Everything to Know About Disney World's Roller Coasters

Walt Disney World, the most visited theme park resort on the planet, isn’t just about enchanting castles, beloved characters, and immersive experiences. It’s also a haven for thrill-seekers, boasting a collection of roller coasters that rank among the most popular and celebrated in the world of park entertainment. From the gentle dips of the Barnstormer to the high-speed launch of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Disney’s coaster lineup offers something for every level of adrenaline enthusiast. This guide will take you on a ride through each of these attractions, providing a detailed look at their unique features, thrill factors, and where to find them within the sprawling Disney World complex. Prepare yourself for your next adventure to the "Most Magical Place on Earth" and discover the thrills that await!

While Disney World’s roller coasters may not reach the extreme heights and speeds of mega-coasters found at parks like Six Flags, they offer a unique blend of storytelling, theming, and excitement that sets them apart. The emphasis is on creating a complete experience, rather than simply maximizing G-forces and inversions. Whether you’re a seasoned coaster aficionado or a first-time rider, Disney World has a coaster that will leave you smiling.

A Ranking System for Thrill-Seekers

To help you navigate the world of Disney coasters, we’ll use a ranking system from 0 to 10, with 0 being the mildest and 10 representing the ultimate scream machine. This will give you a clear idea of the intensity of each ride and allow you to choose the coasters that best suit your comfort level.

The Coasters of Disney World: A Detailed Look

Let’s dive into the details of each coaster, exploring their unique characteristics, height requirements, and where to find them.

The Barnstormer

Location: Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
Thrill Rating: 2.5/10
Height Requirement: 35 inches

The Barnstormer is the perfect entry-level coaster for younger guests and those who are new to thrill rides. This junior coaster, themed around Goofy as the "Great Goofini," offers a fun, albeit brief, experience with mild drops, twists, and turns. Its low height requirement makes it accessible to many children, and its gentle nature can help ease any coaster anxieties. Even seasoned thrill-seekers can appreciate the lighthearted fun of this classic Disney ride. If you’re looking to overcome your fear of roller coasters, the Barnstormer is an excellent starting point.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Location: Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
Thrill Rating: 4/10
Height Requirement: 38 inches

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a step up in intensity from the Barnstormer, offering a slightly faster and more thrilling experience. What sets this coaster apart is its unique pivoting car design, which allows the cars to swing gently back and forth as they navigate the track. This adds a fun, dynamic element to the ride. The coaster also features a charming show scene with animatronic versions of the Seven Dwarfs, bringing the beloved Disney film to life. While it reaches a top speed of 34 miles per hour, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train remains a family-friendly coaster and a great introduction to more thrilling rides.

Slinky Dog Dash

Location: Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Thrill Rating: 4.25/10
Height Requirement: 38 inches

Slinky Dog Dash is a launched coaster located in the immersive Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The ride is themed around Slinky Dog from the Toy Story franchise, with guests riding on his back as he zips and zooms around Andy’s backyard. While it features two launches, Slinky Dog Dash is less intimidating than some of Disney’s other thrill rides, making it a great option for younger visitors and those who are hesitant about bigger coasters. The ride is smooth and enjoyable, with a focus on fun and theming over extreme thrills.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Location: Frontierland, Magic Kingdom
Thrill Rating: 4.5/10
Height Requirement: 40 inches

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a classic Disney coaster that has been thrilling guests for decades. This "mine train" coaster takes riders on a wild journey through a haunted gold-mining town, with plenty of twists, turns, and small drops. While it reaches a top speed of 36 miles per hour, the outdoor setting and lack of inversions make it feel less intense than some of the indoor coasters. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is known for its immersive theming and long ride time, making it a perennial favorite among Disney World guests. The ride features three separate lift hills, adding to the anticipation and excitement.

Space Mountain

Location: Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom
Thrill Rating: 5/10
Height Requirement: 44 inches

Space Mountain is arguably the most famous indoor roller coaster of all time. This iconic ride plunges guests into near-total darkness, with only the twinkling stars and flashing lights of the space station to guide them. While the top speed of 27 miles per hour may seem tame by today’s standards, the darkness and disorienting nature of the ride create a heightened sense of thrill. Space Mountain is a classic Disney experience that should not be missed. The feeling of not knowing what’s coming next, coupled with the relatively tight turns, makes it a memorable and exciting ride.

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Location: Asia, Animal Kingdom
Thrill Rating: 6/10
Height Requirement: 44 inches

Expedition Everest is one of the most thrilling coasters at Disney World, combining high speeds, intense G-forces, and a unique backward motion. The ride takes guests on a high-speed train through the Himalayas, where they encounter the legendary Yeti. A portion of the ride involves racing backward through the mountain in the dark, adding to the excitement and disorientation. While the animatronic Yeti figure has been out of commission for some time, the coaster itself remains a thrilling and immersive experience. The theming is exceptional, immersing riders in the world of Himalayan exploration.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Location: World Discovery, Epcot
Thrill Rating: 6/10
Height Requirement: 42 inches

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the newest addition to Disney World’s coaster lineup, is a highly themed story coaster based on the popular Marvel franchise. This innovative ride features coaster vehicles that can rotate 360 degrees, directing passengers to the focal points of the show scenes. It’s also one of the world’s longest indoor coasters and Disney’s first reverse-launch coaster. With a backward launch, small drops, a similar level of darkness as Space Mountain, and an appearance by Eson the Searcher, Cosmic Rewind offers a thrilling and immersive experience that is sure to delight Marvel fans. The combination of innovative ride technology and engaging storytelling makes this coaster a must-do at Epcot.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Location: Sunset Boulevard, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Thrill Rating: 6.5/10
Height Requirement: 48 inches

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is the fastest coaster at Disney World, launching riders from 0 to 57 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds. This high-speed coaster features inversions and a darkened show building, making it difficult to distinguish right-side-up from upside-down. The pulsating onboard audio from Aerosmith adds to the intensity and excitement of the ride. While it may not have huge drops or soaring heights, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a thrilling experience that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. This coaster is one of the most thrilling rides at Disney World.

TRON Lightcycle / Run (Coming Soon)

Location: Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom
Thrill Rating: Anticipated 6.5/10
Height Requirement: To be announced

TRON Lightcycle / Run, based on the TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland, promises to be the most thrilling coaster at Disney World when it opens. This high-speed coaster will place passengers on motorbike-like vehicles and blast them into the video game world of the Grid. The original attraction in China is known for its intense launch and speed, reaching nearly 60 mph. TRON Lightcycle / Run is expected to be a cutting-edge coaster that combines innovative ride technology with immersive theming. This ride will be a great addition to the Disney world coasters.

Choosing Your Coaster Adventure

With such a diverse range of roller coasters, Disney World offers something for every thrill-seeker. From the gentle slopes of the Barnstormer to the high-speed launch of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, there’s a coaster to suit every taste and comfort level. Use this guide to plan your coaster adventure and experience the thrills that await you at the "Most Magical Place on Earth." Remember to check height requirements before heading to a ride, and be sure to utilize Disney’s Genie+ service to minimize wait times.

Conclusion

Everything to Know About Disney World’s Roller Coasters reveals a diverse and exciting collection of attractions, each offering a unique blend of thrills, theming, and storytelling. From gentle introductions to exhilarating launches, Disney World caters to every level of coaster enthusiast. So, prepare for your next visit, consult our thrill ratings, and embark on a coaster adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories.