Trip Ideas Disney Vacations 58 Disney World Rides and Attractions, Ranked From Worst to Best These are the best rides at Disney World — and the worst. By Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 25, 2023 Fact checked by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara Jillian Dara is a freelance writer, editor, and fact checker for more than a dozen publications in the lifestyle genre. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Planning the ultimate Disney World vacation can be tough — with so much to see and do, where does one start? As Travel + Leisure's on-staff theme park expert and a frequent Disney World visitor, I've tested every attraction, interviewed Imagineers, and researched the ins and outs of the theme parks. To help you plan your Disney World trip, we've rounded up 58 Disney World rides and attractions from all four theme parks — Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios — and ranked them from worst to best, so you know which ones to prioritize and which to skip. Courtesy of Disney The best attractions at Disney World range from classic dark rides with beloved theme music to innovative new experiences that utilize the latest technologies to fully immerse guests in the storytelling. Those rides are worth waking up early (or splurging on Genie+) to experience, and while the less popular attractions might not be quite as exciting, they're still entertaining (especially on busy days when the lines for top rides stretch on and on). If you're traveling with little ones, be sure to check height requirements for Disney World rides before you leave home to avoid any disappointment, and look into the Disability Access Service (DAS) if you're traveling with a guest with disabilities. And download the My Disney Experience app to check wait times (updated constantly) to minimize your time in line. You'll notice this list of rides at Disney World doesn't include every single attraction on property — to keep it (somewhat) concise, we excluded stage shows and some smaller attractions from the lineup. Here are the best — and worst — Disney World rides, ranked. Related: 42 Disney World and Disneyland Tips for a Magical Vacation Swiss Family Treehouse Courtesy of Disney There's nothing "wrong" with this attraction per se, but compared to all the exciting rides on this list, the Swiss Family Treehouse just can't compete. Country Bear Jamboree M. Timothy O'Keefe / Alamy Country Bear Jamboree is great if you need a break to sit in the air-conditioned theater, but there are better shows in the Magic Kingdom — although this one does offer a lovable dose of Frontierland nostalgia. The Hall of Presidents Courtesy of Disney See every president in audio-animatronic form at this educational attraction. While The Hall of Presidents might seem more suited to a museum than a theme park, the addition of the newest president always attracts visitors. It's Tough to Be a Bug! RSBPhoto1/Alamy If bugs give you the creepy-crawlies, you'll want to skip this 3D show based on "A Bug's Life." Fans of the 1998 movie may enjoy seeing it come to life, but some kids might find this one a little dark and scary at times. Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress Courtesy of Disney Disney devotees know that Walt himself came up with this attraction's concept, making it a piece of theme park history. The fan-favorite song "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" is a highlight of the nostalgic attraction about technological progress. TriceraTop Spin M. Timothy O'Keefe/Alamy Similar to Astro Orbiter and Dumbo, this dino-themed spinning ride is pretty basic, so you may want to wait in line for the other attractions with classic appeal or great views. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin Blaine Harrington III/Alamy Like TriceraTop Spin, this basic spinning ride is replicated at many theme parks, and other versions on property offer a bit more excitement. Watch out for the spitting camel! Walt Disney World Railroad Courtesy of Disney This scenic ride around the park's perimeter is a pleasant way to get from land to land or rest while you take in the views from another perspective. However, if you're on a time crunch, it can be swapped in favor of a more exciting attraction. Turtle Talk With Crush Courtesy of Disney Chat it up with "Finding Nemo"'s own totally tubular turtle, Crush, in a real-time, interactive show that kids will love. Even adults are guaranteed a few laughs at this innovative attraction. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel Courtesy of Disney This charming "Cinderella"-themed carrousel is an adorable addition to Fantasyland, but it's similar enough to other carrousels found at theme parks around the world, so your ride time can be better spent elsewhere in Magic Kingdom. The Seas With Nemo and Friends Courtesy of Disney This calming, Finding Nemo-themed Omnimover ride is cute and ideal for kids who can't experience Epcot's more thrilling options. The attraction highlight occurs toward the end, when the animated characters are projected against a live aquarium tank. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Deborah Thompson/Alamy This engaging comedy show allows the animated characters to interact directly with audience members for a hilarious and unique experience. It's definitely one of the better shows in Magic Kingdom. Mickey's PhilharMagic JHP Attractions/Alamy This 3D theater attraction features music and characters from classic Disney animated films, so it's fun for kids and nostalgic adults alike, especially if you want to cool off and sit down on a hot Florida day. Tomorrowland Speedway Michael DeFreitas North America/Alamy Get behind the wheel of a gas-powered race car at Tomorrowland Speedway. This retro attraction is especially exciting for kids not yet old enough to drive — and less fun for adults that deal with daily traffic. Journey Into Imagination With Figment JHP Attractions/Alamy Figment is a beloved Epcot icon, and the ride's song is undeniably catchy. That said, Journey Into Imagination With Figment is best ridden when there's little to no wait. The Barnstormer Courtesy of Disney This Goofy-themed family coaster delivers on kid-friendly thrills in the cute Storybook Circus area of Magic Kingdom Park, near the Casey Jr. Splash 'N' Soak Station play area. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy Tucked inside Epcot's Mexico pavilion, this is a fun, vibrant boat ride through Mexican sights with appearances from the Three Caballeros. It's worth a stop if you're in the beautifully themed pavilion and there's little to no wait. Muppet*Vision 3D Courtesy of Disney This 3D show is made all the better thanks to live-action effects and Muppet animatronics. Muppet*Vision 3D is fun for fans of the lovable puppets, though it is outshined by all the new offerings at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Astro Orbiter Andre Jenny/Alamy Although the ride itself isn't all that original — you'll find similar experiences on Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin — the views of Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle make Astro Orbiter worth riding if the wait isn't too long. Living With the Land Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/MCT via Getty Images In line with Epcot's educational and aspirational theme, Living With the Land offers a behind-the-scenes look at how our food is grown — and some of the crops seen on the tour are even served in the park. Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy With 225 audio-animatronic figures and an infectious tune, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room is a retro classic with a history dating back to 1963. Alien Swirling Saucers Courtesy of Disney Although it's the least exciting of all the Toy Story Land attractions, this dizzying ride is still adorable and entertaining. Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid Courtesy of Disney Revisit the songs from "The Little Mermaid" with Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian, and the rest of the gang as you slowly cruise through delightful scenes inspired by the film. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover aroastock.com / Alamy Explore Tomorrowland from above and get a behind-the-scenes view of the land's attractions as you ride along on the breezy PeopleMover. Dumbo the Flying Elephant Courtesy of Disney There's no denying that Dumbo is a quintessential Disney attraction that's loved by guests of all ages. In fact, it's one of the few rides found at all six Disney theme park resorts around the world. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Courtesy of Disney Visit Hundred Acre Wood with Pooh and pals on this sweet dark ride featuring music and scenes from "Winnie the Pooh." The Heffalumps and Woozles dream sequence is a personal favorite. Kali River Rapids Courtesy of Disney This themed raft ride is a great way to cool off on a humid summer day, but beware — you're almost guaranteed to get wet, if not absolutely soaked. Mad Tea Party Matt Shroshane/Bloomberg via Getty Images A replica of the opening-day attraction of the same name at Disneyland in California, the Mad Tea Party is a Disney classic that's worth getting a little dizzy for. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Blaine Harrington III/Alamy Fight the Evil Emperor Zurg in this Toy Story-themed laser-shooting attraction in Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland, and battle your seatmate to see who can get the highest score. Spaceship Earth Courtesy of Disney For 16 minutes, guests can enjoy this slow journey through time narrated by Judi Dench. Located inside the park's iconic ball, this is a classic Epcot attraction everyone should experience at least once. It's a Small World Courtesy of Disney A contagious, uplifting tune and timeless appeal make this gentle boat ride a classic Disney stop. First debuted at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair and overseen by Walt Disney, the attraction features music by Disney legends Richard and Robert Sherman. Mission: Space Courtesy of Disney With two ride experiences of varying intensity, Mission: Space offers both a thrilling space travel adventure and a chill journey around the Earth, so plenty of visitors can enjoy this interactive attraction. Toy Story Mania! Courtesy of Disney This 4D, Toy Story-themed ride takes guests though five carnival-style shooting games that are fun for all ages. You'll want to ride again and again to see if you can improve your score. Dinosaur Melvyn Longhurst/Alamy Find the Iguanodon before a meteor wipes out life on Earth — that's the mission of this bumpy, thrilling Animal Kingdom ride. It can be a little intense for young and older guests, but it's fun for those who don't mind jerky movements and angry dinos. Jungle Cruise Francois LE DIASCORN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images The punny skippers are the true stars of this boat ride, which meanders past animal animatronics through the rivers of the world. Their one-liners and jokes have made this Magic Kingdom attraction a favorite among many parkgoers. Test Track Courtesy of Disney Design a car and take it for a test ride to see how it stacks up on this exhilarating attraction. At the end, you'll race up to 65 miles per hour as you soar along the track. These thrills, combined with the interactive design elements, make Test Track one of Epcot's best rides. Frozen Ever After Courtesy of Disney Sing along with Anna and Elsa on this darling Epcot boat ride featuring all of the movie's best ballads. Wait times can stretch upwards of an hour, so try to arrive early or hop on at the end of the day to minimize your time in line. Star Tours — The Adventures Continue Courtesy of Disney While the new Star Wars attractions in Galaxy's Edge are undoubtedly impressive, this ride still holds its own. Plus, randomized sequences featuring locations from the movies mean you can have a different adventure every time you ride. Na'vi River Journey Na'vi River Journey is a beautiful, calm boat ride with a truly impressive animatronic figure and stunning scenery, but it's a little short and the wait times can get pretty lengthy. Space Mountain Blaine Harrington III/Alamy Of Magic Kingdom's "mountains," Space Mountain is a classic. The dark indoor coaster sends riders on a wild journey through the stars, and the queue and exit perfectly align with Tomorrowland's retro-futuristic vibes. Soarin' Around the World Courtesy of Disney Fly over some of the world's most famous landmarks, like the Great Wall of China and Eiffel Tower, on this hang gliding flight simulator ride. The destination-inspired scents and freeing feeling of taking flight make this a must-do in Epcot. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Courtesy of Disney This thrilling ride at Disney World features inversions, a launch start, and rocking music, making it a must for any coaster fan visiting Hollywood Studios. Peter Pan's Flight Courtesy of Disney Fly over scenes from "Peter Pan" in this beloved Fantasyland attraction. There's almost always a line, but the redesigned queue makes the wait feel shorter. Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway Kent Phillips/Disney This Disney World attraction is the first-ever ride featuring the adventures of Mickey and Minnie. The all-ages trackless ride has incredible visual effects that make it an excellent addition to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Slinky Dog Dash Courtesy of Disney While many family coasters lack solid theming and imaginative tracks, Slinky Dog Dash delivers with a truly delightful ride experience that guests of all ages will enjoy. Plus, the Toy Story theme is relevant for kids and nostalgic for adults. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Courtesy of Disney Star Wars fans, here's you chance to pilot the famed Millennium Falcon. This motion simulator ride is great from start to finish, with an incredible queue, interactive mission, and super-immersive theming. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Courtesy of Disney Upon opening at Magic Kingdom, this "Snow White"-inspired family coaster gained instant classic status (and it has the wait times to match). It's adorably themed, smooth, and an overall great attraction. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure Harrison Cooney/Courtesy of Disney Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is located at Epcot's World Showcase in the recently expanded France pavilion. This family-friendly trackless dark ride takes guests on an adorable and exciting journey with Remy and friends through Gusteau's restaurant. Kilimanjaro Safaris Courtesy of Disney Not a conventional coaster or dark ride, Kilimanjaro Safaris gives guests the rare opportunity to spot some of the Earth's most amazing creatures, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and more, as their guide spouts off fun facts about the species and their habitats. Riding past rhinos and zebras is magical in a different way, and that's what makes this ride a must-experience at Animal Kingdom. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure Based on The Twilight Zone series, this thrilling ride transports guests to the the fifth dimension via the eerie Hollywood Tower Hotel, shooting them up and down the elevator shaft. The intricately detailed queue — set in the courtyard, lobby, and boiler room of the hotel — looks spookily stuck in time and perfectly builds suspense for the main event. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Courtesy of Disney The "wildest ride in the wilderness" whisks guests through an abandoned mine and past picturesque southwestern scenery, including red rock formations, canyons, and more. Tron Lightcycle Run Abigail Nilsson/Courtesy of Disney With a thrilling launch, stunning visuals, and a unique ride vehicle, Tron Lightcycle Run — which just opened this April — is an exhilarating experience. Take a ride on Disney's fastest roller coaster after dark to take in the gorgeous lights as you fly along the track. Pirates of the Caribbean Courtesy of Disney It's a pirate's life for all of us on this Magic Kingdom boat ride — an enduring favorite because of its detailed scenes filled with animatronics and action, as well as its classic theme song. Fun fact: This attraction, with versions found at Disney theme parks around the world, actually inspired the film series. Expedition Everest Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure Climb aboard a train and venture up Mount Everest, but try to avoid the mythical Yeti on this thrilling Animal Kingdom attraction. Expedition Everest is arguably one of the best coasters at Disney World because of its outstanding theming and storytelling and exciting drops and turns. Haunted Mansion Courtesy of Disney Grim, grinning ghosts come out to socialize on this beloved Magic Kingdom Omnimover ride that employs a number of old-school illusions and a catchy theme song. Ride after ride, this one really never gets old. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Courtesy of MARVEL/Disney An epic indoor Omnicoaster featuring a reverse launch, this coaster is pure fun. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is undoubtedly the best coaster on property, and the throwback soundtrack (with six different songs from the '70s and '80s) will have you dancing and singing along as you soar through the stars. Avatar Flight of Passage Courtesy of Disney Deep inside beautifully designed Pandora — The World of Avatar is Disney's best ride: Avatar Flight of Passage. Soar around Pandora on the back of a banshee in this "Avatar"-themed attraction. It's difficult to compare classic dark rides like Pirates and Haunted Mansion to the state-of-the-art, innovative attractions that have debuted at the parks in recent years, but this ride combines a super-immersive 3D simulator with top-notch theming to create a breathtaking experience you won't find elsewhere. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Courtesy of Disney Join the Resistance and try to escape the First Order on this astounding ride that puts guests right in the center of a Star Wars battle. The attraction's impressive scale, hyper-immersive queue, multiple ride systems, and riveting plot line make it the best ride at Disney World.