Just in case you want to ditch your younger friends and family for a little bit, Disney parks around the world [1] offer thrilling rides that aren't for the fainthearted. For those who refuse to visit the parks because it's "only for kids," we have proof that there are options for adrenaline junkies, also. Don't believe us? See 12 of the best Disney roller coasters ahead.
Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
Where? Disneyland Paris
Formerly named Space Mountain: Mission 2, this version at Disneyland Paris [3] is the fastest one among the five around the world, and the only one to include inversions! It seems more roller-coaster-like than its siblings and even has a part outside the mountain when you're shot through an open tunnel.
California Screamin'
Where? Disney California Adventure
California Screamin' [5] is by far the scariest ride among both Disneyland and its neighboring California Adventure park. It's a classic roller coaster that features major drops and a stomach-dropping inversion around Mickey's head that makes it one of the top thrilling Disney rides.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Where? Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios
Hop into a superstretch limo that takes you through Los Angeles at night. On the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster [6], Aerosmith blasts while you're taking off at 60 miles per hour on your way to see the band in concert. Expect three inversions, two loops, and a corkscrew as you weave through traffic.
Tron Lightcycle Power Run
Where? Shanghai Disneyland
Riders get to experience the world of Tron for themselves while riding motorcycles through the Grid. On the Tron Lightcycle Power Run [7], expect a high-speed race on a twisting and turning track plus adrenaline-pumping music and 3D graphics. This Shanghai favorite is also set to come to Walt Disney World in 2021 [8]!
Space Mountain
Where? Every Disney park
Riders take off on a rocket-ship vehicle zipping through the galaxy and back. The fact that Space Mountain [9] is completely dark only makes it more fun because you can't see where you're going.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Where? Tokyo DisneySea and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios
Though the beloved Twilight Zone Terror of Terror [11] has recently transformed into Mission: Breakout! [12], the ride still exists in its original form at other parks. Riders enter the Fifth Dimension on this creepy elevator-themed ride and drop 13 stories down the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Where? Walt Disney World
On a thrilling ride [13] through the Himalayan Mountains, you'll hurl 80 feet down and in and out of caves to get away from the Yeti. When your beaten train comes to a halt before going off on a broken track, you're unexpectedly taken backward into the darkened mountain.
Mission: Space
Where? Walt Disney World
Though it's not technically a roller coaster, Epcot's simulated ride [14] allows park-goers to experience authentic NASA-style training. You're now able to choose the level of intensity from family-friendly to astronaut-approved. The Orange Mission offers G-forces of a spacecraft launch as well as crazy spins and tilts.
Raging Spirits
Where? Tokyo DisneySea
This high-speed roller coaster [15] races through excavated ruins of an ancient ceremonial site. The 360-degree loop and beautiful design make this attraction worth adding to your list.
RC Racer
Where? Disneyland Paris
Located at the park's Toy Story Playland, RC Racer [16] gives movie fans the chance to ride one of Andy's favorite toys in real life. The 25-meter half-pipe attraction takes you through steep ups and downs.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Where? Disneyland
Matterhorn [17] is slightly less terrifying than Expedition Everest (no going backward) but fun nonetheless. Board your bobsled and race through Switzerland's 80-foot-high snow-capped mountain where the Abominable Snowman lives.
Big Thunder Mountain (Paris)
Where? Disneyland Paris
Though Big Thunder Mountain [18] is found at Disneyland, Disney World, and Tokyo Disneyland, the one at the Paris park is arguably the best version. You're taken through an underwater tunnel to an island, and it's beautiful.