These Rides Are the Winners for Highest Wait Times at Walt Disney World

Here at Mickey Visit, we keep close tabs on the crowds at Walt Disney World. With our up-to-date Disney World Crowd Calendar, we provide our readers with monthly predictions of the crowd levels that they can expect to see at all four of the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Nevertheless, we understand that not everyone is able to plan their vacation around the slower months. When facing larger crowds, it’s only natural that you’ll be met with longer lines and higher wait times.

When planning your days at the parks, it’s beneficial if you have an understanding of which rides are the most popular and yield the longest wait times. However, with the ever changing wait times, it’s sometimes hard to get a good grasp on this.

We’ve studied a collection of data to provide you with a list of rides with the highest wait times at Walt Disney World. Along with this list, we’ve included tips and tricks to help you avoid long wait times like these. Follow along to see which rides have the longest average wait times and how you can bypass these lines.

1. TRON Lightcycle / Run

TRON Lightcycle / Run is the newest roller coaster at Walt Disney World. Based on the film TRON: Legacy, this ride takes Guests on a high-speed race through a digitized world known as the Grid. Guests take part in a race against Program foes onboard a vehicle known as a Lightcycle.

TRON has been very popular among Walt Disney World Guests ever since it opened in April of 2023. The motorcycle-style ride vehicle is one factor that makes this coaster so unique. It also has a 0 to 60 miles per hour launch, which creates an extremely thrilling experience. These high speeds make TRON one of the fastest coasters out of all of the Disney Parks around the world. Guests also enjoy the vibrant neon lights of the ride, which can always be experienced inside, but also at nighttime within the canopy that covers the outside portion of the track.

When TRON Lightcycle / Run first opened, you could only ride it by joining a Virtual Queue or purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane (now known as a Lightning Lane Single Pass). The Virtual Queue lasted almost 1.5 years before the ride transitioned over to a regular Standby Line. 

TRON Lightcycle / Run Wait Times

• Weekly Average Wait Times – 126 minutes
• Monthly Average Wait Times – 124 minutes
• Yearly Average Wait Times – 115 minutes

Now, with the option to wait in line, TRON Lightcycle / Run currently sees the longest lines out of all of the attractions at Walt Disney World. Using statistics that we gathered from Thrill Data, we've put together a list of the average wait times that you can expect to see at TRON. Out of all the rides at Walt Disney World, it currently has the longest wait times. 

2. Avatar Flight of Passage

Located in Animal Kingdom’s beautiful land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, is Avatar Flight of Passage. This 3D ride allows Guests to experience what it’s like to fly on the back of a winged mountain banshee. The ritualistic step of bonding with a banshee is very sacred to the Na’vi, which makes this ride extremely special!

Avatar Flight of Passage has a similar feel to Soarin’ Around the World at EPCOT. However, instead of taking a realistically simulated hang gliding adventure, you’ll feel the realism of a banshee ride. During your flight, you’ll feel your banshee breathing beneath you, the wind effects of soaring through the air, and watery mists when you’re near water. You’ll also smell a variety of different scents as you swoop through the Pandora landscape.

As of late, when new rides open at Walt Disney World, they generally always have a Virtual Queue option. However, when Avatar Flight of Passage first opened in May of 2017, there was no Virtual Queue. Instead, there was the option to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane or wait in the regular Standby Line. Currently, Guests can experience the ride the same way – by purchasing a Lightning Lane Single pass or by waiting in the Standby Line.

Avatar Flight of Passage Wait Times

• Weekly Average Wait Times – 76 minutes
• Monthly Average Wait Times – 82 minutes
• Yearly Average Wait Times – 85 minutes

Avatar Flight of Passage has always drawn in large crowds. In the past, we would see waits of up to 3-4 hours for this banshee flight experience. Today, almost 10 years since its opening, Avatar Flight of Passage still comes in second place for the highest wait times at Walt Disney World.

3. Slinky Dog Dash

Located in the adorable Toy Story Land, Slinky Dog Dash is a popular family-friendly roller coaster. Built by Andy, and one of the main focal points of his backyard, this gentle coaster maneuvers through a series of twists, turns, hills, and an exciting mid-ride launch. During your ride, you’ll pass by giant toys, blocks, and familiar friends such as Jessie, Rex, Wheezy, and Mr. Mike!

The popularity of Slinky Dog Dash has never waivered, most likely due to the fact that families can enjoy this ride together. As one of only two roller coasters located at Hollywood Studios, Slinky Dog Dash is the only coaster that younger children can enjoy. With a height requirement of only 38”, many children are around the age of 3 when they’re able to start riding this ride. Plus, with its gentle nature, Slinky Dog Dash is a great beginner coaster for little ones.

