18 Scariest Rides at Disney World, Revealed & Ranked

Are you an adrenaline junkie looking for a thrill? If so, Disney World might be the ultimate vacation spot for you!

From stomach-churning drops to twists and turns that will leave you feeling upside-down and disoriented, the scary rides in this list are not for the faint-hearted.

And let’s not forget the spooky, dark sections and jump-scares that are sure to make you clutch the person next to you.

Now, not everyone defines scary the same when it comes to rides, but I created a ranking system that uses science, data, and personal experience to create this list and reach ride’s ranking.

Get ready as I explore 18 of the scariest rides at Disney World that will surely get your heart racing and keep your eyes wide open!

How I rated the scariness of each ride

Before we get into my ranked list of the scariest rides at Disney World, I’d like to explain how I rated each ride so you can get a better sense of how I came to to my conclusions.

What is scary for one person might be fun for another, so my ranking system might help you better judge the scariness level of each attraction for yourself!

Below is an outline of a ranking system I created and then developed a private database in order to track and rank each ride.

If you’re not interested in the background of how I created this list, you can skip to the first ride instead.

Disorientation

First up on the list is disorientation, where I tracked several different characteristics of a ride, such as drops, loops, and backward motion, to evaluate how disorienting a ride might be to our senses.

Rides with multiple disorienting factors could arguably be more scary than those with less.

Darkness

Not only is fear of darkness a common fear to have, but taking away one of the five senses can be very disorienting if you’re not used to it. 

However, since it involves impairment or taking away a major sense that most of us rely on each day, I felt it deserved its own category.

Through personal experience, I noted if there was any section of the ride where sense of sight is reduced or taken away due to lack of proper lighting.

Loud noises

While many of the rides at Disney World have loud music or sound effects, I evaluated rides using firsthand experience based on whether the noise was mean to cause a jump scare.

For example, roars from a dangerous animal is likely to be scary to many while loud rock music wouldn’t be.

Tight spaces

According to a study in The Lancet Psychiatry, claustrophobia, or the fear of enclosed spaces, is one of the most common fears (source) us humans share.

So for this category, I used firsthand experience to evaluate seating based on how tight it was and what safety restraints were like.

Although safety restraints are there to, well, keep us safe, the sensation of being trapped and unable to free oneself can easily cause panic even in people who don’t consider themselves claustrophobic.

With all this in mind, the more pinned down the restraint was and the reliance on someone else to release you from the restraint was noted for each ride.

Fear factor

Last on the list is a catch-all group for less common or less severe fears that can still contribute to a rides scariness level.

For example, a fear of supernatural beings, a fear of bugs, or even the presence of a villain, which is traditional meant to be someone to be fearful of.

Like many of the categories I used for evaluating a ride, I used firsthand experience for this ride as well.

Speed

For this category, I tracked down how fast each ride is using a variety of sources, such as the Roller Coaster Database, Disney World blog, and the Behind the Attraction show on Disney+.

None of the rides went over the max speed limit for cars in Florida, so in my opinion, this doesn’t weight as heavily as other categories, but still plays into whether a ride might be too scary or not.

Risk

Last on the list is risk. This category is a bit hard to evaluate based on data that is and isn’t available.

Each quarter, theme parks in Florida are required to report injuries or deaths sustained on or immediately after a ride that result in a minimum 24 hour hospital stay.

This information is gathered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (source).

That last bit is important because there could be far more injuries on a ride that don’t require a 24 hour stay, such as a concussion, vomiting, or minor cuts and bruises.

In addition, a guest with a preexisting condition could experience issues that have nothing to do with the ride itself, but rather are a byproduct of that condition or other elements that are not related to the ride, such as heat and dehydration.

However, it’s still important to note the risk as it can imply the intensity of a ride that could make it too scary for some.

Now that I’ve gone over how my ranking system evaluates each ride, let’s dig in to my list of the 18 scariest rides at Disney World.

It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

Are you ready to put your senses to the test? Then buckle up for “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!”

This dark and thrilling show takes you deep into the world of creepy crawlies, with realistic sensations of bugs crawling under your seat and by your feet.

It’s truly enough to make you jump and want to book it out of the theater and jump into the Discovery River to rinse off all the bugs.

Don’t worry, though, you won’t need a hazmat suit or a shower – this show is a safe and exciting way to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most fascinating creatures.

So if you’re feeling brave, check out “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

But be sure to do it soon, because this creepy crawly attraction is going away, likely within a year.

In September 2023, Disney announced that it was working on a new show for this theater based on Zootopia (source). However, they haven’t stated when this show would close for the renovations.

At a Glance: It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

The Haunted Mansion

Welcome foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Dare to experience the dark and mysterious ambiance of this ghastly estate.

