Planning an Orlando Thrill Trip? All 20 Disney and Universal Coasters Ranked

Orlando is home to one of the best collections of roller coasters anywhere in the world. Whether you’re visiting Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, or both, you’ll find everything from gentle first coasters for young kids to record-breaking thrill machines that leave even seasoned coaster fans grinning.

As someone who visits Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort regularly and has ridden most of the coasters more times than I can count, I’ve developed some pretty strong opinions. Of course, everyone’s rankings will be a little different, but for me, the best coasters aren’t just about speed or intensity. Storytelling, theming, re-rideability, accessibility, and overall fun all play a role.

With that in mind, here’s how I would rank all 20 Disney and Universal coasters in Orlando.

20. Trolls Trollercoaster

Universal’s newest kiddie coaster is colorful, cute, and perfect for younger guests. The biggest drawback is its 36-inch height requirement. It’s no more intense than The Barnstormer, yet it requires children to be an inch taller. It’s a great first coaster, but compared to everything else in Orlando, it lands at the bottom.

19. The Barnstormer

This Magic Kingdom classic remains one of the best introductions to roller coasters. The 35-inch height requirement makes it accessible to plenty of young children, and while the ride only lasts about a minute, it’s packed with smiles.

18. Flight of the Hippogriff

The views of Hogwarts Castle are fantastic, and younger Harry Potter fans will love the theme. Unfortunately, it’s over almost as soon as it begins, making it difficult to rank much higher.

17. Curse of the Werewolf

This spinning coaster in Dark Universe delivers plenty of fun with different ride experiences thanks to the rotating vehicles. The biggest downside is that waits can become surprisingly long for a fairly short attraction.

16. TRON Lightcycle / Run

This one might be controversial. TRON offers an incredible launch and one of the coolest ride vehicles ever built, but the motorcycle seating isn’t comfortable for everyone. Add in a ride that’s over almost immediately after it starts, and it’s difficult to justify lengthy waits, even though the launch is outstanding.

15. Mine-Cart Madness

The innovative “jump track” creates an illusion unlike anything else in Orlando, and the Donkey Kong theming is fantastic. The ride simply isn’t as thrilling as those ranked above it, but it’s still a must-do inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

14. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

This family coaster glides smoothly through the Isle of Berk while offering wonderful views and several fun near-miss moments. It perfectly captures the spirit of the How to Train Your Dragon films without relying on massive thrills.

13. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Part dark ride, part roller coaster, Gringotts blends incredible storytelling with just enough coaster action to keep things exciting. The indoor setting, impressive effects, and memorable finale make it one of Universal’s most complete attractions.

12. Space Mountain

Yes, it’s showing its age. The track feels rougher than modern coasters, and it could certainly benefit from some attention. Even so, few attractions anywhere carry the nostalgia and iconic status of Space Mountain. Riding through complete darkness remains a uniquely Disney experience.

11. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Following its recent updates, this Magic Kingdom favorite feels better than ever. It isn’t trying to be the fastest coaster in Orlando. Instead, it delivers charming storytelling, beautiful scenery, and one of the most enjoyable family coaster experiences Disney has ever created.

10. Slinky Dog Dash

Toy Story Land wouldn’t be the same without Slinky Dog Dash. The coaster is smooth, cheerful, and filled with personality. While thrill seekers may want more intensity, families consistently rank this among their favorite rides thanks to its approachable design.

9. The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Few launches hit as hard as Hulk’s. The ride remains one of the most intense experiences in Orlando, packed with inversions and high-speed elements. It can be a little rough compared to newer coasters, which keeps it from climbing even higher.

8. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Disney combined beautiful animatronics, smooth coaster sections, and a unique swinging ride vehicle to create one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions. It’s easy to understand why families wait so long for this one.

7. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

The Muppets have breathed new life into this longtime Disney favorite. The launch is still exhilarating, the inversions remain smooth, and the updated theme keeps one of Disney’s best thrill rides feeling fresh while giving the beloved characters a new home.

6. Revenge of the Mummy

Few indoor coasters have aged as gracefully as Revenge of the Mummy. Its combination of practical effects, dark ride storytelling, launches, backward sections, and surprises still makes it one of Universal’s most entertaining attractions.

5. Expedition Everest

The infamous Yeti may not perform quite as originally intended, but Expedition Everest remains one of Disney’s greatest achievements. The mountain itself is stunning, the backward section still catches first-time riders off guard, and the overall adventure is unforgettable.

4. Stardust Racers

Epic Universe introduced one of the world’s best dueling coasters. When both trains race through the layout together, the interaction creates an experience unlike anything else in Orlando. It’s fast, smooth, and endlessly reridable.

3. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

This is family coaster perfection. Every launch, switch track, drop track, and creature encounter works together to tell an incredible story. It isn’t the most intense coaster in Orlando, but few rides are as consistently fun from start to finish.

2. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Disney completely changed expectations for indoor coasters with Cosmic Rewind. The rotating ride vehicles, incredible soundtrack, and silky-smooth layout create an experience that feels different every time you ride. With a modest 42-inch height requirement, it’s also accessible to many families, making it Disney’s best coaster by a comfortable margin.

1. Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Nothing else in Orlando combines speed, airtime, theming, and pure excitement quite like VelociCoaster. From the heart-pounding launches to the famous top hat and breathtaking maneuvers above the lagoon, every second delivers. It’s smooth, relentless, and thrilling from start to finish.

For coaster fans, this isn’t just the best ride in Orlando—it’s one of the greatest roller coasters ever built.

Here it is! The OFFICIAL VelociCoaster POV! #JurassicWorld pic.twitter.com/W6kh69H035

— ThrillGeek (@thrillgeek) May 28, 2021

Final Thoughts

Orlando truly has something for everyone. Families with young children can start with attractions like The Barnstormer and Slinky Dog Dash before working their way up to bigger thrills, while adrenaline junkies have no shortage of world-class experiences waiting for them.

If you’re only able to ride a handful during your trip, make Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Stardust Racers your top priorities. They represent the very best of what Orlando has to offer and showcase why the city remains one of the greatest roller coaster destinations in the world.

What is your favorite coaster in Disney World and Universal? Let us know in the comments!