My Favorite EPCOT Thrill Rides (Reviewed)

EPCOT might be famous for its global pavilions and more educational experiences, but don’t let that fool you, there are some seriously fun thrill rides here too. If you’re planning your trip and wondering what EPCOT thrill rides are actually worth your time, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s break down the most exciting rides, how to plan your day around them, and what you can realistically expect from each one.

Key Points

• Start with Guardians of the Galaxy: It’s the most popular and arguably the most thrilling ride in the park. It books fast.
• Use Lightning Lane strategically: Not every thrill ride is part of Genie+, so check out our EPCOT Lightning Lane strategy before you go.
• Thrill level varies: Test Track and Mission: SPACE are intense, but Soarin' offers a more relaxed, scenic thrill.

Some EPCOT Thrill Rides to Prioritize

When it comes to EPCOT thrill rides, there are three big ones you shouldn’t miss—and a few others worth considering depending on your interests and motion tolerance.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

The most thrilling and high-tech experience at EPCOT is definitely Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This backward-launch indoor roller coaster features spinning ride vehicles, massive screens with projection effects, and a rotating lineup of classic pop songs that change with each ride. You’re not just strapped in—you’re pulled into an epic intergalactic storyline alongside the Guardians crew, complete with a full pre-show and immersive queue experience.

Best strategy: Since Guardians isn’t available via standby, your options are limited to snagging a Virtual Queue at 7 AM or 1 PM (which goes fast!) or paying for an Individual Lightning Lane. I recommend trying for the Virtual Queue first thing in the morning and having the Lightning Lane as a backup if it doesn’t work out. Timing matters here, so be ready before the drop.

Test Track

If speed is your love language, Test Track will speak to your soul. You start by designing a virtual concept car, then take it out for a “test drive” through various performance challenges. The finale is a high-speed loop that hits over 60 mph, making it the fastest ride at EPCOT. It’s part thrill ride, part interactive design challenge, and kids usually love the hands-on elements.

Best strategy: Test Track is a solid rope drop option or a great use of Genie+. If you're short on time or don’t mind riding solo, the single rider line is usually much quicker than standby.

Mission: SPACE (Orange Mission)

If you’re up for something intense, Mission: SPACE delivers a simulated space mission complete with spinning, g-forces, and a dramatic Mars landing. The Orange Mission is the more extreme version and mimics real astronaut training with heavy motion effects. It’s a wild ride—but definitely not for the faint of heart.

Best strategy: Because Mission: SPACE rarely has long lines, it doesn’t need to be your first priority. Ride earlier in the day if you’re sensitive to motion, and be sure to skip it after a big meal or in the midday heat. If the spinning sounds too intense, try the Green Mission version, which offers the same storyline but skips the physical motion.

When and How to Ride EPCOT Thrill Rides (for Adults and Kids)

If you want to ride all the thrill rides at EPCOT without waiting in hour-long lines, you’ll need a bit of strategy—and your strategy might look different depending on who you’re traveling with.

For adults who want to hit the big thrills, I recommend:

• Arrive early: EPCOT rope drop and early entry gives you a solid head start. You can usually ride Test Track or Soarin' before the crowds build.
• Use Genie+ wisely: Guardians of the Galaxy isn't included with Genie+, but Mission: SPACE and Test Track are. Check out the EPCOT Lightning Lane rides to prioritize your selections.
• Know your route: The thrill rides are spread out—Mission: SPACE is near the front, while Soarin' is deep in World Nature. A good EPCOT itinerary helps you avoid zig-zagging.

If you’re visiting with kids or anyone who prefers gentler rides:

• Test Track can be intense for little ones, but many enjoy the design-your-car part and speed.
• Guardians and Mission: SPACE (Orange) might be too much for sensitive riders, but the Green Mission offers a tame alternative.

For younger kids, take a look at EPCOT for toddlers for the best low-thrill experiences. If it’s an adult-only trip, you might focus more on thrills, snacks, and maybe a cocktail around the world.

Here’s a guide to the best rides for adults: Best EPCOT rides for adults

Don't Miss These Helpful EPCOT Planning Tools

To get the most out of your day, especially if you're trying to balance thrills with everything else EPCOT has to offer, here are some tools I found super helpful:

• Start by checking out the complete list of rides at EPCOT. It’s a great way to get familiar with all your options—from the adrenaline-pumping coasters to the chill boat rides.
• If you're using Genie+, don’t wing it. This EPCOT Genie+ itinerary shows you how to structure your day and make those Lightning Lane reservations work for you.
• Not planning to buy Genie+? No problem. This EPCOT itinerary without Genie+ is still super efficient and helped me avoid unnecessary waits.
• Time is precious, and not every attraction is a winner. This guide to which rides to skip at EPCOT helped me steer clear of the forgettable ones and focus on the hits.

If you want to slow things down between thrills, I highly recommend Living with the Land—it’s a surprisingly fascinating boat ride through greenhouses and labs. And when you're ready to take it easy and soak up culture, head over to the beautifully detailed World Showcase countries.