Disney Rides, Ranked from Worst to First

Type: Carousel

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Hong Kong, Disneyland Shanghai

Thrill level: *

How It Compares

Walt Disney World

Soar above Tomorrowland in your own rocket ship on this aerial carousel ride. Astro Orbitor is very similar to the iconic Dumbo classic ride in that you can control it and go up and down as you spin in a circle, but it doesn’t hold the same coolness factor as a ride on the flying elephant.

This can be fun for little kids, but otherwise, skip it and save your energy for the bigger rides.

At Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong, this ride is known as Orbitron. In Shanghai, it has a different look and feel and is called the Jet Packs, but is basically the same thing.

29. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Disneyland

Type: Carousel

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Park: Magic Kingdom

Thrill level: *

How It Compares

Walt Disney World

It seems the Magic Kingdom decided to add this Aladdin-themed attraction as another way to squeeze in a Dumbo-like ride. Instead of an elephant, this is a four-passenger “rug” that takes you up and down as you spin. It’s perfect for the little ones, but not all that thrilling or inventive otherwise.

28. It’s a Small World

Type: Water ride

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo, Disneyland Hong Kong, Disneyland Shanghai

Thrill level: *

How It Compares

Walt Disney World

Did you know It’s a Small World was actually a ride at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York? The original now sits at Disneyland, while the Magic Kingdom has a replica. Both feature more than 300 animatronic figures from around the world singing the same song over and over (and over) again.

You’ll have the tune stuck in your head after one ride, which is so slow you may just fall asleep on it. What’s good about the ride? Lines are short and it lasts a full 15 minutes in air conditioning — meaning you can take a break from the lines and heat.

27. Mark Twain Riverboat / Liberty Square Riverboat

Type: Boat ride

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo

Thrill level: *

How It Compares

Walt Disney World

At both U.S. parks, you can ride on an actual paddle boat around Tom Sawyer Island. The 17-minute ride features three observation decks and would be quite relaxing, if only they didn’t blow the horn so often. It’s a slow-moving boat, so of course it doesn’t have any thrills, but how many chances do you have to ride a true 19th-century paddleboat?

In Paris, the ride has, arguably, a far cooler name: Thunder Mesa Riverboat.

26. Disney Railroad

Disney Tips

Type: Train

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo

Thrill level: *

How It Compares

When it comes time to slow down and relax, taking a ride on the railroad that encircles the park provides a perfect break. Not only do you get to sit for 20 minutes instead of standing in a line, you can enjoy a nice view of the outer area of the theme park.

This is a very low-key ride, but without long waits it is especially great for families traveling with little kids — everyone gets a breather from walking around the massive theme park.

You can catch the ride at the Magic Kingdom on Main Street U.S.A., Frontierland or Fantasyland, or in Disneyland at Main Street U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Mickey’s Toontown or Tomorrowland — and use it as a way to get from one end of the park to another without hoofing it!

At Disneyland Tokyo, the train travels through Adventureland, Critter Country and Westernland.

25. Movie-Themed Rides

Disneyland

Type: Animatronic ride

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo, Disneyland Hong Kong, Disneyland Shanghai

Thrill level: *

How It Compares

Theme Park Insider

From Winnie the Pooh and his friends to Peter Pan and Captain Hook and the Little Mermaid, Disney is known for its animatronic rides through crazy settings and dark passageways. Unless you are under the age of 10, the theme parks’ many themed and slow-moving rides can be snoozefests. These rides are for the kids and have extremely long waits — up to two hours during peak days. If you have to go on one of these, cash in a FastPass.

At least Peter Pan’s ride is in the air and offers a bit more excitement, and Finding Nemo’s ride (only at Disneyland) gives you an underwater adventure in a submarine. Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, at Disneyland and Disneyland Tokyo, gets as wild as the cartoon, spinning you 360 degrees as you follow the wacky rabbit.

Disneyland has more of these rides than the Magic Kingdom, with Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio’s Daring Journey, Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride only found at the California park.

At Disneyland Paris and Tokyo, you’ll also find Snow White and Pinocchio. Disneyland Tokyo has Peter Pan’s Flight (Disneyland Shanghai does, too), as well as Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and a ride with the Monsters, Inc. crew called Monsters, Inc. Ride and Go Seek.

Disneyland Hong Kong only offers a Pooh ride called the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (also at Disneyland Shanghai).

24. The Barnstormer

Type: Coaster

Speed: Fast

Height: 35 in.

Park: Magic Kingdom

Thrill level: **

How It Compares

Walt Disney World

This kiddie coaster, set in a barn with Goofy causing chaos, is part of the fun in the Magic Kingdom’s expanded Fantasyland. One of the newer rides at the park, it provides smaller kids a chance to enjoy a faster ride with less fear or height restrictions. With tamer twists and turns, it’s still a good time, even for adults.

