32 Best Rides at Disney World That Are Worth the Wait

If you’re gearing up for your first trip or just looking to try something new at the most Magical Place on Earth, it’s essential to know what the best rides at Disney World are attractions are.

From classic attractions like Jungle Cruise to new, technologically advanced thrill rides like Flight of Passage, there truly is an attraction every guest will enjoy at Disney World!

In this post I’ve rounded up the 32 best options across all four theme parks to help you plan which rides you want to do or at least have an idea of what to prioritize with Genie+ while you’re there.

How I rated the rides at Disney World

Before we dig in, I wanted to explain the method to my madness so that you can better decide if you’ll also enjoy each ride that I’ve designated as the best.

After all, “best” is very subjective, or in other words, one person’s treasure is another person’s trash.

Then I added every ride and attraction to a spreadsheet and rated them based on each factor.

Every attraction started with a score of 5 for each factor, then I adjusted each score as I evaluated each ride.

From there, I sorted the rides by total score from highest to lowest.

Keep reading to learn more about how I evaluated each ranking factor or skip to the first result.

Accessibility

When evaluating how accessible a ride is, I asked myself questions about what might block a guest’s ability to go on a ride or access an attraction.

Is there a height requirement? While height requirements are required for safety reasons, there’s nothing more disappointing than finding out you can’t go on a ride because you’re too short.

Are the seats plus size friendly? Some rides have seats with restraints for safety reasons, but it can often be so restrictive that it prevents some guests from riding due to their body size or shape.

What kind of accessibility accommodations are available? Are there assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, or closed captioning devices? Are sign language interpreters available? Can service animals go on the ride or are there safe waiting areas for service animals?

Theme

When evaluating the theme for a ride or attraction and whether it excels or flops, here are the questions I asked myself while I was evaluating each one.

Is it themed to a Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars property? Don’t get me wrong, I love an attraction that doesn’t capitalize on intellectual property.

At the same time, let’s be honest with ourselves: we’re at Disney World because we love their content, so an IP-themed ride is a plus in my opinion.

But, that’s not the only thing that is important, which brings me to the next question…

How well does it fit within the park it is located in? Each park has a focus, such as animals and conservation at Animal Kingdom, so I would expect to see certain rides or even certain characters represented in specific parks.

In other words, does the attraction expand upon the park’s focus or does it feel like it was slapped in or left behind?

Is it unique to this park or resort? In other words, can I find this ride or attraction at another Disney park, such as Disneyland in California?

Thrill

To me, the thrill factor isn’t always about scariness. It can be something that makes me scream, but also something makes me laugh, smile, or even think about it long after I’ve gone on.

Everyone’s thrill factor isn’t going to be the same, so this is purely based on my experience.

But hopefully my rating system here is enough to help you determine if you’d also enjoy a particular ride.

Wait time

Nothing is worse than having to wait in line for hours upon end for just a few minutes of joy. Worse than that is not being able to ride my favorites whenever I want (I’m looking at you, virtual queue).

So I used wait time information from the past year from Thrill Data, plus looked at whether the ride or attraction had Genie+, an individual lightning lane pass, or special viewing areas that help bypass long waits.

And with that, let’s move on to my list of the 32 best rides at Disney World.

Avatar Flight of Passage

This thrilling ride is a combination of virtual reality and flying simulator technologies, giving you the unforgettable experience of soaring on an ikran, aka banshee, through Pandora.

This ride will have you soaring over mountains, forests, and oceans while taking in stunning vistas from the land of Pandora. I don’t know what it is about this ride, but you truly feel like you are flying, complete with swoops, drops, and jump scares.

This incredible journey blends sheer beauty with thrills, and if you’ve already been on it surely you understand why I’ve rated it as one of the best rides at Disney World!

To learn more about this awesome ride, check out my Avatar Flight of Passage riders guide.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Get your heart pumping as you journey through twisted tunnels in a howling canyon and enjoy breathtaking views along the way on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.

This thrilling roller coaster is an excellent introduction to roller coasters at Disney World, particularly for kiddos who are ready to move up from Goofy’s Barnstormer.

But rider beware, this coaster’s pretty bumpy – so much so that there have been medical studies on its ability to help guests pass kidney stones!

