The 25 Scariest Rides in Disney World (In a Chart)
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Are you a thrill-seeker looking for the scariest rides in Disney World? Or are you trying to figure out which rides will scare your kids? Or are you just trying to lose yourself in the magic and don’t want to remember that there is such a thing as physical harm?
Whatever the case, I put the scariest rides in Disney World into a chart to help you know which rides to avoid (or which ones to seek out) based on what different people mean when they say scary. After that, I’ll explain each ride and what it has to offer you (or take away from you). Of course, this is all subjective based on my family’s experience as well as conversations with other Disney guests, but it might help you map out your next trip. If a ride is not on the list, it means I don’t think it poses a risk or a thrill to the average park guest.
The Chart Explained:
Thrills- This is the adrenaline producing factor. Does the ride use speed, heights, G-forces, or disorienting dark/light effects to get your blood pumping? If you’re looking for physical intensity, this is the only column for you.
Theming- Is the theming supposed to be scary? This probably won’t freak you out, but it will scare children that have a hard time distinguishing fantasy from reality. A lot of scary theming can also come from the queue rather than the ride itself. If you’re worried about your kids, or you want a theme to draw you into the darkside, this is the column for you.
Awareness of Mortality- Does the ride remind you that you are a fragile mortal? Do you fear for you actual safety or psychological well-being? There are NO UNSAFE RIDES at Disney World. They’d lose a lot of money. However, some rides remind you that if they broke, you’d be in trouble. The column is just here if you can’t get out of your head.
Scoring- Between 0 and 3 ✓’s. With ✓✓✓ being the highest.
-0 gets gray.
-1 gets a Green light.
-2 Gets a yellow light
-3 gets a red light. This can mean stop or run to it as fast you can.
I ranked them based on total number of tallies, but I’ll explain them by park to make it more useful for you when you’re planning.
The scariest rides at Disney World, charted!
Alright now I’ll describe the scariest rides in Disney for you and defend my reasoning. If you disagree with me, tell me in the comments. Then we both have to go ride the rides in question again. Deal?
Jump to Section:
Magic Kingdom
Barnstormer
Jungle Cruise
Carousel of Progress
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Splash Mountain/Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Pirates of the Caribbean
Big Thunder Mountain
TRON: Lightcycle/Run
Haunted Mansion
Mad Tea Party
Space Mountain
EPCOT
Animal Kingdom
Hollywood Studios
Magic Kingdom
Barnstormer (Thrill-1/Theming-0/AofM-1)
Drop Height: 35 feet
Speed: 25 mph
Duration: 1:20
Dark Ride: No
Opening Year: 1996
Guest Height Requirement: 35”
Barnstormer: My girls think the “second aid” is so funny. Photo cred: Frank Phillips https://flic.kr/p/X3X2M7
This is the gateway thrill ride for kids at Walt Disney World. It’s a Goofy and vintage stunt plane-themed outdoor roller coaster in Fantasyland. It’s a surprisingly fun but easy-going ride. If you want to prepare your kids (or more timid adults) to the scariest rides in Disney, start here. That being said, I did rank it for mortality awareness because the uncomfortable seatbacks will remind you that you are old.
Jungle Cruise (Thrill-0/Theming-2/AofM-0)
Jungle Cruise, Photo Cred: Justin Ennis https://flic.kr/p/frU8DC
Drop Height: 0
Speed: 3 mph
Duration: 10 minutes
Dark Ride: No
Opening Year: 1971
Height Requirement: none
The Jungle Cruise is a leisurely cruise on a river boat run by a pun-happy tour guide that points out fake animals and other jungle decorations. I gave it two checkmarks for theming because if your little ones have trouble distinguishing reality from fantasy, they might be scared by the animals and threats of indigenous headhunters.
Carousel of Progress (Thrill-0/Theming-0/AofM-3)
One of the scenes from the terrifying Carousel of Progress, Photo Cred: Justin Christiansen https://flic.kr/p/24LDtE6
Drop Height: 0
Speed: Really Slow
Duration: 21 Minutes, or 100 years depending on how you look at it
Dark Ride: No
Opening Year: 1975
Guest Height Requirement: None
The Carousel of Progress is a rotating theater where animatronic humans tell you about how technological innovation affected their family. It does this in different scenes throughout the 20th century.
Okay, Okay. This one is kind of a joke. No one is scared of the Carousel of Progress….UNLESS, the Carousel overwhelms you with existential angst as you contemplate the relentless, unstoppable march of time. Also, if anyone stands up, the cast members interrupt the show to tell them to sit down, which sometimes results in the scene starting from the beginning. Then you are stuck in a time loop. Between the fear of death, the fear of life repeating itself, and the fear of never getting off the ride, I gave this a 3 for Awareness of Mortality.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Thrill-2/Theming-1/AofM-0)
The entrance to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Photo Cred: Deb https://flic.kr/p/nv3hym
Drop Height: 41 feet
Speed: 35 mph
Duration: 2:30
Dark Ride: partly
Opening Year: 2014
Guest Height Requirement: 38”
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is roller coaster with stops for Snow White and Dwarf scenes. It is fast and fun, but very smooth, owing to its unique carts that rock smoothly like a boat. With a height requirement of 3’2”, my daughters started riding it around 4-5 years old. The drops and curves are not scary, but I scored it for theming because it’s possible that, at the end of the ride, the witch can surprise and scare younger guests (speaking from experience).
Like the Barnstormer, it’s a great gateway to more thrilling rides in Disney. The only problem with using it as an onboarding is that, unless you have a lightning lane, the wait is usually over an hour. As a Lord of the Rings fan, I had a hard time spelling it Dwarfs instead of Dwarves.
Second Dad to the Right Tips: During the mining scene, you can rock the carts back and forth while you sing along. Also, during the queue, if you get guests to spin all 7 barrels at the same time, there’s a special surprise for you.
Splash Mountain/Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Thrill-2/Theming-1/AofM-0)
Splash Mountain looking particularly foreboding, Photo Cred: Christian Lambert https://flic.kr/p/8Fug9e
Drop Height: 50 feet
Speed: 40 mph
Duration: 10 minutes
Dark Ride: partly
Opening Year: 1992 (reopening 2024
Guest Height Requirement: 40”
Splash Mountain (now closed) was a log flume ride themed on the 1946 film Song of the South. It gets two checkmarks for thrills because of the big splash at the end. It also gets one checkmark for theming because the conflict in the dark parts of the ride can scare little kids (from experience). My daughters were particularly unnerved by the vultures at the end.
I included this in the list as a chance to predict what they will create for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Given the film material, they have a chance to make the dark ride parts much scarier if they incorporate the gators, the poachers, and the main villain of the movie, the voodoo witch doctor, Dr. Facilier, and his demons. I’m assuming the drop will stay.
Pirates of the Caribbean (Thrill-1/Theming-2/AofM-1)
Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, Photo cred: Anna Fox https://flic.kr/p/27Baj26
Drop Height: A few gentle drops
Speed: 3-4 mph
Duration: 8 min
Dark Ride: yes
Opening Year: 1973
Guest Height Requirement: none
Pirates of the Caribbean is a slow boat ride through scenes of pirate life from the Golden Age of Piracy before the rise of American Naval dominance. I gave it a checkmark for thrills because of the dark drops and noises.
I gave it two checkmarks for theming because it begins with a creepy witch doctor singing. Then you pass a skeleton as you hear the infamous line “dead men tell no tales,” which is pirate for “snitches get stitches.” Then you see pirates up to no good, sometimes violently. Then everything is on fire. It can freak kids out sometimes, especially because the queue makes you feel like you’re entering a dungeon.
I also gave a checkmark for awareness of mortality because if there’s any ride at Disney World where the animatronics are going to come alive and attack you, it’s here (especially because Johnny Depp is rumored to have hidden in the ride for some guests).
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Thrill-2/Theming-1/AofM-1)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Photo Cred: Kari https://flic.kr/p/r8EnLv
Drop Height: 40 feet
Speed: 35 mph
Duration: 3 minutes
Dark Ride: no
Opening Year: 1980
Guest Height Requirement: 40”
Big Thunder Mountain is a rollercoaster that’s themed as if you are entering an abandoned goldmine. It’s got a few drops and curves that make it exciting. I also gave it a checkmark for theming because the opening hill gets really loud and filled with bats (which my daughters didn’t believe were fake). I gave it a checkmark for mortality awareness because you can see the ground on some of the drops and the jerky nature of the old coaster makes it feel like it might just break on you.
TRON Lightcycle/Run (Thrill-3/Theming-0/AofM-0)
My daughter on the cast preview with Carlos from Connections Cafe
Drop Height: 70 feet
Speed: 59 mph
Duration: 60 seconds
Dark Ride: no
Opening Year: 2023
Guest Height Requirement: 48”
The brand-new TRON Lightcycle/Run is the fastest coaster at Disney World. The idea is that you are riding a futuristic motorcycle through a computer (like the game and movies). It doesn’t utilize any of the theme or dark scares that some of the other coasters use, so it’s not the scariest. But it’s AMAZING, especially if you can see the beautiful light effects at night.
Haunted Mansion (Thrill-0/Theming-3/AofM-1)
The Haunted Mansion looking like a place I want to live
Drop Height: Only elevated spirits
Speed: 2-3 mph
Duration: 8 minutes
Dark Ride: Physically and Spiritually
Opening Year: 1971
Guest Height Requirement: six feet under
When people ask about the scariest rides in Disney World, they’re either talking about the fastest rollercoasters or the Haunted Mansion. The Haunted Mansion is a surprisingly charming haunted house. The queue is somewhat spooky but in a whimsical, “puns on gravestones” kind of way.
The ride itself is a slow traversing of a haunted estate, where you get to see some incredible sound and light effects making it look like ghosts are appearing and disappearing in each of the rooms. Obviously, I gave it 3 checkmarks for theming because ghosts are scary to children sometimes. My daughters still don’t even like walking near the attraction because of the scenery and spooky noises. I also gave it a checkmark for awareness of mortality because that’s literally the theme of the whole experience—death, ghosts, ghouls, and spookiness. It’s total ranking isn’t very high because there aren’t g-forces or jump scares.
Second Dad to the Right Tip: Husbands, the two-seater carts where you can’t see the other guests is the most obvious make-out spot in Disney World. Just don’t do it in the part where the mirrors make you look dead. We’ve caught many other couples kissing in that room.
Mad Tea Party (Thrill-2/Theming-0/AofM-2)
The Mad Tea Party, Photo Cred: Anna Fox https://flic.kr/p/95wMTK
Drop Height: 1 teacup
Speed: Choose your own adventure
Duration: 90 seconds
Dark Ride: only if you blackout
Opening Year: 1971
Guest Height Requirement: none
Yes, that’s right. I listed the Teacup ride as the second scariest ride in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The Mad Tea Party is Alice in Wonderland themed carnival ride where you sit in a teacup. The teacup moves around a small area at speeds up to 11mph. However, each teacup has a turntable in the middle that you can manipulate to make your cup spin.
I’m not sure it has a terminal rotational velocity. Ride with me. I can make you throw up. Up to two checkmarks for intensity. And the motion sickness gets you up to two checkmarks for mortality awareness, because you’ll realize you’re getting older and wish you were younger.
Space Mountain (Thrill-2/Theming-1/AofM-3)
Space Mountain
Drop Height: 25 feet
Speed: 28 mph
Duration: 2:30
Dark Ride: yes
Opening Year: 1975
Guest Height Requirement: 44”
Space Mountain is an indoor, space-themed rollercoaster in Tomorrowland. It is the original Disney World roller coaster. Despite its seemingly slow speed and low drops, the intensity of the turns cranks up the g-forces on your body. Add to that the almost total darkness punctuated by flashing lights and loud effects, and you feel like you were tossed in a spaceship and shaken up by a giant toddler. It’s awesome, except…
I gave it 3 checkmarks for awareness of mortality for a few reasons. As the oldest coaster in Disney World, Space Mountain is extremely jerky and soreness inducing, and adults don’t quite feel secure in the tiny carts. Also, I rode the coaster for the first time when I was 8 years old. My only memory was the fear that I was going to be decapitated as we passed under other pieces of the track. This fear of potential headlessness was confirmed when I rode it as an adult, and it is a fear shared with many other park guests. It all adds to the fun.
As far as theming goes, the extremely long queue and dark, otherworldly elements can feel a bit creepy to younger kids.
There you have it. That’s where you need to go to or run from in Magic Kingdom. Next up, EPCOT.
EPCOT
Soarin’ (Thrill-1/Theming-1/AofM-1)
Entrance to Soarin’, Photo Cred: Theme Park Tourist https://flic.kr/p/Jd45zd
Drop Height: none
Speed: none, but uses wind, swinging, and gravity to give the sensation of flying
Duration: 5 minutes
Dark Ride: no
Opening Year: 2005
Guest Height Requirement: 40”
Soarin’ is a simulation ride that uses an enormous concave screen and hanging chairs to make you feel like you are hang gliding around the world. It’s a pretty gentle ride, probably more gentle than a swing. However, it does a good job simulating that fact that you are flying in open air thousands of feet in the air. That feels pretty thrilling and could scare children struggling with reality. I also gave it a checkmark for Awareness of Mortality because you can also see the actual ground the whole time with your feet dangling over it and other guests’ feet dangling above your head.
Test Track (Thrill-3/Theming-0/AofM-0)
Almost 65 mph on Test Track, photo cred: Mark Cameron https://flic.kr/p/4pPb49
Drop Height: Only drop is the droptop convertible
Speed: 65 mph
Duration: 5 min
Dark Ride: partly
Opening Year: 1999, major renovation 2012
Guest Height Requirement: 40”
Is Test Track Scary?
In Test Track, you design a car to your specifications, then board a six-seater car, ostensibly to test your specifications. In theory, this would mean the ride would be different depending on your design. However, since you are sharing the car with 5 other designs, it’s the same ride for everyone no matter how amazing your design was. (After the ride it will tell you how good your design was).
Then you go through a mostly dark, indoor experience, testing the car’s handling, braking, weather responsiveness, etc. This is somewhat fun, but at the end the car goes outside to a track around the facility and gets up to 65 mph. This feels much faster than 65 mph in a real car because there’s no windshield. It’s exhilarating, but not particularly scary.
Side Note: Test Track is sponsored by Chevrolet, so if you or someone you know retired from Chevrolet, there’s a special lounge for retirees in the building.
Mission: Space (Thrill-2/Theming-1/AofM-0)
The entrance to Mission: Space, Photo Cred: Michael Gray https://flic.kr/p/4Ky4NN
Drop Height: From Orbit
Speed: Simulated speeds of 28,000 mph (orange) and 2,200 mph (green)
Duration: 5 minutes
Dark Ride: yes
Opening Year: 2003 (orange), 2017 (green)
Guest Height Requirement: 44” (orange), none (green)
Is Mission: Space Scary?
Mission: Space is a simulated trip into outer space inside a shuttle. It simulates the g-forces of space travel and has a viewing window showing you space. The Orange version is more intense and goes to Mars. The Green version only makes it to orbit, and doesn’t make you as sick. It’s really fun and realistic though, with amazing visuals from space. It’s considered a dark ride because all of the visuals come from within the box.
This ride, more than any other in all of Disney World, induces motion sickness. I think it’s the movement while trying to focus on the realistic screen in front of you. Also, the box you’re sitting in can feel a little claustrophobic. I also gave it a checkmark for theming because some kids don’t realize they aren’t leaving Earth. If you’re not sure about this ride, try the green one first, then the orange.
Guardians of Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Thrill-3/Theming-1/AofM-0)
Starblaster at the entrance of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Photo Cred: Janine and Jim Eden https://flic.kr/p/2nxV7a1
Drop Height: insignificant
Speed: 40 mph
Duration: 3:30
Dark Ride: yes
Opening Year: 2022
Guest Height Requirement: 42”
Is Cosmic Rewind Scary?
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is one of the most innovative coasters ever created. The concept is that you are welcomed to Xandar (a planet from Guardians lore) as if it was an Epcot Pavilion, only to be attacked by a deity bent on erasing human history. Then, by the power of 70s and 80s music and humor, you defeat the being. Well, you don’t really do much except enjoy an amazing indoor coaster where the cart spins 360 degrees while experiencing smooth turns and Earth, Wind, and Fire (or one of 5 other songs). It’s the longest indoor coaster in the world. It’s also a long coaster compared to others at Disney.
It’s considered by many to be the most intense ride at Disney World (even compared to TRON), and I agree. It launches you backwards, and as I mentioned, your cart swivels even while the whole ride take sharp turns. My seven-year-old struggled to hold her head up during the ride because of the g-forces. She still loved it though. I gave a checkmark for theming because you get teleported and have to fight a being trying to erase everyone, so that might freak out younger guests. Honestly though, it’s so goofy and fun that might go right over their heads.
