Summary

• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is one of the most intense Disney rides, featuring inversions and speeds of up to 57 mph.
• Downhill Double Dipper is a short but intense water slide ride at Disney World's Blizzard Beach Water Park, with a 50-foot drop and speeds of 25 mph.
• Tiana's Bayou Adventure, a new log flume roller coaster coming in late 2024, is expected to become one of the best Disney rides at Disney World's Magic Kingdom and Disneyland, featuring thrilling plunges and drops.

There's no lack of amazing Disney World resorts with value for money, but not all of them offer access to Disney's most intense rides. Wondering what the most intense ride at Disney World is? Well, there are many! Just because Disney is known as a magical family-friendly theme park doesn't mean it lacks rides for thrill-seekers. In fact, Disney's theme parks are full of attractions that have large drops, high speeds, and huge surprises. On that note, this article analyzes all of them to identify the most intense Disney rides.

This ranking focuses on the most intense rides at Disney World and Disneyland in North America, meaning all the attractions are fair game. Additionally, just because something isn't a true coaster doesn't mean it's not intense. Indeed, there are a handful of attractions here that are far scarier than any traditional track ride.

Pull down that lap restraint and hold on tightly; it's time to rank thrilling rides and some of the most extreme roller coasters at Disney Parks, which have all been ranked based on their drop height, along with various other epic factors such as height, speed, ride type, and other special features!

UPDATE: 2024/01/19 19:22 EST BY REENA JAIN

More Of The Most Intense Rides At Disney Parks

Still wondering: what is the most intense roller coaster in Disney World? We have updated this list based on considerable research into the thrill rides and drop factors at Disney World and Disneyland in North America. We also included new entries, fresh pictures, and the latest information about each ride. So, to all adrenaline fans: there is a lot of fun waiting at perhaps what are easily some of the best rides at Disney parks!

11 Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster

Drop height: Tiny but with high speed

This Aerosmith-themed ride located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has not one, but three inversions, which easily makes it one of the best roller coasters at Disney Parks, especially for rock fans! It reaches speeds of up to 57 mph, and it gets there fast.

The beginning of the ride features a giant launch that pushes cars to this speed in just a matter of seconds. Riders experience 5Gs and will be cruising to the finish in wind-blown style. There are 15 drops on Rock N Roller Coaster, although not that big, but its speed and inversions will provide riders with an experience that doesn't involve a deep drop like on some other coasters.

Don’t worry; they will take your picture after the launch! You'll forever be able to remember what it felt like to rocket toward the first loop, thanks to the ride's photography.

• Attraction Type: Thrill Ride, Big Drops, Loud
• Height: 80 ft (24 m)
• Drop Height: Tiny
• Speed: 57 mph (92 km/h)
• Height Restriction: 48in (122cm) or taller
• Location: Sunset Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Available: Yes

10 Downhill Double Dipper

Drop height: 50 feet (15.2 m)

Downhill Double Dipper, despite being short, is one of the most intense rides in Disney World. On identical water slides, riders race against one another while speeding through twisting, dark tunnels that heighten the sense of surprise and thrill.

Riders disappear into twin enclosed waterslides, navigate the twists, accelerate through the darkness, and then emerge for the huge splashdown (50 feet downhill), all giving them a heart-pounding sensation. Seeing who crosses the finish line first is always exciting!

• Attraction Type: Thrill Ride, Water Rides, Big Drops
• Height: 50 feet (15.2 m)
• Drop Height: 50 feet (15.2 m)
• Speed: 25 mph (40 km/h)
• Height Restriction: 48in (122cm) or taller
• Location: Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Available: No

9 Tiana's Bayou Adventure (Coming In Late 2024)

Drop height: 52.5 ft (16 m)

The upcoming log flume rollercoaster, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, is expected to be one of the most intense rides at Disney World's Magic Kingdom as well as Disneyland. This is one of the new Disney rides coming up, which will take guests on an exhilarating musical voyage through a Louisiana bayou with Princess Tiana. It will also come complete with thrilling plunges and imaginative storytelling.

The ride is based on Disney's The Princess and the Frog movie and will start with a serene outside float-through and progress to dark inside ride sections, culminating in a dramatic drop and an indoor climax. The attraction, which is a revamp of Splash Mountain, is expected to launch in late 2024.

• Attraction Type: Big Drops, Water Rides, Thrill Rides
• Drop Height: 52.5 ft (16 m)
• Height Restriction: 40" (102 cm) or Taller
• Location: Critter Country at Disneyland Park

8 TRON Lightcycle / Run

Drop height: 70 ft (21.3 m)

Riders can enjoy an intense ride on this new coaster in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park, which has a maximum drop point around 70 feet above ground and a top speed of 59.3 mph. It's perfect for adventure lovers, as it is likely the fastest roller coaster at Disney World, along with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Although the ride doesn't turn upside down, yes, it has sharp drops and steep turns as it nears 4Gs. The experience starts when riders hop onto a lightcycle, a riding vehicle akin to a motorcycle. It's similar to the design of Cosmic Rewind or Space Mountain; however, the light cycles and dark blue interior bring an additional, unanticipated intensity.

• Attraction Type: Big Drops, Thrill Ride, Dark
• Height: 78.1 ft (23.8 m)
• Drop Height: 70 ft (21.3 m)
• Speed: 59.3 mph (95.4 km/h)
• Height Restriction: 48in (122cm) or taller
• Location: Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park
• Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Available: Yes

7 Humunga Kowabunga

Drop height: 50 ft (15.24 m)

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is home to the exhilarating Humunga Kowabunga water slide, which sends riders zooming 214 feet in the dark and making their way to an unexpected splash! As they descend into darkness on a five-story-tall, nearly vertical slide, riders can achieve speeds of up to 39 mph. The sharp descent and sudden curves provide a heart-pounding adrenaline rush.

