Hey Jonathan! That is an awesome question! Wow! I guess the answer all depends on your perspective on “scary.” The top two attractions that come to mind immediately are The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom!
Let’s begin with
The Twilight Tower of Terror! The ride experience itself is probably more thrilling than terrifying
(well, perhaps both), but the queue and pre-attraction lead-in are where the “fear” grows a bit. Any time I’ve taken a new person, such as one of my kids, a niece, or a nephew, on the attraction, their sense of dread grows once they enter the mansion and make their way to the maintenance elevator. The Cast Members inside the “hotel” also do a great job of staying “in character,” which absolutely adds to the anticipation. Moments of pitch-black, the anticipation of free-falling, thunder, lightning, and ghost sightings all add to a growing sense that something terrifying is coming. And, it is! But all incredibly worth it!
As we move over to Magic Kingdom, we find the
Haunted Mansion! This original attraction (yes, it has been happily haunting Guests since opening day) never disappoints! While one of my “can’t miss” favorites, my wife can’t do this attraction any longer because she genuinely gets scared every time. Perhaps not scary for everyone, it is absolutely eerie in every way. While the haunted ballroom is a favorite of many, I love the hallway with all of the doors! Some doors are bowing, about to burst open with supernatural energy, while doorknockers loudly clack away!
Jonathan, they are my top two “scary” attractions at Disney World! I will also give an honorable mention to the
Fantasmic! show at Disney's Hollywood Studios! This show, performed each night at Hollywood Studios, takes Guests into the world of Mickey's dreams, but that dream quickly turns into a nightmare as Disney villains attempt to take control of Mickey's slumber!
I will add that while my wife "fears" Haunted Mansion, she can't wait to see the Haunted Mansion gravediggers in Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade during
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! This is a great event for admirers of the spooky season! Lasting from 7:00 PM to midnight, the Halloween party is held annually from mid-August through Halloween night. My favorite part of the party is when the Headless Horseman rides through Magic Kingdom holding that glowing jack-o-lantern for all Guests to fear!
Come back to planDisney as you continue to plan your future visit!
Dreams do come true!
Jonathan