The 50 best Disney rides in the world, ranked by a couple who’s done it all

My wife and I have a long history with Disney parks. We got engaged at Tokyo DisneySea, she previously worked as a Cast Member at Disneyland Resort, and Southern California is now our home.

Now, we have visited all twelve Disney parks in the world and we’re going to rank our top fifty rides across all of them!

How we ranked the best Disney rides

These are our rankings of the primary park rides and experiences ridden by us across Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, Anaheim Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Paris, Disney Adventure World, Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom.

Some rides are naturally grouped together from their strong similarities to each other across the globe. Some rides with the same property or name can be very different in scope, so I have taken that into account as well.

Lastly, this ranking list focuses on rides as opposed to shows and character experiences, with emphasis on the unique offerings across all the parks. A quick note, Venetian Gondolas at Tokyo DisneySea was excluded because it is where I proposed to my now-wife, making it impossible for me to rank the experience objectively.

Let’s ride!

Worldwide Disney rides rankings at a glance

Before we dive into each of the rankings, let’s take a glance at the entire list, then you can use the Table of Contents to navigate to each cluster of rides.

1. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (Epcot)
2. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! and Monsters After Dark (Disney California Adventure)
3. Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain (Disneyland Paris)
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (Shanghai Disneyland)
5. Avengers Assemble: Flight Force (Disneyland Paris)
6. TRON Lightcycle Power Run and TRON Lightcycle / Run (Shanghai Disneyland and Magic Kingdom)
7. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast (Tokyo Disneyland)
8. Incredicoaster (Disney California Adventure)
9. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
10. Zootopia: Hot Pursuit (Shanghai Disneyland)
11. Radiator Springs Racers (Disney’s California Adventure)
12. Crush’s Coaster (Disney Adventure World)
13. Expedition Everest (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
14. Journey to the Center of the Earth (Tokyo DisneySea)
15. Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage (Tokyo DisneySea)
16. Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars (Hong Kong Disneyland)
17. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland)
18. Iron Man Experience (Hong Kong Disneyland)
19. Space Mountain and Hyperspace Mountain (Tokyo Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland)
20. Grizzly River Run (Disney California Adventure)
21. Splash Mountain (Tokyo Disneyland)
22. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Shanghai Disneyland and Magic Kingdom)
23. Big Thunder Mountain (Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland and Magic Kingdom)
24. Tower of Terror (Disney Adventure World, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Tokyo DisneySea)
25. Frozen Ever After (Hong Kong Disneyland, Epcot, Tokyo DisneySea and Disney Adventure World)
26. Toy Story Mania! (Tokyo DisneySea, Disney California Adventure and Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
27. Raging Spirits (Tokyo DisneySea)
28. Mystic Manor (Hong Kong Disneyland)
29. Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure (Tokyo DisneySea)
30. Haunted Mansion and Phantom Manor (Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland, Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Paris)
31. RC Racer and Rex’s Racer (Disney Adventure World, Hong Kong Disneyland and Shanghai Disneyland)
32. Test Track (Epcot)
33. Matterhorn Bobsleds (Disneyland)
34. Slinky Dog Dash (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
35. Jungle Cruise (Hong Kong Disneyland, Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland)
36. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Shanghai Disneyland, Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland and Magic Kingdom)
37. TRON Realm, Chevrolet Digital Challenge (Shanghai Disneyland)
38. Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs (Hong Kong Disneyland)
39. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Disneyland and Magic Kingdom)
40. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
41. Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland Paris, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland)
42. Indiana Jones attractions (Disneyland Paris, Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea)
43. Peter Pan’s Flight (Shanghai Disneyland, Disneyland, Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Paris)
44. Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek! (Tokyo Disneyland)
45. Goofy’s Sky School (Disney California Adventure)
46. Avatar Flight of Passage (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
47. Silly Symphony Swings (Disney California Adventure)
48. Cars Road Trip (Disney Adventure World)
49. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Disney Adventure World and Epcot)
50. The Happy Ride with Baymax (Tokyo Disneyland)

Ranking the 50 best rides across all Disney parks

Each ride is ranked below, and we’ve organized this list by groups of ten.