For anyone looking for a thrill-pumping adventure in the tropical surroundings of Disney's Water Wonderland, this attraction is a must-try. However, it is said to be one of the rides in Disney World with the longest wait times.

• Attraction type: Thrill Ride, Water Rides, Big Drops
• Height: 214 ft
• Drop Height: 50 ft (15.24 m)
• Speed: 39 mph
• Height Restriction: 48in (122cm) or taller
• Location: Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
• Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Available: No

6 Expedition Everest - Legend Of The Forbidden Mountain

Drop height: 80 ft (24 m)

Though this Animal Kingdom coaster doesn’t have any inversions, it is massive and has some crazy, intense turns that will have riders experiencing 3Gs. The only restraint is a single lap bar, so even though the track is smooth, riders will feel everything.

The nearly 3-minute ride elevates riders through snow-capped mountains, eventually stopping and plummeting backward into darkness. Riders are then thrust forward to face a terrifying yeti and are soon rushed down an 80-foot drop that whips back up. Doesn't sound intense? Give it a go, and you might change your mind!

• Attraction Type: Big Drops, Water Rides, Thrill Rides
• Height: 199 ft (61 m)
• Drop Height: 80 ft (24 m)
• Speed: 50 mph (80 km/h)
• Height Restriction: 44in (112cm) or taller
• Location: Asia at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Available: Yes

5 Matterhorn Bobsleds

Drop height: 80 ft (24.4 m)

This pair of intertwined steel roller coasters at Disneyland takes guests on a crazy cruise through the Alps. It features two tracks, each of which seats up to four passengers in a single-file line.

The ride jerks around guests on a brisk descent down a series of hills. Though Matterhorn doesn’t feature any huge drops, much of it is in the dark and is certainly very scary to riders who aren’t used to roller coasters. The finale has guests splashing to a finish. The thrilling rides at Disneyland make it an interesting place for adults as well, with this one being a great example.

• Attraction Type: Small Drops, Thrill Rides, Water Rides, Dark, Loud, Scary
• Height: 80 ft (24.4 m)
• Drop Height: 80 ft (24.4 m)
• Speed: 27 mph (43.5 km/h)
• Height Restriction: 42" (107 cm) or Taller
• Location: Fantasyland at Disneyland Park
• Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Available: Yes

4 Incredicoaster

Drop height: 108 ft (33 m)

This giant steel roller coaster at Disney California Adventure is another one of the best coasters at Disney Parks, as it takes guests on a wild chase after Jack-Jack from The Incredibles. The ride initially opened as California Screamin’ in 2001, but was re-themed in 2018 to coincide with the release of Incredibles 2.

The 2:36 ride reaches speeds of 55 mph and has one giant 108 ft drop. It also has a single vertical loop inversion and launches guests to 55 mph in just 4 seconds. While the ride has an upbeat theme, its zippy track pushes it toward the intense side.

• Attraction Type: Big Drops, Thrill Rides, Loud
• Height: 122 ft (48 m)
• Drop Height: 108 ft (33 m)
• Speed: 55 mph (89 km/h)
• Height Restriction: 48" (122 cm) or Taller
• Location: Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park
• Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Available: Yes

3 Summit Plummet

Drop height: 120 feet (36.6 m)

Dare to ride the fastest, tallest, and nearly vertically dropping freefall body slide at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park? Scary isn't it? Not a game for the faint of heart, but a must-play for adventure buffs. Summit Plummet, with a height of 120 feet, is among the tallest and fastest freefall body slides in the world, promising an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

As riders plummet down the near-vertical slope at speeds reaching 60 miles per hour, the excitement is unmatched. The sheer intensity of the height, the rush of freefall, entering a dark tunnel, and landing in a tremendous spray of whitewater all give an amazing experience.

• Attraction Type: Thrill Ride, Water Rides, Big Drops
• Height: 120 feet (36.6 m)
• Drop Height: 120 feet (36.6 m)
• Speed: 60 mph
• Height Restriction: 48in (122cm) or taller
• Location: Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Available: Yes

2 Guardians Of The Galaxy — Mission Breakout!

Drop height: 130 ft (40 m)

Located at Disney California Adventure, Mission: Breakout! drops guests in an elevator-style tower at heights up to 130 ft and speeds that reach 39mph. This is all backed up by one of six Guardians-themed adventures, each of which features a different groovy song.

While the overall feel of the ride is light, plummeting quickly and randomly is nothing short of terrifying. The atmosphere during many of these drops is dark, making it one of the most thrilling rides at Disney World.

• Attraction Type: Big Drops, Thrill Rides, Dark, Loud, Scary
• Height: 183 ft (56 m)
• Drop Height: 130 ft (40 m)
• Speed: 39 mph (63 km/h)
• Height Restriction: 40" (102 cm) or Taller
• Location: Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure Park
• Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Available: Yes

1 The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror

Drop height: 130 ft (40 m)

Imagine Mission Breakout!, but with creepier themes. That’s what the Tower of Terror is. Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this dark drop-tower ride plummets guests down a haunted elevator shaft.

It actually falls faster than free fall, with the ride vehicle being pushed downward. While the mechanics of the ride are nearly identical to those of Mission Breakout, the freaky music and supernatural plot make it even more intense. So, you can say it's probably the most intense ride at Disney World!

• Attraction Type: Thrill Ride, Big Drops, Dark, Scary
• Height: 199 ft (61 m)
• Drop Height: 130 ft (40 m)
• Speed: 39 mph (63 km/h)
• Height Restriction: 40in (102cm) or taller
• Location: Sunset Boulevard at Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Available: Yes