The ride is so quick, the lines are actually tolerable, as well. If you aren’t traveling with kids, however, skip it and hit the bigger coasters instead.

23. Gadget’s Go Coaster

Type: Coaster

Speed: Fast

Height: 35 in.

Park: Disneyland and Disneyland Tokyo

Thrill level: **

How It Compares

Disneyland

This kiddie coaster is found only at Disneyland’s Mickey’s Toontown. This, like the Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom, provides a thrill ride for younger tots, also with less fear or height restrictions. Inspired by the Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, it’s a quick ride with fast-moving lines. But again, if you aren’t traveling with kids, it’s probably not worth your time.

22. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Type: Aerial carousel

Speed: Medium

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo, Disneyland Hong Kong, Disneyland Shanghai

Thrill level: *

How It Compares

Walt Disney World

The iconic flying elephant carousel is a must-ride if it’s your first visit to either Disneyland or the Magic Kingdom. Or, if you are a child.

If neither is the case, the ride doesn’t offer any thrills other than attempting to take a selfie while controlling your elephant’s height and not dropping your phone. Lines for this baby (pun intended) are so long, the Orlando location expanded its Fantasyland favorite and now offers two Dumbo rides, as well as a playground for kids to play in while they wait their turn. (Parents are given a pager to alert them that it’s their turn to ride.)

21. Autopia / Tomorrowland Speedway

Blog Mickey

Type: Go-kart

Speed: Medium

Height: 32 in.

Parks: Disneyland and Disneyland Paris (Autopia), and Magic Kingdom (Tomorrow Speedway)

Thrill level: **

How It Compares

Children under 16 especially love driving their own race car around the Autopia and Tomorrowland Speedway (which are on a track, so they can stay “on track”).

However, for speedsters, these rides can grow frustrating: If a small child drives too slowly or stalls out often, you’ll be sitting behind them like you’re stuck in rush hour. The line is also always a biggie, and it’s outdoors. Not only is it a hot wait, but the cars’ motors sputter loudly.

Oh, and if there are too many people on the ride, you end up waiting in a long line to get out of the car at the end.

Still, if it’s not a busy day at Disney, or you go at night when it’s cooler and the younger kids are out of the park, the ride can be fun, especially if you can “race” a friend. Disney repeatedly reminds you these are not bumper cars, but most people slam into friends anyway.

20. Jungle Cruise

Type: Water ride

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Tokyo, Disneyland Hong Kong

Thrill level: **

How It Compares

Disneyland

The Jungle Cruise may not offer any thrills, but what it lacks in titillation, it more than makes up for with its tour guide. As you board a boat and sail off down a dangerous river filled with crocodiles and hippos, your guide will have you in stitches. (Guides are so funny they must go through an audition process to join this ride!)

The lines are hit or miss; sometimes you can hop right on a boat, while other times the lines can wrap around for more than 30 minutes. The ride itself is only 8 minutes long, so save it for when you spot a quick-moving wait.

19. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

Disneyland Paris

Type: “Coaster”

Speed: Fast

Height: 40 in.

Parks: Disneyland Paris and Disneyland Tokyo

Thrill level: **

How It Compares

Don’t want to brave the crowds to visit the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge park in the U.S.? Head to Disneyland in Tokyo or Paris to take a ride into space on this Star Wars-inspired adventure.

This ride is one of those “coasters” that moves you up and down as you follow an oversized screen showing a fast-moving movie meant to give you the sensation that you’re actually moving. Which is, of course, never as much fun as actually moving.

There are 60 different movie combinations, however, so you can ride it again and again and get a different ride each time.

18. Iron Man Exerience

Disneyland Hong Kong

Type: “Coaster”

Speed: Fast

Height: 40 in.

Parks: Disneyland Hong Kong

Thrill level: **

How It Compares

Wikimedia Commons

The Iron Man Experience is one-of-a-kind for Disney parks, but only in its subject matter. It’s essentially identical to the Star Tours ride in that you are seated in a pod that moves and gives you the feeling that you are dropping in the dark.

We rank this one ahead of Star Tours only because it’s newer and therefore a bit snazzier.

17. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Nano Battle

Disneyland Hong Kong

Type: Spinning, dark ride

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland Hong King

Thrill level: *

How It Compares

The world’s first ride dedicated to Marvel’s Ant-Man and The Wasp (Disney owns Marvel) opened in 2019 in Hong Kong. Guests visit S.H.I.E.L.D. and shrink down to ant size to defend the agency’s headquarters from enemy robots. As an authentic touch, Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly add their voices to the adventure.

Similar to the Buzz Lightyear ride in that guests can spin and shoot on the adventure, we wish it was a faster-moving thrill ride, like the films.

