Let’s talk about Disney’s simulators. As amazing and immersive as they may be, sometimes attractions can start feeling too real – scary even! While many would call these attractions relatively tame, they all certainly pack a punch in their own unique ways. Let’s dive into the specifics – ranking each one by intensity, claustrophobia, scariness, and more.
5 – Soarin’ Around the World
As a truly one-of-a-kind attraction, Soarin’ Around the World suspends its riders over a massive screen to simulate flying high above the wonders of the world. As a gentle and relaxing ride, however, it’s certainly the least intense on our list and makes for an overall pleasant experience for most riders.
How Intense is Soarin’?
As a flying simulator, you are not only suspended (and lightly swinging), but you’re also given the illusion of flying several hundred feet in the air. The seats are actually suspended above the ground – between 30 and 50 feet depending on which row you’re on – so keep that in mind as well. In addition, you do get pretty “close” to some fireworks during the finale, but they aren’t supposed to be scary – just a little loud. The ride also uses a lot of piped-in smells (all pleasant) to heighten the immersive experience, so those sensitive to that should also be aware.
How Does Soarin’ Compare to other Simulators?
Compared to the other simulators in the parks, Soarin’ is certainly the least intense – and most relaxing! With its gentle swaying and gorgeous visuals, this attraction makes for a simply relaxing ride that could be perfect for the whole family. However, I do recommend that those made uncomfortable with heights take a moment to consider this one – even if it’s only simulated.
For more specifics on Soarin’, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW.
4 – Flight of Passage
As one of the newer attractions on this list, Flight of Passage has certainly made a name for itself with its innovative ride systems and dynamic experience. This breathtaking flight simulator puts you on the back of a banshee as you soar over the land of Pandora – encountering all sorts of creatures and magical landscapes.
How Intense is Flight of Passage?
As a fantasy-themed experience at its heart, there are some large – sometimes threatening – creatures and moments of peril you’ll experience throughout the ride. While I would definitely call this ride more thrilling than intentionally scary – it is full of loud noises, wind effects, piped-in smells, and your bike actually “breathes” underneath you, which could be disconcerting for some. In addition, this ride simulates soaring over the landscape at a thrilling speed. While you’re not actually moving forward, the illusion is very convincing.
How Does Flight of Passage Compare to other Simulators?
You might be tempted to compare Flight of Passage to Soarin’ due to the fact that they’re both flying simulators. However, this attraction is definitely a step above its little cousin in Epcot – turning up the intensity by quite a bit. Aside from having much more perilous moments, Flight of Passage simulates more dramatic and dynamic movement – making for a much more thrilling ride experience altogether.
For more specifics on Flight of Passage, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from LMG Vids.
3 – Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Located in the heart of Galaxy’s Edge – Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is an innovative Star Wars-themed flight simulator on board our favorite hunk of junk in the galaxy. Opening alongside Rise of the Resistance, this attraction is often overlooked due to the fact that it’s just a simulator – but how intense is it, really?
How Intense is Smuggler’s Run?
While Smuggler’s Run is not intentionally scary, it involves some moderate action and peril throughout its 4 and a half minute run time. You’ll encounter loud noises, explosions, gunfire, and rough landings. There are flashing lights – both on the screen and inside the cockpit – and some jarring movement at times.
How Does Smuggler’s Run Compare to other Simulators?
Comparing Smuggler’s Run to the two previous entries on this list, there’s a clear distinction in the action department. Aside from being a bit rougher and confining, the perilous moments are taken up a notch with gunfire, explosions, and crash landings – making it potentially a bit chaotic for some riders.
For more specifics on Smuggler’s Run, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW.
2 – Star Tours
As the only Star Wars attraction in Hollywood Studios for decades, Star Tours doesn’t employ any crazy, innovative ride systems or dynamic movement. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity, though – this attraction really packs a punch compared almost every other simulator in the parks. With its hundreds of ride variations and possibilities, you’re always in for an exciting experience every time you ride.
How Intense is Star Tours?
While not intentionally scary, per se, Star Tours is a very thrilling (and rough) ride that sometimes lends itself to sensory overload. Regardless of the variation you get, there are loud noises, flashing lights, jerky movements, villainous characters, and significant peril throughout the ride. While certainly not as technologically advanced as other rides, this attraction still packs in the action with some vibrant visuals, energetic movement, and (of course) its amazing soundtrack.
How Does Star Tours Compare to other Simulators?
While you may be tempted to think of Star Tours as a dinky mall simulator compared to the newer, bigger rides like Rise of the Resistance and Smugglers Run, it really holds its own in terms of intensity. It may be similar to Smuggler’s Run in terms of its action sequences, but the older ride system, stuffy interior, and jarring movements truly earns this attraction the #2 spot among Disney’s scariest simulators.
For more specifics on Star Tours, go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW.
1 – Mission: Space
Coming in as the uncontested top pick, Mission: Space is without a doubt the most intense simulator on Disney property. While it technically lacks any outright scary moments or sequences, the toll that this ride takes on your body makes it unlike any other attraction in Walt Disney World.
How Intense is Mission: Space?
As a highly intense thrill ride, Mission: Space is one of the few rides in Disney World that is consistently too intense for many adults. While its intensity is mostly due to the G-forces and thrilling simulator movement, this attraction is also extremely claustrophobic – giving you literally inches of space between your face and the walls – and involves some loud noises, moments of peril, and darkness. If you or someone in your party is prone to claustrophobia, sensory sensitivity, or motion sickness, I would seriously consider skipping out on this one.
How Does Mission: Space Compare to other Simulators?
With the ride vehicles technically spinning at 35 miles per hour, Mission: Space is without a doubt the fastest simulator on this list. The 2.5 Gs you experience on this ride really sell the sensation of blasting off the earth and soaring through space at much higher speeds. In addition, the claustrophobia and motion sickness really do make this a tough ride for many people.
For more specifics on Mission: Space go check out my in-depth ride review here! Also, if you’re looking for a visual of the ride and queue, be sure to check out this video from 4K WDW.
What do you think? Do you agree with my Top 5 Scary Simulators in Disney World? Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know!