Unlike the rides that we’ve previously discussed, there is no option to purchase direct access onto Slinky Dog Dash. However, if you’ve purchased Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Slinky Dog Dash is eligible to be one of your Lightning Lane selections. Due to its overwhelming popularity, I would highly recommend making this your first Lightning Lane Multi Pass selection of the day.

Slinky Dog Dash Wait Times

• Weekly Average Wait Times – 71 minutes
• Monthly Average Wait Times – 72 minutes
• Yearly Average Wait times – 78 minutes

If you’re not utilizing Lightning Lane passes, your other option will be to wait in a regular Standby Line. Currently, Slinky Dog Dash is ranking as the third ride with the highest wait times at Walt Disney World.

4. Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

The other roller coaster at Hollywood Studios – Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – is the next most popular ride at Walt Disney World.

Your rockin’ experience begins when you enter the fictional recording studio, G-Force Records. Inside, you’ll see the members of the classic rock band, Aerosmith, finishing up a recording session. It’s not long before their manager rushes in and reminds them that they need to get to a concert across town – quickly. The band insists that all the Guests present receive backstage passes and transportation to the show. In order to get there in time, everyone needs to take a ride inside a speedy super-stretch limo.

From here, the ride begins. The coaster launches from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 3 seconds. On your journey, you’ll pass by popular Hollywood landmarks and experience three inversions – two rollover loops and one corkscrew. Of course, the ride wouldn’t be complete without the popular songs of Aerosmith playing as you speed across town. During your trip, you may hear “Walk This Way”, “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)”, “Sweet Emotion”, “Back in the Saddle”, or the specially re-written song “Love in a Roller Coaster”.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Wait Times

• Weekly Average Wait Times – 69 minutes
• Monthly Average Wait Times – 67 minutes
• Yearly Average Wait Times – 67 minutes

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is available as a Lightning Lane Multi Pass selection. However, if you’re not using Lightning Lane passes, or weren’t able to snag it as one of your selections, you’ll have to wait in the Standby Line. The current wait times for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster make it the fourth ride with the highest wait times on property.

5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is another extremely popular roller coaster at Walt Disney World. Sharing the same family-friendly appeal that draws so many Guests to Slinky Dog Dash, this coaster frequently sees high wait times from park open to park close.

On Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Guests are whisked through a mountainside and into the whimsical mine from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In the mine, you’ll witness the dwarfs whistling while they work, as they (and you!) are surrounded by hundreds of beautiful, sparkling jewels. The rest of the ride is filled with exciting twists and turns, as you make your way around the mountain. While thrilling, the ride is rather gentle, with the mine cars swaying from side to side as the train moves along the track.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has a low height requirement of only 38”, which makes it another coaster that many young children can enjoy. Many families rush to the ride as soon as Magic Kingdom opens up, and continue to fill the queue throughout the rest of the day.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Wait Times

• Weekly Average Wait Times – 64 minutes
• Monthly Average Wait Times – 64 minutes
• Yearly Average Wait Times – 68 minutes

As one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular rides, Lightning Lane Single Passes are available for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. If you decide not to pay for individual access onto this ride, you’ll need to wait in the Standby Line. Even though the ride opened up almost 11 years ago, it still holds very high wait times, making it the fifth highest on our list.

6. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a ride unlike any other. With the use of multiple ride systems, larger than life props, a cinematic soundtrack, and in-character Cast Members, you’ll feel as if you’re in your own Star Wars film.

When you first arrive, you’ll be greeted by BB-8 and Rey, who will brief you on the situation at hand. After agreeing to help the Resistance, you’ll head out on a secret mission. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse when you’re captured by the First Order and held prisoner. Luckily, the Resistance isn’t far behind, and quickly come to your aid. During your escape, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Watch out as you make your way through the Star Destroyer as you heads towards safety. You’ll need to dodge blasters, live cannons, and even multiple close calls with Kylo Ren!

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a very popular ride at Hollywood Studios. With a height requirement of 40”, many Guests of Walt Disney World are able to ride this ride, including some children. Besides the normal Disney crowds, Rise of the Resistance also pulls in the Star Wars fans that specifically come to Hollywood Studios to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the different Star Wars rides that are available.

With its predicted popularity, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance was the first ride at Walt Disney World to feature a Virtual Queue system. Actually, when it first opened, the Virtual Queue was the only way to ride the ride. Eventually, Individual Lightning Lanes were offered as an additional way to get onto the ride. In September of 2021, a regular Standby Line started being used in place of the Virtual Queue.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Wait Times

• Weekly Average Wait Times – 62 minutes
• Monthly Average Wait Times – 63 minutes
• Yearly Average Wait Times – 78 minutes

Today, Guests can experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance by purchasing a Lightning Lane Single Pass or waiting in the Standby Line. The queue for the Standby Line fills up at the beginning of each day, as Guests rush to the ride as soon as the park opens. Generally, the wait times remain long throughout the day.