My daugter experiencing the intensity of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
That’s it for Epcot’s scariest rides, with the exception of the backwards drop in Frozen that scared my daughter. Now onto the scariest rides in Disney World at Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom
It’s Tough to Be a Bug (Thrill-0/Theming-2/AofM-2)
It’s Tough to Be a Bug Entrance, Animal Kingdom, Photo Cred: Jeremy Thompson https://flic.kr/p/dvrCSv
Drop Height: no drops
Speed: no movement
Duration: 8 minutes
Dark Ride: it’s actually a show
Opening Year: 1998
Guest Height Requirement: however tall an ant is
It’s Tough to Be a Bug is a strange thing to be on the list. After all, it’s not a ride. It’s a 3D show, hosted by Flik from A Bug’s Life, about Bugs. There are thrills or much movement at all. But the 3D effects make the bugs jump out at you. Worse, it simulates having maggots crawl on you, have the floor crawl with bugs, and even simulates being stung by wasps (without the pain). It’s well known to scare little kids pretty good, and it gives plenty of adults the heebie-jeebies. And if you’re afraid of bugs, you will be aware of your mortality.
Flight of Passage (Thrill-2/Theming-2/AofM-0)
The lab in the Flight of Passage Queue, Photo Cred: Jim and Janine Eden https://flic.kr/p/2ivvu4z
Drop Height: simulated, but no
Speed: also simulated
Duration: 5 minutes
Dark Ride: yes
Opening Year: 2017
Guest Height Requirement: 44”
Is Flight of Passage Scary?
Flight of Passage is a must ride for anyone who can handle it. It’s a 3D experience that simulates riding on a Ikron, the banshees from Avatar. You feel as if you are flying high above Pandora, in the unbelievably vivid scenery. It’s one of the most exhilarating rides in Disney.
The queue is also amazing. As you progress through the line, you see the mysterious jungles of Pandora, followed by a lab where there is a realistic looking Na’vi. I gave the theming two checkmarks because the queue was scary enough for my daughter to bail before getting on the ride. She thought she was actually turning into a “blue person,” and never made it to the ride. Also, the ride itself features a few elements of peril, like almost getting eaten by an alien Megalodon.
Dinosaur (Thrill-1/Theming-3/AofM-1)
Entrance to Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom, Photo Cred: Theme Park Tourist https://flic.kr/p/znKe55
Drop Height: none
Speed: not measured, but sharp turns and a few short accelerations
Duration: 12 minutes
Dark Ride: yes
Opening Year: 1998
Guest Height Requirement: 40”
Dinosaur is an exciting dark ride located in DinoLand U.S.A.. The ride takes you back in time to the age of the dinosaurs, where you join scientists on a daring mission to save an Iguanodon from extinction.
As you enter the ride, you are transported into a prehistoric world filled with dense jungles, eerie sounds, and lifelike animatronic dinosaurs. The ride vehicles, known as Time Rovers, are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows you to travel through time and experience the adventure firsthand.
During the journey, you encounter various species of dinosaurs, including being threatened by the fearsome Carnotaurus. The ride takes you on a thrilling chase through dark and treacherous environments, with sudden turns, dramatic drops, and intense encounters.
The dark and immersive setting, combined with the realistic animatronics and special effects, creates an atmosphere of suspense and excitement. The final part of the ride has you running for your life from an asteroid apocalypse. It can be pretty scary for little kids, and it’s really loud. Finally, getting eaten by dinosaurs and destroyed by an asteroid reminds one of their mortality.
Expedition Everest (Thrill-3/Theming-2/AofM-2)
Expedition Everest, Animal Kingdom
Drop Height: 80 feet
Speed: 50 mph
Duration: 2:50
Dark Ride: partly
Opening Year: 2006
Guest Height Requirement: 44”
Expedition Everest—Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is an intense roller coaster in the Asia section of Animal Kingdom. The premise is to summit Mount Everest, but as you make your way up, (Spoilers ahead), you come to a broken track and then plummet backwards into the darkness. The ride is filled with some of the strongest g-forces in Disney World and punctuated by scenes of a yeti trying to attack you.
The thrill is intense, and the theming of an angry yeti can be pretty scary for little kids. I gave it two checkmarks for Awareness of Mortality because the concept of a broken track on a rollercoaster is disconcerting. And let’s not forget, a lot of real people trying to summit Everest have succumbed to the elements (or were they attacked by yetis?). All that together makes it one of the scariest rides in Disney World and one of my favorite rides.
Second Dad to the Right trying to scare the yeti, so his daughter won’t be afraid of it
Interesting Fact: The animatronic yeti used to swipe at the coaster, but it continually shifted important elements of the ride, causing it to stop until it could repaired. So it’s not as scary as it once was.
Hollywood Studios
Star Tours (Thrill-1/Theming-1/AofM-1)
Entrance to Star Tours, Hollywood Studios
Drop Height: a couple feet
Speed: simulated light speed (fastest in the park? Just kidding)
Duration: 4 minutes
Dark Ride: dark ride
Opening Year: 1989, refurbished in 2011
Guest Height Requirement: 40”
Star Tours is the original Star Wars ride. For the first 22 years, it followed a singular plotline through the first 3 movies. Then, in 2011, it was rereleased to cover stories from the first 6 movies, and has around 50 different iterations.
The ride consists of boarding a spaceship that moves around on hydraulics while you see the story play out on the screen. The drops and shifts give it a little thrill, and the situational peril gives it a checkmark for theming. I threw in a checkmark for awareness of mortality because it’s a tight enclosure that may not be fun for claustrophobic people.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Thrill-1/Theming-1/AofM-1)
Second Dad to the Right losing to his daughter in Dejarik, aboard the Millennium Falcon
Drop Height: hydraulic drops
Speed: simulated space travel
Duration: 5 minutes
Dark Ride: yes
Opening Year: 2019
Guest Height Requirement: 38”
Is Smugglers Run Scary?
Millennium Falcon is the Star Wars fan’s dream. You get to go into an amazing rendition of the Millennium Falcon, and then you get to fly it. The ride is a 3D simulation of a space flight where you are trying to recover a material for a smuggler, much like Han Solo does when he’s not saving the universe. You actually get to drive and shoot like a video game, and you get a score for how well you did. Our score is always abysmal because I let my little girls drive.
Image taken just before my daughter repeatedly crashed the Millennium Falcon
The queue looks like a realistic Star Wars set, which might be dark for little ones. The ride has lots of jerks and starts, especially if your daughters are crashing into things, but other than that, it’s not that scary. You remember you are mortal because you leave the fate of the ship in your children’s hands.
Slinky Dog Dash (Thrill-2/Theming-0/AofM-1)
My daughter, 4 years old, not scared of Slinky Dog Dash
Drop Height: 50 feet
Speed: 40 mph
Duration: 2 minutes
Dark Ride: no
Opening Year: 2018
Guest Height Requirement: 38”
Slinky Dog Dash, much like Barnstormer and Seven Dwarves Mine Train, is a great gateway rollercoaster to more intense thrill rides. However, it is an amazing coaster in it’s own right. Toy story themed as if you are a toy riding on the slinky dog, it has lots of smooth dips and curves. Then it stops in the middle as you await an aggressive acceleration. It’s really fun and not at all scary, unless you don’t like seeing the ground. This is one of my daughters’ favorite rides.
Rise of the Resistance (Thrill-2/Theming-2/AofM-0)
Stormtroopers on the Rise of the Resistance Ride, Hollywood Studios
Drop Height: a few feet
Speed: not listed
Duration: 18 minutes, including pre-show
Dark Ride: yes
Opening Year: 2019
Guest Height Requirement: 40”
Rise of the Resistance an epic and innovative ride that combines live cast members, thrilling rides, theater, and animatronics. The premise is that the guest is joining the Rebellion against the First Order, but then gets taken captive by the First Order and Kylo Ren. You are ushered into a holding pen (after seeing an amazingly large cargo bay filled with stormtroopers). Then you are rescued, resulting a highspeed chase through the First Order destroyer, all while avoiding Kylo Ren and escaping through space.
The immersive experience is second to none because even the cast members play a role in the story, with First Order cast members being rude to you. For a little kid, the idea of being taken captive, shot at by stormtroopers (they always miss, anyways), and almost sliced by Kylo Ren’s lightsaber can be a little much. It can feel pretty real for them, but if they are brave soldiers ready to join the Rebellion, it should be no problem. No awareness of mortality here. You’ll be completely caught in the story.
Rock ‘N’ Rollercoaster Featuring Aerosmith (Thrill-3/Theming-1/AofM-1)
Entrance to Rock ‘N’ Rollercoaster Starring Aerosmith, Photo Cred: Larkyn T https://flic.kr/p/8NC5Xv
Drop Height: 80 feet
Speed: 57 mph
Duration: 1:22
Dark Ride: yes
Opening Year: 1999
Guest Height Requirement: 48”
Rock ‘N’ Rollercoaster is an indoor coaster at Hollywood Studios. It is one of the fastest, and therefore one of the scariest rides in Disney World. The premise is that you step into Aerosmith’s studios, and he invites you to one of his concerts. In order to get there you have to take a rollercoaster limousine, which sends on a dark ride with references to highways and landmarks in Los Angeles. It’s the only coaster in all of Disney World to go inverted.
I gave it full marks for thrills because of the intensity, the inversions, the dark ride nature, and because it does 0-57mph in 2.7 seconds, which is faster than almost any street legal car. I gave it marks for theming and awareness of mortality because the ride feels like a giant hallucination one might have after food poisoning. It’s awesome.
What is the Scariest Ride at Disney World?
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Thrill-3/Theming-3/AofM-3)
Entrance into the Elevator, Tower Of Terror
Drop Height: 130 feet
Speed: 39 mph (vertically)
Duration: 5 minutes
Dark Ride: yes
Opening Year: 1994
Guest Height Requirement: 40”
The Tower of Terror is the scariest ride in Disney World by any metric (except total speed). Set inside a fancy but delipidated Hollywood Tower Hotel, the lobby and queue are covered in cobwebs because the whole hotel has turned into ghosts. After watching an explanation (as if it’s an episode of the The Twilight Zone) getting crammed into a stretching elevator, you descend into a boiler room and board an elevator. That’s just the pre-show.
The elevator becomes a car that takes you through mind-bending special effects and ghost sightings. Then, it becomes an elevator again, and the fun really begins. You are shot up and down the elevator shaft. The outside windows open, showing you great views of Hollywood Studios, but just as you enjoy them, you start to fall. And when I say fall, it’s not just gravity. The ride throws you down faster than 9.8 m/s2. Then, you bounce up and down several times, feeling upward force, weightlessness, and then faster than freefall.
I don’t really need to explain this, but the elevator shaft gets full marks for thrills. The theming gets full marks for scaring the daylights out of kids (and many adults). And the concept that you’ve become a ghost, and even if you haven’t, that you’re going to plummet down an elevator shaft to your doom (repeatedly), is enough to make you fully aware of your mortality. If you want the scariest ride in Disney World, this is it.
Second Dad and Mom to the Right had a creative picture idea. Apparently so did the two behind us.
Conclusion and Further Reading
Thanks for checking out my list. I hope it was informative and entertaining, and I hope it helps you find or avoid the thrills you are looking for. Now a few honorable mentions:
- Winnie the Pooh ride- the Huffalump hallucination freaks my younger daughter out more than most of the rides on the list. I don’t know.
- Alien ExtraTERRORestrial Encounter was a show in TomorrowLand that convinced you an alien was loose in the auditorium. It closed mostly because it as in the wrong park. My wife still has nightmares about this ride 25 years later, since she was given no warning as a small kid.
- Kilimanjaro Safari- The original safari featured poachers that wounded an elephant and kidnapped a baby elephant. Then you chase them. They have guns. I bet it was terrifying. Disney realized this was a little intense for the edutainment they were looking for, and they discontinued the darker plotline.
If you’re ready for the scariest rides at Disney, check out this guide to using Genie Plus so that you can get on all the best rides.
If you’re bringing young kids to Disney, check out my 9yo daughter’s series on her favorite parks at Disney. Here’s her best rides for kids at Magic Kingdom.
Did I leave anything out or do you want to argue about my rankings? Let me know in the comments. See these articles for more about rides.
Fun facts about Walt Disney World. I cover trivia about history, secrets, and operations.