From Steven Tyler to Starlord, Disney World has it all

Roller Coasters. Everyone loves them. Alongside carousels, they might be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about theme parks. Wooden roller coasters, steel roller coasters, indoor roller coasters, hybrid roller coasters… there are so many of them! They just get more and more advanced as time goes by, and there is no hint that they are slowing down anytime soon. Thank God!

Disney World is also a pretty good place for roller coaster enjoyers. While it's known for classic attractions like It's a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight and Jungle Cruise, Disney has been stepping up its roller coaster game lately. In the past two years alone, they've debuted two brand new coasters. That's pretty impressive, especially considering the time and money it takes to build these steel giants.

Disney World boasts nine roller coasters, catering to all thrill levels, from mild to wild. Let's explore each one and create our own ranked list based on personal preferences!

#9: The Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom)

Ranking The Barnstormer last might seem unfair, but hey, life isn't always fair, right? It's a solid junior coaster, ideal for giving young children a fun experience. With gentle curves and no loops, it's perfect for the little ones, typically aged 3-5. Consider it a great introduction to roller coasters, a way to gauge your kids' interest and readiness for what’s coming ahead.

#8 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)

Don’t hate me, I know how people love this one. It’s a classic, after all! A cute roller coaster that everyone in the family can enjoy. Did you bring your kids to The Barnstormer and they loved it? Maybe you should take them here next! This is an old attraction in Magic Kingdom that is both charming and fun. As it happens with family coasters, don’t expect any major drops or loops, but just a nice, bumpy stroll through the wild west!

#7 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)

Magic Kingdom does have a lot of roller coasters when you stop to think about it, huh? So many of them are family friendly, just like this one! I’d say that Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is extremely similar to Big Thunder Mountain, from thrill levels all the way to the track layout. It does feature better animatronics and a short dark ride portion, which makes it zip past Big Thunder in our rank, but not by a lot. This is another great coaster for younglings, even more so if you have fans of Snow White in your party.

#6 Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios)

Slinky Dog Dash is hands-down one of the top family coasters at Disney World, featuring everyone's favorite Toy Story character, Slinky! Who can resist that lovable doggo? This charming ride is a hit with the whole family and serves as another great step for kids to ease into the world of roller coasters. While there aren't any major drops, the coaster offers a great section towards the end where you'll experience some ups and downs and even catch some airtime. However, its ranking in our list is hindered by one thing: the wait times. Slinky Dog Dash is currently one of the hottest attractions in Disney World, often surpassing even Rise of the Resistance in popularity, resulting in wait times of up to two hours. Be sure to snag a Disney Genie+ spot as soon as possible to make the most of your visit!

#5 Tron Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom)

We have finally reached the most recent attraction in Magic Kingdom, until Tiana’s Bayou Adventure launches this Summer. Tron is a fun ride. Is it mindblowing? Nah. Is it even a bit disappointing to some? Yes. I really don’t like that this ride only takes one minute or so from start to finish, which is kind of a letdown. However, it does boast an original ride vehicle that simulates riding a motorbike, and its launch is one of the fastest in Disney World history. So, while it may not be a must-ride for everyone, it's still worth experiencing at least once for its cool factor.

#4 Rock N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (Hollywood Studios)

Dream on and get ready to rock next to Steven Tyler and the rest of the gang. This is an indoor roller coaster that played a significant role in popularizing launch systems. In fact, this might be the first ever ride with a launch in Disney World? It also features an inversion right after the start, which is actually pretty rare for Disney World coasters. This is just a fun ride, with a lot of sharp turns and loud music. You ride it while listening to some Aerosmith bangers like Love in an Elevator and Walk this Way, which adds to the immersion. I do love this ride. It’s a shame that it closes down so many times, though! 

#3 Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)

Here is an absolute classic! Space Mountain is pretty old, but it still manages to be a ton of fun. This is a roller coaster set in the dark with unpredictable turns and short drops. It’s great for a quick laugh with friends and family, since you have no idea of what’s coming next. It’s very funny to be in the dark and just see the silhouette of another vehicle zipping past your head, and someone yelling far away. If there is one thing I don’t like is that the ride vehicle - shaped like a rocket - is pretty tiny and uncomfortable, especially for your legs.

#2 Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom)

Expedition Everest stands tall as the sole big outdoor roller coaster in Disney World. You can spot it from almost anywhere in Animal Kingdom, thanks to its towering tracks and the impressive artificial mountain that hints at the yeti's lair. The queue for Expedition Everest is top-notch, filled with intricate details that weave a storyline extending into the ride itself. It's evident that Disney spared no expense here. Once aboard, you're treated to a variety of visual effects and exciting set pieces. The ride features a great backwards section and a top notch first drop as you attempt to flee from the Abominable Snowman. Funny enough, you won’t find inversions or loops here, just high speed fun.

#1 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Epcot)

That’s an easy choice for number one, honestly. Cosmic Rewind might as well be the best ride in Disney World, a great coaster that mixes advanced technology, great visual effects and amazing set pieces. Oh, it’s also a pretty long ride with a random soundtrack playing songs from the movies! It also features a great backwards launch, some amazing turns and an extremely comfortable vehicle. It’s even great for younger members of the family, as ride height requirements aren’t that high and a 6yo might even be able to ride it. This ride is amazing, there isn’t much more to say about it. Just come here as soon as possible and buy an individual Lightning Lane for it.