For years, thrill rides have been the name of the theme park game. In fact, before COVID-19, Disney World had begun construction on two new coasters – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind for EPCOT and TRON Lightcycle Run for the Magic Kingdom. However, not everyone loves coasters or thrill rides. In fact, there are many Disney guests out there who feel sudden drops, dizzying heights, and high speeds are anything but magical.
So for my fellow Disney ride chickens, I’ve created a ranking system to help you know what to expect and maybe what to avoid when compiling your Magic Kingdom touring plan.
I’m breaking down the different elements of a ride that may be a little scary or extreme, such as drops, height, darkness, and speed. I’m also using a simple 1 to 3 scale with 1 being less intense with a 3 being the most intense.
Pirates of the Caribbean
One of the most legendary theme park attractions of all time, Pirates of the Caribbean is an indoor boat ride through detailed pirate-filled sets and with a few appearances from Captain Jack Sparrow.
While it is a slow-moving cruise averaging just over 7 minutes, there is one moderate drop and moments of darkness.
Darkness Rating: 2
Even though Pirates of the Caribbean is somewhat of a lighthearted attraction, there are several scenes with little to no lighting; and as already mentioned, this includes that single drop.
Drop Rating: 1.5
Pirates of the Caribbean’s single drop is 14 feet and takes place entirely in the dark. Fortunately for ride chickens, it’s not that big or intense and serves to transition guests into the pirate world.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a runaway mine train coaster that offers as much detail as it does thrills. While it’s the self-proclaimed wildest ride in the wilderness, it doesn’t have any inversions or significant drops. It is, however, on the rough side and packed with sharp turns and dips.
Drop Rating: 1
While there are plenty of hills and dips, there are no huge drops or significant plunges aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Speed Rating: 2
The average speed of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is 35 mph. And while this doesn’t sound fast, it sure feels like it! This is especially true when swinging around corners and going up and down hills.
Splash Mountain
Splash Mountain is a massive log flume attraction with dark ride elements. Guests follow Brer Rabbit as he searches for his “laughing place” while outsmarting Brer Fox and Brer Bear along the way!
This 18-minute ride is mostly a gentle float in and out of Chickapin Hill and through the attraction’s show scenes. But there are a series of small drops that increase in intensity until that signature plunge into the Briar Patch. The small drops are more fun than thrilling, and there is more than one way to get wet along the way!
Drop Rating: 3
Splash Mountain’s main drop is a 5-story, 50-foot plunge at a 45-degree angle at a speed of about 40 mph! You will definitely lose your stomach (and your mouse ears!) before getting splashed! Tip: Riders in the back of the log may get a little wet, but those sitting towards the front can expect to get soaked.
Height Rating: 2
It’s at the top of the lift hill for the ride’s biggest plunge that guests will see just how high up they are before dropping those 5 stories into the Briar Patch. If you’re not a fan of heights, you may want to skip this one; however, if you’re feeling adventurous, do note that it’s over quick!
Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is a fun yet spooky dark ride through a haunted estate home to 999 happy haunts! This attraction is a Disney Park classic and known for its incredible detail, use of effects and audio-animatronics, cast of characters, and lore.
To experience this ride, guests board a slow-moving Doom Buggy for a gentle tour of the Haunted Mansion. Towards the end of the experience, the Doom Buggies will slowly rotate and move backward. This movement is gentle, smooth, and by no means scary. Also, there are no drops, heights, or jump scares on the Haunted Mansion.
Darkness Rating: 2
In keeping with the theme, there are moments of darkness that may make some guests uncomfortable.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a swinging family coaster themed after Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I consider Seven Dwarfs Mine Train a cross between a coaster and a dark ride since a significant part of the attraction consists of a slow-moving journey through the mine where a million diamonds are mined by audio-animatronic dwarfs.
Drop Rating: 1.5
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is an incredibly smooth and fluid coaster designed for families. Yes, it has a few turns and hills with the largest drop being 39 feet tall. However, they’re not nearly as rough or sudden as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; and even the swing of the vehicles is barely noticeable. It’s honestly one of the best coasters for little ones and ride chickens alike.
Height Warning: 1
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train’s track is largely built into the hill and scenery. Rarely do you feel elevated or even far off of the ground.
Speed Rating: 1.5
Just like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train’s max speed is 34 mph. While I did rate Big Thunder’s speed at 2, I’m only rating the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train’s speed a 1.5. My reasoning is that Seven Dwarfs Mine Train slows down and moves a dark ride pace for part of the ride experience. Also, it doesn’t feel as fast as Big Thunder since it isn’t as wild and rough.
The Barnstormer
The Barnstormer is a short and sweet kiddie coaster. Here Goofy, as the thrill-seeking Great Goofini, has been working on an aerial stunt show in the barnyard. Aboard this ride, guests have the chance to climb aboard Goofy’s stunt plane for their own wild flight.
So the Barnstormer’s ride experience is so quick that if you blink you might miss it. But it still manages to pack in a few dips and moves pretty fast! For thrill junkies, it’s a letdown; but for coaster rookies and ride chickens, it’s probably the perfect length.
Drop Rating: 1.5
So there are no major plunges or drops, just a few dips that end in turns to keep things smooth and easy.
Height Rating: 2
Most Disney World coasters are either enclosed or built into the scenery to hide the track. I would argue that much of the Barnstormer’s thrill element is related to its an elevated track where guests can see and feel that they are up off the ground.
Speed Rating: 2
The Barnstormer’s top speed is 40 mph, but since the ride is short it’s over before you know it.
Astro Orbiter
Astro Orbiter is a retro-rocket-themed spinner attraction where guests ride high above Tomorrowland and past a myriad of planets. While it’s true there are other spinner-style attractions at the Magic Kingdom, such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Astro Orbiter is different in that it’s taller, faster, and tilts!
Height Rating: 3
In order to ride Astro Orbiter, guests have to take an elevator up to the boarding area. This means you’re already up pretty high before you even board the ride vehicle. Once aboard and lifted in the air, you’re flying at about 60 feet from the ground and at a slight tilt. You may want to skip this one if heights aren’t your thing.
Speed Rating: 2.5
Astro Orbiter seriously feels a lot faster than Dumbo and packs in 11 rotations per minute with your rocket at a tilt. I’m definitely warning against this one if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Space Mountain
Space Mountain is an indoor, space-themed roller coaster that takes place almost entirely in the dark! Guests board a rocket-shaped ride vehicle that sits low to the ground and with individual front-to-back seating. There are no inversions, but you can expect just about everything else in this 2 and 1/2 minute classic coaster.
Darkness Rating: 3
Except for when traveling through the strobe tunnels, Space Mountain’s ride experience takes place entirely in the dark. Some ride chickens appreciate this since because they can’t see how high up they are or what’s coming next; but for others, it only makes it scarier.
Drop Rating: 3
Space Mountain offers A LOT of drops and dips which come as a total surprise to the rider since they can’t see them coming! The coaster’s steepest drop registers at 39 degrees but you can expect to lose your stomach multiple times during this ride!
Speed Rating: 1.5
Most guests are surprised to learn that Space Mountain’s top speed is only 28 mph. It definitely feels faster, but ride chickens can take comfort in the fact that Space Mountain is one of the slower thrill rides in the park.
Are you a ride chicken when it comes to Disney attractions? Which Magic Kingdom ride would you recommend for guests looking to avoid thrills?
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