster
Pros: Cool ride system, massive scale, visual effects, long ride
Cons: Motion sickness, outside theming
Best Part: It’s a tough call, but I’ll go with the reverse launch.
I recently got the chance to experience EPCOT’s first coaster, and it definitely lived up to the hype. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a thrilling and innovative attraction that’s unlike anything else at Walt Disney World. Calling it a “spinning coaster” doesn’t really do it justice. The ride vehicles frequently turn to face the action as the Guardians battle the Celestial Eson.
After going through many pre-show rooms, you board your attractive ride vehicles for a chaotic and surprisingly long experience. The reverse launch is so much fun, and that’s just the start of the excitement. I definitely need to ride Cosmic Rewind a lot more times before I can paint a clearer picture. The on-board audio includes six different song choices (ours was “One Way or Another” by Blondie), and that just adds to the fun.
I had read that Cosmic Rewind could induce motion sickness in susceptible guests, and it makes sense because of the mix of visuals, turns, and quick moves. You’re often facing different directions than you expect and could get woozy if you glance around. I didn’t have any issues with nausea and enjoyed it from start to finish, including the awesome helix around the moon near the end. I suspect that Cosmic Rewind could move even further up the list after I take more rides on this cool new coaster.
2. Expedition Everest, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Type: Vekoma Custom Steel Coaster
Pros: Gorgeous setting with forced perspective, inventive track layout, clever thrills
Cons: Disco Yeti, reverse section can make you feel woozy
Best Part: The large forward hill at the front of the mountain
Expedition Everest is the last classic Disney attraction not connected directly to an IP. The gigantic mountain towers over the Animal Kingdom and feels much larger thanks to forced perspective. It’s interesting to note that Everest isn’t our actual destination for this trip. We’re visiting the “Forbidden Mountain”, which stands under the shadow of Everest.
What makes Expedition Everest much more than a typical coaster is the abundance of details surrounding it. The Yeti Museum in the queue offers a wealth of small touches to explore. In his book The Disney Mountains: Imagineering at its Peak, Jason Surrell describes the extensive research that Joe Rohde and his team conducted to help make this attraction a believable location. They made scouting trips into the Himalayas and even visited Xian, China to learn of the golden monkey.
The elephant in the room when praising Expedition Everest is the “Disco Yeti”, which doesn’t move like the original animatronic. It stands nearly motionless while strobe lights help simulate movement. While it’s still effective, the Yeti pales in comparison to the original version. We don’t need the exact original, which placed too much stress on the gigantic animatronic. Even so, there has to be a middle ground that can present a more convincing Yeti to guests.
Despite the limited Yeti, there’s still plenty to love in this attraction. The backward portion offers a surprising effect that can mess with weak stomachs. The early portions set the stage well and give us time to acclimate to surroundings before the thrills. Finally, the big forward drop out of the mountain does not disappoint. Escaping the mountain (for a moment) offers a fun reminder that we’re still in a theme park, though we still must face the Yeti before the end.
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, The Magic Kingdom
Type: Walt Disney Imagineering Steel Mine Train Coaster
Pros: Excellent theming, enjoyable for most guests, fits perfectly in Frontierland
Cons: Front cars are pretty slow while back is pretty rough, limited thrills
Best Part: The opening tunnel through the bat-infested darkness
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad definitely has fewer thrills than Expedition Everest or Comic Rewind. Even so, it outshines them in terms of pure fun. In a similar way to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, it’s the type of ride that almost anyone can do. The attention to detail is so sharp throughout the attraction even as you fly past the sets. It says a lot that Disney would include so many touches that guests will barely see. We still sense their presence and feel reassured that everything fits together well.
A young Tony Baxter spearheaded Big Thunder on both coasts, and they remain enjoyable Disney coasters today. The design from Bill Watkins also splits up the thrills well throughout the attraction. The Monument Valley backdrop makes the Walt Disney World version feel grander, especially given its place in the corner of the park. The setting works perfectly with the rest of Frontierland and seems like it’s always been there. While neither U.S. version can compete with the incredible Paris attraction, the Florida version still has plenty of charm.
This “wildest ride in the wilderness” is actually pretty tame if you ride in front, but those cars offer a better view of each scene. The two interior lift hills (especially the last one) have plenty to offer beyond just setting up the next drop. Each small pocket of thrills also builds our anticipation as we ascend each subsequent hill. The entire attraction just works. The stunning 197-foot-high structure looms over Frontierland and is the perfect beacon for that engaging land. It’s also the best night ride at Walt Disney World, and it has risen up my list to the very top spot.