Disney rides ranked Nos. 50-41

50. The Happy Ride with Baymax (Tokyo Disneyland)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★
Innovation : ★ ★

Starting at number 50 with something simple but effective. The crowd energy is the real element of the ride here, as legions of parkgoers in line clap and cheer along to an otherwise ordinary fare. That element gives it sole note over other contemporaries such as DCA’s Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree and more. By itself, it is a simpler ride based on “Big Hero 6” which should be a bigger property in Disney’s pantheon in my humble opinion.

49. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Disney Adventure World, Epcot)

Presentation : ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

This one can be measured more by disappointment than quantifiable ride elements. In Paris, the screen effects were clearly meant to be seen in 3D, but no glasses were to be found! At Epcot the screen presentation was flat at least instead of stereoscopic. Issues aside, it is still a charming ride based on one of Pixar’s best infused with trackless tech and showcases that strength of concept can carry a ride with all its faults.

48. Cars Road Trip (Disney Adventure World)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★
Innovation : ★ ★

The backlots of Paris make effective use of real estate with this mock tour of the Cars universe. Radiator Springs this is not, but Road Trip is a sure-fire hit for those looking to see more hidden aspects of the park or get off their feet for 15 minutes.

47. Silly Symphony Swings (Disney California Adventure)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★

Sometimes the wheel doesn’t need to be reinvented for an enjoyable spin. One of the more outstanding definitions of cheap (wait time) thrills is Symphony. Quick wait, longer time swinging, and a nice view of Pixar Pier on the pond. Great value for your time and for its respective total package.

46. Avatar Flight of Passage (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

An example of a superfluous number of overheads impeding an otherwise good experience. Before the ride begins, you are assigned a specific number to reference later and need to wait if a cast member misassigns you (e.g. myself). You go through an avatar scanning process that has no bearing on the ride or even visuals. Lastly, the 3D glasses rendered all the on-screen visuals out of focus. A cardinal crime for especially Avatar. However, for what it is, Flight of Passage is an exciting immersive bike-to-screen experience not-unlike a lighter weight Harry Potter experience at Universal. Now let’s hope Avatar gives it a better shot in Anaheim.

45. Goofy’s Sky School (Disney California Adventure)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★

The former ‘Mulholland Madness’. If you don’t mind a bump or two, this is a quick but effective thrill tucked away in the corner of DCA. Often, the line wait may not justify the result, but it serves grand purpose as an intermediary coaster between base levels and scarier ones not much further down Pixar Pier. Bring Advil.

44. Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek! (Tokyo Disneyland)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

More effective than its California counterpart with the same property, this puts some of the enjoyment agency in the riders’ hands by introducing an actual game of hide and seek. An example of a successful dark ride if given enough charm which the monsters of Monstropolis always carry.

43. Peter Pan’s Flight (Shanghai, Anaheim Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

A classic ride for most and with the value of longevity to its name. While an argument can be made some versions of Peter Pan are more immersive than others (or dysfunctional), they ultimately have similar enough of a framework to be in the same class. That is, outside of a new addition later in the list.

42. Indiana Jones attractions (Disneyland Paris, Anaheim Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

An exciting track ride and a veiled love letter to cinema. Traversing a fine line between dark ride with some sporadic thrills, there’s something universal about the way each edition of the ride operates. Not to mention, one of the more imaginative wait queues. Time has made it hold up less over, but it is a must go at least once. Watch the snake.

41. Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland Paris, Magic Kingdom, Anaheim Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

The dark ride that launched a major franchise. There are enough pros and cons to put this one here in the pack. Noting that some of them in this bunch have more drops than the other or badly reimagined special effects to separate them out. However, there’s a Pirates much later in the list that rewrites the rulebook.

Disney rides ranked Nos. 40-31

40. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Anaheim Disneyland, Hollywood Studios)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

Mickey and Minnie have received something of a visual reboot in recent years much to the benefit of this attraction. The joy here is in the subtle imagineering between the exploding wall trick, projection mapping, and evolution of trackless control. Must be good enough to attach the royal family to it.

39. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Anaheim Disneyland, Magic Kingdom)

Presentation : ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

There were going to be only a few properties that wouldn’t offend replacing the (albeit questionable to begin with) original Splash Mountain. None would, thus, argue ” The Princess and the Frog” being injected into park lore. Technical gaffes aside, the functional ride itself remains and with a better set of characters.

38. Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs (Hong Kong)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

If Gadget from Chip and Dale took a vacation at Arendelle! A quick, rather harmless coaster that rides on the back of its supermassive IP. Good for a quick thrill on that side of Hong Kong. Another example of value for the cost of time for admission and those not wanting to queue for Frozen Ever After.

37. TRON Realm, Chevrolet Digital Challenge (Shanghai Disneyland)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

First things first: bring back the arcade at Disneyland in Anaheim! But second, it was a nice change of pace to see an interactive game at Disneyland exist outside of Andy’s room. The race game itself was one entry in a medley of them on the Shanghai floor and did I ever get the high score! And yes, it is indeed a ride. Multiplayer, in fact.

Editor’s note: This entry refers to the multiplayer driving simulator inside TRON Realm, Chevrolet Digital Challenge, which Shanghai Disneyland classifies as an interactive attraction rather than a traditional ride. There are interactive driving elements as well as haptic feedback.

36. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Shanghai Disneyland, Disneyland and Magic Kingdom) and Pooh’s Hunny Hunt (Tokyo Disneyland)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

For all intents and purposes, the Winnie the Pooh rides all share the same flow outside of some differing practical effects. Where with Tokyo, we found them to be more up to date. A classic among classics. Time to buy some Eeyore merch where it exists.

Editor’s note: Tokyo Disneyland’s attraction uses a trackless ride system, distinguishing it from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh at the other parks grouped here.

35. Jungle Cruise (Hong Kong, Anaheim Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

The success of a cruise through the river is largely based on context and comedic timing of the pilot. We very much enjoyed our visit to the jungle in Hong Kong as our guide seamlessly wove between English and Cantonese while bringing the laughs.

Related: New scenes at Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise

34. Slinky Dog Dash (Hollywood Studios)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

Different from Slinky Dog Spin, which is circular, Slinky Dog Dash has a full-blown roller coaster layout. It’s as inviting as some of Slinky’s child-friendly contemporaries but much faster and more original than them as well. Speed levels get up high enough to toe the line between thrilling and accessible.

33. Matterhorn Bobsleds (Anaheim Disneyland)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

A poster child for a bumpy roller coaster ride. Beyond that, a timeless mainstay of the flagship park and one of the better thrills you’ll find there outside of deep space. Bonus points for being a bastion in the summertime heat. That yeti can still give people the creeps. It’s an actual Yeti too, unlike that one from Everest.

32. Test Track (Epcot)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

The only theme park ride I’m aware of that doubles as a literal car dealership! If you’re not in the market for that on a trip to the theme park, the ride itself does well. With a neat interior section that leans adequately successfully on its vision for tomorrow, Test Track 3.0 eventually tosses you onto the outside track to reach speeds that might even make Lightning McQueen blush.

31. RC Racer (Disney Adventure World, Hong Kong), Rex’s Racer (Shanghai)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

The definition of a quick, and scary, thrill when in a respective Toy Story Land. These ride versions can be in any representative order. They also serve as a good stat to check early on if you think you’re ready for some of the beastlier rides further down the list. What differs it from fellow intermediate level thrills like Goofy Sky School is use of time, directness, higher level of fun, and property.

Disney rides ranked Nos. 30-21

30. Haunted Mansion (Tokyo Disneyland, Anaheim Disneyland, Magic Kingdom), Phantom Manor (Disneyland Paris)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Speaking of Disneyland classics that made forays into Hollywood films, here come the mansions. If you’re reading this, you may need no further explanation. For some, possibly an experience far too dated. Others may see Haunted Mansion and its Pepper’s Ghost as a cornerstone to later imagineering. It is one of the totems of immersive innovation across the world.

29. Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure (Tokyo DisneySea)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

Peter Pan picked up some new tricks in this Tokyo update: 3D immersion, highly enhanced animations across the screens, a fuller narrative, and all the while maintaining that we’re on a boat sailing the night sky. A proper way to evolve a foundational and nostalgic ride.

Take flight with the Attractions Magazine YouTube video below.

28. Mystic Manor (Hong Kong)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

Gotta love that monkey. Hong Kong manages to put a unique, trackless spin on the haunted house sub-genre by increasing the music, glitter, narrative, and supernatural elements up close. Personally, I feel that’s what is missing in some of the more haunted-oriented attractions. Pepper’s Ghost legend status aside.

