The Ultimate Guide - Rides & Attractions: What Not to Miss at Walt Disney World
- Lyn Prince
- May 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 24
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World can feel overwhelming—especially with over 100+ rides and attractions spread across four iconic parks. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, it’s important to prioritize the can’t-miss experiences that make Disney magic truly unforgettable.
In this ultimate guide, we break down the top attractions across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—with insider tips, Genie+ advice, height requirements, and up-to-date info for 2025. Let’s make sure you hit all the highlights!
MAGIC KINGDOM: Classic Disney Magic
Best For: Families, Disney nostalgia lovers, first-timers
✅ Must-Do Attractions:
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Height Requirement: 48”
Thrill Level: High
Why You Can’t Miss It: One of the newest and fastest roller coasters at Disney—futuristic, sleek, and adrenaline-packed.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Height: 38”
Thrill: Medium
Tip: Lines get long—Genie+ recommended or rope drop it.
Haunted Mansion
Height: None
Thrill: Low
Classic ride with detailed theming and spooky-fun vibes.
Jungle Cruise
Height: None
Thrill: Low
Fun factor comes from pun-filled skippers. A great daytime or evening ride.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Height: None
Thrill: Low
Iconic and immersive; perfect for all ages.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Height: 40”
Thrill: Medium
“The wildest ride in the wilderness” – especially fun at night.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Height: None
Thrill: Low
Beloved by families; Genie+ recommended due to wait times.
🌐 EPCOT: Innovation Meets Imagination
Best For: Foodies, tech-lovers, world travelers, families with kids ages 6+
✅ Must-Do Attractions:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Height: 42”
Thrill: High
Why You Can’t Miss It: Rotating roller coaster with music, humor, and top-tier theming. A total game changer.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Height: None
Thrill: Low
3D ride-through Paris as a rat—adorable and immersive.
Soarin’ Around the World
Height: 40”
Thrill: Medium
Breathtaking views on a gentle hang-glider simulator.
Test Track (Reopening Late 2025 with New Reimagined Design)
Height: 40”
Thrill: High
Expect a new version later this year with updated storytelling and visuals.
Spaceship Earth
Height: None
Thrill: Low
Slow-moving history of communication inside the EPCOT ball—don't skip it!
Frozen Ever After
Height: None
Thrill: Low
Popular with families, especially Frozen fans. Ride it early or with Genie+.
🎬 HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS: Action, Thrills & Immersive Lands
Best For: Star Wars fans, thrill seekers, older kids & teens
✅ Must-Do Attractions:
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Height: 40”
Thrill: High
Why You Can’t Miss It: Possibly the best ride Disney’s ever built—trackless vehicles, animatronics, and a cinematic story.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Height: None
Thrill: Low
Whimsical, musical, and great for all ages.
Slinky Dog Dash
Height: 38”
Thrill: Medium
A smooth coaster that’s fun for kids and adults alike.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Height: 40”
Thrill: High
Unpredictable drop sequence and spooky theming—classic thrill.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Height: 38”
Thrill: Medium
Pilot the Falcon in an interactive mission.
Toy Story Mania
Height: None
Thrill: Low
Fast-paced 4D shooting game—fun and competitive.
🌿 ANIMAL KINGDOM: Nature Meets Adventure
Best For: Nature lovers, thrill seekers, animal fans, families
✅ Must-Do Attractions:
Avatar Flight of Passage
Height: 44”
Thrill: High
Why You Can’t Miss It: Stunning visuals, flying simulator. Feels like soaring on a banshee in Pandora.
Expedition Everest
Height: 44”
Thrill: High
Backward coaster through the Himalayas—intense and exciting.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Height: None
Thrill: Low
Live animals in a massive savannah—no two rides are alike.
Na’vi River Journey
Height: None
Thrill: Low
Peaceful boat ride through bioluminescent forests.
Dinosaur
Height: 40”
Thrill: Medium-High
Dark, intense, and full of dino-surprises.
LIGHTNING LANE TIPS FOR 2025
Best Multi-Pass Lightning Lane Picks by Park:
Magic Kingdom: Peter Pan’s Flight, Jungle Cruise, Big Thunder
EPCOT: Remy’s Ratatouille, Soarin’, Frozen Ever After
Hollywood Studios: Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, Tower of Terror
Animal Kingdom: Na’vi River Journey, Kilimanjaro Safaris
Individual Lightning Lanes:
Rise of the Resistance
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Flight of Passage
BONUS: PLAN SMART WITH THESE TIPS
Rope Drop = Your Best Friend. Be there 30–60 minutes before park opening.
Stack Genie+ reservations for late morning/afternoon.
Use mobile ordering for food to save time.
Stay hydrated & take breaks—especially in summer months.
Use the My Disney Experience app for live wait times & tips.
Final Thoughts
With so many incredible rides and attractions, Walt Disney World offers something for everyone—from epic coasters to slow, magical boat rides. This guide helps you prioritize the best-of-the-best so you don’t miss the moments that make Disney, well… Disney.
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