Ranked: Best Roller Coasters At Disney World Orlando (2025)

Being the coaster connoisseur and Disney Parks adult that I am, it’s about time to rank all Disney World roller coasters like I did for Carowinds, Kings Dominion, and Busch Gardens VA. 

As of 2024, there’s a total of 9 roller coasters at Walt Disney World and thusly that we’ll be ranking: Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Barnstormer, Rock n Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Slinky Dog Dash, Cosmic Rewind, and Tron Lightcycle Run.

Of these, the Disney World roller coasters ranked the highest are: Cosmic Rewind, Rock n Roller Coaster & Expedition Everest (tied), and Big Thunder Mountain & Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (also tied).

All of these rankings are objectively based on factors that I’ll explain below. So, despite Rock n Roller Coaster clearly ​being the best roller coaster at Disney World… I’m giving them all a fair and even shake–no bias.

Now, without further ado, here are the best roller coasters at Disney World Orlando ranked!

(Feel free to debate me in the comments below!)

Related Reading: All Walt Disney World Ride Lengths

Disney World Roller Coasters Ranked

The criteria these rankings are based on are the coaster’s comfortability, thrill, uniqueness, smoothness, capacity, reliability, and popularity. (Did I miss anything?)

• Comfortability: intensity and re-rideability (10 = comfortable)
• Thrills: speed, height, and inversions (10 = most thrilling)
• Uniqueness: noteworthy features (10 = most unique)
• Smoothness: …smooth versus rough (10 = smoothest)
• Capacity: riders per hour (10 = quicker line)
• Theming: overall theme, sets, queue, etc (10 = most themed)
• Popularity: by what park guests flock to (10 = popular)

​In comparison to my other roller coaster rankings, you’ll notice that the reliability score has been replaced by the theming score.

As well all know, Disney roller coasters aren’t like regular roller coasters and Disney coasters don’t operate like regular coasters. The WDW variety focus on theming as much as they do (if not more than) thrills. And additionally, they run everyday from park open to close year round. 

So, collectively their reliability is pretty meticulous seeing as Disney keeps them up well enough to be able to endure their demanding schedules.

Now, onto the rankings…

Space Mountain

The first roller coaster at both Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World overall, Space Mountain is an outer space themed roller coaster that takes riders on a thrilling ride of sharp turns and small drops in complete darkness. Space Mountain’s stats include: 90 feet tall, 26 foot drop, 27 mph, 3.7 Gs, and just under 3,200 feet of track.

Comfortability: 6/10
Thrills: 5/10
Uniqueness: 6/10
Smoothness: 6/10
Capacity: 10/10
Theming: 6/10
Popularity: 9/10

Notes: Space Mountain’s capacity can just about border Pirates of the Caribbean when Space is running both tracks, Alpha and Omega. Even running one, it’s still a strong suit when compared to any traditional roller coaster.

Theming’s only hitch is just in the nature of its theme. The premise, queues, and immediate start of the ride are well themed, but the main ride experience doesn’t have much in that department–naturally because outer space is just complete darkness.

TOTAL RANKING: 8/10 (48)

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

This here Disney roller coaster is the wildest ride in the wilderness! Big Thunder Mountain is themed to a possessed mine train tearing through a gold mine ghost town in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. Its ride stats consist of: 105 feet tall, 30 foot drop, 36 mph, and 2,700 feet of track.

Comfortability: 7/10
Thrills: 6/10
Uniqueness: 7/10
Smoothness: 6/10
Capacity: 8/10
Theming: 10/10
Popularity: 8/10

Notes: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a surviving element of the Thunder Mesa complex that was supposed to be located in Frontierland. It would had the mine train coaster we now know and love, Western River Expedition, a pack mule attraction, and hiking trails.

TOTAL RANKING: 7/10 (52)

Barnstormer

The Barnstormer is the perfect coaster for young kids wanting to try a “wild ride.” Located in Storybook Circus, Barnstormer is themed to Goofy’s aerial plane stunts. The kiddie coaster’s stats include: 30 feet tall, 25 mph, and almost 700 feet of track.

Comfortability: 7/10
Thrills: 5/10
Uniqueness: 3/10
Smoothness: 7/10
Capacity: 4/10
Theming: 3/10
Popularity: 6/10

Notes: Barnstormer is a great attraction for little kids to test the waters for the bigger thrill rides. Its scores aren’t the best, but it’s not any less of an excellent attraction for the younger ones.

TOTAL RANKING: 5/10 (35)

Rock n Roller Coaster

What’s that rock and roll music coming from the end of Sunset Boulevard? Tis Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith! Right next to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, this indoor launch coaster is themed to a limousine joyride on the freeway, bound for a rock concert across town. Rock n Roller Coaster’s stats include: max height of 80 feet, 1 launch, 57 mph (in 2.8 seconds), 3 inversions, 5 Gs, and 3,200 feet of track.

Comfortability: 5/10
Thrills: 10/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
Smoothness: 6/10
Capacity: 7/10
Theming: 8/10
Popularity: 10/10

Notes: I could ride Rock n Roller Coaster all night long, but the average park goer might not be able to hang past maybe 2-3 times in a row, hence the comfortability score.

Each train on Rock n Roller Coaster plays a different Aerosmith track for the duration of the ride: Nine Lives, Love In A Roller Coaster (Elevator), Walk This Way, Young Lust, FINE, Back In The Saddle, Dude (Looks Like A Lady), and Sweet Emotion.

During testing or maintenance, the song What Kind Of Ride (Love) Are You On is played.

TOTAL RANKING: 8/10 (54)

Expedition Everest

Deep in the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, lies Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. This high speed train adventure takes you through the icy Himalayan mountains of Mount Everest on a race to escape the clutches of the mythical Yeti. Key stats for this thrilling journey include: 199 feet tall, 80 foot drop, 50 mph, 3 Gs, and a track length of nearly 4,000 feet.

Comfortability: 6/10
Thrills: 8/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
Smoothness: 8/10
Capacity: 8/10
Theming: 8/10
Popularity: 7/10

Notes: I personally feel like Expedition Everest’s popularity is probably a 10/10, but its average wait time is around 30 minutes. Factors like park attendance and capacity can influence this, but I still had to remain as objective as possible even though it was mildly painful.

#FixTheYeti

TOTAL RANKING: 8/10 (54)

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, nestled in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, is themed to a whimsical journey through the diamond mines from Snow White. This family coaster is a play on suspended coasters, with the free swinging cars rocking side to side, barring the difference of it sitting atop the track. Stats for this coaster include: height of 41 feet, 39 foot drop, 34 mph, and 2,000 feet of track.

Comfortability: 7/10
Thrills: 5/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
Smoothness: 8/10
Capacity: 6/10
Theming: 8/10
Popularity: 10/10

Notes: Seven Dwarfs popularity was an instant 10/10. Have you heard the rope drop horror stories? A lot of folks treat it as if it were the end all be all Disney attraction.
It’s a great coaster, definitely, with some unique features. But, not going to lie, I’m still salty about 20,000 Leagues (it was apex, sigh).

TOTAL RANKING: 7/10 (52)

Slinky Dog Dash

Slinky Dog Dash, located in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is a family coaster themed to the Slinky Dog character. Conceptually, Andy built a coaster with a toy kit and decided to use Slinky as the ride vehicle. Slinky Dog’s stats include: max height of 50 feet, 2 launches, 40 mph, and 1,400 feet of track.

Comfortability: 7/10
Thrills: 5/10
Uniqueness: 6/10
Smoothness: 7/10
Capacity: 5/10
Theming: 6/10
Popularity: 8/10

Notes: Slinky Dog has theming, but when you compare it to Big Thunder, Everest, or Seven Dwarfs… But for capacity, I gave it benefit of the doubt in that with all trains, Slinky Dog’s hourly throughput is around 1,400 (though it can dwindle to 900 if they’re not running all trains).

TOTAL RANKING: 6/10 (44)

Cosmic Rewind

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is Epcot’s first and only roller coaster. It’s themed around the Marvel Universe’s Guardian of the Galaxy and features an innovative reverse launch aboard 360-degree rotating vehicles. Its stats include: 2 Gs, 1 launch, 60 mph, and nearly 5,600 feet of track.

Comfortability: 7/10
Thrills: 8/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
Smoothness: 9/10
Capacity: 8/10
Theming: 8/10
Popularity: 10/10

Notes: While we’re doing a shout out to Horizons, how about we bring Horizons back?

TOTAL RANKING: 8/10 (58)

Tron Lightcycle Run

Tucked next to Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, Tron Lightcycle Run is themed to (drum roll) the Disney Tron universe and a ride aboard a Lightcycle. Key stats of this new addition includes: 80 foot height, 59 mph, 4 Gs, 1 launch, and 3,100 feet of track.

Comfortability: 6/10
Thrills: 6/10
Uniqueness: 6/10
Smoothness: 8/10
Capacity: 6/10
Theming: 7/10
Popularity: 9/10

Notes: I know Tron’s the new shiny pony and the launch is great, but the launch is just about all it does. I’ve ridden a lot of roller coasters and never have ridden anything so short.

Its track length surprises me, honestly, considering the 65 seconds of ride time you actually get. And, it feels more like 35 seconds than it does 65.

I don’t think its brevity would be such a hang up for this ride if it weren’t for the fact that Disney spent over 5 years building it. It’s a clone. Its tech and theming is not anything to warrant 5 years (even 3 or 4 years if you want to cite the pandemic delays). Other parks have built the equivalent or more in far less time.

