Disney World is home to some of the most exhilarating and thrilling rides in the world. The Top 10 Fastest Rides at Disney World offer visitors an unforgettable experience that will leave them wanting more. These rides are not for the faint-hearted, as they boast incredible speeds and heart-pounding drops.
From the iconic Space Mountain, which propels riders through a rollercoaster in complete darkness, to the adrenaline-pumping Test Track, where guests can feel the rush of speed in a simulated car race, there is no shortage of excitement at Disney World. Other notable mentions include the Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, all of which guarantee an adrenaline rush like no other. With their state-of-the-art technology and imaginative designs, these rides demonstrate Disney’s commitment to creating an unparalleled experience for its guests. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure, the Fastest Rides at Disney World are sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Disney World in Orlando, Florida is home to some of the most thrilling and fastest rides in the world. From heart-pounding rollercoasters to high-speed simulated rides, Disney World offers attractions for every type of thrill seeker. But which rides pack the most punch in terms of sheer speed and intensity? Here is a ranking of the top 10 fastest rides at Disney World based on maximum speed:
What Makes These Rides So Fast?
Many factors contribute to making these Disney World rides reach breakneck speeds. Advanced engineering allows the rollercoasters to achieve steep drops and tight turns. The rides use state-of-the-art magnetic propulsion systems to launch riders from 0 to 60 mph in seconds. Simulator rides utilize hydraulic motion platforms to mimic the g-forces of a high-speed vehicle. Screen-based media and physical sets aim to trick the brain and convince riders they are moving much faster than they really are. The combination of technology, psychology, and clever design all work together to create an exhilarating, fast-paced experience on these rides.
Ranking Methodology: Fastest Rides at Disney World
To rank the fastest rides at Disney World, maximum speed data was compiled from official Disney sources as well as third-party theme park resources. Only continuously operating rides were considered, not one-time limited-time attractions. For simulator rides without actual speed measurements, perceived speed and intensity factors were evaluated. Coasters and rides known for smaller drops but blistering speeds were weighted higher than those focused only on biggest vertical drops. Based on these criteria, the top 10 fastest rides were selected and ranked as follows:
Test Track
Maximum G-Force: 1.5 g Maximum speed: 65 mph
The fastest ride at Walt Disney World is the Test Track in Epcot. This thrilling attraction catapults riders through a series of intense maneuvers and high-speed banks using a high-speed slot car system. Riders strap in for the ride of their lives after “designing” their custom car, reaching speeds of 65 mph at the attraction’s climax. Test Track is the fastest Disney World ride, thanks to its blistering pace and winding turns.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Maximum G-Force: 4 g Speed: 57 mph
The thrilling Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios accelerates riders from 0 to 57 mph in less than 3 seconds while blasting Aerosmith music. This indoor rollercoaster features several inversions and tight corkscrew turns powered by a high-speed magnetic propulsion system and super-stretch limo trains. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is one of Disney’s fastest thrill rides, with 57 mph loops, corkscrews, and rolls.
Expedition Everest
Maximum G-Force: 3 g Maximum speed: 50 mph
The massive Expedition Everest rollercoaster, which zooms forward and backward through the foreboding and mysterious Mount Everest, reaches speeds of up to 50 mph. This runaway mountain train is one of Disney’s most intense rollercoasters, known for its fast drops and flipping tracks. While not as fast as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest’s 50 mph drops, especially when riding backward, place it third in terms of speed.
Slinky Dog Dash
Maximum G-Force: 3.2 g Speed: 40 mph
Toy Story Land’s Slinky Dog Dash races around Andy’s backyard at 40 mph in themed train cars inspired by the Disney/Pixar film franchise. This family-friendly rollercoaster may not have huge vertical drops, but it is surprisingly fast thanks to its smooth launches and quick dips. Slinky Dog Dash demonstrates that you don’t need a record-breaking height to achieve video game-like pacing.
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Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Maximum G-Force: N/A Speed: 38 mph
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster zips through the Enchanted Forest at 38 mph. While it is gentler than some other coasters, its swiftly banked turns give it a deceptively fast pace. This innovative ride, combined with an immersive Snow White theme, uses specially designed carriages that sway independently for an extra smooth journey. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a faster family coaster than expected.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Speed: 36 mph Maximum G-Force: 2.5 g
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, one of the original thrilling attractions at Disney World, achieves notable velocity as it navigates through canyons and caves of a frontier setting. Designed after the untamed mining train rides from the Old West, this cherished rollercoaster propels at a speed of 36 mph, offering a series of exhilarating hairpin bends and rapid descents. Although not setting any extraordinary records, the continuous succession of twists turns, and drops on Big Thunder Mountain create an entertaining and fast-paced experience that has become a timeless favorite at Disney.
