Not all Disney World roller coasters are created equally.
You might be thinking, “A roller coaster is a roller coaster, right?” WRONG! Some are geared toward children, while others are certainly not for the faint of heart. Disney World now officially has 8 (!!!) roller coasters, thanks to the recent addition of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. So, how do they all stack up? Which ride would you bring your elderly grandmother on and which will leave you dizzy for days?
We’re ranking ALL of the Disney World roller coasters by intensity — so let’s get started!
8. The Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini
Oh, Barnstormer. A first roller coaster for many. This circus-themed coaster is modeled after a stunt plane and takes guests on a flight high above the circus. At only 1.5 minutes, it’s an extremely short coaster ride, and doesn’t offer much in terms of thrills — there are a few exciting twists and turns but nothing that will leave you seeing stars.
The height requirement for the Barnstormer is 35 inches, so it’s perfect for kiddos who are looking to check out their first roller coaster. The seats are on the restrictive side and guests may struggle to find ample leg room.
7. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Magic Kingdom’s newest roller coaster (until TRON opens...eventually) is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This attraction has a 38″ height requirement, just slightly taller than the Barnstormer, making this a family-friendly coaster as well. While onboard you’ll experience twists, turns, hills, and drops, but the cars are smooth — making this an enjoyable ride.
One interesting thing to note about Mine Train is that it features a first-of-its-kind ride system with vehicles that swing from side to side throughout your train journey. Little ones might find this one a little intense if they’re still new to the roller coaster game.
6. Slinky Dog Dash
Climb aboard this larger-than-life Slinky Dog on a thrilling adventure designed by Andy himself. Although this is a family coaster, Slinky Dog Dash feels fast. Combined with the exciting and unexpected stop followed by a launch through a tunnel, this isn’t just any old “family-friendly” coaster.
This attraction is downright fun and leaves us wanting to ride again and again. Although it might not make you weak in the knees like some coasters can, the twists and turns and ups and downs found throughout this ride are nothing to laugh at.
5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Alright folks, now we’re really talkin’. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad just might be the first “intense” roller coaster on this list. There aren’t any major drops on this ride — though there are a few that’ll make you get a little air —Â and it can reach up to 30 miles per hour.
While that may not sound extremely fast, when those speeds are combined with the quick turns of this attraction, the centrifugal force can make you rock side to side in your train cart. It’s not uncommon for us to stand up from this ride feeling just a little bit disoriented.
4. Space Mountain
This classic ride is considered a must-do for many Disney World guests. The towering white “mountain” looks threatening, and what awaits inside are non-stop twists, turns, and drops through a dark sky lit up by only stars.
What makes Space Mountain intense is the combination of the 28 mile per hour top speeds and the near total darkness you’re in for most of the ride. With a 44 inch height requirement, this one isn’t for the little kiddos, and even older kids may find it too extreme.
3. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Disney World’s newest attraction just so happens to be a roller coaster. And much like Space Mountain, it’s also completely in the dark. This attraction is intense from the very beginning, as you are reverse launched through a “jump point” into space. Loud music plays all around you as one of six hit songs takes you on a journey.
Your ride vehicle is an omnicoaster, meaning that it can rotate and spin 360 degrees throughout the ride. You truly never know which direction you’re headed, or which way is up or down. Despite this, there are no intense drops (except for one at the beginning) and no inversions or loops. Many guests have reported experiencing motion sickness and have stated the dark can be disorienting.
2. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Speaking of attractions with launches, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster features a high-speed launch of 0-60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. Then, you’re launched with a force of nearly 5 Gs into a different kind of highway in the sky in your stretch limousine among the darkness. Before you know it, you’re met with three inversions, two rollover loops, and one corkscrew.
Oh, and did we mention this is all while you’re being blasted with Aerosmith tunes from a 32,000 watt audio system with 24 subwoofers? Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is an intense attraction no matter how you slice it, but it still doesn’t take the cake when it comes to Disney World coasters.
1. Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest takes passengers on a dangerous runaway train ride through the Himalayan Mountains — and it really feels like it, too! Aboard the train, ominous murals on the wall warn guests to turn back. Once you reach the top of the mountain, the train screeches to a halt in front of broken tracks, and the train shoots backwards down the mountain.
The yeti greets you (but not in the friendly way) as you’re plummeted down an 80-foot drop that twists down the mountain. The combination of high speeds at 50 miles per hour, sudden drops, turns, and backwards movement make Expedition Everest the most intense roller coaster in Disney World.
That’s our definitive ranking of Disney World coasters by intensity!
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Want to experience all of these attractions without spending all day in line? Disney Genie+ is the paid way to skip the standby lines at many Disney World attractions via the My Disney Experience app. Guests can purchase the service and schedule return times to skip the line using Lightning Lanes.
Here’s How to Get the MOST Out of Disney Genie+
If you’re heading to Disney World soon, keep in mind that guests are still required to have valid theme park reservations in addition to valid park admission. You can read more about the Park Pass Reservation System here!
Can You Ride Cosmic Rewind Twice in One Day?
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Click here to subscribe Which Disney World roller coaster do you think is most intense? Let us know in the comments!Â
I rode expedition Everest back in 2006/2007. I do t remember it as it is today. My family just returned home from DW and I was trying to tell them it has changed. Has it? BTW we used all of your tips that we could remember and had a great time. Thanks