There are some incredible attractions Walt Disney World has to offer. While I will ride anything and everything, I most look forward to riding the attractions that provide some serious thrills. Here are my Top 5 Thrill Rides you must experience at Disney World. Do you agree with me? Let me know in the comments below!
5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Out of all the mountains at Magic Kingdom, I believe that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of the most thrilling rides the park has to offer. While this coaster is not the fastest or the tallest, it does have one element that makes it stand out from the rest: the element of surprise. Disney Imagineers smartly designed the track to hug the mountain landscape, which makes it difficult to see what is coming up ahead. Quick turns, sudden drops, and stunning theming elevate this seemingly simple coaster into the wildest ride in the wilderness. For thrill seekers looking for a more adventurous ride, ask a cast member to sit in the last row. While this coaster is a blast at night, I prefer to ride it during the day so I can see all of the little details throughout the attraction.
4. Avatar: Flight of Passage
Avatar: Flight of Passage is a simulator ride that combines 3D technology and practical effects to create the illusion that you are flying on the back of a banshee. The ride vehicle moves (and breathes) with the motion projected onto the screen, which makes the entire experience feel exceptionally real. The practical effects of wind and water bring a heightened sense of reality as you soar through the Hallelujah Mountains in the world of Pandora. While I'm not the biggest fan of simulator rides, this one is the best of the best. Don't worry, you don't have to be a fan of the Avatar franchise to truly enjoy and appreciate this technological work of art.
3. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is an indoor coaster that launches from 0 to 60 mph into total darkness, throws you through multiple inversions, and plays rock music. What more could you ask for? As one of the fastest rides on property, this attraction uses that good old Disney magic to plus up this standard Vekoma coaster, including small vignettes that represent the traffic of downtown Los Angeles. There is debate as to whether the front or back of the train gives you the best experience. Personally, I prefer the last row. The negative g-forces you feel combined with the slightly obstructed view of the track makes for a truly exhilarating ride in this super stretch limo.
2. Expedition Everest
Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is a shining example of brilliant theming combined with epic thrills. Consider this Big Thunder Mountain's older (and way cooler) brother. Filled with surprises for the first-time rider, this coaster comes to a sudden halt before you are thrown backwards into the darkness of the mountain. You spot the shadow of the yeti tearing off a piece of track before you are hurled toward an 80 foot drop. If the wait is short, walk through the standby queue, which is just as impressive as the ride itself. Although the front has the best views, I find the back of the coaster to be more thrilling. To further increase the thrill factor, ride this attraction at night.
1. Tower of Terror
I believe The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is the crème de la crème of thrill rides at WDW. Exceptional theming, brilliant storytelling, and unpredictability make this attraction my absolute favorite thrill ride. You can ride this attraction multiple times and experience a different drop sequence each time, which adds to the level of uncertainty and makes park guests want to ride it again and again. Sitting front and center on this one gives you an unobstructed view of the simply incredible imagineering.
What about Rise of the Resistance?
While Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance might be the most impressive ride WDW has created, I would not rank it as one of my top 5 thrill rides at the moment (although it's up there). Is it one of the most immersive rides at Disney? Definitely. Is it one of the most ambitious rides ever done by a theme park? Absolutely. Is it the most thrilling? It depends who you ask. While one very specific part of the ride provides an unexpected surprise, it lacks a certain intensity I think many thrill seekers are looking for. I would ride this attraction over and over again if I could, but more so for the storytelling and immersion than for its thrill factor.
Happy riding!
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