Disney World is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and rides, but they do also have attractions with thrills and drops! These exhilarating attractions offer an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers of all ages. From the heart-pounding plummet of Tower of Terror to the gravity-defying twists and turns of Expedition Everest, the variety of ride drops in Disney World is truly astounding. In this journey of discovery, we embark on a quest to find the biggest, most awe-inspiring drop that will leave you breathless and craving for more. So buckle up, hold on tight, and let the quest for the ultimate ride drop begin!
Pirates of the Caribbean – Magic Kingdom
Pirates of the Caribbean, a classic attraction in Disney World, takes guests on a captivating journey through the world of swashbuckling pirates and hidden treasures. While the ride is known for its immersive storytelling and stunning scenes, it also features a thrilling drop that adds an element of excitement to the adventure.
The drop in Pirates of the Caribbean occurs near the beginning of the ride and is known as the “waterfall drop.” As your boat gently floats through a dimly lit cavern, you suddenly find yourself confronted with a breathtaking view of a pirate ship perched atop a misty waterfall. As you descend down the waterfall, your boat picks up speed, creating a thrilling sensation of weightlessness before smoothly gliding into the next scene. While the drop is not as steep or long as those in other attractions, it still provides a delightful rush of excitement and adds to the overall immersive experience of the ride.
In terms of speed, the waterfall drop in Pirates of the Caribbean is relatively gentle compared to high-speed thrill rides. The descent is designed to be smooth and gradual, allowing guests to enjoy the visual spectacle and the sense of adventure, rather than focusing solely on speed. The exact speed may vary, but it is typically moderate, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for riders of all ages.
As for height restrictions, Pirates of the Caribbean does not have a specific height requirement. It is a family-friendly attraction that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages and sizes. The ride is designed to provide a fun and immersive experience for everyone, making it a popular choice for families and Disney enthusiasts alike. So, whether you’re a young buccaneer or a seasoned pirate aficionado, the drop in Pirates of the Caribbean is sure to leave you with a sense of adventure and a smile on your face.
BONUS FUN FACT!
That waterfall drop isn’t just for funzies, it serves a purpose. The Walt Disney World Railroad goes around all of the Magic Kingdom, including Adventureland. The drop that you feel is actually getting the ride vehicle under the train tracks!
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance – Disney’s Hollywood Studio
*SPOILER ALERT*
Rise of the Resistance, an epic and immersive attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, takes guests on a thrilling journey as they join the Resistance in their battle against the First Order. The experience is filled with jaw-dropping moments, intense encounters, and stunning visuals, and even a surprise drop at the end.
The drop at the end of the ride, simulating your final escape, is not incredibly big, but because you won’t expect it, it feels much more intense than it really is!
As for the height requirement, Rise of the Resistance requires guests to be at least 40 inches (102 centimeters) tall to participate in the adventure. This requirement ensures that riders can safely experience the attraction’s intense sequences and enjoy the immersive storytelling and thrilling moments it offers.
Rise of the Resistance is an extraordinary attraction that pushes the boundaries of immersive experiences, combining innovative technology, compelling storytelling, and thrilling moments to transport guests into the heart of the Star Wars universe. It really combines story, simulators, and physical drops that will blow your mind away.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Magic Kingdom
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a gem in Disney’s Magic Kingdom (see what we did there?), offers a whimsical and enchanting experience inspired by the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. As guests board their mine train, they embark on a joyful adventure through the diamond mine, encountering delightful scenes and, of course, a few exhilarating drops along the way.
The drops on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train add an element of excitement to the ride while still maintaining a family-friendly experience. The drops are designed to be moderate and gentle, catering to guests of various ages and thrill preferences. While the drops are not as steep or intense as those found on larger roller coasters, they still provide a thrilling moment of descent and create a sense of anticipation and enjoyment. The exact size of the drops can vary, but they typically range from a few feet to around 13 feet (4 meters), giving riders a taste of excitement and a brief moment of weightlessness.
In terms of speed, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train offers a smooth and moderate pace. The coaster reaches a top speed of approximately 34 miles per hour (55 kilometers per hour). While it’s not a high-speed coaster, the train glides through the twists, turns, and drops with a lively momentum, allowing riders to appreciate the charming scenes and the immersive storytelling that unfolds throughout the attraction.
The height requirement for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is 38 inches (97 centimeters). This requirement ensures that younger guests can safely experience the gentle drops and enjoy the overall ride experience.
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train offers a delightful combination of enchantment, family-friendly thrills, and playful drops. With its charming animatronics, immersive scenery, and catchy tunes, this coaster captures the essence of Snow White’s story, making it a must-ride for both fans of the classic film and visitors seeking a whimsical adventure in the heart of the Magic Kingdom.
- Slinky Dog Dash – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly roller coaster in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, brings the beloved character from Toy Story to life in a whimsical and thrilling adventure. As you board your very own Slinky Dog coaster vehicle, get ready to experience a series of exhilarating drops that add excitement to the journey.
While Slinky Dog Dash is a roller coaster suitable for younger guests and families, it still offers a few enjoyable drops. The drops on this coaster are designed to be mild and fun, providing a thrilling sensation without being overly intense. The exact distance of the drops can vary throughout the ride, but they typically range from a few feet to around 20 feet (6 meters). These drops offer a delightful moment of weightlessness and excitement as you zip through the coaster’s track, bringing smiles to riders of all ages.
Slinky Dog Dash provides a lively and energetic experience, and it a lot more than you expect. I guess you can say that Slinky’s got a bit more bark than you think! The coaster reaches a top speed of approximately 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour). While it’s not the fastest roller coaster in the Disney parks, it offers a thrilling pace that allows guests to enjoy the twists, turns, and drops that Slinky Dog encounters throughout the adventure.
The height requirement for Slinky Dog Dash is 38 inches (97 centimeters). This requirement ensures that younger riders can safely experience the coaster’s gentle drops and enjoy the overall ride experience. It’s important to note that height requirements may be subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the specific requirements at the Disney park you plan to visit.
Slinky Dog Dash provides a fantastic blend of family-friendly thrills, whimsical theming, and playful drops that add to the joy of the ride. With its vibrant colors, imaginative scenery, and charming character interactions, this coaster offers a delightful experience for Toy Story fans of all ages, making it a must-visit attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Space Mountain – Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain, one of Disney World’s most iconic attractions, takes thrill-seekers on a high-speed adventure through the depths of outer space. As you board your sleek, futuristic spacecraft and enter the darkened corridors of the launch station, anticipation builds for the exhilarating drops that lie ahead. Once the journey begins, you’re propelled into a thrilling series of twists, turns, and drops that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
The highlight of Space Mountain is undoubtedly its gravity-defying drops. While the exact distance of the drops can vary slightly depending on the version of Space Mountain in each Disney park, riders can expect to experience heart-pounding descents of approximately 26 to 27 feet (8 to 8.2 meters). These drops occur multiple times throughout the ride, creating a thrilling sensation of weightlessness and excitement.
In terms of speed, Space Mountain rockets through the darkness at an impressive velocity. The ride reaches a top speed of around 28 to 32 miles per hour (45 to 51 kilometers per hour), adding to the adrenaline rush as you navigate the twisting track and zoom past vibrant cosmic scenery. The combination of speed, drops, and the darkness that envelops you throughout the ride creates a truly immersive experience that transports you into the depths of space.
As for height restrictions, Space Mountain requires riders to be at least 44 inches (112 centimeters) tall. This requirement ensures that guests are able to safely experience the ride and enjoy its thrilling elements.
TRON Lightcycle Run – Magic Kingdom
The TRON Lightcycle Run, the latest attraction to open in Disney’s Magic Kingdom, offers a futuristic and adrenaline-pumping experience for guests. Inspired by the iconic TRON franchise, this high-speed coaster takes riders on a thrilling adventure through a digital world. While the ride is known for its sleek design and immersive theming, it also features drops that add an element of excitement to the experience.
The drops on the TRON ride are both thrilling and invigorating. As you race through the neon-lit Tron Grid, you’ll encounter multiple drops that simulate the sensation of soaring and plummeting through the digital landscape. While the exact size of the drops can vary, they are generally notable and provide a thrilling rush as you experience moments of weightlessness. The drops on TRON add an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the already exhilarating coaster, making it a must-ride for thrill-seekers.
In terms of speed, the TRON ride accelerates to exhilarating velocities, immersing riders in a high-octane experience. While the exact speed can vary, the coaster reaches top speeds of around 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour). This rapid pace combined with the twists, turns, and drops creates a thrilling and immersive experience that truly transports you into the heart of the TRON universe.
To ride TRON Lightcycle run, guests must be at least 48 inches (122 centimeters) tall to ride TRON. This height restriction ensures that riders can safely experience the high-speed twists and drops of the attraction. With its exhilarating drops, high speeds, and futuristic theming, the TRON ride promises an unforgettable and electrifying adventure for all who dare to ride.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – EPCOT
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, the latest attraction in Disney’s EPCOT, is an out-of-this-world experience that combines thrilling drops with the beloved characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not to mention great music.
The drops on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind are dynamic and exciting. As the ride takes guests on a thrilling adventure through space, it features sudden descents and exhilarating drops that simulate the feeling of zooming through the galaxy alongside the Guardians. This attraction’s cars also can spin to see specific screens, so that’s another thrilling element!
The coaster reaches impressive velocities of 60 MPH, allowing riders to experience the exhilaration of rocketing through space alongside their favorite Guardians of the Galaxy characters. The combination of speed and drops creates an adrenaline-pumping adventure for guests.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has a minimum height requirement similar to other thrill rides in Disney parks. The exact height requirement has not been officially announced, but it is likely to be in line with similar attractions, typically around 40 to 44 inches (102 to 112 centimeters) to ensure the safety and enjoyment of riders.
