There’s no right way to do Disney World, and while we may not focus heavily on roller coasters in our visits we completely understand why people coming to a theme park might want to know the best roller coasters. So in this post, we set out to rank the roller coasters of Walt Disney World.
As with all our ranking posts, we need to give some amount of context here. The first is that these lists are always a combination of our personal views, views we know others hold, and objective factors (like ride length).
The second big thing to highlight is that this isn’t just a sub-list of our ranking of every ride at Walt Disney World. While all these rides are on that list, they rank differently there than here because different factors come into play when ranking roller coasters than when ranking all rides.
Is Disney World For Thrill Seekers?
There are nine roller coasters in four parks at Walt Disney World Resort. That number is lower than many amusement parks in the world, but Disney’s theme parks excel in quality and story.
That said, Disney World is definitely not the best destination in the world for thrill seekers…at least not if you’re counting coasters. While several of the rides on this list could make “best in the world” lists, you’re not going to find a dozen thrilling coasters packed into a single park like you might at some other destinations.
There are other thrills at Disney World, though. DINOSAUR, which isn’t a roller coaster, is really exciting. Flight of Passage and (to a lesser degree) Soarin’ are thrilling screen rides. And Star Wars: Rise of The Resistance is thrilling in an entirely unique way. The list could go on.
None of this has to do with whether Disney World is fun for adults or older kids. It definitely is. You can click that link to read about adulting at Disney World, and as we go through the rides below, we’ll link to our posts about visiting the specific parks as an adult.
While we definitely think you should read the rest of this post for the full context, we’ll give you the ranking right away. Here is how we rank the best roller coasters in Walt Disney World:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Slinky Dog Dash
Space Mountain
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Barnstormer
As we go through the list, for each ride we’ll close with some tips on how to ride it, usually either Lightning Lane or rope drop. We’ll link to the relevant Lightning Lane / rope drop posts the first time we mention them.
The Best Roller Coaster in Walt Disney World
Let’s start with the best roller coaster at Disney World—Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Epcot)
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is the newest coaster at Walt Disney World and Epcot’s first coaster. Is it indisputably the best coaster in Disney World? Not in our minds. But it is definitely top two and offers such a thrilling, unique experience that we’re comfortable giving it the top spot on this list.
The main queue doesn’t measure up to Expedition Everest, in our opinion, but there’s enough pre-ride flare to make up for that. The ride itself is huge in scope, thrills, and fun with a perfect mix of Big Bang intensity and 70s/80s music fun. I’m trying not to spoil much here because the ride is brand new, but suffice to say it’s a must-ride at Disney World.
Riding It: As of this update Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is still using a virtual queue—no regular standby queue. Guests visiting Epcot can join the virtual queue, with some luck. Alternatively, you can buy access to the Individual Lightning Lane.
The Rest of the Disney World Roller Coasters
2. Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (Animal Kingdom)
Without spoiling too much, Expedition Everest is definitely one of Disney’s best rides. The Forbidden Mountain imposes on you long before you even make your way to the ride, setting you up for one of the scariest and most surprising rides in Walt Disney World.
The queue is arguably the best on property, too, setting up the story of both the expedition and the Forbidden Mountain (which is not the same as Mount Everest).
And the ride experience is something else. With powerful turns, stunning resort-wide views, thrilling drops, and shocking surprises along the way,
Yes—the ride isn’t technically fully functional. The Yeti does not have the range of motion that added to the terror in the early days of the ride due to a complex structural problem (it isn’t as simple as repairing the animatronic). That said, even the current version of the ride is an easy pick for the best roller coaster in Walt Disney World.
Riding It: Expedition Everest is part of Genie+ at Animal Kingdom and a mid-priority ride in that park. It also has a time-saving single rider line if you don’t mind your party getting split up. Otherwise, you’ll have little trouble getting a short wait if you visit early.
You can read about visiting Animal Kingdom as an adult here.
3. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (Hollywood Studios)
If I were a tad more objective, there would be a tie for second (but who wants a tie, anyways?). Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is the most intense of the Walt Disney World roller coasters and the only one that goes upside down.