Its ride duration really sucker punches it, because even another 30 to 60 seconds would’ve done wonders for this roller coaster.

TOTAL RANKING: 7/10 (48)

Summary

Typically, this would be where I would give honorable mentions to the fallen coasters at the parks, but Disney World hasn’t closed any roller coasters since opening yet. So, cheers!

Instead, I’ll give a shout out to the–sike scratch that, I just remembered Primeval Whirl. (Let that speak to Primeval Whirl too.)

Animal Kingdom’s defunct roller coaster likely would’ve landed between Tron, Slinky, or Barnstormer. It was jerky, its theming was a little wonky, it definitely wasn’t the most popular bit but it certainly had charm for it eccentricities. 

Now, back to shout outs. 

Walt Disney World was supposed to have at least four more roller coasters: Dragon Tower and The Excavator roller coasters at Animal Kingdom and Mt. Fuji and Bobsled roller coasters at Epcot.

And, while we’re on the topic of attractions Epcot was supposed to have, I present to you the Rhine River Cruise. 

Back on track now.

The most magical place on earth has a lovely collection of roller coasters, from highly themed experiences to adrenaline rushes for thrill seekers.

Here are the best Disney World roller coasters in order:

1. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind
2. Rock n Roller Coaster
3. Expedition Everest
4. Big Thunder Mountain
5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
6. Space Mountain
7. Tron Lightcycle Run
8. Slinky Dog Dash
9. Barnstormer

If you have any thoughts about this ranking of the Disney World roller coasters, let me know in the comments! 

What do you think the best roller coasters at Disney World are?

​Disney Roller Coasters FAQs

Which Disney park in Orlando has the most roller coasters?

With five roller coasters, Magic Kingdom has the most roller coasters at any of the Disney World parks.

What is the scariest roller coaster at Disney World?

The scariest roller coaster at Disney World can be subjective, but generally, roller coasters like Rock n Roller Coaster and Expedition Everest are likely to be the most intimidating for casual riders or kids.

Expedition Everest has the biggest coaster drop on property while Rock n Roller Coaster goes upside down 3 times after the initial high speed launch.

What is the most intense ride at Disney World?

Likewise, Expedition Everest and Rock n Roller Coaster are the most intense roller coasters at Disney World.

All rides included, you can tack on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Mission Space are the most intense rides at Disney World. 

With Mission Space, I’d honestly recommend not even doing it. It’s a great way to find out if you have an unknown medical condition or are claustrophobic. 

What is the biggest roller coaster in Disney World Florida?

If biggest is in terms of length, Cosmic Rewind is the biggest roller coaster in Disney World.

If biggest is in terms of height, Expedition Everest is the biggest roller coaster in Disney World.

Which roller coaster goes upside down?

Rock n Roller Coaster is the only roller coaster at Disney that goes upside down, with 3 inversions throughout the ride.

What are the best roller coasters at Disney World Orlando for adults?

For adults, the best roller coasters at Disney World are Cosmic Rewind, Rock n Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, Big Thunder Mountain, and Space Mountain–a combination of thrills, theming, and coaster classics.

How many roller coasters are there at Disney World Orlando?

There are nine roller coasters at Disney World (5 at Magic Kingdom, 1 at Epcot, 2 at Hollywood Studios, & 1 at Animal Kingdom).

What is the fastest roller coaster in Disney World?

Cosmic Rewind, having speeds of 60 mph. Tron Lightcycle Run and Rock n Roller Coaster aren’t far behind, being 59 mph and 57 mph respectively.

Which roller coaster has the biggest drop?

Expedition Everest has the biggest drop out of the Disney coaster lineup, being 80 feet.

Are there any roller coasters at Disney World suitable for small children?

Yes, the Barnstormer and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are more suitable for young kids. 

Slinky Dog Dash and Space Mountain are good stepping stone attractions from there for kids to work their way up to the likes of Expedition Everest, Cosmic Rewind, and Rock n Roller Coaster.

What are the height requirements for the Disney World roller coasters?

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind: 42 inches
Rock n Roller Coaster: 48 inches
Expedition Everest: 44 inches
Big Thunder Mountain: 40 inches
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: 38 inches
Space Mountain: 44 inches
Tron Lightcycle Run: 48 inches
Slinky Dog Dash: 38 inches
Barnstormer: 35 inches

For more Disney World guides, you can also check out:

• Free Things To Do At Disney World
• Best Rides At Magic Kingdom
• 100 Unique Disney Gifts For Adults
• All Disney World Ride Lengths
• Disney Abandoned: The Rhine River Cruise
• 13 Abandoned Disney Rides

Thanks for reading!