Revealed: The Scariest Rides at Disney World

Disney World ranks high as one of the happiest places on Earth. However, there are scary rides that will spook and thrill. From heart-stopping drops to dark and haunted mansions, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re heading to Disney World on your next family vacation, you won’t want to miss top-notch thrills. Plus, the park includes out-of-this-world special effects. So, let’s reveal some of the scariest rides at Disney World before you book your trip. 

The Haunted Mansion

When you think of one of the scariest rides at Disney, The Haunted Mansion may come to mind. While it’s not a frightening mega roller coaster, the spooky scenes are out of a Halloween movie. The Haunted Mansion resides in Magic Kingdom and is perfect for all ages and heights. Although, young kids especially may find the attraction incredibly haunting.

From creepy voice effects to the chilling graveyard, you won’t want to miss this eerie tour. While there are no twists and turns, prepare for a slow exploration of the mansion in the dark. If you’re ready for a supernatural experience, get ready to enter the seance room.

Overall, the ghost-friendly mansion is for you and your family. 

Pirates of the Caribbean 

The next scary ride is the classic Pirates of the Caribbean, also located in Magic Kingdom. Again, prepare to set sail through terrifying yet remarkable scenes. While the ride is slow-moving, it can get scary for younger kids. Additionally, it may even startle adults with realistic visuals and effects. 

From the cannon fights to loud noises, there’s no shortage of dullness on this dark boat ride. Plus, all ages and heights can enjoy this action-packed adventure. The family-friendly ride opened in 1973 and still is an alluring Disney attraction. 

With its incredible attention to detail, it’s a perfect ride to keep you on your toes. Plus, you’ll never know when Jack Sparrow is around the corner. However, sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

While the Mine Train ride seems like a mild steel roller coaster, it may surprise you. With a moderate drop and unexpected darkness, fear may ignite quickly. So, enjoy the scenery around you, including the forest beneath the tracks.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is in Magic Kingdom. It’s similar to the incredible Splash Mountain, as it’s only a few feet shorter downhill. However, the sudden drop may be scary for younger kids. 

Along with the steep incline and fall, your cart may move back and forth for additional thrills. Although it’s mainly an outdoor ride, you’ll also enter a mine surrounded by the Seven Dwarfs. So, it can get pretty dark. 

Overall, the fairytale ride contains hills, twists, and turns that excite many.  

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

The next scary ride, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, lies in Magic Kingdom. Plus, it’s one of the world’s longest coasters in duration, consisting of three uphill lifts. In addition, the five-minute ride includes drops through canyons in the wilderness. 

Due to its intense twists and turns, it’s a thrilling, rickety ride. There are also multiple drops, falling rocks, and fake bats. However, since the roller coaster is outside, it feels slower overall.

Anyone 40 inches tall will enjoy this Frontierland ride. While it’s not a completely dark ride like the indoor Space Mountain, it’s faster. 

Space Mountain 

The Iconic Space Mountain also resides in Magic Kingdom. The roller coaster will transport you to outer space in a flash. But beware, as the indoor coaster is extremely dark throughout. It’s so dark; you won’t see what happens next. The suspense alone makes this one of the scariest rides at Disney World.

Prepare to get sucked into a wormhole full of twists, turns, and drops, while seeing planets and stars. Additionally, the ride seats one person in front of the other. So, you won’t be able to sit next to anyone. 

While this scary ride is kid-friendly, a height requirement is 44 inches. However, you don’t have to worry about top-thrilling speeds. Space Mountain’s significant drop is 26 feet while going 28 miles per hour. 

Take a chance on a ride you’ll remember for a lifetime. Space Mountain awaits if you’re ready to take on the challenge in complete darkness.

Mission: SPACE

Another must-see space simulation ride is Mission: SPACE, located at Epcot. The ride will provide plenty of excitement for space lovers. Train like an actual astronaut while blasting off to space. Aboard in a group of four, as you’ll take on different roles, including the following:

• Navigator
• Pilot
• Commander
• Engineer 

Then, you’ll pick which mission you want to complete. The orange mission is a scary, intense journey to Mars. If you’re looking to ride one of the bravest rides at Disney World, you’ll want to pick the orange option. Green is still an exhilarating task orbiting Earth, gliding among the stars. However, it’s pretty tame in comparison. 

Mission to Mars

If you dare to go to Mars, the scary ride uses spins around narrow pathways as the visuals are in front of you. Plus, the G-force will cause your heart to thump as you complete your space mission. You’ll be sweating in no time. 

However, there are requirements to ride this thrill-seeking adventure, including the following:

• 44 inches tall
• Free from heart conditions
• No neck or back issues
• Must not have high blood pressure 

Also, you should stay clear if you quickly get motion sickness. In addition, health conditions such as pregnancy should remain clear. Overall, good health is essential before considering this ride. 

Mission Around Earth

If going to Mars seems intimidating, perhaps the Earth mission is a slower pace for you. While you are still traveling to space, you won’t experience rigorous jolting. Overall, it’s a gentler family-friendly experience. 

When choosing the Earth option, height requirements change to 40 inches and taller. While the simulator provides movement, there’s no spinning involved. The motion is significant for people who tend to get nauseous. However, it’s best to avoid this ride altogether if you’re pregnant. 

