The StepstoMagic.com team has spent countless hours debating, riding, and re-riding every single attraction across Walt Disney World’s four theme parks. After extensive discussion and analysis, we’ve done what no sane Disney fan should attempt: ranking all 65+ attractions from absolute must-do to skip-it-completely.
This isn’t your typical “best Disney rides” list. Our team has experienced these attractions in every possible scenario—during peak crowds and walk-on times, with first-time visitors and Disney veterans, in perfect weather and Florida downpours. What you’re getting is our unfiltered truth about which attractions actually deliver and which ones leave you wondering why you waited 90 minutes.
The Bottom Line Up Front: Rise of the Resistance and Guardians of the Galaxy are the only attractions that consistently deliver S-tier experiences regardless of circumstances. Everything else? It depends on your situation, and we’ll tell you exactly when each ride is worth your time.
Our Ranking System (And Why It Actually Works)
Unlike other ranking lists that rely on pure opinion, our team evaluated each attraction based on real-world park touring scenarios:
- S Tier: The absolute best rides that justify planning your entire day around
- A Tier: Excellent attractions worth prioritizing with Lightning Lane or early arrival
- B Tier: Good experiences that enhance your day but aren’t must-dos
- C Tier: Fine filler attractions when lines are short
- D Tier: Skip unless you’re a completionist or have specific circumstances
- F Tier: We’re legitimately upset these exist
Critical Context: We ranked these in a Walt Disney World vacuum—not comparing to superior versions at other Disney parks. These rankings reflect our collective experience touring Walt Disney World specifically.
S TIER: The Untouchables (Worth Planning Your Day Around)
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Why It’s #1: The most technologically advanced attraction ever created, featuring multiple ride systems, practical effects, and genuine surprises. Even with operational hiccups, nothing else comes close to this experience.
Strategic Tip: Use Individual Lightning Lane or arrive at rope drop. The 40-minute experience time (including pre-shows) means even Lightning Lane takes significant time. The Single Rider line has shown up from time-to-time, so that could also help.
2. Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom)
Why It Outranks Pirates: Superior animatronics, better pacing, and the Hatbox Ghost (even if Disney put him in the wrong spot). The atmosphere is unmatched at Walt Disney World.
Contrarian Take: Yes, it’s better than Pirates at Magic Kingdom. Fight us.
3. Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom)
Why It’s S-Tier Despite Being Inferior: Still a masterclass in storytelling and atmosphere. The auction scene updates work, and it remains essential Disney.
Strategic Reality: This is Walt Disney World’s version. Disneyland’s is objectively better, but we’re ranking in a WDW vacuum.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT)
Why It’s Here: The rotating launch coaster with a killer soundtrack that makes every ride different. The pre-show reveal moment alone justifies the ranking.
Reality Check: This experience is jarring for anyone, so please keep your happiness in mind when you’re thinking about riding Cosmic Rewind. It is a roller coaster. It does launch backwards. Plan accordingly.
5. Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom)
Why It Makes S-Tier: The queue, the story, the backwards section, and yes, even the disco Yeti. This is what Disney coasters should aspire to be. Add in the single rider line, and you’re in S tier without question.
Technical Note: We’re ranking this based on the current disco Yeti, not the mythical working one.
6. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
Why It’s Underrated: The most re-rideable coaster at Disney World. Perfect for all ages, incredible theming, and never gets old.
Personal Experience: This is the ride we actually choose to ride when we’re at Magic Kingdom without work obligations.
7. Tower of Terror (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Why It’s Timeless: The storytelling, the randomized drop sequences, and the fact that it never gets old. A perfect Disney attraction.
8. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Why It Earns S-Tier: Finally, a Mickey Mouse dark ride that delivers. The trackless technology, the humor, and the fact that it’s completely original Disney content.
Hot Take: Better than Great Movie Ride ever was. We said it.
