Ranking the Walt Disney World Roller Coasters

The Walt Disney World Resort is known for many wonderful rides, dining experiences, and nighttime spectaculars, but we are going to dive into the roller coasters throughout the four Theme Parks. There are seven different roller coasters in different Disney Parks that we are going to rank from our favorite to least favorite. Follow along to see if you agree with our rankings for these roller coasters in Walt Disney World.

7.  The Barnstormer

Located in Storybook Circus, The Barnstormer is the most kid-friendly coaster throughout Walt Disney World. This is the perfect first coaster for little ones or kids/adults that are a little nervous about roller coasters.  With only a 35” height requirement, even little ones can enjoy it.

Lasting only around a minute, most of it spent ascending the small lift hill, this is a super cute and fun roller coaster for younger Guests. Adults might find it a little bit less exciting as it is extremely difficult, in our opinion, to get into and out of the ride. Check out this roller coaster if you are wanting to try a coaster while in Walt Disney World.

6.  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Also in Magic Kingdom and a good first coaster is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train located in Fantasyland. This is probably one of the most popular coasters in Walt Disney World even years after opening. What makes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train unique and fun is the fact that it is a combination of an outdoor coaster and indoor coaster/dark ride.

The ride vehicle is super smooth as it rocks back and forth and although the coaster has some fun slow hills and curves, overall it isn’t too scary. Besides the long wait, we also don’t like how short this ride experience is overall.  Being such a popular ride and one we have to typically invest a lot of time and energy to ride, we would like to have at least a little bit more.

5.  Space Mountain

Coming in at number five is Space Mountain.  Located in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, Space Mountain is the oldest coaster in Walt Disney World. Although we love the concept of this ride as we are rocketed through space, the jerky track can sometimes make us regret our decision to ride. As a classic dark roller coaster, we do enjoy having it in Magic Kingdom; however, we feel like it could use some update.

Some kids might be nervous and with a 44” height requirement sometimes younger ones are able to ride before they are ready.  Know that in Walt Disney World, Guests separate (front to back) so kids will be sitting on their own.

4.  Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Heading on over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we have Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. If you are a thrill-seeker, this roller coaster is the one for you!  With a 48” height requirement, Rock n’ Roller Coaster is definitely geared to the older crowd. Guests board a super stretch limo and then are shot off on a high-speed adventure through the streets of Hollywood.

With multiple inversions, in the dark as Aerosmith songs blast, Rock n’ Roller Coaster can really get your adrenaline going. Lasting only less than 90 seconds, we wish our thrill could be a little longer. Check out the single rider line offered here in order to bypass standing in a long line.

3.  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Back in the Magic Kingdom, but this time heading on over to Frontierland we have the wildest ride in the wilderness. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fantastic coaster that features a variety of dips and turns. The best part is that these thrills aren’t overly scary making it a great option for most kiddos that reach the 40” height requirement.

If your little one is unsure, request a seat in the front of the train for a milder experience. We love that this ride lasts almost three full minutes giving us an outstanding thrill!

2. Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

Over in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Guests can enjoy another high-thrill coaster in Expedition Everest. The adventure starts with the queue itself being absolutely amazing and so well-themed setting the stage right away.

The thrill continues as the track climbs the mountain giving amazing views of Walt Disney World, but hang on tight as you are quickly sent backward through the dark. Lasting around three minutes, this is a longer coaster giving us a fun, thrilling experience. This ride is super intense so be aware of that if you have little ones that meet the height requirement of 44”.  Make sure that they are ready but try out some of the other coasters first.

1. Slinky Dog Dash

Our top coaster can be found in Disney’s Hollywood Studios over in Toy Story Land. As the newest coaster in Walt Disney World, we think that it brings all the fun and excitement that a coaster needs! With two launches, an amazingly smooth track along with a few kid-friendly dips and turns, Slinky Dog Dash is a fantastic coaster for the whole family.

Lasting around two minutes, Slinky Dog Dash brings the fun of being a kid to a coaster.  Have fun with Andy’s toys as Slinky Dog himself takes you on a joyful ride around the backyard. With only a 38” height requirement, Slinky Dog Dash is a coaster that everyone can enjoy together.

That is our rankings of Walt Disney World’s seven roller coasters found in the four Theme Parks.  Do you agree with our rankings or would you have moved them around?