Mission: SPACE ride feels realistic and is a great way to get your heart racing. No matter your chosen task, your rocket ship provides options. 

Test Track

Next up is the Test Track. While it’s not filled with spooky features or sudden drops, it’s the fastest ride at Disney World. Located in Epcot, you’ll experience a speedy ride on the race track. 

First, you’ll go to the Chevrolet Design Center and create a virtual car. Afterward, you’ll enter a six-passenger SIM car before racing on the track. Accelerate through obstacles, curves, and sharp 50-degree angles. Race up to 65 miles per hour, with hills going up three stories high. 

At the finish line, you’ll see how your test run went on a scoreboard. Also, don’t forget to take a great picture at the end for a memorable souvenir. Due to tiny drops, all passengers must be 40 inches tall to take a spin on the Test Track. The Test Track is your best bet for optimal adventure if you crave speed. 

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will leave you breathless. So, if you’re ready for a creepy ride, prepare for a quick plunge up and down. The best part is that you’ll never guess what will come next as the order is random. 

Located in Hollywood Studios, this ride starts by waiting in an elevator shaft. Peculiar hotel staff will greet you upon entry. Then, suddenly, metal clanging and snapping sounds will ignite your eardrums. From there, you’ll never know when the first feeling of weightlessness will occur. 

The scary ride includes enclosed dark spaces and fast, sudden drops. If that doesn’t scare you away, you’re good to enter the Twilight Zone as long as you’re 40 inches or taller. 

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is another Hollywood Studios favorite. But, of course, it’s also one of the scariest thrill rides at Disney World. Go from zero to an intense 57 miles per hour in seconds. You’ll encounter three inversions in your limousine as you race down the road. Prepare for two rollover loops and a corkscrew on your way to the Aerosmith concert.

Soon, you’ll make your way to Hollywood landmarks in a short 70 seconds. Additionally, each vehicle ride includes state-of-the-art speakers blasting Aerosmith rock tunes. Rock out to the following songs:

• “Walk This Way”
• “Sweet Emotion”
• “Love in an Elevator”
• “Back in the Saddle”

On the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, you’ll live life in the fast and scary lane. 

Millennium Falcon

Millennium Falcon is a thrilling Star Wars ride located in Hollywood Studios. Blast into hyperspace through every turn. The nearly five-minute dark ride is sharp and jerky at times. While it’s not a roller coaster, kids may not like the enclosed cockpit or the flying simulation.

Each passenger has a different role, including:

• Pilots
• Gunners
• Engineers

The cockpit includes six crew members, two for each role, and sits up to three rows. While the moderate ride is thrilling, kids of all ages can ride as long as they’re 38 inches tall.

Although the simulator ride stays in place, there are quick movements. The sudden motions may create dizziness and nausea. However, the breathtaking space view is a spectacular sight. 

Expedition Everest 

Expedition Everest is a must for a roller coaster that’ll take you to new heights. Located in Animal Kingdom, it’s a scarier experience to ride at night. Either way, you’ll cruise through the Himalayas on a train, heading for a snowy mountain peak. Through the forests, glaciers, and waterfalls, look out for the Yeti.

You’ll come head to head with a broken track when you least expect it. Then, you’ll go back into darkness, and the ride will speed up. Aside from dark spots, the roller coaster may be scary for kids due to fast drops, speeds, and loud noises. Additionally, kids must be 44 inches or taller to ride. 

Expedition Everest is one of the scariest coasters due to its 50-mile-per-hour speeds. There’s also an 80-foot drop. So, not only are the areas dark at times, but the ride also goes backward. 

Splash Mountain

Also, Animal Kingdom includes the next scary ride, Splash Mountain. While the ride isn’t dangerous, it ends with a giant splash. Splash Mountain contains 950,000 gallons of water and three different dips. For a soaking experience, make sure you sit up front.

You’ll enjoy music and animatronics during the ride. Slide leisurely through smaller hills on a log, as each mountain is larger than the last. However, as you climb the final hill, prepare to hold tight for a frightening 50-foot drop. If you have valuables, the Disney lockers come in handy. 

Additionally, Splash Mountain is a fantastic way to beat the heat. Since the height requirement is 40 inches, it’s great for the entire family. 

DINOSAUR

On the DINOSAUR ride in Animal Kingdom, you’ll go back to prehistoric times. Upon waiting in line, you’ll enter a museum filled with fossils. 

As the ride begins, it may feel scary for little ones due to loud noises and enormous dinosaurs. Remember that the ride contains some of the largest Audio-Animatronics in the world. You’ll see dinosaurs, including the following:

• Saltasaurus
• Parasaurolophus
• Styracosaurus
• Alioramus

The ride is also jerky and bumpy at times while in the dark. Beware of flashing lights. If you or a family member is shorter than 40 inches, in poor health, or pregnant, Disney warns against riding.

DINOSAUR is a great ride for young to old. However, you may be more afraid than you think due to lighting and flashing effects. 

Final Takeaways

Although Disney World is home to various scary rides, there is something for everyone. Depending on their comfort level, there are many possibilities. Some rides are heart-pounding, yet others may make you jump due to special effects and visuals. 

There’s a wide range to get your hands clammy, from slow-moving rides to fast steel coasters. So, your guide to the scariest rides at Disney World is complete. Now you’re ready for your upcoming family vacation!