16. RC Racer/Rex’s Racer

Disneyland Paris

Type: Coaster

Speed: Medium

Height: 47 in.

Parks: Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Hong Kong, Disneyland Shanghai

Thrill level: ***

How It Compares

It may be a Toy Story-themed ride, but don’t let that fool you. This one will make your tummy drop.

This steel ride shoots you straight up toward the sky, where you hang long enough to catch your breath before falling backwards and returning to the beginning — over and over again.

15. Soaring Over the Horizon

Disneyland Shanghai

Type: Aerial ride

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland Shanghai

Thrill level: *

How It Compares

Although you aren’t really flying over the scenery in Soaring Over the Horizon, this 5-minute ride really does give you the impression that you are seeing aerial views of some of the world’s most amazing settings. Imagine soaring above waterfalls, the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Wall of China. (Plus, it’s all indoors and cool, which is very welcome when temps are soaring.)

The only Disneyland park the ride is at is in Shanghai, but you can also find this impressive aerial adventure at secondary parks: Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim and EPCOT in Orlando.

14. Buzz Lightyear

Attractions Magazine

Type: Video game

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland and Disneyland Tokyo (Astro Blasters), Magic Kingdom (Space Ranger Spin), Disneyland Paris (Laser Blast), Disneyland Shanghai (Planet Rescue)

Thrill level: **

How It Compares

Disneyland

No matter your age, the Buzz Lightyear ride will give you a chance to test your shooting skills. Climb aboard your “ship” and travel through the dark seeking targets. The ride is a battle between Buzz and the Evil Emperor Zurg, and as you shoot the targets, you can spin your car 360 degrees to get the best shots and compete with your partner passenger for the most points. If you hit 999,999 points, you’ll be a “Galactic Hero” and can get a Magical Moment certificate at the gift shop.

The ride is a quick one, but worth it. The wait also goes fast, as you are surrounded by a character storyline prepping you for your battle. Plus, it’s indoors and shaded, which is important when you’re dealing with the heat of summer.

13. Indiana Jones’ Adventure

Disney World

Type: Track ride

Speed: Fast

Height: 46 in.

Park: Disneyland and Disneyland Paris

Thrill level: ***

How It Compares

Disneyland

Disneyland took its animatronic-focused ride concept and turned it upside down when it created the fast-moving Indiana Jones’ Adventure. You’re not on a coaster but rather a 12-person off-road vehicle that makes you feel like you’re going on a true jungle adventure, just like Indy.

Not only will you encounter drops and crazy turns, you’ll get the wits scared out of you with some frightening surprises in the dark. Yes, long lines are to be expected, but this ride is one you don’t want to miss.

12. Roaring Rapids

Disneyland Shanghai

Type: Water ride

Speed: Medium

Height: 42 in.

Parks: Disneyland Shanghai

Thrill level: **

How It Compares

trip.com

Disneyland Shanghai offers a fast-moving (aka fun) river rapid ride. You know the kind: Spin around as you ride the rapids, furtively hoping you won’t get as soaked as the unlucky rider who winds up in the seat that goes beneath the waterfall. (Or maybe you do want to get drenched? We won’t judge.)

Water rides are always big winners for parks, and we think Disney could use more of them.

11. Mad Tea Party

Disney Dorks

Type: Spinning ride

Speed: Medium – Fast

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo

Thrill level: **

How It Compares

The “teacups” at Disney are as iconic as Dumbo. Hop into a teacup that can fit quite a few of your friends. Then as you begin to rotate on the moving ground, control the spinning in your individual teacup.

Take it slow if you’re prone to nausea, or go all out and spin yourself so dizzy that you won’t be able to walk straight once you get off the ride. Lines are long, but usually move pretty quickly.

At Disneyland Tokyo, they call this ride Alice’s Tea Party. At Disneyland Shanghai, it’s modeled after Winnie the Pooh and dubbed Hunny Pot Spin.

10. Haunted Mansion

Disney World

Type: Animatronic ride

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo

Thrill level: ***

How It Compares

Walt Disney World

Although many of the parks’ themed animatronic rides can put you to sleep, the Haunted Mansion does not fall into that category.

There’s just something so original and charming about the Haunted Mansion that makes it a favorite for all ages. Even standing in a line that is 45 minutes long can be enjoyable, thanks to the ghost-themed setting and cast members entertaining you while you wait.

Inside, you’ll hop into a dark two- to three-person pod that takes you around a haunted mansion and its cemetery. Ghosts join you for the ride and there is something to see at every turn.

It’s also a 10-minute break from the sunshine and heat, and as a continuously moving ride, the line continuously moves, too.

In Paris, the ride is called Phantom Manor. In Hong Kong, it is Mystic Manor. (Both better names, in our opinion.)

