When certain individuals think about intense thrill-rides, Walt Disney World in Orlando might not be their first choice. These individuals are what we in the business affectionately like to call "wrong." Saying that Disney is lacking in the thrills department is not just a misconception, it's an outright lie.
Compared to Disneyland in California, the Florida park definitely has a touch more thrill rides than Walt's original. Whether this is meant for an older demographic or a different audience altogether, Walt Disney World is home to some of the best thrill-rides in the business.
Seven Dwarves Mine Train
At first glance, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train might not look like your typical thrill-ride. Once you climb aboard that swinging and swaying mine car coaster, you better get ready for a whole new ride. The storybook exterior is just a facade that hides one of the most enjoyable roller coasters in Disney history.
Thanks to a special car design, the coaster allows for more types of movement than something like Space Mountain. Granted, this coaster is certainly more family-friendly than most of its breed, but Disney hit the nail on the head when they brought out this bad boy.
Dinosaur
Though this is no roller coaster, the thrills and chills are more present in this Dark Ride than in the Haunted Mansion. It's definitely a Disney ride with more than its fair share of jump-scares, as shocking as that may sound. With carnivorous predators such as raptors, pterodactyls, and one nasty carnotaurus, it could give Jurassic Park a little competition.
We're not going to lie, even us adult fans are a little intimidated by some of the incredible animatronic creatures in this ride. As much as we love rubbing elbows with raptors and iguanodon, that bloodthirsty carnotaurus gets us every time.
Test Track
Epcot's Test Track might not have giant iguanodons or angry apex predators, but it does have one thing more than any other attraction in the Disney parks. Test Track is the only ride that can call itself the fastest attraction on Disney property. To call it a fan-favorite is an understatement.
The experience is practically a joyride in your own car of the future. Using a simulation program, you help design safe and efficient vehicles before stepping aboard the titular Test Track. You'll zoom through obstacles, brave hazardous weather conditions, and put the pedal to the metal in the ultimate speed test. Going over 60 miles an hour, it will really blow your hair back.
Splash Mountain
One of the most iconic features in any of the American Disney Parks is without a doubt Splash Mountain. Essentially a large log flume ride with the animated animal cast from the infamous Song of the South, Splash Mountain will interrupt your Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Day with a huge plummet down the titular mountain's waterfall. There's no getting around it, poncho or no poncho, you will get wet.
A fan-favorite for many hardcore park-goers, as well as a member of Disney's famous Mountain Challenge, Splash Mountain is easily one of the more popular rides on Disney property and should definitely be experienced by thrill-seekers who don't mind wringing out their clothes afterward.
Big Thunder Mountain
Yet another member of the mountain challenge graces our list as we journey just across the way from Brer Rabbit's Briar Patch to the one and only Big Thunder Mountain. Easily the icon of Frontierland, this runaway train definitely earns its reputation as "the wildest ride in the wilderness."
You'll bob, weave, and careen through southwestern landscapes and mine tunnels throughout this incredible ride. Easily the most enjoyable coaster in all the part property, in our opinion at least, Big Thunder Mountain is perfect for those entry-level thrill-seekers or those who just enjoy a slice of classic Disney.
Slinky Dog Dash
First of all, who wouldn't want to ride on the back of a giant Slinky Dog? Definitely the most popular ride and all of Toy Story Land, Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly coaster with more thrills than the average bear. It's fast, it's slick, and above all it's fun. Definitely worthy of Andy's backyard.
Similar to Big Thunder Mountain, it's great for those mild thrillseekers or those looking to just dip their toe in the rollercoaster waters. It feels like everything about the coaster, from the design to the environment, captures the fun and adventure of Toy Story. What's not to like?
Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror
On this thrill ride, you unlock the doors with the key of imagination and step into another dimension. It's a dimension in sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of the mind. You enter an attraction filled with strange shapes, things, and ideas, you've just crossed over into... The Twilight Zone!
Rod Serling impressions aside, the Tower of Terror is a Twilight Zone fan's dream. The premise is essentially a trip through a haunted elevator dropping down the side of a twisted hotel. If the spirits from the other side aren't enough to give you chills, the ginormous drop from the top to the bottom will.
Space Mountain
When it comes to Disney roller coasters, it doesn't get more classic than Space Mountain. It might be an indoor roller coaster with a few mild drops and curves, but the real thrill from this ride comes from what you don't see rather than what you do. In space, everyone can hear you scream.
This interstellar roller coaster will send you the zooming through the cosmos from the comfort of your own spaceship. With little to no lighting other than the projection of starfields and planets, your senses go into overdrive trying to figure out where the next drop, turn, or hill might be.
Rockin’ Roller Coaster
We've had an indoor roller-coaster send you shooting through the stars, so how about one featuring suped-up limousines, loops, and Aerosmith? We are course talking about the Rockin' Rollercoaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This ride rocks harder than a Steven Tyler music video and Disney doesn't let you forget it.
Of all the rides on Disney property, this one is meant for the more extreme thrillseekers. Not only is it fast, but it goes upside down, has some serious sharp turns, and will make your head spin faster than Sonic on a chili dog bender. It will pump up the jams and your adrenaline.
Expedition Everest
Our top spot goes to Expedition Everest from Disney's Animal Kingdom. Not because it goes upside down, inverted, or features a famous rock group, But because it is one of the most intense atmospheric and story-based experiences that Disney has ever created. Not only do you enjoy a backward drop down the tallest structure on Disney property, but you have to evade a malicious monster.
The story surrounding Expedition Everest is something straight out of a horror movie. We're actually surprised Disney Imagineering invented this. Not only is it a thrilling roller coaster, but it's one of the scariest experiences you'll find in any Disney park.