Source: The Disney Mountains: Imagineering at Its Peak by Jason Surrell
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Top 10 Favorite Walt Disney World Attractions
Ranking the Water Rides at Walt Disney World
Ranking the Roller Coasters at Six Flags St. Louis
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Great list Dan! Very good points on all of them. I do wish that R&RC was longer and did pack a punch all the way to the end as you mentioned but still my favorite ride in the parks because of the speed, audio and darkness. On a side note, the best way to ride this other than Fast Pass is to go single rider, even if you’re in a group. Saves a great deal of time waiting (this goes for Everest too).
Space Mountain could use an upgrade including audio as you mentioned. I don’t like that they closed in the ceiling above the boarding area because as a kid, the anticipation of seeing the rockets above glowing in the dark and the cascading screams was awesome and being able to see the asteroids and comets on the mountain ceiling was a cool effect that I would like to see made visible again. Also, you no longer see the inside of SM like you previously had when passing through on the people mover. This should be returned to the original format in my opinion. Again as a kid, this preview gave nervous kids an insight into what he or she was scared to ride without having to wait in line or commit. The last thing I would like to see are the rockets modified slightly for comfort but not enough to take away from the traditional configuration. Audio would be a terrific addition to this and many rides.
Thanks again for another enjoyable article. I look forward to the next one.
Craig in Florida
Craig, I still don’t really understand why they closed in the ceiling above the People Mover. You’re forced to just glimpse a few quick spots instead of seeing more of it. I also loved the lit-up sides of the vehicles that you used to see from that spot. Some of the effects of stars that used to be there also are missed. With that said, I still love it! That shows just how strong it was because the changes haven’t helped in most cases.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is awesome, and I agree that the single rider line is a cool benefit. It’s even better for Everest, where you basically wait almost no time at all since that queue is so short. Test Track and RnR still take a little time because you have to cover more ground. I can’t argue with you listing RnR as your favorite since it does work well in a lot of ways. It’s really splitting hairs with most of these choices.
Thanks for the great comment!
I think my list would be almost identical except that I would put Expedition Everest at #1. I still think the Disco Yeti is effective and looks really cool – I also never got to experience it when the animatronic was working so maybe I don’t know what I’m missing out on.
I experienced the full Yeti early on, and it was something to see. I’m not sure that would have moved it to #2 or #1, but having the full Yeti was a great way to end the attraction. Even so, I think it’s still a cool attraction! These rankings near the top are so close.
I went to Magic Kingdom on October 4,and I enjoyed it.
I went on nearly all attractions there, and of course the 1st one was a roller coaster.
I first went on the Barnstormer, which used to be good until Disney closed down Toontown Fair and themed it to fit with Storybook Circus for the New Fantasyland expansion.
The description here kinda made sense about the drop, but now a new fear arises.
Since the seats to go on are selected a certain way, it makes it hard for people to feel willing to go back on them again, making it take longer to overcome roller coasters, though none of them in Magic Kingdom are overly intimidating.
My next ride was Mad Tea Party, a.k.a. the Teacups, which is my mom’s favorite ride.
I know that those who are prone to motion sickness should beware or not ride at all, although you can control the spinning.
Yet I. 2004, Disney updated it to make the Teacups harder to spin faster after a disabled rider lost his balance and slipped from a teacup.
My 3rd ride was the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, a different type of ride, one that takes a tour through Tomorrowland and some of the attractions.
I just wish my dad and I would ride it at night, as that would make a much better experience.
Then I went on The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which is a dark ride following the story of Winnie the Pooh.
Then I went on my next coaster, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a Roller Coaster and a dark ride all together themed on the Seven Dwarfs, or 7D.
It was faster and much more intense than the Barnstormer, and longer too, though not like my next coaster.
Though the big problem is the 3 hour wait, especially for something that’s short and not very thrilling for a roller coaster, though I get that it’s new.
Then I went onto Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, which is an interactive dark ride with shooting the bad stuff.
Unfortunately, it’s a problem to those prone to motion sickness because there’s spinning, though like Mad Tea Party, you can control the spinning.
Yet then I went onto Space Mountain, a classic attraction.
It is the current most thrilling attraction we have in Magic Kingdom.
It was like how most people experienced it, since it’s in the dark, there’s little to no anticipation of what’ll come up, and being in the dark affects the psyche and makes the experience seem much faster and crazier than it really is.
Yet all you see is pretty much stars and maybe a few planets and a space station.
Like you’re in space, hence the name.
And I felt concerned about my dad since I heard about how rough it has become lately.
