Top 10 Rides at Disney World You'd Regret Missing on Your First Trip (in 2024) -

Are you planning your first trip, and trying to figure out the top 10 rides at Disney World that you shouldn’t miss?

With so many incredible attractions, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to prioritise.

That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 rides at Disney World that you shouldn’t miss on your first trip.

From classic favourites to thrilling adventures, these rides offer something for everyone and are sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 rides at Disney World that you’d regret missing on your first trip (in 2024).

Get ready to experience the best of the best Disney World rides!

This post is all about the top 10 rides at Disney World that you’d regret missing on your first trip.

Top 10 Rides at Disney World (For Your First Visit)

Which Disney World Parks are these attractions located at?

All 4 parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), but most of the rides we’re discussing are at Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom has a lot more rides than each of the other parks – and more classics you won’t want to miss!

Also, these rides are not ranked from best to worst (as some are roller coasters, others are slow rides – so they don’t all have the same objectives).

However, it’s important to note that they are all incredible rides.

So, if you’re a thrillseeker, looking for some chilled attractions – or a little of both – there will certainly be something for you on this top 10 attractions at Disney World list!

1) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Height Restriction: 40in (102cm) +

Highlights: Moderate speed, small drops

Location: Frontierland – Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a somewhat thrilling roller coaster (it’s not nearly as fast as some of the other attractions at Disney World – like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios).

Anyway, Big Thunder Mountain is set in the heart of the Wild West, and takes you on a marvellous journey through an abandoned mine.

The ride features exhilarating drops, thrilling banked turns, and encounters with dynamite explosions and crumbling caverns.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad offers a fun experience for the family.

Please note it’s not a junior coaster, but it is one of the least scary Disney World roller coasters.

One of the attraction’s highlights is its scenic views of Frontierland – and you can see the castle!

If you ride this attraction at night, you may even see the fireworks! 🎆

2) Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Height Restriction: 44in (112cm) or taller

Highlights: Thrill ride, small drops, big, mythic Yeti!

Location: Asia – Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest is one of the more exhilarating attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In some ways, it’s a scarier version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (with a slightly more frightening storyline).

This high-speed roller coaster takes riders on an exhilarating journey in search of the legendary Yeti (spoiler alert: he’s not particularly welcoming of guests!).

With its immersive theming and storytelling, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is a must-experience attraction – and arguably – the best ride at Animal Kingdom.

3) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Height Restriction: 42in (107cm) +

Highlights: Dark, thrilling, pretty wonderful music

Location: World Discovery – Epcot

Do you want to travel through space and time while listening to brilliant songs?! This is the Disney World roller coaster for you!

The Marvel theming is fun and easy to follow (for someone who knows very little about Marvel movies).

Epcot needed a roller coaster, and since Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opened in 2022, they now have one of the best roller coasters in Disney World.

But be aware: this may not be the best attraction for you if you are prone to dizziness. (That being said, you don’t spin constantly – it’s not like the Mad Tea Party).

I don’t want to provide too many spoilers, but if you want to experience a modern – and pretty innovative – roller coaster, this is one of the best at Disney World.

4) Haunted Mansion

Height Restriction: Any height

Highlights: Slow, dark, slightly spooky

Location: Liberty Square – Magic Kingdom

The Haunted Mansion is a classic dark ride located at Magic Kingdom.

Upon entering the spooky mansion, you are welcomed into a dimly lit foyer, where you encounter the infamous stretching room, which has ghostly portraits adorning the walls.

From there, you board “Doom Buggies” – Omnimover vehicles that transport you through the haunted halls of the mansion.

As they journey deeper into the darkness, guests encounter 999 supernatural inhabitants, including singing busts, dancing ghosts, and spectral apparitions.

If you’re expecting a TERRIFYING haunted house attraction, this isn’t it. Sure, it’s not bright and colourful like “it’s a small world” (which is #5 on this list), but it probably won’t cause you major nightmares.

5) “it’s a small world”

Height Restriction: Any height

Highlights: Boat ride showcasing cultures from around the world, with a VERY catchy song that you’ll probably never forget

Location: Fantasyland – Magic Kingdom

Created originally for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, “it’s a small world” has been enchanting guests for decades with its whimsical celebration of different international cultures.

As guests board their colourful boats, they embark on a leisurely journey through a world of singing (and arguably, creepy) doll animatronics, intricate sets, and vibrant scenery.

And yes, the whole time, you’ll hear the famous Sherman Brothers’ song, “It’s a Small World (After All) – which you’ll either LOVE or HATE. 😂

6) Jungle Cruise

Height Restriction: Any height

Highlights: Slow boat ride with animatronic animals and a lot of jokes!

Location: Adventureland – Magic Kingdom

This iconic ride takes guests on a leisurely boat journey through exotic rivers and dense jungles, offering a hilarious and adventurous experience.

Throughout the cruise, guests encounter a variety of scenes and scenarios, each filled with playful jokes and puns delivered by the quick-witted skipper.

From encounters with mischievous hippos and feisty crocodiles to encounters with tribal villages and ancient ruins, there’s a lot to see and hear on the Jungle Cruise!

If you’re visiting during the holiday season, check out Jingle Cruise – the Christmassy version of this attraction (arguably EVEN better than the standard version).

7) Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Height Restriction: Any height

Highlights: 2-and-a-half-D, the first and only ride at Disney World that features Mickey Mouse and Friends!

Location: Hollywood Boulevard – Hollywood Studios

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is like a 3D screen-based attraction – except you don’t have to wear 3D glasses.

The storyline follows Mickey and Minnie as they embark on a picnic outing, only to find themselves caught up in a series of zany escapades and unexpected twists and turns.

After all, if Goofy is driving a train, you know there’s going to be trouble! 🚂

The ride utilizes groundbreaking technology, including trackless ride vehicles and immersive projection mapping, to create a seamless and dynamic storytelling experience.

One of the best—or maybe worst—parts of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is its catchy musical score, which features an original song titled “Nothing Can Stop Us Now.”

If you don’t like It’s A Small World (After All), wait until you hear this song! 🎵😂

8) Pirates of the Caribbean

Height Restriction: Any height

Highlights: Slow, dark boat ride with pirates & small drops

Location: Adventureland – Magic Kingdom

Pirates of the Caribbean is a classic dark water ride. It’s one of Disney’s most iconic and beloved attractions, taking guests on a swashbuckling adventure through a Caribbean pirate stronghold.

The adventure begins as you board a boat and set sail into a dimly lit cavern, where you’re instantly transported into a world of pirates (including Captain Jack Sparrow), treasure, and adventure.

The ride features incredibly detailed scenes and animatronic figures that bring the pirate-filled world to life. Spoiler alert: it’s chaotic!

Throughout the ride, you’re treated to another catchy song – “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)”. This is probably the least “annoying” of the songs mentioned in this post (though they are all AMAZING).

9) Soarin’ Around The World

Height Restriction: 40in (102cm) +

Highlights: Slow ride, screen-based attraction, where you can explore the world

Location: World Nature – Epcot

Soarin’ Around the World is a unique flight simulation attraction at Epcot.

It transports you to some of the most iconic destinations around the globe.

The adventure begins as you board your “hang gliders” and are lifted into the air in front of a massive, curved projection screen.

As the journey begins, you see stunning panoramic views of breathtaking landscapes, landmarks, and natural wonders from around the world.

The attraction is complete with wind, scents, and other sensory effects that make you feel like they’re actually soaring through the air!

*Please note that this is occasionally changed to Soarin’ Over California – where you explore this gorgeous state, instead of different countries. Both versions of this ride are excellent*.

10) Space Mountain

Height Restriction: 44in (112cm) +

Highlights: Roller coaster in the dark, moderate to large drops. Not a “smooth” roller coaster – and may cause neck, back pain etc.

Location: Tomorrowland – Magic Kingdom

Space Mountain takes you on a thrilling journey through outer space.

Upon entering Space Mountain, you are transported to a futuristic spaceport where you board sleek, rocket-shaped vehicles.

The ride begins with a slow ascent into darkness as space-themed music plays.

Suddenly, you are launched into a series of twists, turns, and drops as you race through the darkness of outer space.

It’s important to note that the ride can be relatively intense, with sharp turns and sudden drops – so keep this in mind (I’ve occasionally had minor neck pain after riding this attraction).

If you’re looking for a “classic” Disney World roller coaster, this is an attraction you won’t want to skip!

Ta Ta For Now

So, if you’re planning your first trip to Disney World in 2024, try to make time for some of these incredible and beloved attractions!

This post was all about the top 10 rides at Disney World that you’d regret missing on your first trip.

Top 10 Rides at Disney World You’d Regret Missing on Your First Trip (in 2024)

Top 10 Rides at Disney World (For Your First Visit)

Which Disney World Parks are these attractions located at?

1) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

2) Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

3) Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

4) Haunted Mansion

5) “it’s a small world”

6) Jungle Cruise

7) Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

8) Pirates of the Caribbean

9) Soarin’ Around The World

10) Space Mountain

Ta Ta For Now

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Daisy Allen