13 Best Rides in Walt Disney World That Are Totally Worth the Wait

Walt Disney World is famous for its immersive attractions, magical atmosphere, and that’s right…long lines. Of course, waiting for hours in line might not be the most exciting thing, but some rides are so good that every minute you spend shuffling forward is completely worth it. While these experiences fetch a thrill, they leave a trace of memory which lingers just as much after you are done with your vacation.

Whether you’re a roller coaster junkie, a lover of storytelling, or just a pure Disney nostalgia seeker, this list will point you in the right direction of the rides you can’t miss. So, buckle up and let’s explore what are the best attractions across all four of the Disney World parks that actually live up to the hype.

EPCOT – Soarin’ Around the World 

Take a flight around the globe on this breathtaking simulator ride that lifts you into the air and immerses you in stunning landscapes. Whether it’s the Great Wall of China or the African savannah, Soarin’ offers a menagerie of awe-inspiring visuals, gentle thrills, and even sensations of everyday scents like fresh grass and ocean breezes.

Animal Kingdom – Avatar Flight of Passage

This thrilling ride in Pandora: The World of Avatar lets you soar through the skies of an extraordinary alien world. With cutting-edge technology, it simulates the act of riding a banshee complete with dips, swoops, and yes, even wind rushing past your face. It’s like the movie, but better. The wait is long when it’s crowded, but the complex queue (which includes bioluminescent plants and amazing detail) is part of the experience.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Hollywood Studios)

This is more than a ride, it is an epic adventure that drops you right into the middle of the Star Wars saga. Rise of the Resistance is every bit as thrilling as it is ambitious, combining multiple ride systems, animatronics, and an interactive storyline. You’ll escape the First Order, meet Kylo Ren, and feel like a real Resistance hero. Pro tip: Plan to snag a Lightning Lane pass—this one’s worth the strategy.

Magic Kingdom – Splash Mountain

This beloved log flume ride is set for a reimagining as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but its catchy music, nostalgic storytelling, and unforgettable final drop mean it’ll never lose popularity. The ride does a great job of providing a nice mix of calm and excitement that makes the thrill of the descent well-warranted by the time you get to it.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)

Cosmic Rewind is one of Disney’s newest attractions and it’s a game changer. It’s a high-energy indoor roller coaster with a rotating track and a killer soundtrack of classic rock hits. While you help the Guardians save the galaxy, you’ll feel like you’re at an intergalactic dance party. The virtual queue system can make the wait feel less tedious, but even if you have to line up, you won’t regret it.

Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest

Get ready for thrills (and chills) on this high-speed train ride through the Himalayas where a yeti isn’t happy with you riding through his territory. Jaw-dropping scenery, surprise twists, and a backward drop that will send your stomach somersaulting are all features of Expedition Everest. It’s certainly a must for adrenaline seekers.

Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom)

Take to the sea and travel through a pirate-infested Caribbean with tons of swashbuckling animatronics, theme-song you can’t get out of your head, and as much charm as a treasure chest. A Disney classic, this slow-moving boat ride is a hit with all ages and combines humor, adventure, and nostalgia into one memorable experience.

Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion

This classic is delightfully spooky and whimsical and has been for decades. Eerie corridors, “ghost host” narration, and an iconic ballroom scene full of dancing spirits are all the standard Disney experience. Interactive elements in the queue—musical instruments that play when you touch them, for example—keep the time passing while you wait for your turn to get to the other side.

Magic Kingdom – Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

This attraction is part coaster, part dark ride, and takes you through the Seven Dwarfs’ gem-filled mine. The animatronics are really detailed and the swinging ride cars add that bit of extra fun. The wait can be long but it’s a magical experience perfect for families.

EPCOT’s Test Track

Get ready for a ride where you can build your own virtual vehicle and then see how it performs. The ride itself is the highlight—the high-speed finale where you speed around the track at 65 miles per hour—but it’s the interactive pre-ride experience that gives it the edge. It’s like a race car thrill mixed with a science experiment.

Magic Kingdom – Space Mountain 

Space Mountain is still an original Disney World thrill ride and remains a favorite because of its pitch-black setting and exhilarating twists and turns. It’s a space-traveling adventure that could have happened at almost any point in time, thanks to the futuristic technology and the soundtrack. It can be a long line, but hurtling through the galaxy is worth the wait.

Magic Kingdom – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 

Known as the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” Big Thunder Mountain is a roller coaster that takes you through an abandoned gold mine. Its sharp turns and scenic details make for a perfect family-friendly thrill ride. If you can, try to ride at night when the glowing lights of magic come up.

Hollywood Studios – Slinky Dog Dash

A favorite for kids and adults alike, Slinky Dog Dash is a charming coaster in Toy Story Land. The colorful theming and the energetic vibe are things that’ll make you grin from ear to ear.

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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience