Best Disney World Roller Coasters Guide (Ranked Best to Worst)

Like any theme park enthusiast, roller coasters are a big draw when visiting Walt Disney World. That’s why we came up with a list of the best roller coasters at Disney World and ranked them from best to worst.

Walt Disney World has some of the most iconic coasters in theme park history. Everyone knows Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain, for example, both of which revolutionized the industry. In more modern times, coasters like Expedition Everest have taken their legacy to a whole other level.

In this post, not only will we rank every roller coaster at Walt Disney World, we have all the info you need about them including ride length, height requirements, coaster speeds, inversions, the tallest drops, and what new coasters are coming to the parks.

Many people always ask us if Disney World is good for thrill-seekers. While there are many parks around the country that are more focused on thrill rides, Disney World does have some pretty excellent ones too, including its roller coasters.

Whether you are into big thrills or slow and relaxing, there is a roller coaster for you at Disney World.

Just remember, Disney parks are not like Six Flags which tries to build the biggest and the fastest rides. Rather, Disney Parks are all about storytelling and immersion in the total experience. The theming and overall ride experience are more important at Disney World than just pure thrills.

Roller Coasters at Walt Disney World Overview

Before we get into the specific rankings, let’s go over some general info about roller coasters at Walt Disney World.

How Many Roller Coasters are there at Walt Disney World?

Currently, there are 9 operating roller coasters at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This includes traditional roller coasters and not every attraction that travels on a track.

We are counting only coasters currently open to guests. Primeval Whirl does not count because it permanently closed, and the upcoming Monsters Inc. Doors Coaster and Maleficent roller coaster will not be added to the total until they open.

Which Disney Park has the Most Coasters?

Disney’s Magic Kingdom has the most roller coasters of all 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World having 5 of them in total.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has 2 roller coasters and Disney’s Animal Kingdom has 1 coaster. Now that Cosmic Rewind is open, EPCOT has 1 roller coaster after almost 40 years of being the only park in Walt Disney World without one.

Which Park has the Best Coasters?

Having 5 coasters total, we think the Magic Kingdom has the best coasters overall at Walt Disney World. In our rankings, they hold three of the top five spots, although they also have the worst coaster too. In sheer numbers, though it’s hard to beat the Magic Kingdom.

What is the Fastest Roller Coaster in Walt Disney World?

The fastest roller coaster at Walt Disney World is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, which reaches 60 mph (97 kph) during its reverse launch.

The second-fastest coaster is TRON Lightcycle / Run, which reaches 59 mph (95 kph) when you launch onto The Grid.

In third place is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, which reaches 57 mph (92 kph) during its launch. When it opened in 1999, it was the fastest coaster at Walt Disney World and remained so for more than two decades.

The slowest roller coaster in Disney World is The Barnstormer, with a top speed of only 25 mph.

All of the roller coasters at Disney World have height restrictions for smaller guests. Make sure to read the Disney World Height Requirements so you know which rides your kids can go on and which ones they have to skip.

Scariest Roller Coaster in Disney World?

Our answer to this question is between two attractions, but we think the scariest coaster overall at Disney World is the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Not only is it one of the fastest coasters, it also has 3 inversions and the lighting is very low making it hard to see where you are going.

Expedition Everest was our other choice for scary rides as it goes backward at one point in the ride and it has the biggest drop of all the coasters.

Which Roller Coasters Go Upside Down At Disney World?

The only operating roller coaster at Walt Disney World that goes upside down is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets. It has a total of 3 inversions throughout the ride.

The first inversion is right at the beginning when the train is launched out of the starting gate. The other two inversions are part of a corkscrew maneuver later on in the ride and make up what Vekoma calls the “rollover loop.”

All three inversions occur in the dark and you don’t realize you are going upside down until it is over.

What Is The Longest Roller Coaster In Disney World?

This question has two answers and depends if you are talking about ride length in minutes or track length.

Ride Length Minutes – The longest roller coaster in Disney World in minutes is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

The second-longest roller coaster at Disney World is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind which comes in at 3 minutes and 20 seconds long.

The shortest roller coaster in Disney World is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster which only lasts 1 minute and 20 seconds. TRON Lightcycle Run is the next shortest and it last for less than 2 minutes from start to finish.

Ride times for the other coasters are all pretty close with Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train all somewhere between 2 minutes 30 seconds and 3 minutes.

Track Length – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has the longest track of any roller coaster at Disney World and is 5,577 feet long (1,700m).

Expedition Everest has the second-longest track of all the Disney World roller coasters and is 4,424 feet long (1,348m).

