Biggest and Fastest Rides at Walt Disney World

  • By Christopher da Costa
  • Published 02 September 2024
  • Revised 06 September 2024
Biggest and Fastest Rides at Walt Disney World
  • By Christopher da Costa
  • Published 02 September 2024
  • Revised 06 September 2024
Biggest and Fastest Rides at Walt Disney World
  • By Christopher da Costa
  • Published 02 September 2024
  • Revised 06 September 2024
Walt Disney World, Florida, is a place where magic meets thrill, offering a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. For those who crave hair-raising experiences, Disney has crafted some of the biggest and fastest rides that push the boundaries of excitement.

Yet for those who know their limits, there’s also tailored rides that up the nostalgia and special effects in place of pure adrenaline. So to help you uncover your perfect Walt Disney World rollercoaster, check out some of our favourites…

Space Mountain – Magic Kingdom 

For many visitors, Space Mountain is a rite of passage - a classic combination of nostalgia and charm that has been thrilling guests since 1975. Though it may not be the fastest, with a top speed of 27 mph, its indoor setting and total darkness create the illusion of high speed as you zoom through a futuristic space setting. The ride’s exterior is also iconic, with its sleek white structure standing as a symbol of Tomorrowland’s vision of the future. However, little ones might not be a fan of its relatively high 44-inch height restriction.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Magic Kingdom 

If you’re looking for the excitement of a roller coaster but also one that the kiddies can enjoy, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will hit the spot. Reaching a top speed of 34 mph, it’s actually faster than Space Mountain but with a smaller height restriction of only 38 inches. This perfect starter coaster has you navigating through a rustic mine before encountering the seven dwarfs whistling while they work. 

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Magic Kingdom 

Nicknamed ‘The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness,’ and based on an eerie legend, this Western-themed coaster pulls out all the stops. Expect to twist, turn, and drop as you cruise through a cursed cavern, canyons, and the mysterious ghost town of Tumbleweed. And watch out for exploding dynamite and falling boulders along the way. Although this attraction only has a top speed of 35 mph, the ride's unpredictability is one of its strongest features. 

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Hollywood Studios 

Another iconic Walt Disney World ride, which even spawned its own merchandise, is Tower of Terror. This haunted elevator drop ride takes you to the top of a 199-foot tower before plunging you into free fall. The ride's multiple drops and accelerations create a truly heart-pounding experience. All in all, the combination of eerie theming, suspenseful build-up, and sudden drops makes the Tower of Terror a must-ride for thrill-seekers. 

Slinky Dog Dash – Hollywood Studios 

You can’t go to Hollywood Studios without embarking on Slinky Dog Dash. This much-loved Toy Story character carries guests through Andy’s backyard reaching speeds of up to 40 mph. With a height requirement of 38 inches, it means those that haven’t quite grown to the levels of Space Mountain can still get a good dose of thrills. One of the highlights of the ride is its double-launch system, which gives Slinky Dog a burst of speed halfway through the ride. 

Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – Animal Kingdom 

Expedition Everest stands as a towering presence in Disney's Animal Kingdom. This ride takes you on a high-speed train journey through the Himalayan mountains, where you'll encounter sharp twists, steep drops, and even the mythical Yeti. The ride's highlight is a heart-stopping backward plunge into darkness, where the train speeds down at a thrilling 50 mph. The combination of storytelling, theming, and sheer height makes Expedition Everest one of the most iconic and exhilarating rides at Walt Disney World. 

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith – Hollywood Studios 

Hit the high notes as you speed through the darkened highways of Los Angeles on Hollywood Studios’ Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. This ride not only boasts speeds of up to 57 mph but it’s also the only Walt Disney World ride to go upside down. The coaster itself is housed in a dark, indoor setting, with the track surrounded by giant neon signs, billboards, and other LA-inspired scenery that flashes by in a blur as you speed along. Plus, you can rock out to the high-octane soundtrack from Aerosmith. So, what are you waiting for? Board your stretch limousine and make that concert in time.  

TRON Lightcyle/Run – Magic Kingdom 

One of the newest additions to Magic Kingdom, TRON Lightcycle / Run has become one of the park's premier attractions. Inspired by the TRON films, this ride lets you hop aboard a lightcycle and race through the digital world of TRON at speeds of up to 60 mph. The ride features a combination of outdoor and indoor sections, with stunning visual effects and a sleek, futuristic design that makes it a visual and sensory feast. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the TRON films or simply looking for an adrenaline rush, this ride delivers an experience that’s both thrilling and unforgettable. 

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – EPCOT 

Featuring the first ever reverse launch on a Disney coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind takes guests on an intergalactic adventure alongside Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, and the rest of the Guardians. It offers a combination of speed, excitement, and of course, Marvel’s signature humour. The coaster features an innovative design, where the vehicles can rotate 360 degrees to focus your attention on various scenes throughout the ride. This is not just one of the fastest rides at Walt Disney World, with a top speed of 60 mph, but it is also one of the most technologically advanced. 

Test Track – EPCOT 

If all of the above have still not quenched your thirst for adrenaline, then this one is sure to do it. Test Track at EPCOT is Walt Disney World’s fastest ride yet, reaching speeds of up to 65mph. Race through rough terrain and obstacles on your newly created virtual concept car. This unique combination of interactive design and high-speed thrills features sudden accelerations, hairpin turns, and a thrilling final stretch. And you can even strike a pose next to your automobile creation for a souvenir picture at the end. 



Gear up for the holiday of a lifetime with one of our incredible Walt Disney World Florida packages for 2025 & 2026 right here!

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