To learn more about this fun ride, check out my Big Thunder Mountain Railroad riders guide.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Ah, Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride. What do I love most about this charming little gem in the heart of Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom?

Is it the whimsical pastel colors of the spinning elephants?

Or is it the nostalgic feeling of being transported back to a simpler time when this ride was peak Disney?

Nope, it’s the fact that I finally get to experience one of my lifelong dreams of soaring through the air on an elephant without risking a nasty concussion.

I kid. But really, for us adults, the fun of this ride is the nostalgia you’ll feel, while the kiddos will feel like they’re on a thrill ride. You can’t go wrong!

So, if you’re looking for a bit of whimsy and a whole lot of giggles, make sure to add Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride to your Disney World itinerary.

And if you like this ride, you’ll definitely love two other rides that are practically the same, but with different themes: Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland and TriceraTop Spin in Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand USA.

Luminous: The Symphony of US

Luminous: The Symphony of US is the newest nighttime show lighting up the skies at Disney World.

Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or someone who’s just looking for a fun time, you won’t want to miss out on this spectacular show at Epcot.

It’s a beautiful blend of fireworks, laser projections, and a beautiful medley of songs from Disney songs from decades old and new.

Trust me, it’s worth staying up past your bedtime for. So grab a Mickey-shaped snack, find a comfy spot to sit around the World Showcase Lagoon, and get ready to be mesmerized by Luminous.

Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes during your visit.

Expedition Everest

If you’re looking for an unforgettable roller coaster experience in the gorgeous Animal Kingdom at Disney World, then Expedition Everest is definitely the place to go!

Not only does it have one of the smoothest tracks and most thrilling drops around, but the single rider line gets you to the front of the ride super fast. Sometimes quicker than the lightning lane line (say that three times fast)!

Just make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the iconic Yeti and all the sacrificed hair bands at the top of the track.

To learn more about this awesome ride, check out my Expedition Everest riders guide.

Fantasmic!

Fantasmic! is a nighttime spectacle that is not to be missed at Hollywood Studios.

This show has it all – pyrotechnics, waterworks, projections, fireworks, and of course, beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse himself.

It’s like a greatest hits of everything we love about Disney, all in one show. So why settle for regular fireworks when you could experience something truly Fantasmic? (See what I did there!)

Just be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of showtime for a decent seat at the show. Otherwise you’ll be scrambling for a seat way in the back and you’ll barely be able to see anything.

However, if you want to optimize your time, you can book the Fantasmic! Dining Package to get reserved seating at the show.

My family and I love Fantasmic, so we always end up doing this when we go on vacation to Disney World together!

Festival of Fantasy Parade

The Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom is the reason why I have a fascination with fire-breathing dragons. But more on that later.

Seriously, this parade is one of the best things you can experience in Disney World.

Not only do you get to see all your favorite characters come to life, but the performers go all out with their costumes and choreography.

The characters are also known to interact with their super fans – so wear that head to toe outfit based on your favorite character and you might just get an impromptu hug or photo op!

OK, back to fire-breathing dragons. This parade has a life-sized menacing Maleficent dragon that actually spits out fire. It’s equal parts unpredictable and magical to see it in action.

The Festival of Fantasy parade runs from Frontierland, through Liberty Square, and down Main Street – so there are lots of great spots you can sit to watch the show. I recommend getting to your preferred viewing post at least 30 minutes ahead of parade start time.

The parade usually runs twice per day. Check the My Disney Experience app for times during your visit.

Festival of the Lion King

Let’s talk about the glorious Festival of the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom, shall we?

This isn’t just a show, it’s a whole jungle of singing, dancing, and acrobatics. You’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of Pride Rock watching Simba grow up.

And guess what? The cast isn’t the only ones who get to have all the fun. There’s plenty of audience participation to keep you on your paws, too.

So if you’re looking for one of the best shows at Disney World, look no further than the mighty Festival of the Lion King.

Figment Meet-and-Greet

Alright folks, let’s talk about the coolest meet-and-greet at Disney World – the one and only purple dragon obsessed with imagination, Figment!

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or you’re meeting Figment for the first time, he’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

This little dude is exclusive to Epcot, so you won’t find him anywhere else – hence why I think Figment’s the best meet-and-greet across all the parks.

So don’t miss out on the chance to get up close and personal with this mischevious character – you won’t find anything like him anywhere else!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

If you’re looking for a super-swirly cosmic thrill, then Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the ride for you!