27. Raging Spirits (Tokyo DisneySea)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★

Somewhere at the far reaches of DisneySea is a great example of bang for your buck. For a shorter wait or if well planned, you get an intense gauntlet of twists, dips and speed in what is low-key one of the most thrilling, albeit condensed, international rides found in Disney Asia. Writer’s note: This is an evolution and effective sibling of the more thrilling Indiana Jones ride from further above.

26. Toy Story Mania (Tokyo DisneySea, Disney California Adventure, Hollywood Studios)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

You must walk through the creepiest, titanic Woody head to get to it in Tokyo, but Toy Story Mania is quite a worldwide experience. Gamification should always have a place at Disney parks during and out of the ride experience and Toy Story Mania is a fun testament. But, um, that head.

25. Frozen Ever After (Hong Kong, Epcot, Disney Adventure World)
Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey (Tokyo DisneySea)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

On the topic of dark rides, we go to Frozen which starts as a charming sail down Arendelle waters and becomes a surprisingly thrilling moment or two towards the end. The versions, in drop difficulty and tech quality, differ between their respective parks. Of them, Tokyo is a standout and a representative of all the good ingredients of a ride coming into one result. There’s a reason the ride is getting so many new editions.

24. Tower of Terror (Disney Adventure World, Hollywood Studios, Tokyo DisneySea)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

It’s no ‘Guardian’ of the tower sub-genre nor is it any scarier ‘After Dark’ than its California counterpart, but it is a good barometer for thrills and a historical one at that on any given park visit. All the Tokyo, Orlando, and Parisian renditions of the ride offer thrills, scenery, and effects that are timeless no matter what part of the world you’re in.

23. Big Thunder Mountain (Anaheim Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Paris)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

One of the more underrated thrills across all the parks is the Big Thunder series. Perhaps none so more than the one found in Paris! It may not have the glitz of space travel or embedded magic of a mid-20th century classic, but it’s more than enough of a ride experience to go to during any park visit as a priority or midday affair. Making the Wild West look accessible is a cinematic pastime after all.

22. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Shanghai, Magic Kingdom)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

Take everything about Big Thunder and add a smart and charming Snow White twist! And when we say Snow White, we’re thinking at least before the 1940s. Wash any later rendition of the property from memory post haste.

21. Splash Mountain (Tokyo Disneyland)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

Not one big drop but two? That must be Tokyo’s Splash Mountain! Set apart with a crisper atmosphere and the multiple plunges, no denying this watery mainstay was in its most unique form. In Tokyo, it feels like a realer, sequential ride. Why it is set apart from its siblings above.

Disney rides ranked Nos. 20-11

20. Grizzly River Run (Disney California Adventure)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

When it comes to aquatic supremacy, Grizzly River Run rises above the rest. There is no question: you will get wet. Worry not, though, as you’ll be in good company on the same raft while the suffering happens. In the end, it’s all part of the charm and thrill. In the summer, far greater thrills exist than going down the last drop in a spinning reverse. Honorable mention to Kali River Rapids in Animal Kingdom.

19. Space Mountain (Tokyo Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Anaheim Disneyland)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

When one thinks of Space Mountain, they immediately make comparisons to the ones found in North America. Worldwide, they all offer very similar vibes along with their own unique spin. Tokyo’s sound design makes you feel trapped in a black hole where Anaheim’s is always switched to a jazzy beast mode. Magic Kingdom’s may leave a deep bruise.

Editor’s note: Tokyo Disneyland’s original Space Mountain closed permanently in July 2024. It is included in this ranking because the writers experienced it before its closure. A newly reimagined attraction, Space Mountain Earthrise, is scheduled to open at Tokyo Disneyland in 2027.

18. Iron Man Experience (Hong Kong)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

One of the common pitfalls of a motion simulator is the loss of immersion. Star Tours exists but in some ways never scratches that itch. The Iron Man experience does not lack this whatsoever. Through a medley of haptic feedback, believably focused 3D visuals augmented by glasses, and an uncanny Tony Stark performance to anchor the story beats down, you have personality wise what is the closest to a Stark hangout. All with respect to Star Tours. Now let us never discuss WEB Slingers.

17. Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios, Anaheim Disneyland)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

With additional respect to Star Tours and Millennium Falcon, this high-budget Star Wars attraction stands above the rest. Still ringing in the ears of fans is the (un)holy alliance of Lucasfilm and Disney and Rise is an emblem of that. It has everything you want in both an immersive ride and a Star Wars piece of media : characters, effects, big sets, excitement, danger, and very clever use of the scenery. Rise manages to do things both new and old to stand the test of time.

16. Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars (Hong Kong)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

Not to spoil any surprises, but this Hong Kong standout takes the formula of a Big Thunder ride and turns it in reverse. The ride is effectively split into three sections which is unique to think about for a simpler roller coaster ride. Yet, Big Grizzly manages to achieve the split with unforgettably thrilling moments while justifying its sometimes hour wait in the smallest Disney park.

15. Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage (Tokyo DisneySea)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

One of the greatest dark rides in Disney’s arsenal. Alan Menken scores a ride that charms you from start to finish and directly finds the compass of your heart. No thrills to be found here, but it is most certainly a ride you will come away from with some good memories. A testament to the charm over thrills part of a good ride formula. Make sure to take a baby Chandu home with you too.

14. Journey to the Center of the Earth (Tokyo DisneySea)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

Part dark ride, part high-speed thrills, and all amazing. The ride starts with a lift that takes you from the queue to within the earth. At the start you get to see the truly impressive visual design which then quickly turns fast and furious. This all culminates in a drop that is as addictive as it is frightening. Probably more addictive. So addictive you’ll want to buy a premier pass immediately and go again.

See for yourself with the Attractions Magazine YouTube video below.

13. Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Animal Kingdom is one of the bigger thrills you’ll have in the Orlando parks. By this point at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll be immersed in the scenery all around, which adds to the effect of being helplessly lost on your Everest climb. Your encounters with the mountain are not only forwards, but backwards!

12. Crush’s Coaster (Disney Adventure World)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

Inject the personality of the aquatic Pixar series with a chance-based twisting thrill ride where you might be riding forward, backwards, or even spinning at any given moment and you’ll have a recipe for success in Paris. It does its part in elevating the park itself. The chance-based element does some lifting here, but at the end of the day it is a fundamentally sound, charming, and thrilling ride that will have you returning. It is also a ride that gives the park formerly known as Walt Disney Studios in Paris its own unique stripes as a park in the pantheon.

11. Radiator Springs Racers (Disney California Adventure)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

Test Track in Epcot but replace the shameless real-life car pandering with more animated pandering featuring Radiator Springs! Cars Land in DCA is beautiful and Racers take full advantage. After a pit stop through the garage and with vehicle friends, you race another car packed with fellow guests at top speed through the desert landscape under a California sky. A smooth blend of speed and immersion that results in a very repeatable attraction. Especially thanks to its single rider lane.

The 10 best Disney rides in the world

10. Zootopia: Hot Pursuit (Shanghai)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

As you step into the imaginative and charming streets of Zootopia land in Shanghai, you will find yourself even more immersed by the high-speed, trackless chase that the in-zone ride brings. But get this: the line leading up to the ride and the immersion brought by the visuals and animatronics are just as effective as the ride itself! It draws comparisons to Anaheim’s Rise of the Resistance with a lot more animation studio-based magic than Jedi force. Some properties were just meant to be in the parks.

9. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets (Hollywood Studios)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

Muppets covers of beloved fist pumping anthems such as “Song 2” by Blur or “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop” would be wonderful by themselves. Mix them into a Muppets-themed thrill coaster with inversions, speed, characters, and world building to get an unforgettable experience. With respect to Aerosmith. Muppets and Disney are a match made in heaven, and I think we all hope to see a lot more of the former.

Speaking of “Song 2” here it is aboard the ride in the Attractions Magazine YouTube video below.

8. Incredicoaster (Disney California Adventure)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

The former California Screamin’. Though remembered fondly by most, the ride itself is still intact and it’s just as big and fun, featuring Pixar’s superhero family. A massive loop above the Pixar Pier and big pond is sandwiched between a high-speed launch and more than a few zingers over the speaker system. If you ever before scoffed at the lack of thrill in either of the California park rides, you probably met higher ground with the Incredicoaster. If you’re also like me and rode it ten consecutive times at Oogie Boogie Bash, it is also a very repeatable ride.

7. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast (Tokyo Disneyland)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tale as old as time. If you think you’ve experienced all that the classic story has to offer and haven’t gone to Tokyo, then I might suggest travel plans in your near future. Complete with visual effects that are still a mystery to the naked eye, beautifully accurate environment design, the music, and a finale that might bring a tear down your cheek, the ultimate Disney Renaissance animation ride can be found in Japan. Imagineering is in top form here.

See for yourself in the Attractions Magazine YouTube video below.

6. Tron Lightcycle Power Run / Tron Lightcycle Run (Shanghai, Magic Kingdom)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

Like fast rides? Check. Like cool, sci-fi neon? Check. Like Daft Punk? Double check. This high speed, light cycle coaster ride could be found originally at Shanghai and in recent times Magic Kingdom. Grip onto the bike and slash through the night sky to electronic beats and visuals evocative of “Tron: Legacy.” When you’re done on the grid, hop back in line or check out the arcade if you’re in Shanghai.

5. Avengers Assemble: Flight Force (Disneyland Paris)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

You may be familiar with the Avengers campus in California. However, the greatest Avengers attraction that features an OG Avenger is in Paris, France. Right from the start, you are shot at high speed into the attraction and through multiple indoor loops. Captain Marvel or Iron Man might even pop in too to say hi. Smile big also cause the camera is there at the start!

For those lamenting the return of attractions like WEB Slingers, you’ll find your joy in comics and the MCU reignited by Avengers Assemble. A good example of a pure thrill ride by itself.

4. Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (Shanghai)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Remember all the Pirates entries previously in this list? The Pirates ride at Shanghai is a whole new ball game. To name just a few differences: the effects behind Beauty and the Beast at Tokyo are brought in, large-scale video surrounds sailors like it was the Sphere in Vegas at Shanghai, and all and more with Imagineering featuring at a rapid pace less per minute, but almost per second. It is a tech lover’s dream and a well-done tribute to fans of the movie series or large, immersive spectacle. It is truly unlike any dark ride on the planet. Must be seen to be believed.

Sail the Shanghai seas in this Attractions Magazine YouTube video below.

3. Hyperspace Mountain (Disneyland Paris)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★

It seems like forever ago in this list we mentioned this entry’s contemporaries, but for a few reasons Paris delivers the best Space Mountain and one of the best Disney rides, period.

Hyperspace makes full use of its IP in Star Wars, pushes an already clever spin on Space Mountain by upping the thrills and twists exponentially, introduces inversions, and leaves you with an experience that is all familiar, brand new, and ultimately very fun. As far as thrill rides go, Hyperspace is also surprisingly accessible given the ride is in near total darkness. A proper evolution of a tried and historical formula. The sum of all these ride’s parts makes it worth a trip to a galaxy or city far, far away.

Editor’s note: Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain is scheduled to close at the end of 2027 and be reimagined as Space Mountain – De la Terre à la Lune, a refreshed version inspired by the attraction’s original Jules Verne theme.

2. Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout and Monsters After Dark (Disney California Adventure)

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★

There is something magical about how a real-world soundtrack pairs with a thrill ride to bring out the best in each other. For many Californians or non-Californians, that experience can just be summed up as one word: Guardians. Built atop the mechanics of Tower of Terror and a juiced-up version of that, you are launched up and down on a gantry lift at high speeds, even daunting for a seasoned rider. All for a good purpose: to wave your hands and scream to distract those creatures so the Guardians can escape.

This is a whole experience from start to end: the world building in the lobby, the walkthrough with an animatronic Rocket, raising arms for security clearance, and the ride itself with an appropriate choice of soundtrack blasting in the background. Whether you’re “Born to Be Wild” or wanting to go back on with a “Free Ride”, Guardians is top of the class.

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

Presentation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Immersion : ★ ★ ★ ★
Excitement : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Innovation : ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Take the successes of Mission Breakout and apply it to Cosmic Rewind’s high-speed shot through a series of intergalactic wormholes. This is all on a spinning car, bending tracks, a reverse launch, and a soundtrack that manages to make you feel just like a misfit bounty hunter. I first rode this offering at three different points spaced throughout a single day. It got better each time. Never has “Conga” felt so appropriately used. “September” blends seamlessly into the sequence which involves your evacuation from being time-erased, escaping the clutches of a celestial being, dealing with the aftermath of the Big Bang, and hearing derogatory remarks from Drax as he eats some chips.

What separates Rewind from Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, just one spot before on this list, is its slight edge on originality. I believe it to be the best Disney ride and among the world’s best.

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For more about the writer and some of his creations and industry work, check out benjaminpoynter.com, @benji.poynter on Instagram, or on LinkedIn!

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