9. Living with the Land (EPCOT)
Why This Might Surprise You: The last vestige of true EPCOT edutainment. Functional exhibits, Christmas overlay potential, and it’s genuinely relaxing. This is what Disney should be doing more of.
Personal Insight: We’ll go to EPCOT just to ride this when we need to decompress.
Article Continues Below
A TIER: Excellent But Not Perfect
10. Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom)
Real animals in a massive preserve. You might see a lion, you might not. That unpredictability is what makes it special.
11. Toy Story Mania (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
After 20+ years, this still holds up. We’d love to see the games updated and the ride vehicles are starting to show their age, but it’s still a must-do at the Studios. Best scenario: ride with friends to get the full competition factor.
12. Spaceship Earth (EPCOT)
Rome burning, newspaper boy, and Dame Judi Dench. Classic EPCOT at its finest. Imagine if we got that refurbishment that was promised years ago.
13. Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom)
Skipper-dependent but essential. A good skipper makes this A-tier; a bad one drops it to C.
14. Maharaja Jungle Trek (Animal Kingdom)
The best walking trail at Disney. Easy access, incredible animals, and educational without being preachy.
15. Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom)
Incredible technology that loses impact on repeat rides. Great simulator, but we prefer practical attractions.
16. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Looking forward to the Muppets!
17. TRON Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom)
The best 70 seconds at Disney World. If it were longer, it’d be S-tier.
18. Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom)
Nostalgic and classic, but it hurts. A lot. Especially if you’re tall.
19. TomorrowLand People Mover (Magic Kingdom)
The most underrated attraction at Disney World. Relaxing, provides great views, and you can ride it during fireworks. Is it better at times that others in S-tier? Yes. But consistency is top of mind with this one.
B TIER: Good Experiences Worth Your Time
20. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Magic Kingdom)
Great re-theming with excellent animatronics, but you’re still getting soaked. Only ride if you don’t mind being wet.
21. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Galaxy’s Edge)
Best case scenario: you’re the pilot with people you know. Worst case: Single Rider, and you’re stuck as engineer with strangers.
22. Soarin’ Around the World (EPCOT)
Every Disney Adult’s favorite ride. California version was better, but this is still solid.
23. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom)
Delightful but overrated. The swaying cars are unique, but it’s not worth a 60-minute wait. The ride is completely different during the day, but still epic at night.
24. It’s a Small World (Magic Kingdom)
Nostalgia carries this classic. Genuinely catchy and charming.
25. Slinky Dog Dash (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Fun family coaster with a brutal queue in summer heat. That queue is rough (or ruff!)
26. Peter Pan’s Flight (Magic Kingdom)
Mid-tier attraction elevated by nostalgia. The London flyover scene is still magical. This ride is low in the tier because of the loading problems – it’s always such a long line.
27. Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail (Animal Kingdom)
Excellent animal viewing with easy access. Better than most people realize.
28. The Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom)
Short but sweet kids’ coaster. Does what it needs to do.
29. Enchanted Tiki Room (Magic Kingdom)
Charming classic that’s better than you remember. The birds really do sing words. And you can bring a Dole Whip in.
30. Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid (Magic Kingdom)
Cute dark ride that’s better than Frozen Ever After. Solid B-tier family attraction. Never a line.
31. Walt Disney World Railroad (Magic Kingdom)
Historical significance and good transportation, but you’re mainly riding for the ambiance.
32. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (EPCOT)
Fun trackless ride that’s better than expected. Good addition to EPCOT’s lineup.
33. Affection Section (Animal Kingdom)
Yes, we ranked petting goats. Sometimes you just want to pet a goat, and that’s valid.
Article Continues Below
C TIER: Fine Filler When Lines Are Short
34. Carousel of Progress (Magic Kingdom)
Walt’s fingerprints are on this, which earns it points. Needs updating but historically significant.
35. Frozen Ever After (EPCOT)
Aggressively average. The animatronics haven’t aged well, and it’s not worthy of the wait times.
36. Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Magic Kingdom)
Much better now with the playground queue. Nostalgia helps, but it’s still just spinning elephants.
37. Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom)
Classic ride that defined the genre. Also a big win for capacity in Fantasyland.
38. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom)
Getting updated eventually, but currently the worst version of this ride system.
39. Grand Fiesta Tour (EPCOT)
Perfect for when you need air conditioning and have had a need for a game of “how old is this footage”.
40. The Seas with Nemo & Friends (EPCOT)
Decent dark ride that gets you to the aquarium. Fine family filler. Plus, the Kuka Arm anglerfish is awesome.
41. PhilharMagic (Magic Kingdom)
Great Disney music compilation. Never mad when you see it.
42. Prince Charming Regal Carousel (Magic Kingdom)
It’s a carousel with Disney characters. Does what it says on the tin.
43. Na’vi River Journey (Animal Kingdom)
One incredible animatronic surrounded by mediocrity and no storyline. The Shaman is worth seeing once. Don’t rope drop – just do it at the end of the day if it’s a walk-on.
44. Country Bear Jamboree (Magic Kingdom)
New version is better with Disney song covers, but still not essential.
45. Journey of Water (EPCOT)
Five years for interactive water features. Kids love it, adults question their life choices.
46. Discovery Island Trails (Animal Kingdom)
The worst of the walking trails. Nice Tree of Line views, but that’s about it.
Article Continues Below
D TIER: Skip Unless You Have Specific Reasons
47. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (Magic Kingdom)
Better jokes than Turtle Talk, larger capacity. Still skippable for most adults.
48. Test Track (EPCOT)
If you have a driver’s license, this is pointless. You drove faster getting to Disney. We’re on version three for a reason.
49. Mission: SPACE (EPCOT)
Technologically impressive when it opened, but the screens haven’t aged well. Motion sickness central.
50. Main Street Vehicles (Magic Kingdom)
Cute for atmosphere, not for actual transportation.
51. The American Adventure (EPCOT)
Technically impressive but incredibly long. Good for naps on hot days.
52. Star Tours (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Outpaced by newer attractions. Feels dated compared to modern simulators. Plus, why have a Star Wars attraction outside of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge?
53. Enchanted Tales with Belle (Magic Kingdom)
The mirror effect is incredible. The rest of the show tests your patience.
54. Astro Orbiter (Magic Kingdom)
Why take an elevator to ride a worse version of Dumbo?
55. Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Magic Kingdom)
Worried it might actually fall apart. The spitting camel is the best part, which is saying a lot.
56. Turtle Talk with Crush (EPCOT)
Interactive and fun, but you’ll forget it exists until you stumble upon it.
57. Alien Swirling Saucers (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
The worst version of this ride system. Points for making us question our theme park decisions, though. Have never gotten off a ride and asked why we rode this instead of anything else more often. Seriously.
Article Continues Below
F TIER: We’re Mad These Exist
58. Journey into Imagination (EPCOT)
Figment deserves better. This ride is a travesty compared to the original.
59. Kali River Rapids (Animal Kingdom)
You WILL get soaking wet, and there’s no way to prevent it. The ride itself is boring and completely outdated. The storyline doesn’t make sense.
60. Hall of Presidents (Magic Kingdom)
Best case scenario: it’s closed. We skip this every time, unless it’s raining and we didn’t make it to anything else in time. In fact, we’d rather stay inside of Cosmic Rays quick service restaurant than hide from the weather at Hall of Presidents.
61. Tomorrowland Speedway (Magic Kingdom)
Smells like diesel, hurts your back, and wastes prime real estate. Should be Sugar Rush themed.
62. Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival (EPCOT)
Replaced Captain EO and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience with the same three shorts that never change. The seats move too much for naps.
63. Swiss Family Treehouse (Magic Kingdom)
Should be Tarzan themed. Nobody knows who the Swiss Family Robinson are anymore. In fact, you have to ask ChatGPT to name the main character…we’ll wait.
