The 9 Best Outdoor Rides at Walt Disney World
Now that summer has arrived, it’s time to embrace the weather.
You’ll want to work on your tan while you’re on a park visit, and the best way to do that is to go outside and hang out.
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-14-at-9.04.34-AM.png)
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-14-at-9.04.34-AM.png)
Photo: Disneyplanning.com
Here are the best outdoor rides at Walt Disney World.
9. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
![Cinderella's Horse Prince Charming's Regal Carousel Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cinderellas-Horse-Prince-Charmings-Regal-Carousel-3-scaled.jpeg)
![Cinderella's Horse Prince Charming's Regal Carousel Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cinderellas-Horse-Prince-Charmings-Regal-Carousel-3-scaled.jpeg)
Cinderella’s Horse on Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel in Magic Kingdom
Let’s start with a caveat. I’m only listing attractions that are fully outside.
Anything with an indoor element is ineligible, which rules out Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover.
![Construction Prince Charming's Regal Carousel Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Prince-Charmings-Regal-Carousel-Construction-2-scaled.jpeg)
![Construction Prince Charming's Regal Carousel Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Prince-Charmings-Regal-Carousel-Construction-2-scaled.jpeg)
Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel in Magic Kingdom
Also, the attraction must be a ride, which negates the possibility of shows.
These restrictions alter the conversation a bit, making the list a bit harder to populate.
![Aladdin & Jasmine](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-magic-carpets-aladdin-jasmine-characters3-scaled.jpg)
![Aladdin & Jasmine](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-magic-carpets-aladdin-jasmine-characters3-scaled.jpg)
On the Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Still, I excluded some attractions like Magic Carpets of Aladdin due to how basic they are.
When picking a flat ride, we should go with the classics, and that’s Price Charming Regal Carrousel.
![Cinderella's Horse Prince Charming's Regal Carousel](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cinderellas-Hourse-Prince-Charmings-regal-Carousel-2-scaled.jpeg)
![Cinderella's Horse Prince Charming's Regal Carousel](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cinderellas-Hourse-Prince-Charmings-regal-Carousel-2-scaled.jpeg)
Cinderella’s Horse on Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel in Magic Kingdom
The fun piece of Disney trivia about this ride is that it’s older than Magic Kingdom itself.
A business named the Philadelphia Toboggan Company built the attraction in 1917, while Magic Kingdom arrived in 1971.
![Cinderella's Horse on Prince Charming's Regal Carousel Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cinderellas-Horse-Prince-Charmings-Regal-Carousel-scaled.jpeg)
![Cinderella's Horse on Prince Charming's Regal Carousel Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cinderellas-Horse-Prince-Charmings-Regal-Carousel-scaled.jpeg)
Cinderella’s Horse on Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel in Magic Kingdom
So, you’re riding a piece of history when you experience this “carrousel.”
8. The Barnstormer
![Christmas Party attractions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Barnstormer.png)
![Christmas Party attractions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Barnstormer.png)
Disney
Everyone has to start somewhere, and Disney knows this.
That’s why Magic Kingdom features several remarkable roller coasters, but it also hosts a starter kit.
Kids can hop on a coaster with training wheels, thereby establishing their thrill ride bona fides.
The Barnstormer is no Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, much less a Tron Lightcycle / Run.
![Barnstormer 50 minute wait](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/barnstormer-crowd-2024-scaled.jpeg)
![Barnstormer 50 minute wait](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/barnstormer-crowd-2024-scaled.jpeg)
50 Minute Wait at Barnstormer in Magic Kingdom
Still, this is a fun, well-themed attraction that kids love. More importantly, it makes them feel more adult.
Only big kids ride roller coasters, right?
7. Mad Tea Party
![Mad Tea Party](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mad-Tea-Party.jpg)
![Mad Tea Party](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mad-Tea-Party.jpg)
Photo: D23
Speaking of kids, NEVER ride Mad Tea Party with a child.
For that matter, don’t get onboard if you’re with an immature adult.
![Alice and the Mad Hatter](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2020-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-fantasyland-mad-tea-party-alice-in-wonderland-mad-hatter-meet-and-greet-1-scaled.jpg)
![Alice and the Mad Hatter](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2020-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-fantasyland-mad-tea-party-alice-in-wonderland-mad-hatter-meet-and-greet-1-scaled.jpg)
Alice and the Mad Hatter
This covered attraction is basically a vomitorium wherein you spin your teacup as fast as you want.
In my experience, someone in my ride cart is usually a reckless idiot who spins it way too much. Yes, it’s me. I confess.
Not coincidentally, I stay off Mad Tea Party if I’ve recently eaten. Otherwise, I know that I’m about to make a mess.
6. Alien Swirling Saucers
![Toy Story Land](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Alien-Swirling-Saucers.jpg)
![Toy Story Land](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Alien-Swirling-Saucers.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Here’s one of my favorite rides at Walt Disney World.
The Toy Story theme here involves the Little Green Men, the three-eyed-aliens on display at Pizza Planet.
![Alien Swirling Saucers](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Alien-Swirling-Saucers.jpg)
![Alien Swirling Saucers](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Alien-Swirling-Saucers.jpg)
Photo: Disney
On this ride, you’re riding in an alien go-kart of sorts, and your hope is that the claw chooses you.
You’re actually in a toy-sized playset the whole time, with the theming that Andy won it at…Pizza Planet!
![Pixar Attractions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/5-1.jpg)
![Pixar Attractions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/5-1.jpg)
Photo: Disney
So, everything ties together tidily, and the whipping sensation of the ride provides tons of fun.
5. Kali River Rapids
With Tiana’s Bayou Adventure currently offline, Kali River Rapids wins the title of “best Disney wet ride,” almost by default.
Of course, even if the new Tiana ride were operational, it wouldn’t qualify for this list since much of it takes place indoors.
Conversely, Kali River Rapids is a “sun on your back” experience wherein you hop on a raft and prepare to get drenched.
I think it’s physically impossible to stay dry on this ride, at least if you’re my size.
![Kali River Rapids](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Kali-river-rapids-splash.jpg)
![Kali River Rapids](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Kali-river-rapids-splash.jpg)
Photo: D23
In fact, there’s a spinning element at play here, with the larger people inevitably tilting the boat to their side.
Not coincidentally, I usually have VERY soggy shoes as I exit Kali River Rapids…and a big smile on my face to boot!
4. Jungle Cruise
![Jungle Cruise Temple](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jungle-Cruise-Temple.jpg)
![Jungle Cruise Temple](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jungle-Cruise-Temple.jpg)
Photo: Disney
I vacillated on whether to include this one, as there are a couple of cave elements that some may consider indoors.
Personally, I don’t, and when I think of outdoor rides at Magic Kingdom/Disneyland, Jungle Cruise springs to mind first.
So, I would have felt ridiculous to ignore it. If you think that invalidates this list, I respect that opinion.
Personally, I’m a pun hater as a rule, yet I still have a soft spot in my heart for the ridiculous script of Jungle Cruise.
![Jungle Cruise Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/0826ZP_0133DR-16x9-1.webp)
![Jungle Cruise Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/0826ZP_0133DR-16x9-1.webp)
Photo: Disney
Did you know you can read the spiel at several locations online?
In perusing these scripts, you’ll realize that Cast Members have a slew of joke options at every spot.
From a certain perspective, it’s akin to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue! in that there’s a randomness to each ride.
You never know what your Skipper will say because it’s a mood thing, a variance I adore.
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
![big thunder mountain reopens](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/jan24-mk-big-thunder-mountain-reopen-2-scaled.jpg)
![big thunder mountain reopens](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/jan24-mk-big-thunder-mountain-reopen-2-scaled.jpg)
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Many of the rides up to this point fall under the header of “timeless classics,” but only Jungle Cruise would get consideration as one of Disney’s best rides.
Well, that statement changes with the top three, all of which are among Disney’s greatest triumphs.
At Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you ride a mine cart through a ghost town.
You’ll wonder all the while what happened to this place, as it looks like people just abandoned it in the middle of a work shift.
![Christmas Party attractions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-big-thunder-mountain-railroad-stock-1.jpg)
![Christmas Party attractions](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-big-thunder-mountain-railroad-stock-1.jpg)
Credit: Disney
Still, the timeless joy of this roller coaster is its rickety ride experience and rustic setting.
Also, I always giggle at the old-timer taking a tin can bath, even though I have no idea whether he’s alive or not.
2. Kilimanjaro Safaris
I vacillated on what should win the title of best outdoor Disney ride.
After a moment’s reflection, I decided that a covered Jeep ride isn’t quite the same as the attraction that wins.
So, with all due deference to Kilimanjaro Safaris, it must settle for the silver medal.
Still, the ride experience is perfect and the backbone of any visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
After all, the animals are the ones who live at the park. You’re just visiting on a day pass.
Thoughtfully, your hosts will treat you to a show as they frolic in their natural habitats.
Sometimes, they’ll also stand in the way of your Jeep, preventing you from advancing. Those are some of my favorite moments.
Disney trains its Cast Members better than anyone else, but there’s not much you can do when a large animal grows stubborn.
![Kilimanjaro Safaris](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kilimanjaro-safaris-gallery13.webp)
![Kilimanjaro Safaris](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/kilimanjaro-safaris-gallery13.webp)
Photo: Disney
Overall, this ride is an absolute masterpiece and one of Disney’s greatest creations ever…but it’s not the best outdoor Disney ride.
1. Slinky Dog Dash
Come on, you know what this outcome had to be!
When Toy Story Land opened in 2018, guests immediately noticed the lack of shade at the park.
![Slinky Dog Dash](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-wdw-dhs-hollywood-studios-toy-story-land-slinky-dog-dash-8-scaled.jpg)
![Slinky Dog Dash](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023-wdw-dhs-hollywood-studios-toy-story-land-slinky-dog-dash-8-scaled.jpg)
Slinky Dog Dash
Somehow, that negative turned into a positive with the accompanying attraction, Slinky Dog Dash.
While physics drives the plot of this celebration of the Slinky toy, you’ll still feel the wind on your hair and the sun on your face.
![Slinky Dog Dash](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-dhs-hollywood-studios-slinky-dog-dash-4.jpg)
![Slinky Dog Dash](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-dhs-hollywood-studios-slinky-dog-dash-4.jpg)
Slinky Dog Dash
In short, Slinky Dog Dash is a summer ride that will make you feel like you’re on vacation at Walt Disney World.
That’s precisely what the best outdoor Disney ride should do!
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