Walt Disney World is massive. There are four theme parks, two water parks, shopping and countless hotels. With so many options, it’s hard to know what to visit. Here are the best rides among the four theme parks – according to a nine-year-old boy who loved exploring everything inside Walt Disney World.

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Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Starring Aerosmith

I placed this at the top of the list because it was my favorite ride among all four parks. After waiting in line, we found ourselves in the sound studio with Aerosmith. But before we could watch them perform, they were whisked away to their concert. Lucky for us, they invited us to follow them through the streets of Los Angeles in a stretched limo.

Shortly after, we boarded the stretched limo (roller coaster) and pulled up to the on ramp. The acceleration hit and the tunes blasted. The ride was full of twists and turns, with a design that makes you feel like you’re cruising through LA. The classic Aerosmith music keep the experience hoppin, and before I knew it, the ride was over.

If you like roller coasters AND great music, this is the ride to go on. It’s timeless.

DETAILS: Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Sunset Boulevard). Guests must be 48″ (122 cm) tall or taller. FastPass+ is an option for this ride. More Info

Test Track in EPCOT

I enjoyed Test Track when I was in Walt Disney World on a business trip. When my wife and I took our nine-year-old son, it was once again one of my favorite rides. Everything starts with a challenge: Design the fastest car based on aerodynamics, engine, tires, weight and more. The design then follows you through the ride.

When your group piles into the actual vehicle, the car you designed shows up on the screens. Your vehicle then goes through a series of tests. Maneuverability, traction, air resistance, and more. After going through simple tests, you proceed to the speed portion of the ride.

Traveling 80 miles per hour is quite the thrill, especially on a raised track in a convertible. When the ride comes to a stop, your design is compared to the other designs from riders in the car, so you can see how you stacked up. You can ride over and over and design a new car each time. Do you think you can be the daily winner for the best design?

DETAILS: Located in EPCOT (Future World). Guests must be 40″ (102 cm) tall or taller. FastPass+ is an option for this ride. More Info

Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom

I was really excited to try Expedition Everest. I’d been to Walt Disney World several years before, but didn’t get the change to ride it. It reminded me of the Matterhorn in Disneyland, except at one point you come to the end of the track… literally! Before you know it, you’re traveling backward through the mountain until you come to yet another stop.

The Abominable Snowman is chasing you throughout the ride; luckily the roller coaster moves much faster. The ride finished up with you forward facing as you reenter the station. So if you enjoy the Matterhorn, take the time to zip through the Himalayan mountains on a speeding train.

DETAILS: Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Asia). Guests must be 44″ (112 cm) tall or taller. FastPass+ is an option for this ride. More Info

Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom

The biggest difference between Splash Mountain in Walt Disney World and Disneyland is how wide the logs are. In Walt Disney World, you sit side-by-side. You make your way through the mountain, watching characters like Brer Fox and Brer Bear chase Brer Rabbit. Near the top of the mountain, Brer Rabbit begs and pleads for his captors to not throw him in the brier patch. Well, shortly thereafter, that’s where you and Brer Rabbit end up.

Like many of the rides, you get a snap shot of your ride as you plummet over the edge. You can see your photo on a TV screen after you get off the ride, with the option to purchase it, too. Splash Mountain is a fun, classic ride for Disney and one that’s a must-ride.

DETAILS: Located in Magic Kingdom (Frontierland). Guests must be 40″ (102 cm) tall or taller. FastPass+ is an option for this ride. More Info

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios

It took some convincing to get our nine year old to ride the Tower of Terror. Part of our strategy was to not tell him that it dropped (Does that make us bad parents?). One of my favorite aspects of this ride is how immersive it is. From the time you enter the grounds, you feel like you’re entering a spooky hotel. Once inside, your fears are confirmed. Cobwebs hang on the lights and in the corners. Dust has settled on everything, giving it a really old look.

The creepy storyline follows, explaining the mysteries of the elevator. So what happens next? You’re directed to the service elevators and told to hold on for the ride of your life. There are a lot of ups and downs that will leaving you floating out of your seat. But it’s a great way to make sure your heart still works as it pounds in your chest.

Like many of the other rides, you can purchase a photo capturing the moment you start to drop. After an exit through the gift shop, you’re ready to either get back in line, or head on to another adventure.

DETAILS: Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Sunset Boulevard). Guests must be 40″ (102 cm) tall or taller. FastPass+ is an option for this ride. More Info

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom

The Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is a great relaxing ride. Unless you are a serious competitor… which I am. From the moment the alien blaster was activated, I would be shooting as many targets as I could. Some of the targets are more challenging to hit than others. It can also be an added challenge if the person in your cart keeps spinning it away from what you’re trying to shoot.

The secret to my winning success (well, most of the time) was to hit the Z on the necklace the Zurg statue is wearing. It doesn’t light up, but it is apparently a point generator because I blew my competition out of the water a time or two. But of course, the one time I tell my son I’ll give him $10 if he beats me, he finds all the right targets and I can’t hit the broadside of a barn. Haha!

DETAILS: Located in Magic Kingdom (Tomorrowland). Guests can be any height. FastPass+ is an option for this ride. More Info

Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom

After a full day on your feet, take a moment to enjoy the Kilimanjaro Safari. While waiting in line, you can learn about some of the animals on the tour. We laughed at a crazy bird chasing another one around the cage. But the big animals start when you board an open-air vehicle.

The energy level of the tour guide can make or break your experience. Ours kept us laughing, while teaching us about some of the animals on the safari. We saw rhinos, hippos, lions, tigers, elephants and giraffes – to name a few. We even crossed an old rickety bridge. Our tour guide gave us the impression it was going to collapse half-way across. Lucky for us, it did hold up.

The ride through the area is about 18-20 minutes. If you’ve got your camera, be sure you have zoom capabilities. Not all of the animals will be close enough for iPhone photos. But you definitely get to see the animals close up during the tour.

DETAILS: Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Africa). Guests can be any height. FastPass+ is an option for this ride. More Info

A Few Notes on Disney World

There are plenty of rides spread out in the Walt Disney World Resort. My wife was a big fan of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It’s her all-time favorite ride in Walt Disney World. So if you want an added bonus, check that one out as well. Read How to Get the Most out of Your Walt Disney World Vacation for added tips on saving money and staying at the best resort hotel.

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