I lived near Orlando for a few years while I was in college, and during that time, I had a Disney World pass, so I visited the parks regularly. I've been on almost every ride, and I've been on some of them so often that I know them by heart. Yet, having a pass didn't make the rides any less fun - if anything, it made Disney World even more exciting and magical because I never had to rush to get everything done.
Since I love talking about Disney World, I decided to make a guide to all the rides. For each ride, I'll rank them based on my personal opinion, talk about wait times, and say who I think each ride is best for. I already wrote all this information in a spreadsheet just for fun a few months ago (because I'm weird like that) so now I'm going to transfer that information into an article that everyone can enjoy!
(For rankings, I'm using tier list rankings, so from highest to lowest, it's S - The best!, A - Super fun, B - Enjoy it a lot, C - Good, D - Not my favorite, F - Don't like it)
Animal Kingdom
Avatar Flight of Passage
My Ranking: S
Average Wait Time: 90 - 120 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, it's my favorite ride (even though I'm not crazy about the Avatar movie). The waiting areas are beautiful, but getting a Lightning Lane pass is definitely preferred for most people.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: It's great for anyone who loves virtual reality or flight simulators. However, people who are afraid of heights may be uncomfortable. There are no real drops, only virtual ones.
Best Time to Ride it: If you're staying at a Disney Resort, try to get in line during resort-only hours since it may be less busy during that time. Hopping in line right when the park opens or a minute before it closes can also be beneficial (as long as you're in line before closing time, you can get on the ride). Getting in line during the end of the day ensures you don't waste time during open hours waiting in line.
DINOSAUR
My Ranking: A
Average Wait Time: 10 - 30 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great for anyone who loves dinosaurs! It may be scary for kids who are afraid of the dark. Also, it may not be fun for people who don't like sudden movements or bumpy vehicles.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time. If the line is longer than usual, keep an eye on the Disney World app and head over there when the wait time goes down.
Expedition Everest
My Ranking: B
Average Wait Time: 25 - 45 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, there are lots of fun things to look at while you're waiting.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Perfect for anyone who loves roller coasters. It's not a super intense coaster (I hate big drops on rides but I'm fine on this one) but it's one of the biggest roller coasters at Disney.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Kali River Rapids
My Ranking: C
Average Wait Time: 20 - 35 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Not if the wait time is longer than normal. The ride is short and it gets busy on hot days. I'd recommend a Lightning Lane if the wait gets over 30 minutes.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: If you hate getting wet, don't go on it.
Best Time to Ride it: When it's hot outside because getting soaked is uncomfortable otherwise. However, the wait time is much shorter when it's cool outside, especially early in the morning.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
My Ranking: S
Average Wait Time: 35 - 50 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, because it's a long ride, but the waiting area can get hot. If possible, try to get a Lightning Lane on hot summer days.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: It's perfect for anyone who loves animals.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time - there are always new things to see, so ride it as much as you want at any time. If you're curious about when certain animals are most active, ask a cast member.
Other Notes: If the wait time is too long for your liking, there are plenty of other places to see animals at Animal Kingdom.
Na'vi River Journey
My Ranking: D
Average Wait Time: 45 - 70 minutes
Worth the Wait?: No, the ride is beautiful, but it's not exciting enough to wait more than 30 minutes for. Lightning Lane recommended.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: It's not for thrill seekers, it's designed for guests looking for a peaceful experience.
Best Time to Ride it: If you ever see the wait time go under 30 minutes, hop in line because that's rare. Otherwise, I recommend going any time with a Lightning Lane.
Other Notes: If you don't want to wait in line for this ride, you can get a similar experience by wandering around Pandora (the Avatar area) at night.
TriceraTop Spin
My Ranking: F - Cute, but not fun for me
Average Wait Time: 5 - 10 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, if you're traveling with children
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: For young kids only
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
EPCOT
Frozen Ever After
My Ranking: B
Average Wait Time: 50 - 70 minutes
Worth the Wait?: No, there's not a lot to look at while you're waiting, and the ride isn't worth such a long wait.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Most people will enjoy it, especially those looking for a cute ride. However, you may get wet toward the end of the ride.
Best Time to Ride it: Right when the park opens, right before it closes, or during the fireworks show.
Gran Fiesta Tour
My Ranking: C
Average Wait Time: 5 - 15 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, even if the wait is long, the line is in a cool indoor area.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Perfect for a peaceful break in a beautiful air-conditioned space.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
My Ranking: N/A - I haven't ridden it yet
Average Wait Time: Virtual Queue Only
Other Notes: I've heard it's really fun from friends, but I can't talk about the details of it since I've never experienced it myself.
Journey to Imagination with Figment
My Ranking: D
Average Wait Time: 5 - 10 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, it's a short, indoor wait, so it's worth checking out at least once.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Good for kids, especially since it ends up in an interactive play area.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Living with the Land
My Ranking: D
Average Wait Time: 5 - 15 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, it's a short wait in an air-conditioned space.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: It's an educational experience, but it's great for guests who want a break in an air-conditioned space.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Mission: SPACE
My Ranking: F
Average Wait Time: 20 - 30 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, if you're interested in this type of ride.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Good for thrill seekers who want to feel like they're flying in space. However, you should avoid it if you're claustrophobic or get dizzy easily.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time, but make sure it's not right after you ate!
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure
My Ranking: A
Average Wait Time: 55 - 90 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, as long as it's not higher than the average wait time (because then part of the wait may be outdoors). Since it's a newer ride, it's always long, so many guests prefer to get a Lightning Lane.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Everyone can enjoy this one! But keep in mind that it's 4D, so there are strong smells, heated areas, and a little water sprayed.
Best Time to Ride it: Right when the park opens, right before it closes, or during the fireworks.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
My Ranking: C
Average Wait Time: 5 - 10 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, every time I've gone, I've been able to walk right on without waiting.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: If you love animals, this ride leads to the aquarium.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Soarin' Around the World
My Ranking: A
Average Wait Time: 35 - 55 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, but the waiting area is boring (it's air-conditioned though)
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great if you're looking for a laidback flight simulator and want to see the world.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time, but it's usually less busy in the morning
Spaceship Earth
My Ranking: N/A - I've never been on this one for some reason
Average Wait Time: 15 - 25 minutes
Test Track
My Ranking: S
Average Wait Time: 50 - 70 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, partway through the line, you get to design your own vehicle, so it makes the wait feel shorter.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: If you love cars and going fast without the fear of big drops or going upside-down, this is a great ride for you.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time, but right away in the morning, right before closing, and during the fireworks are the best times.
Other Notes: Don't forget to scan your card before getting on the ride - that way, you'll be able to see how the car you designed does during all the tests.
Hollywood Studios
(I couldn't find a good photo from Hollywood Studios, so this is from Disney Springs)
Alien Swirling Saucers
My Ranking: C
Average Wait Time: 25 - 35 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, as long as it's not longer than normal. The queue is outside so it can get pretty hot.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Perfect for young kids
Best Time to Ride it: Whenever the sun isn't out (early morning or at night)
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
My Ranking: A
Average Wait Time: 45 - 65 minutes
Worth the Wait?: I think so, but it's a good one to use a Lightning Lane on. Luckily, the line is all indoors.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Fun for all ages. However, there's one part that simulates falling (but there are no actual drops, of course).
Best Time to Ride it: Early in the morning or shortly before the park closes.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run
My Ranking: N/A - I haven't ridden this one yet
Average Wait Time: 45 - 65 minutes
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
My Ranking: C
Average Wait Time: 50 - 70 minutes
Worth the Wait?: If you love roller coasters, then yes.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great if you love roller coasters. Not ideal for guests who don't like going upside-down.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time, but it often has the shortest line early in the morning and close to closing.
Slinky Dog Dash
My Ranking: B
Average Wait Time: 60 - 80 minutes
Worth the Wait?: No, the wait is usually long and mostly in the sun (but it's an adorable ride if you can get a Lightning Lane for it).
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Perfect roller coaster for kids and people looking for tamer coasters (it slows down a little over drops).
Best Time to Ride it: When the sun isn't out, such as early in the morning or at night.
Star Tours - The Adventures Continue
My Ranking: A
Average Wait Time: 20 - 30 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, the line moves quickly
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great if you love virtual reality rides and/or Star Wars. It's not as intense as other virtual reality rides.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Other Notes: The ride's story isn't always the same, so it's worth going on it more than once if the line is short.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
My Ranking: N/A - I haven't ridden it yet
Average Wait Time: 90 - 120 minutes
Other Notes: Even though I haven't experienced it myself, I've had friends tell me it's their favorite Disney World ride.
Toy Story Mania!
My Ranking: A
Average Wait Time: 40 - 60 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, but if it's longer than normal I recommend a Lightning Lane. Luckily, the line is indoors with lots to look at.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Fun for anyone who loves interactive rides, but you need to wear 3D glasses.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
My Ranking: F - Never rode it, but I hate big drops!