Splash Mountain (Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) – Magic Kingdom
The classic Splash Mountain closed in January of 2022. We opted to keep it on the list because even though Splash Mountain is going to become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the entire ride structure is going to remain the same, meaning that the drops will be the same.
Just like we mentioned in the Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain starts with a small but mighty waterfall drop. Once again, this is to get the ride vehicle below the train tracks from the Walt Disney Railroad.
One of the highlights of Splash Mountain is its jaw-dropping final drop, affectionately known as the “Big Drop.” This iconic plunge sends riders plummeting down a steep slope, creating a rush of adrenaline and a refreshing splash as your log boat makes a triumphant splashdown. The exact height of the Big Drop is around 52.5 feet (16 meters) in Disney World’s version of Splash Mountain, making it an exhilarating and memorable moment during the ride.
Splash Mountain reaches an impressive velocity as it hurtles down the final drop. Riders experience a thrilling sensation as their log boat accelerates to approximately 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour) during the descent. The combination of speed, height, and the anticipation of the splashdown creates an exhilarating experience that leaves guests smiling from ear to ear.
Splash Mountain requires riders to be at least 40 inches (102 centimeters) tall. This ensures that guests can safely enjoy the ride and its exciting drops. Regardless of your height, the drops on Splash Mountain promise a thrilling and refreshing adventure for all who embark on it.
We have some ideas on how the Princess and the Frog can be incorporated into this water log ride, and if “Going Down the Bayou” isn’t part of it, then we quit! Buuuuut, what in the world are they going to use to fall down the waterfall? Maybe “Almost There” and after the drop end up in Tiana’s Place? Comment what you think!
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Disney’s Hollywood Studio
The Tower of Terror, an iconic attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offers a spine-chilling experience that sends shivers down the spines of brave adventurers. As you enter the foreboding Hollywood Tower Hotel, you step into a haunted elevator that transports you to a dimension of fear. The highlight of the Tower of Terror is its infamous drop sequence, which leaves guests gripping the edge of their seats.
The drop on Tower of Terror is nothing short of thrilling. Naturally, an attraction that is based on a large fall would have the largest drop in all of the attractions in Walt Disney World. After a suspenseful build up, the elevator suddenly plunges down a vertical shaft, hurtling riders into a freefall. The drop distance can vary slightly depending on the version of the ride, but it typically ranges from about 130 to 199 feet (40 to 60 meters). As you plummet down at exhilarating speeds, the sensation of weightlessness and the rush of adrenaline combine to create a truly unforgettable experience.
The Tower of Terror doesn’t reach the same high speeds as roller coasters, but it provides a thrilling and rapid descent. The elevator drops at an accelerated rate, creating a thrilling sensation as gravity takes hold and propels you downward. The exact speed of the drop can vary, but it can reach speeds of approximately 39 to 45 miles per hour (63 to 72 kilometers per hour).
To experience the Tower of Terror, guests must meet a height requirement of at least 40 inches (102 centimeters). This requirement ensures that riders are able to safely experience the drops and the thrilling elements of the attraction. The Tower of Terror guarantees a hair-raising adventure that will test your nerve and leave you in awe of its chilling drops and eerie atmosphere.
10. Expedition Everest Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is a thrilling roller coaster that takes guests on an exciting expedition through the Himalayas. One of the most memorable elements of the ride is the exhilarating drops that contribute to the sense of adventure and discovery.
The drops on Expedition Everest are both thrilling and significant. As you navigate the treacherous mountain terrain, the coaster plunges down a series of heart-pounding drops that add excitement to the experience. The largest drop on the ride, known as the “Yeti Encounter,” stands at an impressive height of approximately 80 feet (24 meters). This exhilarating drop provides a thrilling moment of weightlessness and a rush of adrenaline as you hurtle down the mountain in a thrilling descent.
Expedition Everest reaches thrilling velocities, creating a high-energy experience. The coaster accelerates to a top speed of approximately 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour). This fast-paced adventure combined with the twists, turns, and drops creates an adrenaline-pumping ride that keeps guests on the edge of their seats.
The height requirement for Expedition Everest is 44 inches (112 centimeters). This ensures that riders are able to safely experience the drops and the thrilling elements of the attraction. It’s important to note that height requirements may be subject to change, so it’s always advisable to check the specific requirements at the Disney park you plan to visit.
Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain is a must-ride for thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts. With its immersive theming, breathtaking drops, and high-speed thrills, this roller coaster provides an unforgettable journey through the mystical Himalayan mountain range. Brace yourself for the excitement and prepare for a wild expedition as you conquer the drops and unravel the mysteries of the legendary Yeti.
Tell us in the comments what your favorite drop in Disney World is!
I am a mother of three that has refused to grow up. Adulting is for the birds, so I go to Disney World every chance I get for that magical escape from reality. I believe that Haunted Mansion is the best ride in all of the Disney Parks, and I am fervently in team Happily Ever After for fireworks spectaculars, (sorry, not sorry, Enchanted). Finally, I hope I never grow tired of skipping down Main Street, USA, and my dream come true would be “friends with” the Fairy Godmother in my old age.
