While Disney parks aren’t packed full with high-intensity roller coasters, thrill seekers can still get a shot of adrenaline aboard some of the Disney World roller coasters.
Throughout the four parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom—there are only a total of eight roller coasters. However, each one packs a punch and brings something exciting to the table. Read on to see how we rank the roller coasters at Disney World.
There is never a Disney vacation complete without a ride on one of these incredibly themed coasters. With that being said, keep reading if you want to find out the best Disney World Roller Coasters and what he’s all about!
Disney World Roller Coasters Ranked 2023
Possibly the best thing about these fast-paced rides is the fact that each roller coaster Disney offers something special to the park lineup. From the queue to the ride vehicle to the land in which you’re immersed during the coaster, there are themed thrills to experience around every turn.
Sure, roller coasters aren’t the only exhilarating rides you’ll find in Disney World parks. Whether plummeting down an elevator shaft on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, blasting off on Mission: SPACE, flying on the back of a banshee on Avatar Flight of Passage or fighting against the First Order on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, there are endless thrills to be had. Yet Disney roller coasters remain some of the most popular experiences in the parks.
Here, we’ll rank the Disney World roller coasters and provide a look at each one before previewing a new ride coming later this year. Then, we’ll offer up answers about the best roller coasters at Disney World for kids, which are the tallest and fastest, which Disney park has the most and more.
List of Disney World Roller Coasters 2023
From the many Magic Kingdom roller coasters to the newest one, found at EPCOT, this list ranks each and every one of the Disney World roller coasters.
1. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
4. Space Mountain
5. Slinky Dog Dash
6. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
7. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
8. The Barnstormer
So climb aboard, fasten your safety restraint and hold on as we take you on a trip around Disney World with a look at the best Disney roller coasters.
The Barnstormer – Disney Roller Coaster #8
Park: Magic Kingdom
Land: Fantasyland
Description: Goofy stars as the Great Goofini in this roller coaster for kids. One of the more mild roller coasters Disney World has to offer, guests climb aboard a stunt plane and take to the skies over a barnyard in this wacky adventure ride.
Who would love it: The littlest thrill seekers will get the most out of this junior Disney roller coaster, which means it’s fun for the whole family to enjoy together.
Best Time to Ride: As this ride isn’t in as high demand as some of the other Disney coasters, ride whenever the wait time looks doable; it’s typically a 15- to 30-minute wait.
Height Requirements: 35 inches
Related post: Best Disney World Park for Kids
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Roller Coasters at Disney World #7
Park: Hollywood Studios
Land: Sunset Boulevard
Description: Step into a stretch limo with Aerosmith on this thrilling ride, which whisks riders through Los Angeles in an attempt to make it to the band’s concert on time. All the while, their music fills the air.
Who would love it: This is one of the best Disney roller coasters for thrill seekers, as it has two rollover loops and a corkscrew that make it one of the only rides at the parks that goes upside down.
Best Time to Ride: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster remains one of the most popular roller coasters at Disney World, so head straight there at park opening or wait until just before Hollywood Studios closes.
Height Requirements: 48 inches
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Roller Coasters in Magic Kingdom #6
Park: Magic Kingdom
Land: Fantasyland
Description: A rustic train takes you straight to the dwarfs’ diamond mine in one of the most popular roller coasters in Magic Kingdom. With sprawling views of Fantasyland from the top and tunes courtesy of the dwarfs whistling while they work, this ride combines storytelling and thrills.
Who would love it: While those who enjoy roller coasters in Disney may like this ride, it will really appeal to those who love “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” The attention to detail afforded to both the queue and the ride vehicles is outstanding as are the animatronics of the dwarfs, which have real-time face movement, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into the movie.
Best Time to Ride: Skip riding this one at opening, as that’s the strategy many use and the line fills up quick. Instead, stop by around lunchtime when the wait times start to drop some. Or opt to purchase a Lighting Lane pass to speed things along.
Height Requirements: 38 inches
Related Post: Magic Kingdom Rides Ranked
Slinky Dog Dash – Disney Roller Coasters #5
Park: Hollywood Studios
Land: Toy Story Land
Description: You’ll feel as if you’ve shrunk down to Woody and Buzz’s size on this fun little coaster, which takes place on the back of Slinky Dog. Zip past other large toys as you wind through Andy’s backyard, stopping mid-ride before blasting off once more.
Who would love it: Fans of Disney roller coasters will love this ride, but so will fans of the “Toy Story” franchise. And with one of the lower height requirements, it’s fun for the whole family as some younger thrill seekers can ride as well—and they will love the toy theme and bright colors.
Best Time to Ride: As one of the most popular rides in Hollywood Studios, make sure to get in line early in the morning or late at night just before park closing. You can also try riding during parades or nighttime spectaculars.
Height Requirements: 38 inches
Related Post: Scariest Disneyland Rides
Space Mountain – Walt Disney World Roller Coasters #4
Park: Magic Kingdom
Land: Tomorrowland
Description: Blast off into space in your very own rocket for this dark ride, which offers beautiful scenes of night stars, shooting comets and more. With futuristic music, this mountain is one of the most famous Walt Disney World roller coasters—and probably always will be.
Who would love it: This roller coaster at Disney World is a classic, as it’s the first version of the ride to open in any Disney park. Therefore, it’s best for coaster lovers as well as park aficionados or anyone who has ridden the West Coast counterpart and wants to spot the differences.
Best Time to Ride: Head straight here when the ride opens to beat some of the long lines, or secure a shorter wait time using Genie+.