64. Wildlife Express Train (Animal Kingdom)
A barrier to entry for petting goats. Unnecessary transportation requirement. Why can’t we just walk?
65. Smellephants on Parade (Magic Kingdom)
Disney’s response to Universal opening Velocicoaster was… statues that smell like hot dogs. We’re genuinely upset this exists.
Article Continues Below
The Controversial Takes That Will Make You Mad
Haunted Mansion > Pirates of the Caribbean: At Walt Disney World specifically, Mansion’s superior animatronics and pacing win out. We’ll fight the opposite battle when we rank Disneyland.
Living with the Land in S-Tier: It’s everything EPCOT should be—educational, relaxing, and the greenhouses are constantly updated. This is peak Disney edutainment. Could use more technology in the ‘future’ section.
Frozen Ever After is Aggressively Average: The animatronics haven’t aged well, and it’s not worthy of its wait times or hype.
Na’vi River Journey is Bottom of C-Tier: One animatronic doesn’t save a mediocre boat ride, no matter how impressive the Shaman is.
Strategic Touring Implications
S-Tier Strategy: Plan your Lightning Lane purchases and rope drop priorities around these attractions. They’re worth the effort and money.
A-Tier Reality: These enhance your day significantly but don’t require day-of-visit planning stress.
B-Tier Balance: Perfect for filling out your day when you have extra time or shorter lines.
C-D-F Tier Truth: Unless you’re a completionist, your time is better spent re-riding S and A-tier attractions.
The Framework That Makes This Different
Unlike other ranking lists, we considered:
- Re-ridability Factor: How many times can you experience this before it gets old?
- Best-Case Scenario Analysis: Every attraction at its absolute best possible experience
- Real-World Touring Impact: How these attractions fit into actual Disney World vacation planning
- Personal Experience Over Popular Opinion: We’ve ridden these hundreds of times in different circumstances
Why This Ranking System Actually Works
Most Disney attraction rankings fail because they don’t account for context. A ride might be technically impressive but practically skippable, or nostalgically perfect but objectively outdated. Our system weighs these factors based on real park touring experience.
The Ultimate Test: If you had one day at each park, which attractions would you prioritize? Our S and A-tier lists answer that question definitively.
Article Continues Below
Final Thoughts: The Subjective Nature of Magic
Remember, this ranking represents our collective opinion based on extensive park experience. Your mileage may vary based on your Disney history, ride preferences, and tolerance for crowds.
What makes Disney special isn’t just the S-tier attractions—it’s how all these experiences combine to create something greater than the sum of their parts. Even our F-tier attractions serve a purpose (except Smellephants, which we maintain is inexcusable).
The real magic happens when you stop worrying about experiencing everything and start focusing on what actually brings you joy. Use this list as a starting point, not a definitive guide to your Disney happiness.
The Complete Walt Disney World Attraction Rankings
S TIER
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Haunted Mansion
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
- Expedition Everest
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Tower of Terror
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Living with the Land
A TIER
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Toy Story Mania
- Spaceship Earth
- Jungle Cruise
- Maharaja Jungle Trek
- Flight of Passage
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- TRON Lightcycle Run
- Space Mountain
- TomorrowLand People Mover
B TIER
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- It’s a Small World
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- The Barnstormer
- Enchanted Tiki Room
- Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- Affection Section
C TIER
- Carousel of Progress
- Frozen Ever After
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Mad Tea Party
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
- Grand Fiesta Tour
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- PhilharMagic
- Prince Charming Regal Carousel
- Na’vi River Journey
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Journey of Water
- Discovery Island Trails
D TIER
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Test Track
- Mission: SPACE
- Main Street Vehicles
- The American Adventure
- Star Tours
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Astro Orbiter
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Turtle Talk with Crush
- Alien Swirling Saucers
F TIER
- Journey into Imagination
- Kali River Rapids
- Hall of Presidents
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Wildlife Express Train
- Smellephants on Parade
This represents 65 attractions that were actively discussed and ranked by the StepstoMagic.com team.