Located in Epcot, this galactic-themed roller coaster takes you on a thrilling journey through part of the Marvel universe.

At the moment, this rides utilizes a virtual queue that’s free to join at 7 AM and 1 PM daily – although customers are limited to 1 spot per person. Guests must have visited Epcot by 1 PM to join the afternoon queue.

But if you want to ride it again or guarantee a specific time slot, you can purchase an individual lightning lane pass.

This is one of my favorite Disney World rides – so much so that I usually join the queue and purchase a lightning lane every time I visit. It’s money well-spent, in my opinion!

The Haunted Mansion

Step into the Haunted Mansion and be transported to a world between the living and the dead, where ghosts frolic and play cheeky jokes on guests.

If you’re not a fan of haunted houses, don’t worry – this one’s more silly than scary. This is Disney, after all!

Plus, there’s a fun ride photo included toward the end. Keep an ear out for when the narrator warns you about hitchhiking ghosts so you can strike a fun pose.

For more scary ride ideas, check out my post about the scariest rides at Disney World.

Journey of Water ~ Inspired by Moana

Let’s be real, it gets super duper hot at Disney World most of the year. Sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough spaces to cool off from the heat and humidity.

But what if I told you that you could have fun, learn something new, AND cool off, all at the same time?

Yes, I’m talking about Epcot’s Journey of Water – Inspired by Moana.

Not only is it a magical walk-through attraction, but it’s also edutainment at its finest.

You’ll learn all about water and its importance, all while feeling like you’re on a journey with Moana herself.

And let’s not forget about the stunning Te Fiti. It’s worth the visit just to see her in all her glory.

So be sure to add this one to your Disney itinerary, because a little water knowledge never hurt anyone.

Jungle Cruise

Take a voyage through the heart of the jungle on the legendary Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom. Climb aboard and get ready for a wild ride full of surprises!

You’ll be greeted with a punny joke or two by your skipper as you venture past giraffes, elephants, rhinos and hippos as you cruise along their riverside home.

This classic ride has delighted millions with its visual scenery and humor for decades.

Plus, during the Christmas season, it transforms into Jingle Cruise, complete with Christmas lights, holiday themed boat names, and seasonal jokes.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

If you’re looking for an adventure that brings you closer to the wild, then hop on the Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom.

Onboard this 18-minute ride sits the perfect opportunity to observe some of nature’s most regal creatures, such as elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, and zebras.

Don’t miss out on an experience like this – take a break from the ordinary and explore all that Africa has to offer without even leaving Orlando!

Living with the Land

If you’re looking for a ride that’s super chill, Living with the Land at Epcot’s Land pavilion is the slow boat ride for you.

It may not have loop-de-loops or rapids, but it does have agriculture galore. Who knew farming could be so fascinating?

You’ll cruise through greenhouses full of plants from around the world and learn all about sustainable agriculture practices. Disney even uses some of the items grown here at their restaurants!

Lastly, during the Christmas season, this ride transforms into Living with the Land: Glimmering Greenhouse at night, with holiday decor and Christmas lights all throughout.

Mad Tea Party

Get ready for an experience that is both classic and timeless!

The Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom is a must-do if you’re a fan of Alice in Wonderland or just craving something nostalgic in this classic spinning tea cup ride.

Take a spin in one of the giant teacups and with each whirl, be transported to a world of music, lights, and plenty of fun. It’ll brighten up your day as you share laughter with friends and family.

One of my most fondest memories at Disney World is from when my mom, sister, and I took my niece to Disney World for the first time when she was four years old.

We have a fun video from her first time on this ride, which was during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and she spent the whole time talking about was how Spongebob Squarepant and Patrick Star went on a ride like this!

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, located at Hollywood Studios, opened its doors on March 4, 2020 and instantly became one of the best rides at Disney World.

It replaced The Great Movie Ride, which was a classic staple in Disney World for many years. And while I miss that ride, this one is lots of fun, so I quickly forget every time I go on it.

On this ride, Mickey and Minnie are the stars of the show with an incredible journey full of surprising twists and turns.

And can you believe that this is the first ride at Disney World to feature this iconic duo? It was way overdue!

Na’vi River Journey

The Na’vi River Journey is located in the Avatar – World of Pandora at Animal Kingdom, which means you know you’re in for a visually stunning experience.

This slow boat ride takes you through a bioluminescent rainforest, complete with a Shaman of Songs animatronic.

And sure, some people might complain that the ride is too slow, but those people are missing the point.

This ride isn’t about adrenaline and thrills; it’s about getting lost in a magical world for a little while and slowing down to enjoy the moment.

So if you find yourself at Animal Kingdom, do yourself a favor and take a journey down the Na’vi River.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

The France pavilion at Epcot just got more interesting with the addition of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.

Yes, that’s right, you can now ride through the world of Ratatouille and feel like the little chef yourself.

This ride is easily one of the best in the park and don’t even try to argue with me on that one.

The attention to detail will have you feeling like you’re in Paris, shrunk down to the size of our tiny culinary pal, Remy. Plus the technology used to bring Remy and his friends to life is pretty dang cool.

Trust me, you won’t want to miss this, it’s a ride worth putting down your French pastry for!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

If you’re ready to rock out while you roll around, be sure to hop on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios.

This thrilling attraction catapults you through a high-speed journey in a stretch limo like ride car, set to tunes by the legendary rock band, Aerosmith.

Zooming through twists, turns and plenty of loops, this classic coaster will have you scream-singing along with every turn as it blasts Aerosmith’s greatest hits.

To learn more about this iconic roller coaster, check out my Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster riders guide.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Get ready to be transported through dark mines, deep into Snow White’s world of charming fun, on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Enjoy twists, gentle turns, a surprise drop, and a rocking ride car, as your day takes an exciting turn on this super-smooth roller coaster.

The best part? This ride comes with both a ride photo and video!

To learn more, check out my Seven Dwarfs Mine Train riders guide.

Slinky Dog Dash

If you’re looking for a wild ride that rivals Buzz Lightyear’s adventures, be sure to check out Slinky Dog Dash in Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land.

This roller coaster sends riders rocketing through Andy’s backyard, with scenery inspired by beloved characters from the Toy Story films.

Whether you’re riding solo or with a pal, you’ll never forget the twists and dips that make up Slinky Dog Dash!

As far as roller coasters go, this one is somewhat mild. It’s like a step up from a kiddie coaster, but not quite as wild as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

So if you’ve got a kiddo who’s ready for roller coasters, this would be a great one to try for their first non-kiddie coaster.

To learn more, check out my Slinky Dog Dash riders guide.

Soarin’ Around the World

Soarin’ Around the World at Epcot is an unforgettable experience!

Located in the Land pavilion, this ride is a flying simulator that takes you on a journey around the world to explore some of the most breathtaking destinations across six different continents.

Get ready to hold your breath as you virtually fly over international landmarks like the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and Monument Valley.

Cruise through this amazing ride in Orlando and add it to your list of unforgettable Disney World experiences!

Important information

Space Mountain

Nothing hypes up a day spent at Magic Kingdom faster than a ride on Space Mountain, the classic roller coaster located in Tomorrowland.

It looks just like the classic rocket ship ride you used to take as a kid, only made with modern touches like a ride photo for a fun souvenir.

Once inside the iconic white building, it’s time for take off as you soar (literally) past stars and planets and race through twists and turns.

No matter what age you are, this futuristic g-force adventure is sure to make your heart race!

During the holiday season, this ride transforms into Space Mountain: Holiday Run, which includes red and green lighting paired with a rockin’ holiday music soundtrack.

To learn more, check out my Space Mountain riders guide.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Embark on an out-of-this world adventure with Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios!

Part of the exciting journey through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this ride puts you in a fight against The First Order.

What I love about this ride is that it has multiple parts as you make your way from spy to capture to rescue. It’s more of an experience than just a ride!

Unfortunately, it does tend to break down more often than other rides, so plan plenty of time for your galactic adventures.

I recommend aiming to ride at rope drop, getting in line just before the park closes, or getting a lightning lane pass to avoid long lines and hopefully also avoid any breakdowns or delays.

To learn more about this fun experience, check out my Rise of the Resistance riders guide.

Test Track

Get ready to test your skills as an engineer, then strap into the driver’s seat and blast off to experience Test Track at Epcot.

After customizing a car, climb into one of the models and get ready for a high-octane adventure around hairpin turns through dramatic scenery.

