While Disney is mostly known for their tame, family oriented rides such as Dumbo and Pirates of the Caribbean, there are a few worth mentioning for those seeking a little more of a thrill. Hold on, here we go with my list of Walt Disney World Top Thrill Rides!

Space Mountain
Space Mountain was one of the original Disney thrill rides. Located in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain is a roller coaster set at high speeds, going though the darkness of outer space. Although there is a height requirement for this ride, anyone tall enough should be able to enjoy themselves without too much fear- as there are no upside-downs or long drop-offs. A little campy, but still a good thrill ride, nonetheless.

Splash Mountain
One of my favorites, this attraction is not entirely as it appears- a good lesson for not judging a book by its cover. From the outside, most will see the steep, plunging drop-off passengers of this log flume will face at the end of the ride. However, on the inside, is a wonderful Uncle Remus- themed animatronics show, including Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear and Brer Fox. There are several drop-offs inside, but none so grand as the finale, which always makes me nervous as the log flume climbs up and up, to build the excitement. Don’t forget to smile as you fall downward- a camera will take your picture to make for a good souvenir of your bravery.

Big Thunder Mountain
The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness! This roller coaster is located right next to Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom. It is a roller coaster themed as a wild train ride through the Old West gold rush era. One of the few outdoor roller coasters at Walt Disney World, Big Thunder Mountain feels like one of the faster rides as well. Once again, vertically challenged youngsters may not make it on this ride, but should they meet the height requirement, it should be a fun ride as there aren’t any major drop-offs or loops- just wind and speed. One of my all time favorites.

Mission: Space
I have been to Epcot many times and only the last time that I went did I go on Mission: Space. I was a little nervous because from the beginning of the line to actually getting on the ride were warnings that this ride may cause motion sickness. And after spending too much time in Mexico having margaritas, I was a bit unsure whether or not I should skip it. I toughed it out and was glad I did- it is a pretty neat attraction. It is a simulated ride into space that uses G-forces to give you a realistic feeling as you and three other riders navigate through space in a space shuttle. I enjoyed Mission: Space, but heed the warnings if you are prone to motion sickness and don’t like spinning rides (think Tea Cups), then this may be a ride to scratch off your list.

Kali River Rapids
If it is cold and/or you don’t want to get wet, then stay away from this ride. If you are feeling adventurous and don’t mind getting soaked, then this is the ride for you. Located in the Animal Kingdom, the Kali River Rapids is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day (or any hot Florida day for that matter). A circular raft will take you through jungle rapids, but look out! There is a very good chance that at least a few seats on the raft could get completely doused with water as the raft gets sloshed and turned around. Rapids is not roller coaster/speed scary, but could be frightening for younger children. Make sure to leave some dry clothes behind with family or friends not riding, or at least bring an extra shirt to store in the dry container in the middle of the raft- just in case!

Dinosaur
Also located in the Animal Kingdom, Dinosaur is a semi-simulated ride that is slightly turbulent although there’s not much speed involved. Riding in a “time-rover”, much like a safari type Land Rover, riders are seat belted in as they go through a Jurassic Park type adventure, encountering all sorts of dinosaurs, including the menacing T-Rex. The SUV moves along a track somewhat slowly, but with the magic of hydraulics, you are tussled all around, making for some thrilling moments.

Tower of Terror
The first time I went to MGM Studios, I was with my little sister, who was 14 at the time and was too scared to go on the Tower of Terror with me. I was too scared to go on it by myself, so I ended up by-passing it until recently, on my last trip with my husband, he was dying to go on it, as soon as he realized it was a ride and not an old run-down Disney hotel, like he originally thought. 13 stories up, you sit on an elevator that literally has Twilight Zone written all over it, after going through an “orientation”, so to speak. So up you go and then all of a sudden, the floor is taken out from underneath you. And then you stop, go up, and drop again. This is repeated a few more times, but randomly, so you don’t really know what or when it’s going to happen. I thought this thrill ride was really well done. It wasn’t too jerky and “free fall” to the bottom as I had thought. The sight of the Tower of Terror is a little daunting, however, if you can put your fear aside, I guarantee, this will be a ride that you won’t regret going on.

Aerosmith's Rock N Roller Coaster
As I just mentioned, my little sister would not go on the Tower of Terror with me. She certainly wasn’t going on this ride either. But I was. So I went by myself. Definitely worth it. The last time we went on it, we asked for the front, which I highly recommend. This roller coaster rocks out and speeds to Aerosmith’s music, including my favorite, ”Walk This Way”. This coaster is worthy of being a Six Flags ride- with its immediate 0-60 speed and corkscrew upside downs- well worth the wait, it is possibly the best thrill ride at Disney. Aerosmith’s Rockin’ Coaster is also located at the MGM Studios park.

Expedition Everest
Walt Disney World’s newest ride is a fast paced roller coaster that will speed up Mt. Everest, with sharp turns, fast speeds and forward and backward motions. Located in the Animal Kingdom park, this ride is an adventure through the Himalayas with Yeti encounters and lots of screams. As with Big Thunder Mountain and Space Mountain, there aren’t any sharp drop-offs or loops, but it does pack a pretty good punch with some fun special effects. Just looking at this ride will make you excited and is a must to finish out my top thrill rides at Disney. The lines are long, with this ride being newly opened, but you won’t regret waiting for this one- it’s a blast!

Final Thoughts
All of these rides have the Fast Pass option, which will minimize your wait time, as most of them are extremely popular. Height restrictions are also something to look into if you have any little ones with you, although Disney does have a swap program that will allow one parent to go while the other one waits with the child and when they return, the parents can swap places. I think this is a great service that Disney provides- so don’t count out thrill rides just yet, parents of youngsters- you can have fun too. If you have any health concerns such as back or neck problems, placards are always posted to advise who should not ride, and that usually includes expectant mothers.

Also, one final note; there were a few rides that I almost put on the list, but I just could not, due to the fact that I wouldn’t rate them higher than 2 stars. They include Epcot’s Test Track and the Animal Kingdom’s Primeval Whirl. These two rides are considered thrill rides by Disney standards, but they really don’t meet up with the quality rides that I associate with Disney to begin with. Reviews forthcoming.




Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb