There are so many rides at Walt Disney World, it can be hard to know which ones are truly worth your time—especially when you’re planning your first trip.

That’s why I’ve made it easy with this list of must-do rides in each park. These are the attractions families talk about long after the trip is over—the ones that are fun, exciting, and full of Disney magic.

If you're vacation planning Disney, this guide will help you pick your top rides and make smart choices when using Lightning Lanes.

Magic Kingdom Must-Do Rides

Magic Kingdom is full of classics and fairy-tale magic. It’s great for all ages, especially younger kids.

Top Picks:

Peter Pan’s Flight – A gentle, flying ride over London and Neverland
Haunted Mansion – Spooky and silly, not too scary
TRON: LIGHTCYCLE/RUN – Race through a neon-lit digital world on motorcycle-style vehicles
Jungle Cruise – Classic Disney humor on a boat ride through the jungle

Lightning Lane tip: Use your Lightning Lane Multi Pass for Peter Pan’s Flight, Jungle Cruise, or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh—these often have longer wait times.

💡 Want to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON: Lightcycle/Run? You’ll want a **Lightning Lane Single Pass** for each, or plan to rope drop one early in the morning and the other at the end of the night.

🌐 EPCOT Must-Do Rides

EPCOT mixes science, innovation, and world culture. It’s great for curious kids, food lovers, and anyone who likes unique attractions.

Top Picks:

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – A thrilling indoor roller coaster with music and surprises
Soarin’ Around the World – Fly over famous places like the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China
Frozen Ever After – A boat ride through Arendelle with Anna and Elsa
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – A 4D dark ride where you shrink down to the size of a rat and navigate Gusteau’s restaurant
Spaceship Earth – A relaxing ride through the history of communication (inside the giant golf ball!)

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure — Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Lightning Lane tip: Guardians of the Galaxy requires a Lightning Lane Single Pass to skip the line, so plan ahead if it's a priority.

Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind — Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind gets very long lines!

Hollywood Studios Must-Do Rides

This park has some of the most exciting thrill rides and newest attractions, especially for Star Wars and Pixar fans.

Top Picks:

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – A huge, action-packed experience that puts you in the middle of a battle
Slinky Dog Dash – A fun family coaster in Toy Story Land
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – A wild ride through a cartoon world
Tower of Terror – A haunted elevator with a big drop (for thrill seekers!)
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Fly the famous ship and go on a mission

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway — Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Lightning Lane tip: Rise of the Resistance requires a Lightning Lane Single Pass to skip the standby line—it’s one of the most popular rides in all of Disney World. So it’s usually a smart purchase.

Animal Kingdom Must-Do Rides

Animal Kingdom blends rides, animals, and nature. It’s beautiful and full of surprises.

Top Picks:

Avatar Flight of Passage – Fly on the back of a banshee through Pandora (incredible 3D effects!)
Expedition Everest – A high-speed coaster with a Yeti chase through the mountains
Kilimanjaro Safaris – Ride through a real African-style savanna with lions, giraffes, and more
Na’vi River Journey – A peaceful boat ride through a glowing rainforest
Dinosaur – A bumpy time-travel adventure to rescue a dinosaur

Lightning Lane tip: Flight of Passage needs a Lightning Lane Single Pass, and it’s worth it for the experience! This ride can get multi hour long waits in the standby line, and while it’s an amazing ride- you can use your time smarter!

Best Rides for Younger Kids

If you’re traveling with little ones, here are some extra rides they’ll love (no height requirement!):

Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Magic Kingdom)
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Magic Kingdom)
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (EPCOT)
Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom)
Toy Story Mania! (Hollywood Studios)

These are great to mix in between big rides or during busy times of day.

Make the Most of Lightning Lanes

When you're vacation planning Disney, it’s smart to use your Lightning Lane Multi Pass for popular rides with long waits. A few of the most in-demand rides (like Rise of the Resistance, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Flight of Passage) require a Lightning Lane Single Pass for faster access.

Booking your rides early in the day gives you more time later for bonus selections—or just relaxing and soaking up the magic!

Final Thoughts

There’s no way to ride everything in one trip—but that’s okay! Focus on your top picks and the rides that match your family’s style. Whether you love thrills, characters, or just classic Disney fun, there’s something for everyone.

Need help choosing what rides are best for your kids’ ages or creating the perfect park day?

My step-by-step guides and ride planning tips not only help you skip the lines but also let you experience more rides in less time, making vacation planning Disney easy, fun, and stress-free.

Let’s turn your ride list into a magical itinerary you’ll never forget!