Walt Disney World in Orlando is home to four world-famous theme parks, each packed with standout attractions, world-class thrills, and groundbreaking storytelling. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another magical trip, choosing the best rides across all parks can be overwhelming.
This guide highlights the top attractions at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom to help you plan the perfect day in each park.
Magic Kingdom – Best Rides
Tron Lightcycle / Run
One of Disney’s fastest and most futuristic coasters, Tron Lightcycle / Run launches riders into a neon digital world. It’s a must-do for thrill-seekers and one of the most popular attractions in the entire resort.
Space Mountain
A timeless indoor coaster with tight turns, sudden drops, and complete darkness. Classic Disney atmosphere and still one of the longest lines in the park for a reason.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
A runaway mine train coaster with sharp turns, fast pacing, and gorgeous theming. Perfect for families looking for a step up in thrills.
Pirates of the Caribbean
A legendary dark ride with impressive animatronics, atmospheric scenes, and the iconic pirate soundtrack.
Haunted Mansion
A fan-favorite slow-moving dark ride filled with ghosts, illusions, and some of Disney’s smartest effects.
EPCOT – Best Rides
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
A high-speed storytelling coaster with rotating vehicles and an unforgettable soundtrack. One of Disney’s most advanced attractions and EPCOT’s biggest draw.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
A 4D trackless dark ride through Gusteau’s kitchen. Family-friendly, charming, and extremely popular.
Soarin’ Around the World
A hang-glider style flight over some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Peaceful, beautiful, and highly re-rideable.
Test Track
Design your own concept car and experience high-speed outdoor acceleration reaching up to 65 mph. Thrill ride meets interactive experience.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Best Rides
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
One of the most ambitious rides Disney has ever created. The attraction blends live actors, motion simulators, trackless vehicles, and massive sets for an unforgettable adventure.
Tower of Terror
A thrilling drop tower with heavy theming, randomized drop sequences, and a terrifying atmosphere.
Slinky Dog Dash
A family-friendly coaster in Toy Story Land that surprises guests with smooth turns, small launches, and colorful theming.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
A trackless dark ride that pulls guests into a Mickey Mouse cartoon. Extremely accessible and great for all ages.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Best Rides
Avatar Flight of Passage
A breathtaking flying simulator through Pandora. Often considered the best ride in Walt Disney World thanks to its visuals, movement, and immersive worldbuilding.
Expedition Everest
A high-speed outdoor coaster with backwards sections, tight turns, and one of Disney’s most dramatic mountain structures.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
A real savanna expedition featuring giraffes, elephants, lions, and more. No two rides are ever the same, making it a repeatable favorite.
Na’vi River Journey
A visually stunning, slow-moving boat ride showcasing Pandora’s bioluminescent rainforest and advanced animatronics.
Tips for Experiencing the Best Rides
- Arrive early (rope drop) to ride the top attractions with minimal waits.
- Use Lightning Lane selections strategically for the biggest bottlenecks like Cosmic Rewind, Rise of the Resistance, and Flight of Passage.
- Visit on weekdays outside major holidays for significantly lower crowd levels.
- Keep an eye on wait times using the Disney World mobile app.
- Book dining and Lightning Lane options as early as allowed to maximize your time.