David Semanoff

Choosing the best rides at Disney World is not easy. The beauty of a Walt Disney World visit is that you can tailor the experience to suit your likes and dislikes and appease the people you're traveling with. This is also why some of us Disney Nerds (hi, me!) must go over and over again to make sure we tick off all the boxes. This list of the best Disney World rides was formed over many, many visits and strictly focuses on rides. That is, these are my favorite active, hands-on, or action-packed rides. You won't find shows, walk-throughs or seated dark rides—another category of Disney World attraction that we also love (shout-out to Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Enchanted Tiki Room, The Jungle Cruise and Country Bear Musical Jamboree). These picks include a mix of thrills for teens/adults as well as fun for the whole family. Below, the 12 best rides at Disney World—the vacation capital of the world. RECOMMENDED: The best Disney World hotels

Disney World is one of the most visited attractions in the world, but that doesn't mean it's easy to navigate, thanks to an insider vernacular (park hopper, pass holder, lightning lanes—you get the picture!) and a growing list of Disney World hotels eager to welcome you in. As an avid Disney World goer since 1986—starting at around eight months old—I’ve had the privilege of staying at several properties, both in the resort and off. I ramped up my visits in 2021 when I became an Annual Passholder, and now average about six trips a year, from quick one-nighters to three- or four-night stays.  Most times, I'll rest my bones at the popular Swan or Dolphin, or I'll plan a stay at the adjacent Epcot resorts for proximity to the namesake park and Hollywood Studios. Something I've learned over the years is that staying with Disney World Resorts, though pricey at times, is worth it for the perks alone—the ability to purchase individual lightning lanes at 7am and early entry 30 minutes before the park opens, just to name a few.  With that in mind, this list of the best Disney World hotels features a mix of official resorts and non-Disney hotels that offer official park perks. So, whether it's your first time going to Disney or your 50th, or you're a regular at the Disney World hotels and need inspiration for a new place to try, you'll find the right accommodations for you.  RECOMMENDED: The ultimate Disney World dining guideRECOMMENDED: The best theme parks in Orlando