What Is The Highest Roller Coaster In Disney World?

Expedition Everest is both the tallest roller coaster and the roller coaster with the highest drop at Walt Disney World. The attraction tops out at 199.5 ft tall (not the track but the structure). The biggest drop on the ride is 80 ft tall.

The shortest roller coaster is The Barnstormer and it stands only 30 feet tall.

Is it Possible to Ride all 9 Coasters in One Day?

If you are a roller coaster enthusiast with limited time at Walt Disney World, it is possible to ride all 9 operating coasters in one day. You will need admission with Park Hopper benefits, a strong touring plan, favorable operating hours, and enough time to visit all 4 parks.

We suggest starting at Hollywood Studios and riding Slinky Dog Dash and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster during Early Entry or at rope drop. From there, head to Animal Kingdom for Expedition Everest and then EPCOT for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Finish at Magic Kingdom, which has the remaining 5 coasters and often stays open later.

Lightning Lane availability may help, but standby waits and travel time can still make the challenge difficult. Check the park hours, transportation schedule, and attraction status before attempting it. If possible, save TRON for after dark because the illuminated canopy makes the experience even better!

Which Disney World Roller Coasters are Good for Kids?

While Walt Disney World has dozens of rides for small children, not all of the roller coasters are good for kids. This is subjective and depends on how old your children are and how much they like thrill rides.

Here is a list of the Height Requirements for all 9 roller coasters in Walt Disney World in order from lowest to highest:

• The Barnstormer – 35 inches (89 centimeters)
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – 38 inches (97 centimeters)
• Slinky Dog Dash – 38 inches (97 centimeters)
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 38 inches (97 centimeters)
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – 42 inches (106 centimeters)
• Space Mountain – 44 inches (113 centimeters)
• Expedition Everest – 44 inches (113 centimeters)
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – 48 inches (122 centimeters)
• TRON Lightcycle Run – 48 inches (122 centimeters)

The Barnstormer is the best coaster for little kids and is often the first coaster they try because of the low thrill level and a height requirement of only 35 inches. Even most 3 and 4-year-olds can handle that.

As you work your way down the list, we suggest you ride the coaster first as a parent before deciding whether or not your child can handle it or not. Work them up the list one by one. If they don’t make it this year, there is always the next trip so no worries.

You can consult our Guide to Disney World Height Requirements to see how tall they need to be for every type of ride in all the parks. If they are not tall enough, you might want to check our list of the Best Rides for Toddlers at Disney World.

Our Ranking Factors

When ranking the Disney World Roller coasters we based our evaluations on many factors and not only on the “Thrill Level” alone. We rated them based on thrills, theming, ride length, storytelling, and the overall fun factor. We then put them in order from best to worst (#1 the best and #9 the worst).

We want to make it clear that our numbers 1 and 2 roller coasters were very close and we wouldn’t argue if you want to switch the order due to your personal preference, but they are clearly the 2 best roller coasters in the 4 parks. Number 3 is also very close, but just behind the top 2.

The number 9 pick is in a class by itself and there is no doubt that it is the worst roller coaster in Disney World. The middle 5 coasters however are all very close in our opinion and could be ranked in any order you prefer.

Now let’s see the best roller coasters at Disney World…

Best Roller Coasters at Walt Disney World Ranked

Below we are going to break down our rankings and tell you why we put each roller coaster in the position we did. Before we do that, here is our list of the best roller coasters in Disney World ranked from best to worst:

1. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
2. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
3. TRON Lightcycle Run
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
5. Space Mountain
6. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
7. Slinky Dog Dash
8. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
9. The Barnstormer

We have our reasons for these rankings which we will share with you now. Let’s start with the worst coasters and work our way to number 1.

9. The Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom)

• Thrill Level: 2/10
• Top Speed: 25 mph
• Ride Length: 1 minute 3 seconds

There is no doubt in our mind that The Barnstormer is the worst roller coaster in Disney World. It’s a kid’s coaster and offers very few thrills for adults. It’s the slowest roller coaster at only 25 mph, the lowest coaster at 30 feet tall, and the shortest time-wise at just over 1 minute.

If your child has not been on any of the bigger roller coasters yet in the park and you want to gauge how daring they are, The Barnstormer is a good way for them to get their toes wet. If things go well, you can take them to the next step up.

Actual roller coaster enthusiasts will be bored out of their minds on The Barnstormer and unless you have small children that want to go on it, we say to skip it altogether.

8. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)

• Thrill Level: 5/10
• Top Speed: 35 mph
• Ride Length: 2 minutes 30 seconds

While still a very good ride, we rank Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the #8 position because of all the other quality coasters after it. This is one of the newest roller coasters at Walt Disney World, located in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. It’s actually part roller coaster and part dark ride with a lot of storytelling to it.

As far as thrills go, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is pretty calm. There aren’t any big drops or inversions and even most kids can handle it. The only thing that might make you a bit nauseous are the cars that swing side to side around the corners giving it a cool effect. We like it but some may not.

This ride does have an old-school Disney feel to it with the Snow White theme and it also has one of the coolest show scenes of all the coasters at Disney World when you go into the diamond mine with the animatronic dwarfs. We wish it was a little longer because the storytelling aspect of the ride is top-notch.

• Thrill Level: 6/10
• Top Speed: 40 mph
• Ride Length: 2 minutes

One of the newer roller coasters at Disney World is Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios. This is an outdoor steel coaster that Andy built out of his Dash and Dodge Mega Coaster Kit.

As a coaster, it doesn’t have a high thrill factor, but it is more intense than it seems from the ground. There are no inversions but it hits a top speed of 40 mph and we love the long stretch of track where you bounce up and down and get some great air time!

There is some debate between this and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, both in intensity and overall fun. We think Slinky Dog Dash is the better coaster because it is faster and taller and we love the blast-off midway through the ride. We give Seven Dwarfs the nod in storytelling and character integration into the ride, though they are both must-do attractions.

Slinky Dog Dash has the longest wait times in Hollywood Studios so get a Lightning Lane reservation or make it the first attraction of the day at the park opening.

6. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets (Hollywood Studios)

• Thrill Level: 9/10
• Top Speed: 57 mph
• Ride Length: 1 minute 22 seconds

If you like thrill rides, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is for you. It is the third-fastest coaster at Disney World and arguably the most intense. It is also the only operating coaster at Walt Disney World that goes upside down, with 3 inversions during the ride.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets officially opened on May 26, 2026, replacing the former Aerosmith theme. The Muppets have reinvigorated the attraction’s queue and pre-show and given the experience a much-needed dose of their chaotic humor.

The physical coaster remains familiar. It starts with an incredible launch that accelerates from 0 to 57 mph in only a few seconds before sending you through tight turns and three inversions in the dark. The Muppets make the overall experience fresher and more entertaining, even though much of the on-ride scenery is still made up of colorful signs and lighting effects.

Our biggest complaint remains the short ride time. At only about 1 minute and 20 seconds, it is over much too quickly, and the older coaster track can feel rougher than Disney’s newer thrill rides.

If you don’t like intense attractions or inversions, this probably isn’t for you. Thrill-seekers should absolutely try it, and the updated Muppets presentation makes the complete experience better than it was before. Children must be 48 inches or taller, and kids under 7 must ride with an adult.

5. Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)

• Thrill Level: 7/10
• Top Speed: 28 mph
• Ride Length: 2 minutes 30 seconds

We’re getting to the top of the best roller coasters at Disney World, and given its important place in the history of thrill rides, it seems only right to put Space Mountain #5. In fact, Space Mountain is synonymous with the word thrill ride and maintains a larger-than-life profile on the Magic Kingdom skyline.

The majority of Space Mountain runs in complete darkness, with only a few seconds of light. Even though it’s not very tall or fast, since the whole ride is in the dark, it makes you appear to be going much faster than you really are. The special effects include asteroids, shooting stars, and great sound effects, all adding to the experience.

The fact that it has remained relevant and a perennial guest favorite speaks volumes about its lasting power after more than 50 years! Space Mountain gets bonus points for its futuristic ride queue, creating nice anticipation for the ride itself as well as the unique post-show queue.

Yes it’s bumpy and it will rattle your brain around like a pair of maracas, but it still can’t take away from the other factors making Space Mountain undoubtedly one of the best rides at Walt Disney World.

4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)

• Thrill Level: 6/10
• Top Speed: 36 mph
• Ride Length: 3 minutes 30 seconds

Affectionately called “The wildest ride in the wilderness,” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a Frontierland staple and a roller coaster that’s been wowing guests for generations. Yes, many of the coasters on this list are bigger and faster than Big Thunder, but very few match its characteristic storytelling aspect and overall mystique.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a runaway mine train set in an abandoned mining village in the old wild west. The theming is “classic Disney” and the level of detail in the stonework, artifacts, and other elements are second to none.