From the portraits that seem to follow your every move to chandeliers that sway on their own, this is not your typical slow ride.

But fear not, as the grim grinning ghosts are here to entertain you with their haunting melodies.

Just be sure to keep your hands and feet inside the doom buggy at all times, ok?

While this ride isn’t super scary, at least not for adults and older children, it certainly does set a spooky mood.

Plus, it comes with a very fun ride photo – but be warned, you may see more than just your own ghastly reflection in it!

That must be why it has such a big fan base from both Disney World and Disneyland – and has three movies based on it!

Love this ride? You might enjoy my post about the best Haunted Mansion quotes!

Soarin’ Around the World / Soarin’ Over California

Get ready for a wild ride on Soarin’ Around the World at Epcot’s Land Pavilion!

This immersive experience has it all – breathtaking views, heart-pumping thrills, and a few jump scares to keep you on your toes.

It’s so realistic, you might find yourself wondering: is this real life?

As you glide through the air, soaring over lush landscapes and cascading waterfalls, you’ll feel like you’re flying without a care in the world.

But don’t get too comfortable, because just when you least expect it, a twist or turn will send your heart racing and adrenaline pumping.

Temporarily, Epcot has replaced this simulator ride with the original Soarin’ experience, Soarin’ Over California.

Be sure to check it out while it’s still there. Disney hasn’t announced an end date, so it could go at any time!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

If you’re looking for another thrilling ride at Disney World, you’ve got to check out the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom.

This ride may look cute and cuddly on the outside, but don’t be fooled – it packs a punch!

Brace yourself for sharp turns, sudden drops, and unexpected surprises, all while whizzing through the twisted mine shafts. I will say, though, it rides pretty smoothly for a roller coaster!

And if you’re worried about long waits (which is scary in itself), purchase a Lightning Lane pass that allows you to skip ahead to the front.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Looking for a roller coaster that will leave you screaming with both terror and joy? Look no further than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!

With its rickety tracks and steep drops, this ride is sure to send your adrenaline racing.

And while it’s not as scary as other roller coasters at Disney World, it’s not as smooth and therefore not as easy to anticipate what comes next.

But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most exhilarating thrills and chills at Magic Kingdom.

Slinky Dog Dash

This fun family roller coaster, located in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios, is designed to make riders feel like they are on a ride built in Andy’s backyard.

It includes 2 launch points (which will let you catch your breath part way through), as well as many drops, hills, and twists throughout the ride.

Personally I don’t find Slinky Dog Dash to be too scary, but scariness definitely depends on everyone’s own “scary scale.”

For more info about this ride, check out my Slinky Dog Dash riders guide.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Rise of the Resistance at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios takes you on a thrilling adventure as a member of the Resistance, battling against the darkness of the First Order.

But before you can join the fight, you’ll have to endure an intimidating pre-show that will have even the bravest Jedi quivering in their boots. So many stormtroopers!

Once you make it through the dark and eerie corridors, prepare for mind-blowing special effects, battle scenes, and a heart-stopping drop as you race through the galaxy to escape.

DINOSAUR

Get ready for a wild ride through a land of prehistoric creatures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

In this adventure, you will encounter many dark and mysterious corners, where life-like dinosaurs lurk just around the river bend.

My humor might be the scariest ride of all, but never mind that – back to the ride!

Don’t be fooled by the dinos’ realistic appearance – these beasts are not to be underestimated.

And as you navigate a bumpy terrain in near complete darkness, you’ll need to hold on tight as you barrel through the landscape in a utility-type vehicle otherwise you might risk whiplash (not even being sarcastic, it’s pretty rough!).

Mission: SPACE – Green Mission

The Mission: SPACE ride includes two versions, one more intense than the other.

The green mission is the milder of the two. It simulates a launch into space and journey over planet Earth.

It’s actually quite pretty to see the different landscapes, including a brief showing of the Northern Lights!

Space Mountain

Prepare for a heart-pumping adventure as you embark on an intergalactic voyage aboard Space Mountain in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom!

This thrilling ride takes you through a pitch-black universe, where the only light comes from the stars and the anticipation builds with each twist and turn.

Your mission? To survive the thrilling journey and return to Earth in one piece.

With speeds of up to 27 miles per hour, you’ll feel the rush of acceleration as you travel through space.

I always come off this ride with tears (of joy, I swear) streaming down my face!

Personally I find the surprise drops and turns to be exciting, but not everyone finds the loss of their sense of sight to be fun.

TRON Lightcycle Run

TRON is one of the newest rides at Disney World and a fun one it is! I personally don’t find it to be too scary, but others may disagree on that assessment.

The ride starts off with a 0-60 MPH push off into a track, which can be jarring for some people.