Height Requirements: 44 inches
Related Post: What are the New Rides at Disney World
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Disney Coasters #3
Park: EPCOT
Land: World Discovery
Description: A stunning display of innovation, Cosmic Rewind has already solidified a spot as one of the most intriguing Disney coasters. Riders set out on a “tour” of the Galaxarium before being enlisted by the Guardians of the Galaxy themselves. Set off on a mission to save the galaxy as you rotate and head right for the action.
Who would love it: Despite just opening last spring, the newest ride at Disney World is also already being deemed the best roller coaster in Disney World by many. This one is definitely ideal for thrill seekers, especially with its reverse launch and 360-degree rotation.
Best Time to Ride: Because the ride is new, lines will be long and a virtual queue is currently in place. Try your luck at 7 a.m. and, if you can’t secure a boarding pass, try again in the afternoon. Or possibly the easiest course of action is to just spring for an individual Lightning Lane pass to ride.
Height Requirements: 42 inches
Related post: Epcot Rides Ranked
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Magic Kingdom Roller Coasters #2
Park: Magic Kingdom
Land: Frontierland
Description: The haunted train ride is inspired by the Gold Rush era, with runaway trains whisking visitors into mine shafts at the Big Thunder Mining Company. Whether soaring through canyons, narrowly escaping exploding dynamite or speeding along a rickety track, this Disney mountain is often deemed one of the best roller coasters in Disney World.
Who would love it: My personal favorite of the Magic Kingdom roller coasters isn’t so different from the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Speedy train? Check. Heading into a mine? Check. However, there’s just something about the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness that makes it stand out—to classic Disney lovers, families and anyone who loves a good themed coaster.
Best Time to Ride: This is another ride you’ll want to knock out early, but check during the day as you can sometimes catch shorter wait times throughout. Big Thunder Mountain is also available with the Genie+ service.
Height Requirements: 40 inches
Expedition Everest – Animal Kingdom Roller Coaster #1
Park: Animal Kingdom
Land: Asia
Description: The only Animal Kingdom roller coaster on our list, which also happens to be the only one in the park, takes the top spot. Another train ride, this coaster zips up and down the Himalayans, past snow-capped peaks and even a monstrous Yeti. The fast speeds, quick drops, dark scenes and reverse element really amp up the adrenaline and have made this ride very popular since its opening in 2006.
Who would love it: As the only roller coaster Animal Kingdom has, thrill seekers visiting this park will definitely want to get on this one. After all, it is the biggest roller coaster in Disney World. Those who like theming and attention to detail will also love this ride, as Imagineers spent significant time venturing to the Himalayas to get it right.
Best Time to Ride: As is often the case, try to hop on Expedition Everest when the park opens or close to closing. It was also added to the standard Genie+ lineup last year so that is another option.
Height Requirements: 44 inches
Related Post: Best Animal Kingdom Rides Ranked
Coming Soon: New Roller Coaster in Disney World 2023
The list of Magic Kingdom roller coasters will be expanding even more in spring 2023, when a new ride opens up in the park’s Tomorrowland area.
TRON Lightcycle / Run is based on the live-action film “TRON: Legacy” and features a fast-paced race across the Grid by motorbike. Pass through a series of energy gates to beat your opponents, the Programs, and lead your team to victory.
The Florida version of this Disney roller coaster is the second at any Disney park, following the opening of Shanghai’s TRON ride in 2016. With its opening, it will be one of the fastest rides at any Disney park.
Related Post: Whats New at Disney World?
Disney World Roller Coasters FAQ 2023
Q: How many rides are at Disney World?
A: With the addition of TRON Lightcycle / Run this spring, the answer to “how many rides are at Disney World?” is 52 rides between the four parks.
Q: Does Disney have roller coasters?
A: Yes! The top roller coasters at Disney World are:
1. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
4. Space Mountain
5. Slinky Dog Dash
6. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
7. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
8. The Barnstormer
Q: Which Disney park has the most roller coasters?
A: With four roller coasters already opening and the TRON coaster on the horizon, Magic Kingdom has the most roller coasters; TRON Lightcycle / Run will bring Magic Kingdom’s total to five Disney World roller coasters.
Q: What is the biggest roller coaster at Disney World?
A: The biggest roller coaster at Disney World right now is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, likely because it just opened in 2022.
Q: What are the best Disney World roller coasters for kids?
A: The best Disney World roller coasters for kids vary depending on your child’s height. The Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom is the most child-friendly, as it’s aimed at kids and has a height requirement of only 35 inches. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Slinky Dog Dash also have height requirements that are below 40 inches, though many of the other Disney roller coasters may be suitable for kids as well, so long as they’re tall enough to ride.
Q: What is the fastest ride at Disney World?
A: As far as roller coasters are concerned, the fastest ride at Disney World is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT with a top speed of 60 mph.
Q: What is the scariest ride at Disney World?
A: The scariest ride at Disney World varies, but Disney roller coasters like Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Space Mountain and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith all feature dark scenes that may scare youngsters.
Q: What is the tallest roller coaster in Disney World?
A: At a height of nearly 200 feet, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain at Animal Kingdom is the tallest roller coaster in Disney World.
Q: What is the longest ride at Disney World?
A: The longest ride at Disney World is Magic Kingdom’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which lasts for more than three minutes.
Q: Which roller coasters at Disney World go upside down?
A: The only ride at Disney World that goes upside down is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Hollywood Studios.
Q: Which roller coasters at Disney World have reverse launch?
A: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT is the only roller coaster in Disney World that has reverse launch, although Disney World roller coasters like Magic Kingdom’s Slinky Dog Dash and Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain do move backwards during part of the ride.
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