9. Pirates of the Caribbean

Disney Parks

Type: Animatronic ride

Speed: Slow

Height: Any

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo, Disneyland Shanghai (Battle of the Pirates)

Thrill level: **

How It Compares

The only themed animatronic ride really worth the wait is the Pirates of the Caribbean, featuring 16 full minutes of an interesting story in air conditioning and darkness. It gives you a chance to get off your feet, and it’s fun to look for the Johnny Depp lookalike added once the movies became hits.

The only downside? You’ll be singing the catchy “yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me” for hours after you’ve departed the ride.

8. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Disneyland

Type: Animatronic ride

Speed: Fast

Height: 40 in.

Parks: Disneyland (in Orlando, it is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Thrill level: ****

How It Compares

Disney Deciphered

Opened in May 2019 at Disneyland and December 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the new Star Wars land, dubbed Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, promised rides and adventures so exciting, and they delivered on two exciting new rides.

Rise of the Resistance is a multi-ride system that will have you coming face to face with your favorite characters from the new movies with Rey, BB-8 and even Kylo Ren.

7. Matterhorn Bobsleds

Arrow Schwarzkopf

Type: Coaster

Speed: Fast

Height: 42 in.

Parks: Disneyland

Thrill level: ***

How It Compares

Only found at Disneyland, the Matterhorn Bobsleds is a six-person bobsled that travels around an alpine mountain theme. It takes you speeding through dark tunnels and around outdoor spaces with tons of turns and drops.

As one of the few fast coaster rides in the park, the waits at this Fantasyland ride grow quite long. This is definitely the ride you want to reserve a FastPass for, and if you’re staying at a Disneyland property with extra Magic Hours, make it one of the first places you go before the full crowds swarm the park.

6. Splash Mountain

randychiu / Flickr

Type: Water ride

Speed: Slow

Height: 40 in.

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Tokyo

Thrill level: ***

How It Compares

Wikimedia Commons

Disney tricks you with Splash Mountain.

The coveted drop at the end is visible to all walking by. You hear the screams, you see people get soaked…you want to ride it, too! But after a significant wait to board, you learn the majority of the ride is an animatronic-filled storyline based on the old Disney move, “Song of the South.” (This means “Mr. Bluebird on my shoulder” will be in your head for a bit.) The log ride also takes you very slowly on an ascension to reach that coveted final fall.

So is it worth the desperately long wait just for the seconds-long drop? Well, yes. Your stomach will turn and you’ll get soaked and you’ll want to do it again.

5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Disney World

Type: Coaster

Speed: Fast

Height: 38 in.

Park: Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Shanghai

Thrill level: ***

How It Compares

One of the newer coasters to arrive at the Magic Kingdom proved to be well worth the wait when it opened a few years back. Taking riders on a train that journeys inside and outside of a mountain, this is the Florida park’s answer to the Matterhorn. (It’s also available in Shanghai.)

Filled with drops and twists, it’s a heart-pounding ride, which means you should expect long lines. Use your FastPass here, and arrive early so you don’t have to wait more than an hour.

4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Type: Coaster

Speed: Fast

Height: 40 in.

Parks: Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo, Disneyland Hong Kong

Thrill level: ***

How It Compares

One of the few roller coasters at both parks is also one of the most fun.

This outdoor coaster is like those you grew up with at amusement parks and boardwalks. You won’t loop, but you’ll race along a steel track with big drops and fast turns that will leave you breathless. Of course, because it offers high thrills, the lines can be outrageous. Take advantage of Disney’s Magic Hours or FastPass for a chance to avoid the big lines for this top coaster.

In Hong Kong, this ride is called Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars. (Say that five times fast.)

3. TRON Lightcycle Power Run

Disneyland Shanghai

Type: Coaster

Speed: Fast

Height: 48 in.

Parks: Disneyland Shanghai

Thrill level: ***

How It Compares

Shanghai welcomed this cool new steel roller coaster based on the TRON films in 2016. The coaster travels at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour on an exhilarating indoor and outdoor track.

It is slated to open at the Magic Kingdom in 2021 — which is great news, as this one’s a heart-pounding winner.

2. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Disneyland

Type: “Coaster”

Speed: Fast

Height: 38 in.

Parks: Disneyland (in Orlando, it is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Thrill level: ****

How It Compares

Walt Disney World

Of the new Star Wars rides that opened in 2019, the favorite by a long shot is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Riders have a chance to sit inside Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon on an interactive smuggling mission, complete with lightspeed.

(Tie) 1. Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain

Disneyland Paris

Type: Coaster

Speed: Fast

Height: 47 in.

Parks: Disneyland Paris, Disneyland Tokyo, Disneyland Hong Kong

Thrill level: ***

How It Compares