When most people think of theme parks, roller coasters are certainly one of the first things that come to mind. While we wait for Walt Disney World to finish construction on two coasters they are currently working on, let’s take a look at some of the amazing Disney roller coasters, for all ages, that the parks have to offer.
Hollywood Studios
-Slinky Dog Dash: This family-friendly coaster found in Toy Story Land remains one of the most popular rides in the park. Riders climb aboard a giant slinky dog and twist, turn and race past giant toys in a trip through Andy’s backyard. The smooth ride, lack of any major drops and 38” height requirement make this a great choice for the whole family.
-Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster: This is the roller coaster for more adventurous riders at Hollywood Studios. The ride is themed off of a race through an L.A. freeway traffic jam to get to an Aerosmith concert on time. The darkened track, high speeds and it being the only roller coaster at Disney World that goes upside down make this coaster a thrill-seeker’s dream. Rock ‘n Roller Coaster has a 48” height requirement. Bonus: the ride pictures are hilarious for this because they take it when you are hitting your highest speeds at the beginning.
Animal Kingdom
-Expedition Everest: The only roller coaster in Animal Kingdom is one of our all-time favorites. High speeds, big drops and some unexpected surprises make this an awesome coaster experience. Riders start on a peaceful ride through the Himalayan Mountains before things quickly get interesting when the Yeti arrives. The big drop (Everest is the tallest ride in all of WDW) is sure to get you that classic roller coaster picture to make your Disney trip complete. Riders need to be 44” tall to ride Everest.
Magic Kingdom
-The Barnstormer: Take a ride with Goofy through Storybook Circus on this coaster for young kids. With only a 35” height requirement and a fully open-air experience, this is a great start for the youngest coaster fans. Our younger kids love it!
-Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train: A family favorite and the most popular coaster at Magic Kingdom. This smooth ride through the diamond mine from Snow White is so much fun for the whole family. Don’t let the 38” height requirement fool you; The big kids and adults will enjoy this one just as much as the kids.
-Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Head over to Frontierland for “The wildest ride in the wilderness”. This is a must-do for our family each time we are at the park. Riders load into a train in an abandoned mine and quickly race away through a high-speed, bumpy ride through a ghost town. While there are no big drops, this coaster is faster, jerkier, louder and darker than Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. So while we find them both family friendly (40” height requirement), know that this coaster is a bit more adventurous. Pro tip: You can sit 3 to a car on this ride. So especially with smaller riders, sit 3 wide to keep their seats on the seat throughout the ride.
-Space Mountain: The roller coaster that everyone thinks of when they think of Disney. This classic adventure through space is the most thrilling of the Magic Kingdom coasters. Riders must be at least 44” tall to take this high speed rocket ride through the darkness of space. Another thing to know before you go: Riders sit one to a row on this ride. So if you have kids who are a bit nervous about this one, you will not be able to sit next to them, only behind them, but you can also reach them with your hand if that is helpful.
Which one is your favorite Disney roller coaster?
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