Walt Disney, when designing Disneyland, wanted to create a theme park where families could enjoy attractions as a family.  As a result, there were not a lot of what we consider thrill rides when Disneyland opened.  This concept could be seen in the Magic Kingdom when it first opened as well.  As time moved out, Walt Disney World and Disneyland started to add more and more thrill attractions.  There are still plenty of family attractions at both parks.  Today, we are going to countdown the top five thrill attractions at Walt Disney World.

5. Space Mountain

Space Mountain is the Magic Kingdom’s lone entry on the top five list.  The park has honorable mentions at the other two mountains: Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  Space Mountain just squeaks into the countdown for two reasons.  First, it is a well-themed attraction from the queue to when guests exit the attraction.  Second, it is a unique experience.  The roller coaster is enclosed and completely dark which adds to the space experience (space is a really dark place).  The coaster twists and turns through the enclosed area.  Guests really don’t know what is coming up next.  It’s not the fastest coaster.  It doesn’t have the biggest drop.  But it does have one of the best overall experiences.

4.  Test Track

EPCOT’s lone entry comes in at number four on the list.  This is the fastest ride in all of Walt Disney World.  That said, it is an attraction which the entire family can enjoy.  It’s like driving down the highway in a convertible with the top down.  My family’s preference was for the original Test Track.  It had more of “Test Track” experience with the pre-attraction show which explained everything that the test car will be enduring on the ride.  Now, it has more of Tron feel with all the neon and it has lost a lot of that Test Track feel.  Still, it is enough to warrant a spot on our top five list.

3. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Hollywood Studios has two entries on the list and this is the first.  It is another completely indoor roller coaster.  Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is Space Mountain on steroids (oh, and there is a loop thrown in).  It is faster, has higher G-forces, quicker acceleration. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster helps increase the “thrill” level to Hollywood Studios.  Hollywood Studios has a lot of shows and very few continuous loading rides.  It needs thrill rides to help drive traffic to the park.

2. Expedition Everest

Animal Kingdom comes in with a bang as Expedition Everest enters the charts.  One of the few thrill attractions at Animal Kingdom.  It is also the most expensive roller coaster in the world costing $100 million to build.  It has a top speed of 50 miles per hour and largest drop is 80 feet.  It takes guests up Everest and then back down when it discovered that the tracks have been destroyed by the elusive Yeti.  It holds another first for a Disney attraction: the first attraction at either Disneyland or Walt Disney World to go both forwards and backwards.

1. Tower of Terror

An attraction that plays on many people, including myself, of the elevator hoist snapping and sending the elevator straight down without stopping.  The elevator doesn’t crash, of course, but still drops guests from a very good height.  It is the tallest structure at Walt Disney World stretching 199 feet into the air.  It takes guests on a series of drops and lifts before the final big drop.  Is this ride for everyone?  No, that’s what makes some thrill attractions stand out from the rest.

What are your top 5 thrill attractions at Walt Disney World?