Average Wait Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: For thrill seekers
Magic Kingdom
Astro Orbiter
My Ranking: F - Cute, but just not exciting to me
Average Wait Time: 20 - 35 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, if you have kids that love space.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great for young kids.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
The Barnstormer
My Ranking: N/A - I've never been on this one for some reason
Average Wait Time: 10 - 25 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: For young kids or people trying a roller coaster for the first time.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
My Ranking: B
Average Wait Time: 35 - 55 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great if you love roller coasters (but don't worry, it's not too intense).
Best Time to Ride it: Any time, but the wait time can fluctuate a lot. If it's long, ride it during the fireworks.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
My Ranking: B
Average Wait Time: 25 - 45 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Fun for anyone that likes interactive rides.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
My Ranking: F - Super cute, but not exciting for me
Average Wait Time: 10 - 20 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great for little kids.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Haunted Mansion
My Ranking: A
Average Wait Time: 25 - 40 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, there are some interactive things while waiting and the line usually moves fast.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: A silly ride that most people love, but it might be too scary for young kids.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time, but it's best when the sun isn't out since the line is outside.
It's a Small World
My Ranking: D
Average Wait Time: 15 - 30 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes (it's worth going on at least once)
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great if you're looking for a classic, but not ideal if you're afraid of dolls or hate the song.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Jungle Cruise
My Ranking: A
Average Wait Time: 40 - 60 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, but the wait can get pretty hot.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great if you love animals and want a good laugh (but if you hate cheesy jokes and puns, it might not be for you). There's also one part that's dark and might be scary for young kids.
Best Time to Ride it: Early in the morning, late at night, or during the fireworks
Mad Tea Party
My Ranking: C
Average Wait Time: 5 - 15 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: A classic ride that anyone can enjoy (unless you get dizzy easily)
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
My Ranking: F - Cute, but not exciting to me
Average Wait Time: 10 - 25 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, if you have kids
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great for young kids
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
My Ranking: A
Average Wait Time: 25 - 40 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, but the line moves slowly
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Everyone can enjoy this one!
Best Time to Ride it: Any time, but it's much shorter than usual during fireworks and parades
Peter Pan's Flight
My Ranking: A
Average Wait Time: 55 - 65 minutes
Worth the Wait?: No, the line moves way too slowly for such a short ride. It's super cute though, so a Lightning Lane is recommended.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Everyone can enjoy this one! However, it makes you feel like you're flying, so some kids might not like how high it seems.
Best Time to Ride it: If you don't have a Lightning Lane, I recommend going during the fireworks.
Pirates of the Caribbean
My Ranking: A
Average Wait Time: 20 - 35 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, the line moves quickly
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: A classic ride, but it might be scary for little kids.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
My Ranking: F - A cute classic, but not exciting to me
Average Wait Time: 5 - 15 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Perfect for kids or anyone looking for a laidback ride with a short wait.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
Seven Dwarves Mine Train
My Ranking: B
Average Wait Time: 70 - 90 minutes
Worth the Wait?: No, it's very similar to Big Thunder Mountain, which usually has a much shorter wait. I recommend a Lightning Lane.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great for roller coaster lovers (but don't worry, it's not too intense).
Best Time to Ride it: If you don't have a Lightning Lane, try getting in line during the fireworks. Also, hopping in line right before close is a good idea too.
Space Mountain
My Ranking: C
Average Wait Time: 50 - 60 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Not in my opinion since the queue is boring, but you are waiting inside at least.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great for roller coaster lovers, but not ideal for kids who are afraid of the dark.
Best Time to Ride it: During resort-only hours, early in the morning, during the fireworks, or right before close.
Tomorrowland Speedway
My Ranking: N/A - I've never ridden it
Average Wait Time: 20 - 35 minutes
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Made for kids
Other Notes: Even though I've never been on it, I've heard people refer to it as one of the worst rides.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover
My Ranking: C
Average Wait Time: 10 - 15 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great for taking a break on a hot day.
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
TRON Lightcycle Run
My Ranking: N/A - Haven't ridden it yet
Average Wait Time: Virtual Queue Only
Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid
My Ranking: C
Average Wait Time: 15 - 35 minutes
Worth the Wait?: Yes, unless the wait is longer than normal.
Who Will Like it/Dislike it?: Great if you love The Little Mermaid
Best Time to Ride it: Any time
So there you have it! That's my brief rundown of all the Disney World rides. If you have any questions about visiting Disney World, feel free to comment on this post or visit my contact page.
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