In honor of National Roller Coaster Day, we decided to make a list of our favorite themed coasters at Disney and Universal Parks, so (you knew it was coming) hold onto your hats and glasses, and take a ride with us!
Our Favorite Disney Thrill Coasters
Disney isn’t necessarily the thrill ride capital of the world, but that doesn’t mean there are no thrilling roller coasters in Disney theme parks.
Disneyland
Space Mountain – The classic indoor dark coaster at Disneyland stands the test of time (though the Star Wars-themed Hyperspace Mountain overlay is also pretty great).
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – The original runaway train coaster designed by Disney Legend Tony Baxter never gets old… and you can’t beat the “goat trick” (google it).
Incredicoaster – Originally built as a traditional “boardwalk-style” outdoor roller coaster – with Disneyland’s only loop – the Incredibles overlay added extra pixie dust with a jazzy soundtrack and fun character moments inside the ride’s enclosed tubes.
The Disneyland OG
Matterhorn Bobsleds – Disney’s first themed coaster (and the very first tubular steel roller coaster) has undergone a few facelifts over the years, but continues to rank at the top of many park goers’ “must-ride” list when visiting the Happiest Place on Earth.
Walt Disney World
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – It’s like Big Thunder Mountain on steroids – and with a Yeti. Disney Animal Kingdom is known for being a little more laid back (and a lot more shady) than the other Orlando parks, but lurking in the distance is a massive mountain coaster with a massive drop.
Tron / Lightcycle Run – Walt Disney World’s newest ride is a highly-themed high-tech coaster with motorcycle-style seats. This ride also boasts the coolest on-ride photos that snap still images and shoot video from both sides.
Walt Disney World TRON Lightcycle / Run – Everything You Need To Know!
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind– The best indoor coaster (in our opinion) is also the coolest, with an extra smooth ride and a rotating playlist of Star Lord’s favorite retro hits. Plus, the “cake toast” joke gets us every time!
Our Favorite Disney Kiddie Coasters
Disney being Disney, they made sure even little riders (or nervous big riders) can coaster too.
Slinky Dog Dash (Walt Disney World) – The fact that this “kiddie coaster” regularly has one of the longest wait times is a testament to the winning combo of a medium thrill factor and extra creative theming.
Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster (Disneyland) – The perfect first coaster experience was always super cute, but the addition of Chip and Dale with the Toon Town reimagination upped the cute factor by A LOT.
Disneyland ToonTown REOPENED – Essential Guide to Rides, Food, Shopping & More!
Our Favorite Universal Thrill Coasters
Universal Studios Hollywood is woefully deficient in the roller coaster category, so we’re definitely looking forward to the upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in 2026. For today, we’ll still throw Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride a token vote for being our favorite thrill coaster in the California Park.
Universal Orlando Resort, however, is another story…
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – The Wizarding World coaster is exciting and magical, with drops, launches (both forward and backward), and a menagerie of magical creatures. Plus, you gotta re-ride to try both the motorcycle and sidecar.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster – The incredibly fast and intense roller coaster has a ridiculously high top hat moment and several inversions (though, for some unknown reason, it does not have a shoulder harness). However, in our opinion, the “Mosasaur Roll” is a missed opportunity for a dino animatronic in the water.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster – Although the theming is a little thinner than the others, this thrilling ride with a 67-mile-per-hour launch still makes our top three – and we think most roller coaster fans would agree.
And when Universal Epic Universe opens in 2025, these guys will definitely have some stiff competition.
It’s Alive – Universal’s Epic Universe Theme Park Will Be Monstrous!
Our Favorite Universal Kiddie Coasters
Flight of the Hippogriff – This Wizarding World outdoor coaster at Both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort is a perfect choice for kids who are too small (or too scared) to ride the other magical attractions in Hogsmeade.
Trolls Trollercoaster – The brand-spankin’ new Trolls-themed coaster is a fun addition to Universal Orlando. And, really, is there anyone among us who wouldn’t want to ride on the Caterbus?
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Let’s Hear From You!
What are your favorite Disney and Universal roller coasters? Do you agree with our picks, or did we miss something? And how are you celebrating Roller Coaster Day? Let us know in the comments!
