Walt Disney World has it all – the magic, the rides, and oodles of chances to make memories to last a lifetime. While it’s debated that the most thrilling rides are found at
Universal Orlando Resort and
SeaWorld, that might just be because they are easier to find. With this in mind, we have curated a guide to the most hair-raising, rip-roaring, rides at Disney World for every age.
Whether you have a young child ready to experience their first roller coaster, a teen looking for high-speed attractions, or are an adult seeking a rush of nostalgia, here’s how you can make your Florida holiday another family-friendly fairytale…
Disney Rides for Little Ones (under 5 years)
The Barnstormer
Height requirement: 35" or taller
Take flight with Goofy in this tiny tot favourite. Located in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, this is a gateway coaster for little Mouseketeers. Centred around Goofy’s antics as a stunt pilot performing daredevil tricks, this ride features plenty of twists and turns, as well as themed elements, sure to keep the little ones entertained.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Height requirement: 38" or taller
Staying in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, combine gentle thrills with enchanting scenes from the Disney classic Snow White aboard the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Offering a slightly more adventurous ride, it’s still just as suitable for young children. Sing your heart out to Heigh Ho while chugging through the diamond mine, encountering small drops and fast turns along the way.
Slinky Dog Dash
Height requirement: 38" or taller
Perched within Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Slinky Dog Dash is great fun for all the family. Board Andy’s Mega Coaster Play Kit for a wild ride atop Slinky Dog over giant toys, featuring two launch sections as well as several twists and turns. And it’s not just the ride that’s full of thrills. The queue is also crammed with interactive elements that will fully immerse you in the world of Toy Story.
Disney Rides for Tweens (5-12 years)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Height requirement: 40″ or taller
Head to the Wild West, aka Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, for a ride sure to satisfy those cravings for thrills. Dodge exploding dynamite and falling boulders as you race through a haunted gold mine on this quintessential Walt Disney World coaster. This ride has been a staple attraction at the park since its opening in 1980 and continues to take guests on an exhilarating experience.
Kali River Rapids
Height requirement: 38" or taller
There’s no better way to cool off from the scorching Florida heat than with a whitewater rafting adventure. Located in the Asia area of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Kali River Rapids is a rip-roaring ride through gushing waterfalls and raging currents. Yet whilst this ride hits the mark for thrill seekers, guests can also enjoy the peaceful and stunning setting of the Asian jungle, complete with bamboo groves and exotic flora.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Height requirement: 42" or taller
EPCOT has plenty of rides to keep tweens buzzing all day. One not to be missed is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Join Rocket, Groot, Gamora, and Star-Lord in the World Discovery neighbourhood for an exciting quest across the cosmos to save the galaxy. This epic ride features the first ever reverse-launch on a Disney coaster as well as 360-degree rotation, so you won’t miss a moment of the action.
Disney Rides for Teenagers
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Height requirement: 48″ or taller
Score cool points this holiday with a ride on this rockin’ coaster. After being told they’re late for a concert, Aerosmith invites you to hop into their gleaming limousine for a race across town. You will be propelled from 0 to 57 mph in 2.8 seconds, experiencing up to 5 Gs as you cruise past neon signs, highway structures, and other urban elements. All are illuminated by vibrant lighting which combines the excitement of a rock concert with the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster, always set to the iconic music of Aerosmith.
TRON Lightcycle/Run
Height requirement: 48″ or taller
One of the fastest rollercoasters at any Disney theme park worldwide, TRON Lightcycle/Run is sure to get your heart racing. Inspired by the TRON film franchise, this innovative attraction immerses guests in the futuristic digital world of TRON, offering a unique ride experience aboard lightcycle-themed vehicles that reach a stunning 60 mph.
Space Mountain
Height requirement: 44" or taller
It doesn’t get much more iconic than Space Mountain. Since its opening in 1975, it has been a fan favourite ever since. The ride is themed around the concept of interstellar travel, with guests being transported to a futuristic spaceport, where they board rockets for a high-speed adventure through the cosmos. The ride's setting, with its dark, star-filled environment and advanced space station aesthetics, creates an authentic sensation of travelling through space. Teens will love the bragging rights that come with a ride on this one!
Disney Rides for Adults (immersive nostalgia)
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Height requirement: 40" or taller
Ride if you dare! Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has been enticing thrill seekers for decades. Essentially a lift that freefalls, this ride will have your stomach in knots in the best possible way. In fact, this is such an iconic ride that you can even purchase an ‘I survived the Tower of Terror’ T shirt. So, if you thought Walt Disney World was just for the kids, this ride will make you think again.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Height requirement: 40" or taller
The force is very strong with this ride. Head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and join the Resistance for an extraordinary battle against the First Order. It combines state-of-the-art technology with immersive storytelling to create one of the most advanced and engaging rides ever built. Its blend of interactive elements, thrilling sequences, and iconic Star Wars moments make it a standout experience that captivates both die-hard fans and casual visitors alike. Whether you’re navigating the halls of a Star Destroyer or escaping the clutches of Kylo Ren, this attraction promises an unforgettable adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
Avatar Flight of Passage
Height requirement: 44" or taller
Based on the incredibly successful Avatar film franchise, Avatar Flight of Passage is a breathtaking 3D simulator ride over the land of Pandora. Channel your inner Na’vi hunter as you climb atop a winged mountain banshee. Highlights of the flight include close encounters with Pandora’s bioluminescent flora, flying over towering waterfalls, and navigating through the iconic floating mountains.
Buckle in for the ride of your life! Book your Walt Disney Florida holiday with expert advice today. 
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