Hi there Jennifer, welcome to planDisney! Thank you for stopping by with your great question. How exciting that you’re planning your first visit to
Walt Disney World Resort! With so many amazing attractions and experiences to enjoy, you’re sure to create magical memories. I completely understand wanting to avoid certain rides with big drops, and I’m here to help you navigate the parks with confidence. Let’s make sure your adventure is filled with fun and excitement, without any unwanted surprises!
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Magic Kingdom, you should avoid Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which has a steep 50 foot drop. Space Mountain doesn’t have a big vertical drop but includes sudden dips in the dark, which can be disorienting. However, there are plenty of safe and fun alternatives at Magic Kingdom, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, which has just one small, gentle drop, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, which features mild drops with a smooth, swaying motion. Other attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight, It’s a Small World, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin don’t have any drops at all and are great choices for a more relaxed experience.
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EPCOT, you don’t need to worry about big vertical drops. However, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a coaster that involves spins. Although it doesn’t have steep drops, it’s quite intense, so you might want to skip it if you’re sensitive to motion. You can safely enjoy attractions like Soarin’ Around the World, Living with the Land, Spaceship Earth, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends, which are gentle and free of any sudden drops.
Hollywood Studios has a couple of rides you’ll want to avoid. Tower of Terror, as you mentioned, is all about vertical, free fall drops, so it’s definitely not recommended if you dislike elevator drops. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has one small, quick drop that feels like an elevator dip. If even minor elevator like sensations make you uncomfortable, it’s best to skip this one too. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a high speed ride that goes upside down but no traditional vertical drops, though its intensity might not be suitable if you’re avoiding thrill rides. Instead, you can enjoy Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Toy Story Mania, all of which are entertaining without any drops. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a motion simulator that creates the sensation of flying but doesn’t involve any real drops, making it a safe and exciting option.
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Animal Kingdom, Expedition Everest should be avoided as it has a large 80 foot drop after a backward section. Kali River Rapids also includes a 30 foot drop, so it’s another one to skip. However, Avatar Flight of Passage provides a thrilling experience with simulated flying but no actual drops, so it might be a good fit if you’re comfortable with motion simulators. Na’vi River Journey, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Festival of the Lion King are all wonderful attractions without any drops, offering a mix of gentle rides, live entertainment, and animal encounters.
I hope this information helps you feel more confident about planning your visit to Walt Disney World Resort, Jennifer! By knowing which rides to avoid, you can focus on all the magical experiences that are just right for you. Wishing you an unforgettable adventure filled with fun and excitement. Have a magical day, and see ya real soon!
Kay