Like Space Mountain, this ride takes place mostly in the dark. While the story isn’t Disney’s best work, the integration of Aerosmith music and blacklight into the ride make it one of the most intense experiences on property.
Riding It: The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Lightning Lane is part of Hollywood Studios’ Genie+. In any case—we usually recommend visiting Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster right around the time the park opens. Like Expedition Everest, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has a single rider line if your party is willing to be split up.
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
Along with Space Mountain (a few spots down), Big Thunder Mountain epitomizes the old school Disney attitude toward roller coasters. It is one of the longest rides in this list at 3 minutes long. It offers beautiful views of Magic Kingdom. And there’s a story there, but they don’t just slap you in your face with it.
At the end of the day, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is incredibly fun, and that’s what puts it up here. Sure, it’s an older roller coaster and thus a bit uncomfortable. It also doesn’t have any of the exceptional thrills of the two rides above it on this list—but that’s why it’s appropriately ranked here.
The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Lightning Lane is a part of Genie+ at Magic Kingdom. We generally recommend heading there early, whether you’re coming from Early Entry or not.
5. TRON Lightcycle / Run (Magic Kingdom)
This is where things get a little tough for me. From a ride standpoint, I think Slinky Dog Dash and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train should be next on this list. But from a coaster standpoint—something that emphasizes thrills a bit more—I have to put TRON in this spot.
TRON, with its unique “Lightcycle” seat, is a thrilling experience and totally unlike anything else on this list. It’s an exciting combination of indoor and outdoor elements, offering the best of both those worlds. Particularly at night, it’s an absolute joy to ride.
Unfortunately, the ride itself is around 90 seconds long (estimates of 2 or even 4 minutes are a bit more generous in what they include), and I think more could have been done with the concept. It’s one of those situations where it ends just as you start to get into it. I’d go so far as to say the ending is so abrupt and poorly timed that it disappoints me every ride.
As of this update, TRON can only be ridden via virtual queue and Individual Lightning Lane.
6. Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios)
Slinky Dog Dash checks several key boxes—smooth track, fantastic views, some fun twists and turns, and cutesy theming. This is a great ride, and a good roller coaster. Clocking in at around 1:45, its biggest shortcoming might be its length.
At night, Slinky Dog Dash is an entirely different experience. The already stunning views become even more vibrant. At night, I’d probably rank the ride at least in a tie for third with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. And while TRON is something special at night, too, I’d put nighttime Slinky Dog Dash ahead of nighttime TRON.
Slinky Dog Dash is a part of Genie+ at Hollywood Studios and the most popular Genie+ selection in that park. If you don’t have Genie+, you’ll consider riding it to start your day. Given that we enjoy riding it at night, it’s also a good candidate for a last ride of the day.
7. Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
Space Mountain is a legendary coaster. Disney’s indoor, in-the-dark ride is 100% surprise, and that’s the real selling point.
There’s little story, there’s no out-of-control motion, and it always manages to strain our physiques just a little bit. But the shocking twist and turns, the zany music, and the screams of other guests who are always surprised by every dip make this a unique experience in Walt Disney World.
Space Mountain is on Genie+ and is usually a mid-priority Lightning Lane. In certain circumstances it can make sense to visit it early, bit with its indoor queue and reasonable midday waits, we usually visit it during the afternoon or evening.
8. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)
I have no doubt some fans will flip out over Seven Dwarfs Mine Train’s low placement on this list. Heck, I’ve already ranked the ride as one of the best at Disney World, so how can it be only the eighth best roller coaster as well?
Look, the ride has plenty of virtues—it’s a beautiful dark ride, of decent length, it’s incredibly smooth, it has great animatronics, and it has a relatively low height requirement (38 inches). And while these add up to it being a great ride, they don’t necessarily make it rank well as a roller coaster.
The dark ride components aren’t really what people tend to be looking for in roller coasters. If you think they’re the perfect addition to the ride, then take solace that I (and apparently Disney) agree.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is the most popular ride at Magic Kingdom and the cornerstone of visiting the park. It’s a paid individual Lightning Lane, and one of the few at Disney World often worth paying for.
9. Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom)
With its 35” height requirement and one-minute ride-time, Barnstormer is the first roller coaster for many kids at Disney World (including our kid). There’s really very little to say. For a 60-second ride, it’s fine. Kids seem to enjoy it. But would I say it’s a necessary component of any Magic Kingdom day? Not by a longshot. You’ll find Barnstormer in the Storybook Circus part of Fantasyland.
Barnstormer is a very low priority ride that usually has short waits. It has a Lightning Lane in Genie+.
10. Primeval Whirl (Animal Kingdom) [PERMANENTLY CLOSED]
Update: Primeval Whirl is now permanently closed. It remains on this list in memoriam and as notice of the closure.
Personally, I prefer Primeval Whirl to Barnstormer, but I think there are good reasons to put it last. First, it’s a “wild mouse” coaster, which to me places it more in a “hybrid” category where I maybe discount any “roller coaster” bonafides.
Second, and related, is that I find it incredibly uncomfortable. I have to ride it frequently (that’s part of the job), but I’m pretty much always trying to just survive it.
Finally, it has a ridiculous height requirement (ridiculous relative to quality, I’m sure it’s set properly based on safety). The required 48” is the highest in the resort, tied with Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
While I’d give it some credit for cute storytelling, plenty of people strongly disagree with me on this point, so I’m happy to concede that Primeval Whirl is probably the worst roller coaster in Walt Disney World.
Primeval Whirl is located in Chester and Hester’s Dino-Rama in Dinoland USA at Animal Kingdom.
Comparing the Disney World Roller Coasters
With the ranking done, lets answer some questions about the Disney World roller coasters that compare them in categories a little more specific than just “best”.
Which Disney World Coasters are best for kids?
All of the Disney World roller coasters have height requirements, meaning kids will have to be of a certain height to enjoy them. From tallest to shortest, these requirements are:
TRON Lightcycle / Run - 48 inches / 122 centimeters
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith - 48 inches / 122 centimeters
Space Mountain - 44 inches / 112 centimeters
Expedition Everest - 44 inches / 112 centimeters
Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind - 42 inches / 107 centimeters
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - 40 inches / 102 centimeters
Slinky Dog Dash - 38 inches / 97 centimeters
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - 38 inches / 97 centimeters
The Barnstormer - 35 inches / 89 centimeters
What is the scariest roller coaster in Disney World?
Expedition Everest gets our vote for scariest roller coaster in Disney World. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Space Mountain both take place entirely in the dark, but even their surprises don’t compare with what Expedition Everest brings to the table.
What is the fastest roller coaster in Disney World?
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is the fastest roller coaster in Disney World, going from 0-60 miles per hour in under three seconds. It is not, however, the fastest ride in Disney World. Test Track, not a roller coaster, reaches 65 miles per hour.
What is the longest roller coaster in Disney World?
Exact time vary because you can quibble about what parts of the ride to include, but Cosmic Rewind, Expedition Everest, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are around three minutes or more.
What is the highest roller coaster in Disney World?
Expedition Everest is the tallest attraction at Disney World, and its drop is the longest and most intense of the roller coasters.
What roller coasters go upside down at Disney World?
Only Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster goes upside down at Disney World.
Which Disney World park has the most roller coasters?
Magic Kingdom has five of Disney World’s nine roller coasters. Epcot currently has one, Hollywood Studios has two, and Animal Kingdom has one.
But you might separately ask which park is best for thrill seekers. For top notch thrill rides, I’d probably rank the parks:
Hollywood Studios (Coasters plus Tower of Terror, Rise of the Resistance, Smugglers Run, Star Tours)
Animal Kingdom (Coaster plus DINOSAUR, Flight of Passage)
Magic Kingdom (Coasters)
Epcot (Coaster plus Soarin’, Test Track)
All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered
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Know what to ride with our guides to: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, Epcot rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our guide to Blizzard Beach and our guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.
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