Ready to conquer the Mountain Range and beyond? At Magic Kingdom, thrills are more than just height, they’re about the sensory immersion, high-tech launches, and that classic Disney storytelling. I’ve broken down the park’s heavy hitters for thrills using my “BFF VITAL SIGNS“- scoring things from sleepability, ac relief, music earworm-ability, nostalgia, and how likely are you to ride as a Scaredy Cat. Whether you are looking for a smooth, high tech glide like Tron or the rattle and rolling motion of Space Mountain. My personal favorite Seven Dwarfs Mine Train of the twists and turns around the mines. Everyone loves to float down the bayou, and the catchy song that will definitely be stuck in your head for hours, in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Or the roaring and rumbling of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, here is your roadmap to the best thrills in the Magic Kingdom.
1. TRON LIGHTCYCLE/RUN
With a 59 mph launch, the fastest ride in Magic Kingdom and the third fastest ride in Walt Disney World, you’ll feel the highest G-Force during the launch start on top of the motorbike. Because you are leaning forward, it feels faster than it is, but it is incredibly smooth.
Does this pass the Scaredy Cat Approval? No. I am a Scaredy Cat and I have not ridden it myself. I am prone to motion sickness and the launch and speed with the sitting forward motion will make me nauseous.
Does this pass the Worth the Wait Test? No. Don’t get me wrong, it is a fantastic ride (so I’ve been told!). But the ride is only 60 seconds long. If it were a longer ride, it would have a passing score. *Highly recommend a Lightning Lane to skip the wait*
YOUR BFF VITALS
- Sleepability: 0/5
- Intensity: 5/5
- AC Efficiency: 3/5
- Nostalgia: 1/5
- Earworm Rating: 1/5
- Scaredy Cat Approval? No
- Worth a 90 minute wait? No
YOUR BFF PRO-TIPS
As someone who values efficiency, I recommend riding this at night. The Grid truly comes alive when the canopy is glowing blue and orange. Also, if the bike seat feels a bit tight, don’t be afraid to ask for the Test Seat out front or the seated car at the back of the train. If you want to enhance your experience, ask for the first car in the train. The feeling of the open air and the rush from the launch will make the 0-59 mph even more intense.
2. SPACE MOUNTAIN
Did you know Space Mountain is only 28 mph? Surprising, right? This ride is all about Visual Deprivation. Your rocket feels like you are flying through space and dodging asteroids left and right. While it may only be 28 mph, the darkness makes it feel like 60 mph. This ride feels like a visit to the chiropractor with its “jerky” motion.
Does this pass the Scaredy Cat Approval? Yes. I’m a Scaredy Cat and I have ridden it several times.
Does this pass the Worth the Wait Test? Yes. This classic ride is a must-do for thrill seekers! The extraterrestrial experience throughout the queue, being in the air conditioning while you wait, and the visuals in the queue help boost its score.
YOUR BFF VITALS
- Sleepability: 0/5
- Intensity: 3.5/5
- AC Efficiency: 5/5
- Nostalgia: 5/5
- Earworm Rating: 1/5
- Scaredy Cat Approval? Yes
- Worth a 90 minute wait? Yes
YOUR BFF PRO-TIPS
To maximize your comfort level, try to sit in the middle of the rocket. The front seat takes the brunt of the wind and the backseat gets whipped around the turns the hardest. Did you know there is a Left and Right side of the ride? The Right (Omega) is more intense for the thrill seekers while the Left (Alpha) is smoother and less jarring. For nervous, first-time riders, try the Left (Alpha) side and aim for the middle seat.
3. SEVEN DWARFS MINE TRAIN (MY PERSONAL FAV!)
At 34 mph, this coaster is the slowest roller coaster in Walt Disney World. This smooth coaster allows the cars to swing laterally, allowing for extra motion around the turns in the mines.
Does this pass the Scaredy Cat Approval? Yes. I’m a Scaredy Cat, and it is my favorite ride. I will even ride in the very last car!
Does this pass the Worth the Wait Test? Yes. While most of the queue is covered and with fans, it does help you cool down in the Florida heat. The queue also has several interactive spaces to keep younger guests entertained.
YOUR BFF VITALS
- Sleepability: 2/5
- Intensity: 3/5
- AC Efficiency: 2.5/5
- Nostalgia: 5/5
- Earworm Rating: 5/5
- Scaredy Cat Approval? Yes
- Worth a 90 minute wait? Yes
YOUR BFF PRO-TIPS
For more “swing” in your mine car, sit in row 10 (the very back row in the last car)! The physics of being at the back of the train increases the lateral pull, giving you a more intense rocking sensation through the turns. If you have a nervous rider, rows 1-4 are slow and have less motion while seeing more of the storyline inside the mines.
4. TIANA'S BAYOU ADVENTURE
Get ready to splash into the bayou with this 50-foot final drop! You are dealing with a long duration, approximately 12 minutes, followed by a high gravity drop. The Drop Factor is high here, especially since you can see the finale from the outside, but the musical immersive experience helps you float along the bayou.
Does this pass the Scaredy Cat Approval? Yes. I’m a Scaredy Cat and I enjoy it. I do admit, the first time I rode this ride, I was very anxious for the drop at the end. The drop is very quick and at the bottom I said “Oh! That wasn’t as bad as I thought! Want to go again?”
Does this pass the Worth the Wait Test? Yes. While most of the queue is covered and with fans, it does go through sections inside with AC. This ride is especially rewarding on hot summer days because your slightly wet or drenched t-shirt can help cool you down.
YOUR BFF VITALS
- Sleepability: 1.5/5
- Intensity: 3.5/5
- AC Efficiency: 4/5
- Nostalgia: 3/5
- Earworm Rating: 5/5
- Scaredy Cat Approval? Yes
- Worth a 90 minute wait? Yes
YOUR BFF PRO-TIPS
If you want to stay dry for your dinner reservations, avoid the front row. The middle-to-back seats are your best bet for staying photo ready, but dry, after the big splash. If you do not want to get wet, I would highly recommend investing in a poncho. If you have valuable items with you (car keys, phone, portable battery charger), I highly recommend bringing a zip lock bag to keep your items in to keep them safe in case you do get drenched.
5. BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD
At 36 mph, this ride is only 2 mph faster than Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. With the reopening of Big Thunder Mountain on 5/1/26, they decreased the speed and created a smoother track, allowing the height requirement to be lowered. The “Wildest Ride in the Wilderness” may not be as wild anymore but the vibration heavy effects pack a punch.
Does this pass the Scaredy Cat Approval? Yes. I’m a Scaredy Cat and I love this ride, even in Row 15 (the very back).
Does this pass the Worth the Wait Test? No. The first half of the queue is outdoors with minimal shade or fans and the second half is in an open building with no ac and minimal fans.
YOUR BFF VITALS
- Sleepability: 1.5/5
- Intensity: 3.5/5
- AC Efficiency: 4/5
- Nostalgia: 3/5
- Earworm Rating: 5/5
- Scaredy Cat Approval? Yes
- Worth a 90 minute wait? Yes
YOUR BFF PRO-TIPS
Ride this at night. The lack of visual markers make the turns feel sharper, and seeing the Magic Kingdom lit up from the top of the hills is pure magic. Since they have added more visual lighting and sound effects with the storyline, the darkness at night really enhances the visuals.
A cast member highly recommended to me when I rode it opening day to ride in Row 8 for a mix of the storyline/visual effects and the wild side of the rear of the train.