Even though it’s not an incredibly thrilling roller coaster in the traditional sense of the word, it creates dramatic suspense and build-up that makes it seem like you are going faster and higher than you really are. It can be a bumpy ride so hold on tight.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad recently returned from its biggest refurbishment in years, with major work on the ride system, trains, track, and other essential components. The refreshed coaster feels smoother and better than before while preserving the classic scenery, storytelling, and character that make it so special.

It remains one of the best rides Walt Disney Imagineering has ever built and a must-do roller coaster at Walt Disney World.

3. TRON Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom)

• Thrill Level: 9/10
• Top Speed: 59 mph
• Ride Length: 2 minutes

Coming in at number #3 on our list and the 3rd Magic Kingdom coaster in a row is TRON Lightcycle / Run. This is also the newest operating roller coaster in Disney World and one of the coolest ride experiences you will have.

Think of this as a combination of Space Mountain and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, just without the inversions of the latter. At 59 mph, it is the second-fastest coaster at Disney World, even though it doesn’t feel overly scary at any point.

The first thing you notice is the huge canopy that guests ride under, also known as the Upload Conduit. You can spot it a mile away and its lights and special effects make for an especially dramatic ride at night.

Another reason why we put it where we did is the unique ride system. Riders sit on the Lightcycle bikes (something similar to Flight of Passage) and it gives you much more freedom than a regular coaster. At times you really feel like you are flying!

We had to wait for 5+ years to ride TRON and it was worth it. The only negative you can say about it is that it’s too short, it would have been better if it was 30 seconds longer. Even so, it’s the best coaster now at the Magic Kingdom and one you absolutely must try for yourself!

2. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)

Thrill Level: 8/10
Top Speed: 60 mph
Ride Length: 3 minutes 20 seconds

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is one of the newest roller coasters in Walt Disney World, and we love it so much that we couldn’t help but put it in the number 2 spot. It reaches 60 mph during its reverse launch, making it the fastest coaster at Walt Disney World.

Cosmic Rewind does just about everything right. We think it has an almost perfect blend of thrills, theming, and overall fun. We are in love with the new Omnicoaster ride system and the spinning ride vehicles, they make it so easy to follow the action throughout the ride.

This is probably the absolute smoothest coaster we’ve ever been on, there is no vibration from the track or jerkiness, it honestly feels like you are gliding. There are no inversions, but it doesn’t need any. It has enough thrills for teens, but many younger children will also be able to ride.

Don’t get us started on the Awesome Mix Tape and the 6 songs chosen for this ride. Your head will be bopping up and down the whole time. Pure fun is the best way to describe Cosmic Rewind. From the launch, I don’t think there was one moment we weren’t either smiling or laughing.

We are leaving it at #2 because Expedition Everest still has the edge in our rankings, but Cosmic Rewind makes an extremely strong case for the top spot.

1. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (Animal Kingdom)

• Thrill Level: 9/10
• Top Speed: 50 mph
• Ride Length: 2 minutes 50 seconds

Was there ever any doubt about #1? Though we love all the other roller coasters on this list, Expedition Everest is unquestionably the best roller coaster at Walt Disney World. This ride has everything you want from a thrill ride, and more.

The ride starts in its highly-detailed ride queue as you find yourself on a trip through the Himalayan mountains on the “Anandapur Rail Service.” You can learn a ton about the Himalayan culture and of course the infamous Yeti.

The roller coaster itself is unmatched at a Disney World park. It’s a steel coaster that runs incredibly smooth with little bumpiness or jostling. There are no inversions on Everest but there is a long backward drop that leads into a 250° turn at high speed. Expedition Everest tops out at 50 mph and its biggest drop is 80 feet tall and done to perfection.

The whole ride builds anticipation for the mythical Yeti creature who is after your train. Disney has confirmed that the impressive but long-broken Yeti figure will finally receive attention, though an exact closure and repair timeline has not yet been announced. Even the current limited Yeti effect can’t derail Everest from landing at #1 on our list.

In a place known for “Mountain roller coasters”, Expedition Everest stands above the rest and is the best coaster Disney World has to offer. Don’t leave without going on it!

New Roller Coasters Coming to Disney World

Walt Disney Imagineering is developing two major new roller coasters for Walt Disney World: the Monsters Inc. Doors Coaster at Hollywood Studios and a Maleficent roller coaster for Villains Land at Magic Kingdom.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets and the major Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment are now complete, so they are included in the operating-coaster sections above rather than listed as future projects.

Monsters Inc. Doors Coaster – Hollywood Studios

The long-rumored Monsters Inc. Doors Coaster is finally becoming a reality as part of Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney says this will be the first suspended roller coaster at any Disney park. Riders will be lifted vertically in a scene inspired by the door vault from the film before racing through the factory with the doors suspended above and around them.

The coaster is expected to be the headline attraction in Monstropolis, alongside a new show, restaurants, shops, and themed streets. Disney has said that parts of Monstropolis are expected to open in 2027, but it has not confirmed that the Doors Coaster will be ready with the first phase.

Estimated Opening Date: Not yet announced (2028?)

Maleficent Roller Coaster – Magic Kingdom

Disney has officially announced a Maleficent-themed roller coaster for the new Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom.

The coaster will send guests through enchanted briars surrounding Maleficent’s mountaintop fortress. The concept sounds like it could become one of Disney World’s most dramatic and intense roller coasters, but Disney has not yet revealed the final attraction name, ride system, height requirement, or exact thrill level.

Disney also has not announced an official opening date for Villains Land or the coaster. Our current working estimate is around 2030, but that is only an estimate and could change significantly as construction progresses.

Estimated Opening Date: Not officially announced (2030?)

Read our post on the Best New Rides Coming to Disney World for a more detailed look at more Disney attractions in the next few years.

Tips for Riding Roller Coasters at Walt Disney World

Choose the Best Seat – With most roller coasters, we like to sit in the front row. This usually gives you the best view of your surroundings and lets you really take in the ambiance of the ride more than the middle or the back. When you get to the loading area just ask a Cast Member to sit in the front row and they will hold you to the side until the next available seat opens up.

Don’t Get Sick – Many people like roller coasters, but their stomachs don’t and they can get nauseous when riding. To combat this, choose a seat in the middle of the vehicle, usually the most stable part of the vehicle. Also, keep good posture sitting up tall in your seat and looking straight ahead with your head up. Don’t close your eyes but keep them on a fixed point in front of you.

Put Your Valuables Away – Roller coasters are fast with sharp corners and sometimes loops. Store important items like sunglasses or hats in the pouch on the back of the seat in front of you and don’t hold anything in your hands like a phone as it could fall out and lose it.

Be Adventurous – Roller coasters can be scary at times, but it’s worth it to be adventurous and try new ones. You don’t want to be stuck on The Barnstormer for the rest of your life, so try some of the bigger coasters too. Work your way up in order of intensity until you find the level you prefer most.

Enjoy It – Most importantly, have fun! Take a deep breath, let out a big scream if you must, and enjoy the ride of a lifetime!

Make sure to check the Disney World Refurbishment Calendar to see which rides are going to be closed during your visit.

How to Avoid Long Lines for Rides at Disney World?

Everyone loves riding roller coasters, but no one like waiting in line for one. After all, the less time you have to spend in line, the more rides you can be doing, and saving time is crucial.

Here are a few tips that will help you avoid spending too much time in line during your visit:

Use Lightning Lanes – The Disney World Lightning Lane system can reduce the amount of time you spend in standby queues. Lightning Lane Multi Pass lets guests make advance selections from eligible attractions, while select headliners may use a separately purchased Lightning Lane Single Pass. Eligibility, tiers, pricing, and availability can change, so check the current options for each park before your visit.

Do Rope Drop in the Morning – No matter what type of rides you like (roller coasters or not), the most important part of avoiding long wait times is to go to the parks early in the morning. It’s not ideal to wake up early on vacation, but it will save tons of time in the long run.

Go When the Crowds are Low – Of course, no matter what you do, if you go to Disney World during the busiest time of the year, you will have long lines. That’s why we recommend going during the less busy times if possible. Read our Disney World Crowd Calendar to find out the dates that are least crowded each year.

FAQs

That wraps up our rankings of the best roller coasters at Walt Disney World. We had a lot of fun making this list, and anyway you look at it, each coaster has its place and is fun for a certain type of guest.

We encourage you to share your favorite Disney World Roller coasters in the comments section below to see how your list compares!

For more info on the Disney World attractions, check out the following guides:

• Best Rides at Disney World Ranked
• Best Rides at the Magic Kingdom Guide
• Best Rides at EPCOT Guide
• Best Rides at Hollywood Studios Guide
• Best Rides at the Animal Kingdom Guide
• Best Rides for Toddlers and Kids at Disney World

If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, make sure to read our Disney World Planning Guide. There you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about our list of the best roller coasters in Disney World…

• What is your number one roller coaster?
• What is your ranking of the Best Disney World Roller Coasters?

Let us know in the comments section below!

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