He has arthritis, but he wanted to ride for me and I warned him.
But I’m glad he turned out fine.
Though it’s always important to follow the warnings.
I then went on Pirates of the Caribbean which is said to be the most inferior version compared to the other versions in different coasts and continents.
Yet I went to the Haunted Mansion, and October is a good month to go bc of Halloween and fits well, though Disney World needs to be more like Disneyland in quality, they never give DW’s rides holiday makeovers.
The my last ride was Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness.
It’s kinda ironic how my 1st ride was a roller coaster and how my last ride was also a roller coaster.
Now when I learned more about roller coasters, I started feeling a little disappointed about how thrill rides became a thing on property.
Yet when I read that a coaster helps create fear, my face went down.
When Walt Disney was alive, he did not envision thrill rides or anything scary or intense on his property.
Yet he wanted everything to be suitable for everyone.
Which was why Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was not a roller coaster.
But then the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland put that g rating down with thrill rides, as it is one.
Then more such as the Barnstormer, SM, BTMRR, 7DMT, as well as Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, Rock N’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Mission: Space at Epcot became a thing.
Expedition Everest has that backwards helix and 80′ drop, Rock N’ Roller Coaster has a launch where you go from 0 to 57 mph in 2.8 seconds and includes a sea serpent roll and corkscrew all in the dark, Tower of Terror is a Drop Tower and has a random drop sequence that keeps its scare alive, though usually the anticipation is extremely scary, and Mission: Space is a centrifugal motion simulator ride that spins to create the g-forces of launch and reentry, which are beyond extreme for being sustained.
And as with Space Mountain being the current most thrilling ride in Magic Kingdom, when the new ride TRON Lightcycle Power Run is built, it’ll far surpass SM and compare to RNRC for its launch and speed, yet the seating position could mean whiplash or other neck injuries even to those without preexisting neck problems.
Yet flying IMAX simulator rides like Soarin’ and the new Avatar Flight of Passage are really scary to those afraid of heights, that they warn you about acrophobia.
Although we want to have fun, we can’t have fun panicking and having our day ruined.
In fact I read about a tip for those going on rides such as Expedition Everest for example, that, you should try out easier coasters first to see about your comfort or your child’s, because if that’s your 1st, then you may never want to get on another one again.
In fact, many children who ride it come off scarred half for life.
Ever wonder why the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, which is not a roller coaster, closed down?
Yet when Mission: Space was made, 194 people got injured over a 1 year span, and were taken to the paramedics.
Which is the largest injury toll for a theme/amusement ride anywhere.
Although it was done to spaccurately simulate and give us an idea of space travel, it turned out too intense to be thought of as a Disney ride, or any fun ride.
And shows us that space travel is not for anyone with any history of health conditions or fear.
Yet it’s not family oriented, so for all these reasons, they made a green version, which is mild and family oriented and suitable for everyone, except for those under the minimum height requirement and claustrophobic.
Disney is a place for fun and what people enjoy, and happiness.
And we should never let anything ruin your days there.
While thrills may be fun, we should respect and make the best out of our days.
I heard that some parents drag their kids onto something they’re not ready for, and that’s just selfish and wrong, yet worsens the fear and prevents going on anymore stuff related.
No wonder theme and amusement parks are known for bad parenting.
Now any one of you reading this might or might feel like calling me a big baby for what I’m writing, but other people should agree how they felt too one time or another.
Yet no matter what we think of how others feel, whether they love the thrills or feel scared, always respect them.
I enjoyed every attraction, but while we want to have fun, we don’t want anything to ruin our day, and that lesson is part of what Disney’s about.
Now if you’re looking for places with bigger coasters, there’s Universal. SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Six Flags parks and Cedar Point.
They have coasters that’ll REALLY scare, and thrill, even tough people.
So the important tip is: Know what’s right for you or your child/children.
Thanks for the long trip report! This post was just about the roller coasters, but there’s definitely a lot more to see.
I know.
A very fun article! I especially enjoyed mulling over the pros and cons of each one. And I never realized there were such talented photographers in the Heaton family!
Space Mountain’s music grips my heart in a way that takes me back to childhood in an instant. That noble trumpet solo, the spacey inner tunnel music that makes you feel like you are breaking free of gravity… I can see those RCA dogs now! (Yeah I’m in my 40s!)
Thanks Melanie! My wife Erin is definitely the more talented photographer. My photos have been helped by my newest iPhone (and some attractive rides!). I also love the tunnel music in Space Mountain. It has a great score, especially in the queue and from the People Mover.