Top 10 Rides For Adults At Walt Disney World

“You’re dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway”- Walt Disney

A wonderful reason why Walt Disney World is visited by families multiple times is because of its timelessness. Catering to the wishes of children and adults has kept Walt Disney World a top destination. Over 60% of the crowds are repeat fun offenders! Many of the Mommies and Daddies reading this do get to slip away to enjoy the more “Adult” rides, or maybe your kiddos are older and can join you in the fun. And, some of you are just like me…no kids, still love Disney World! Even if you still prefer It’s a Small World over a roller coaster, this is the list of my top 10 favorites for the adults we have become, but that will thrill the child within.

10. Kilimanjaro Safaris @ Animal Kingdom

This 18 minute open air safari is definitely fun for the whole family, but the older I get, the more I enjoy the animals and the relaxing ride. Plus, the majesty of the animals is truly enjoyable. There are over 34 varieties of animal on this tour, so be prepared for a great time.

9. Soarin’ @ Epcot

Ever since this ride opened in 2005, it has been on my must do list for Epcot. From the liftoff, scents and beautiful views, Soarin’ is definitely one of my favorites! One of the reasons I think this is a great ride for adults is that all 4 of my nephews hate Soarin’! I know, crazy kids, but I think they will appreciate it more once they get over the age of 9!

8. Avatar Flight of Passage @ Animal Kingdom 

Adults, you’ll LOVE this one! Avatar Flight of Passage is one of the two attractions located in the new Pandora – The World of Avatar area within Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Prepare to straddle what feels somewhat like one of those motorcycles at an arcade, be secured in, and then using 3D screen technology, awesome 4D effects, and motion simulation – feel like you are literally flying on the back of a mountain banshee in the most exhilarating way. Your banshee (somewhat like a flying dragon) will soar through the sky as it takes you on the ride of a lifetime through Pandora – The World of Avatar.

7. Mission: Space @ Epcot

I’ll admit that I only go on this ride every third or so time I go to the park, not because I don’t love it, but more because I have a family full of mamby pambys. Ha! If you enjoy a serious grown up ride, head over to Misson: Space Orange side for 2.4 G of spinning, crazy fun! If you are not as adventurous, the green side is set up for you and the rest of my family! Just Kidding, both sides are fun!

6. Space Mountain @ Magic Kingdom

Even with my extensive roller coaster experience, I have yet to find one that gives me the same feeling that Space Mountain does. It doesn’t go upside down, but it is entirely dark for the entire ride. Waiting for blastoff, I always get a little tingle of uncertainty because I always worry that I am going to fly off the ride, but at the end I am always giggling!

5. Splash Mountain @ Magic Kingdom

First, this ride is simply adorable and the story of the Briar Patch is one of the more “put you in the story” rides at Disney World. Boy, is it fun, too. The log flume will take you around and give you a few drops along the way before taking the big plunge…52 feet down on a 45 degree angle. Once I see those vultures, I know it’s coming and there is no feeling in the pit of your stomach like the one Splash Mountain gives you (except for number 1, but that one is too much, even for me!)! The only childish part of this whole experience? I dare you not to have Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah in your head for at least an hour after.

4. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train @ Magic Kingdom

Ok, not exactly designed with adults in mind, with its cartoonish artistry and singy songs, but it is a MUST ride roller coasters! The coolest feature of this indoor/outdoor roller coaster is the technology that allows “tilting” or the feeling that you are swaying side to side in the mine cart. It is a super cool feeling and a must do for your next visit! Ps.. you’ll want to get a FastPass!

3. Expedition Everest @ Animal Kingdom

On record as the most expensive roller coaster ever built, Everest is packed with fun. First is the element of fear of that elusive Yeti, built up from the queue. Then, the incredible angle that you travel up towards the forbidden mountain builds up that excitement. Just when you feel safe, you are suddenly moving backwards at 50 mph! If that wasn’t enough, the Yeti is waiting for you and you will have a close encounter! A tip: If the single rider line is open, it is worth it. You can only sit next to one other, so if you are brave enough… brave it with a stranger for a shorter wait time!

2. Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster: Featuring Aerosmith @ Hollywood Studios

Don’t take too long to settle into your super stretch limo, that ride is taking off and achieving 0-57 mph in 2.8 seconds. Experiencing 4.5 G on the first inversion and coming in as the second fastest ride at WDW (test track is first!), this ride was surely designed with adult fun in mind. This is also the only upside down coaster at WDW, something I hope will be untrue one day!

1. Tower of Terror @ Hollywood Studios

I have to start this off by stating for the record, I do not ride Tower of Terror because it makes me feel like the pit of my stomach is dropping out from under me. I can only say that if there is a ride that I am scared of, that it must be pretty adult because I am pretty adventurous and will ride anything once. You only have to be 3’4” to ride, but I would think twice before taking my tiny friends on, though my friend’s 6 year old son can’t get enough. The dark ride takes you through a super creepy story of ghosts and previous guests at the Hollywood Tower of Terror before dropping you, repeatedly in an elevator shaft. As if elevators weren’t creepy enough! At 199 ft, Tower of Terror is the second tallest attraction on property, second only to Expedition Everest. If you can’t get enough of this, there are 4 different sequences of drops and lifts! Have fun, I’ll be waiting on the ground enjoying my Turkey Leg!

For what it’s worth…If I had a top 12 list, Big Thunder Mountain and Test Track would have made the list. In my opinion, BTM is awesome, but short and there are better coasters. And, Test Track is not my favorite attraction, but I know that some of you will be simply outraged! So, what are your favorite rides for the 18+ crowd? Did I miss your favorite?