And if you don’t want to wait in line, take advantage of the single rider line. Even though you’ll be sharing a car with someone you don’t know, the thrills of Test Track more than make up for it!

Be sure to give it a ride soon – Disney recently announced that they are working with Chevrolet (the corporate sponsor) to give this ride a new experience.

There’s no timeline yet, but it’s likely that it’ll be down starting some time in 2024.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover

Looking for a ride that will take you to the stars? Look no further than the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover in Magic Kingdom.

With its futuristic design and relaxing track, this ride provides an out-of-this-world journey – literally!

Not only is it one of the best rides at Disney World, but you can guarantee that all your other interstellar dreams will come true once you board the People Mover.

My favorite part about this ride, other than the chance to rest my feet from running around the park all day, are the views. If you time it right, it’s a great spot to catch a glimpse of the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle during Happily Ever After.

I also like to ride the People Mover during sunset to capture some fun photos of the Astro Blaster, Cinderella’s Castle, Space Mountain, and TRON – ok, pretty much all of Tomorrowland!

Toy Story Mania

Get ready for an adventure as you hop on the Toy Story Mania ride.

When you enter the queue, you’ll find yourself transported into Andy’s room complete with oversized blocks, giant nightlights, and larger than life toys.

Once on the ride, sit back and enjoy while it takes you through five multi-dimensional levels of riotous fun.

This game-based ride has it all – from carnival-like tossing games to a challenging shoot-em-up interactive experience.

Whether you come out on top or are humbled by a defeat, riding Toy Story Mania is sure to bring out your inner kid again!

TRON Lightcycle Run

This action-packed roller coaster opened on April 4, 2023 in Tomorrowland and is sure to give any adrenaline junkie a thrill and make you feel like you’ve transported into the future.

On this two minute long ride, you can take in the sights of a cyber world that is way ahead of its time and capture it forever via a fun ride photo.

So hop on board, strap yourself in, get ready for high speed chase through neon lights and have the most electrifying experience.

This ride currently uses a virtual queue that can be joined at 7 AM and 1 PM. In addition, you can purchase an individual lightning lane.

Since this ride is best at night thanks to the flashing blue and red show on the outdoor portion of the track, I highly recommend getting a lightning lane so you can experience it in this way.

Plus, the sight lines from the outdoor queue area has a perfect view of Cinderella’s Castle, so it’s a unique spot for watching the fireworks, too!

Turtle Talk with Crush

Alright, listen up dudes and dudettes, Turtle Talk with Crush is fins-down one of the best attractions at Disney World.

I mean, who doesn’t want to chat it up with everyone’s favorite giant sea turtle from Finding Nemo?

But the best part? It’s completely interactive and a unique experience every time. You get to ask Crush questions and he answers them in his chill, surfer dude voice.

Plus, it’s located in World Nature at Epcot’s SeaBase, so you’re not only having a blast but also learning about our amazing marine friends.

So next time you’re at Epcot, hit up Turtle Talk with Crush and get ready for some gnarly fun.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Step into the world of The Twilight Zone at Hollywood Studios and experience a true spine-tingling thrill with the Tower of Terror ride.

This signature attraction will take you on a twilight journey through time and space like nothing else, as it plummets you 13 stories down an elevator shaft – if you’re brave enough, that is!

It may terrify you but it’ll also undoubtedly be remembered as one of your favorite experiences at Disney World.

To learn more about this chilling ride, check out my Tower of Terror riders guide.

Walt Disney World Railroad

We all know there’s no shortage of rides and attractions at Walt Disney World, but let’s talk about one that’s a real hidden gem – the Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom.

Not only is this charming train ride a form of transportation, but it also takes you through the picturesque landscapes of the park, complete with three stops where you can hop off to explore.

Plus, who doesn’t love the feeling of a cool breeze blowing their hair back as they chug along the track?

If you’re looking for a bit of old-school Disney magic, hopping aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad is a must-do.

What are your favorite rides at Disney World?

I’m sure you’ll agree, Disney World is a magical place. There are so many different types of rides and attractions at Disney World that it’s easy to plan a day that’s perfect for you.

But remember, there are so many more attractions worth exploring. And most importantly, have fun!

Now I want to know what are your favorite Disney World rides? Let me know in the comments below.