Top Thrill Rides at Disney World's Animal Kingdom

Expedition Everest

Coaster aficionados would consider Expedition Everest a "family" coaster. But with a top speed of 50 mph and a height of 112 feet, it is in the upper end of that category. Toss in a backwards-facing second act (in the dark no less) and some psychological thrills from the giant Yeti (who, unfortunately, hasn't moved properly in years), and ExEv is, in our estimation, among the 10 most thrilling rides in all of Walt Disney World.

There used to be a second coaster, Primeval Whirl, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It permanently closed in 2020.

Thrill Scale: 6.
Somewhat intense positive G-forces, darkness, giant Yeti (!), and the coaster goes backwards.
Height Requirement: 44 inches
Location: Asia

Avatar Flight of Passage

Using a similar "flying theater" ride system as Epcot’s Soarin', riders on Flight of Passage "link" with an avatar and fly on the back of a winged banshee. It's considerably more thrilling than the comparatively laid-back Soarin', but since passengers don't actually move all that much, the thrills are more simulated and psychological than physical.

Thrill Scale: 4. Simulated diving and swooping.
Height Requirement: 44 inches
Location: Pandora the World of Avatar

Dinosaur

While it uses the same innovative trackless ride system as the superb Indiana Jones Adventure at California's Disneyland, Dinosaur's thrills are comparatively muted (and its theme isn't nearly as compelling). After it first opened, Disney actually reprogrammed the ride to be less thrilling. Nonetheless, it is still plenty of high-tech, prehistoric fun.

Thrill Scale: 4. There are no coaster drops or inversions, but the vehicles are fast, and the ride is action-packed with quick starts and stops and plenty of jostling. Also, many of the scenes are dark, and there are dark ride gotchas, including a dinosaur "attack."
Height Requirement: 40 inches
Location: Dinoland U.S.A

Kali River Rapids

As with most river raft rides, expect to get drenched on Kali River Rapids. Unlike most river raft rides, Disney includes a 30-foot, mildly thrilling, drop near the end of the course, along with a bit of rainforest themeing. After Disney World began regularly opening Disney's Animal Kingdom at night in 2016, the park has been offering nighttime rides aboard Kali River Rapids. That helps make the ride more mysterious and a bit more thrilling.

Thrill Scale: 3. 30-foot drop, turbulent waters, soaking geysers, and other water gotchas.
Height Requirement: 38 inches
Location: Asia

TriceraTop Spin

Think Dumbo, but with flying dinosaurs instead of elephants. The simple, carnival-style ride spins around (hence its name), and passengers can control the height of their vehicles. It does not go especially fast or high.

Thrill Scale: 1.5. A typical flat ride.
Height Requirement: None
Location: Dinoland U.S.A