7. Frozen Ever After

Frozen Ever After is the first EPCOT ride on our list. This family-friendly boat ride takes Guests on a journey through Arendelle, where they’ll see familiar faces and scenes from the movie Frozen. The ride also features popular songs from the movie, surprise characters, backwards motions, and a thrilling drop.

Frozen Ever After is extremely popular among families. Frozen has a huge following, especially among the younger crowd. Because of this, and the fact that Guests of all ages can ride this ride, the line fills up very quickly with families with little ones. This ride starts to see long waits pretty early in the day and tends to hold onto them well into the evening.

Frozen Ever After Wait Times

• Weekly Average Wait Times – 57 minutes
• Monthly Average Wait Times – 58 minutes
• Yearly Average Wait Times – 61 minutes

In order to gain access onto the ride, you’ll need to secure a spot using Lightning Lane Multi Pass or by waiting in the regular Standby Line. If you’re planning on using Lightning Lane Multi Pass, I would suggest that you make Frozen Ever After one of your first selections of the day. If you plan on waiting in the Standby Line, be prepared to wait a decent amount of time before you’re able to enjoy this attraction.

8. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is very similar to Frozen Ever After in regard to popularity. This is another ride at EPCOT that families flock to.

On this 4D trackless dark ride, Guests get to go on a rat-sized adventure and feel what it’s like to be a rodent in the culinary world. The ride vehicles are even designed to look like rats!

Many things are in play on this ride in order to make you feel tiny, from 3D animation effects on huge screens to oversized sets and props. Additional special effects are also used to make your adventure as realistic as possible, including vibration and scampering feelings from your ride vehicle, heat effects when you’re under the stove, and faint splashes when you’re near water.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opened up using the Virtual Queue system. However, after only a few months, the ride switched over to a regular Standby Line. Guests could also get onto the ride by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane. About a year later, the ride was moved down to be included with standard Genie+ ride selections.

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Wait Times

• Weekly Average Wait Times – 55 minutes
• Monthly Average Wait Times – 56 minutes
• Yearly Average Wait Times – 66 minutes

Today, you can ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure by waiting in the Standby Line or by using Lightning Lane Multi Pass. When the Standby Line first opened, Remy’s used to see lines that were upwards of 4 hours long. While the wait is shorter today, the ride is still the eighth ride with the highest wait times at Walt Disney World.

9. Na'vi River Journey

Na’vi River Journey is another ride that can be found in Pandora – The World of Avatar over at Animal Kingdom. Similarly to Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey has consistently seen long lines since its opening day. Even though both rides are extremely popular, they’re very different in regard to style.

Na’vi River Journey is a peaceful boat ride that takes Guests through the bioluminescent rainforest of Pandora. During the ride, you’ll see the beautifully glowing plant life that’s native to this land. If you listen carefully, you’ll also hear the sounds of the exotic creatures that live within the forest.

One of the most famous parts of this ride is the Na’vi Shaman of Songs. This is one of the most lifelike and impressive animatronics on Walt Disney World property. Through a melody of music and singing, the shaman uses her powers to spread positivity throughout the forest.

Na’vi River Journey Wait Times

• Weekly Average Wait Times – 55 minutes
• Monthly Average Wait Times – 56 minutes

When Na’vi River Journey first opened, it wasn’t uncommon to see waits that were over 200 minutes. If you wish to ride the ride today, you’ll still need to wait in a decently long line. Luckily, the average wait times have gone down quite a bit. If you’d prefer not to wait in the Standby Line, you can opt for a quicker experience by making Na’vi River Journey one of your selections with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass.

10. Peter Pan's Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight is the oldest attraction on our list. While not quite an opening day attraction, Peter Pan’s Flight opened up only two days later on October 3rd, 1971. Even though the ride is over 50 years old, it’s still one of the most popular rides at Walt Disney World.

Peter Pan’s Flight is a quintessential Disney dark ride. With no height requirement, this ride welcomes Guests of all ages. A pirate ship serves as the ride vehicle for this quaint journey. With the power of faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust, the ship will take you by the Darling’s house, through the skies of London, and off to Neverland. During the ride, you’ll get an up close look at some of the most popular scenes from Peter Pan. While on your flight, you’ll see characters like Peter, Wendy, The Lost Boys, Captain Hook, and Tick-Tock Croc.

Peter Pan’s Flight Wait Times

• Weekly Average Wait Times – 52 minutes
• Monthly Average Wait Times – 51 minutes

This is another ride that fills up quickly very early in the day. If you have Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can make this ride one of your selections. For anyone not using Lightning Lane passes, I would highly recommend getting to this ride as early as possible if you wish to ride it. If you’re traveling with children that are too short for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, consider making this your first stop of the day.