It also includes a section that takes place in a very dark space that can cause disorientation.

Expedition Everest

Looking for a thrill at Animal Kingdom? Look no further than Expedition Everest in the Asia section of the park.

But be warned, the Yeti wants a piece of you, so make sure you hold on tight as you plummet backwards down the mountain.

Yes, you read that right, backwards!

This ride will have you experiencing the excitement of climbing to the peak of the world’s tallest mountain, only to be taken on a wild journey down the other side.

And you won’t be able to use your vision sense since you’ll be doing it all backwards!

So, get ready for a hair-raising adventure that will leave you wanting to ride again and again. Just don’t forget to watch out for the Yeti!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Are you brave enough to face The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios? This ominous ride will put even the most daring thrill-seekers to the test.

The question is, will you make it out alive or plummet into oblivion?

With heart-stopping drops and spine-tingling twists, the Tower of Terror is not for the easily queasy.

But for those who dare to take on the challenge, the reward is a rush of adrenaline unlike any other.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

It’s time to face the music and hang on tight, because the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster at Epcot is a wild ride that will leave you breathless!

Located in the World Discovery section of the park, this coaster is not for the squeamish.

What sets it apart from other Disney World attractions is its virtual queue, which allows you to explore other areas of the park as you wait for your turn to board.

But don’t let that distract you, because once you’re strapped in, the real fun begins.

As the coaster races through space, you’ll be surrounded by intense sound effects and a killer soundtrack – just like the Guardians movies.

Whether you’re a fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise or just looking for a thrill, this ride is a must-try. Just be sure to hold on tight!

Avatar Flight of Passage

Have you experienced the Avatar ride, Flight of Passage, at Disney’s Pandora in Animal Kingdom?

This ride is so realistic that you’ll truly feel like you are flying on the back of a banshee through Pandora.

But beware of a few jump scares and drops that will leave you gripping the handlebars.

It’s worth it though, especially when you soar through the bioluminescent forest and glide over the ocean.

Overall, be prepared to have your breath taken away, both from the excitement and from the breathtaking views.

Avatar Flight of Passage is not for those who get motion sickness easily, but if you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, then this is the ride for you.

Summit Plummet

We’re gonna take a detour for this ride, as it’s at one of Disney World’s water parks, Blizzard Beach.

And while you’ll need a separate park ticket to ride it (ie, no park hopping), if you’re into water rides and thrill rides, this one’s right up your alley and well worth the added cost.

Summit Plummet is not for the faint of heart. In fact, it’s not for anyone who values their stomach remaining in one piece.

As you climb the stairs to the top, your anticipation builds, and your palms begin to sweat. But nothing can prepare you for the stomach-dropping sensation you experience as you hurtle down the slide at breakneck speeds.

This 120-foot near vertical free fall waterslide is the ultimate thrill ride with riders reaching up to 60 miles per hour on the way down.

If you’re brave enough to take on Summit Plummet, just remember to hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Are you ready to rock the ride of your life? Look no further than Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith at Hollywood Studios.

With not one, not two, but three heart-pumping inversions, be prepared to experience the thrill of going upside-down like a true rockstar.

Hang on tight as the ride propels you through a darkened track set to remixes of Aerosmith’s greatest hits.

This coaster is for those who crave adrenaline and the ultimate thrill ride – plus a rockin’ soundtrack.

Mission: SPACE – Orange Mission

And here we are, the scariest ride at Disney World: Mission: SPACE – Orange Mission.

Per the Disney World website, this mission simulates a rocket ship ride to Mars, complete with spinning and G-force similar to that which real astronauts deal with.

The spinning also pins you to your seat, which is very unnerving in my opinion. This is one ride that I’m too scared to ride again, personally!

Are you ready for liftoff? 3…2…1…

Which rides at Disney World are the scariest for you?

One thing I’ve learned over my many visits to Disney World is that what one thinks is scary is very personal and your reaction could come as a surprise – especially the first time you go on a ride.

If you’re looking for nervous laughter, screams, and chills down your spine, then these attractions might just be for you! After all, what better way to make memories than thrills like these?

So seek out your own comfort level of scary, enjoy it, and revel in the fact that you made it through unscathed.

And before you read the next post, I just wanted to give a special shoutout to the now-closed Great Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios, which terrorized me for years thanks to its scene from Alien. Yes, I’m a wimp.

I’d also like to memorialize the now-closed Stitch’s Great Escape at Magic Kingdom, which made me feel claustrophobic even though I’m not usually.

I also don’t miss Stitch’s onion-y burps, even if he is a cutie pie.

Now the only question remains: which rides at Disney World are the scariest for you? Drop a comment in section below!

This post was originally published May 9, 2023. It was last updated October 28, 2023.