Space Mountain
Speed: 28 mph Maximum G-Force: 2.5 g
The velocity of the roller coaster is measured at 28 miles per hour, which may not be considered as the highest speed among other coasters. However, the fully enclosed nature of Space Mountain provides a thrilling sensation of rapid movement. With rockets propelling through pitch-black surroundings illuminated by sparkling lights, the absence of visual cues amplifies the perception of speed beyond its maximum of 28 mph. Navigating through sharp curves and unexpected descents within the darkness generates an incredibly enjoyable and almost surreal sensation on this renowned indoor roller coaster.
Dinosaur
Speed: N/A (Simulated) Maximum G-Force: N/A
The highly exhilarating Dinosaur exhibit at Disney’s Animal Kingdom cleverly employs a blend of rapid motion simulation and captivating thematic elements to give the impression of dashing through a primeval forest at speeds of up to 65 mph. By synchronizing the movement and tilting of the CTX Ride Motion Simulator with the visuals on the screen, this thrilling dark ride delivers a series of rapid twists and turns that make it one of Disney’s most adrenaline-inducing virtual experiences. Despite the fact that you are not actually traveling at such high speeds, Dinosaur succeeds in ingeniously deceiving your senses and providing an exciting sensation.
Avatar Flight of Passage
Speed: N/A (Simulated) Maximum G-Force: N/A
The speed of the ride cannot be determined as it is simulated. The maximum amount of G-force experienced is also not available.
Disney’s most recent technologically advanced attraction, Avatar Flight of Passage, skillfully utilizes three-dimensional visual effects, immersive design, and a simulated experience of riding a banshee to create the sensation of soaring through the skies of Pandora at incredible speeds. By synchronizing the camera angles of the surround screen with the movements of the ride vehicle, riders feel as if they are swiftly maneuvering and tilting while riding on the back of a mountain banshee. Despite remaining in a stationary position, the ride’s exceptionally smooth simulator technology convincingly tricks riders into believing otherwise.
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Star Tours
Speed: N/A (Simulated) Maximum G-Force: N/A
The recorded speed of the Disney simulator ride, Star Tours, cannot be determined as it is a simulated experience. Similarly, the maximum G-force experienced during the ride is also unknown. Star Tours takes passengers on a thrilling journey through the expansive Star Wars galaxy. Utilizing the Starspeeder 1000 ships, the ride simulates high-speed chases, perilous encounters with comets, and close encounters with other spacecraft. Although the physical movement of the cabin is not actually fast, the combination of rapid on-screen visuals with tilting and trembling effects creates the illusion of speed, making Star Tours one of Disney’s most exhilarating attractions.
Key Points:
- Disney World’s fastest rides utilize advanced engineering like magnetic launches and hydraulic simulators to reach extreme speeds.
- Rollercoasters like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Expedition Everest achieve maximum speeds of 50-65 mph.
- Even tamer family coasters like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train maintain brisk pacing around 35-40 mph.
- Simulator rides like Dinosaur and Avatar Flight of Passage use motion platforms and 3D effects to simulate exhilarating velocity.
- High-speed sensations combined with immersive theming make these rides seem faster than their actual speed measurements.
- Ranking criteria considered maximum velocity, propulsion systems, track design, and simulated speed perception.
- Test Track ranked #1 as Disney World’s fastest ride, launching to 65 mph using a high-tech slot car system.
The Solution? Ride Them All!
For thrill seekers visiting Walt Disney World, the solution is simple – experience all 10 of these action-packed, high-speed rides. Each attraction provides a uniquely intense experience using different systems like magnetic launches, swiftly banked tracks, and ultra-smooth simulators. Trying out a mix of rollercoasters and simulator rides allows you to experience the full range of technology Disney uses to create that fastest-ride feel. From the sheer speed of Test Track to the virtual velocity of Avatar Flight of Passage, the solution is to ride these top 10 rides and feel the need for speed yourself.
Conclusion
Disney World offers some of the most advanced, innovative thrill rides in the world. Using sophisticated engineering and design, attractions like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, and Test Track achieve amazingly fast acceleration, drops, and maximum speeds. Even tamer family coasters maintain brisk pacing through impeccably smooth tracks. And simulator rides convincingly recreate the feeling of high-velocity motion through immersive designs. For park visitors seeking maximum thrills, these Top 10 Fastest Rides deliver the speed, action, and adrenaline rush they crave. So strap in tight and get ready for the ride of your life on Disney World’s fastest, most intense attractions.