Are you planning a trip to Orlando but feeling a bit apprehensive about the theme park rides? Fear not; there are plenty of attractions that will get your heart racing without sending you into a full-blown panic attack. From gentle spins to slow-moving adventures, there are plenty of options for those who prefer a tamer ride experience.

My youngest might be the most timid theme park rider I have ever met. We love to go to Orlando every January to escape the New England gloom, and we always visit one theme park. 

For the first few years, my son hated it! He wouldn’t go on rides, and whined and complained the whole time. Then I convinced him to go on the Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, and he loved it!  

From then on, I compared all the rides to Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon, and he could decide whether to ride or not. 

If you have timid riders, this post is for you!

In this article, we’ll explore the best theme park rides for timid riders in Orlando. Whether you’re traveling with young children or simply prefer a more relaxed pace, we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn about the different types of rides available and which ones are best suited for those who prefer a gentler experience. So grab your sunscreen and get ready to enjoy all the fun that Orlando has to offer without the fear factor.

Understanding Theme Park Rides

If you’re a timid rider, the thought of riding a roller coaster or other thrill ride can be intimidating. However, understanding the different types of rides and their intensity levels can help you choose the best ones for your comfort level.

Ride Intensity Levels

Most theme parks classify their rides into categories based on their intensity levels. These categories can vary from park to park, but they generally include the following:

• Kiddie Rides: These rides are designed for young children and are usually slow-moving and gentle.
• Family Rides: These rides are suitable for riders of all ages and tend to be less intense than thrill rides.
• Thrill Rides: These rides are designed to be exciting and intense, with high speeds, steep drops, and other thrilling elements.
• Extreme Thrill Rides: These rides are the most intense and extreme, with high speeds, steep drops, and other extreme elements.

Ride Types

In addition to intensity levels, rides can also be classified by their type. Some common ride types include:

• Roller Coasters: These rides feature a track with steep drops, twists, and turns.
• Water Rides: These rides involve boats or rafts traveling through water, often with drops or other thrilling elements.
• Dark Rides: These rides take place indoors and involve special effects and animatronics.
• Simulators: These rides simulate a variety of experiences, such as flying or driving. (So many rides today are these type!)

Choosing the Right Theme Park Ride

When choosing a ride, consider your comfort level and any physical limitations you may have. Start with less intense rides and work up to more thrilling experiences as you become more comfortable. Don’t be afraid to ask ride operators for more information about a ride’s intensity level or any safety concerns you may have. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy your time at the theme park!

Ranking Theme Park Rides

I will be ranking these non-scary theme park rides from 1-5.

• 1 means that it is a simple track or similar experience. There are no drops or quick turns.
• 5 means that while this is still a non-scary ride there are some quick turns and a few drops. You will want to work up to these rides with a timid rider.

I am not ranking any roller coasters or rides that my timid child didn’t or wouldn’t like.  They are all fairly simple rides. However, I will list if the ride could make you have motion sickness.

Magic Kingdom: Gentle Thrills

If you’re a timid rider, the Magic Kingdom has plenty of gentle thrills to offer. From classic attractions to newer additions, you will find a ride for you.

It’s a Small World

One of the most iconic rides in the park is the “It’s a Small World” boat ride. This slow-moving attraction takes you on a journey around the world, showcasing different cultures and their customs. It’s a great option for those who want to relax and take in the sights.

This is rated a 1.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Another classic ride is the “Peter Pan’s Flight”. This gentle ride takes you on a journey through the beloved story of Peter Pan. You’ll soar over London and Neverland, encountering characters such as Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, and the Lost Boys.

This is also rated a 1, but it is in the dark.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

For a more thrilling experience, try the “Seven Dwarfs Mine Train”. This roller coaster is designed to be family-friendly, with gentle hills and twists that won’t leave you feeling too dizzy. The ride takes you through the mine where the Seven Dwarfs work, with plenty of fun surprises along the way.

This is rated a 3. There are a few small drops, but nothing that should give you motion sickness. It also goes through a dark tunnel.

EPCOT: Exploratory Adventures

If you’re a timid rider, EPCOT is the perfect park for you. This park is all about exploring the world and learning new things. There are plenty of rides and attractions that are perfect for the more cautious among us.

Soarin’

One of the most popular rides in EPCOT is Soarin’. This ride simulates a hang-gliding adventure over some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Although the movie part can be a bit intense at times, it’s a great option for those looking for a thrilling experience without any major drops or spins.

If you have ever ridden on a Fly Over Experience, it is very similar.

This is rated a 2. You are strapped into a row of seats, and there is a little bit of back-and-forth movement.

Spaceship Earth

Another great ride for timid riders is Spaceship Earth. This slow-moving ride takes you on a journey through the history of communication, from cave paintings to the Internet. It’s a great way to learn something new while enjoying a relaxing ride.

This is ranked a 1. There are not drops, and it is a slow ride. It is in the dark for much of the ride.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Immersive Experiences

If you’re looking for immersive experiences at a theme park, look no further than Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This park transports you to different worlds and makes you feel like you’re part of the action.

Toy Story Mania!

One of the best rides for timid riders is the Toy Story Mania! Attraction. This ride takes you through a series of carnival games based on the Toy Story movies. You’ll shoot at targets, throw pies, and pop balloons, all while wearing 3D glasses and competing against your friends and family. It’s a fun and lighthearted experience that’s perfect for all ages.

I rate this a 2. While it doesn’t leave the ground, there is a lot of spinning, which could cause motion sickness. But it is so much fun for every age.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

This family-friendly attraction takes you on a whimsical train ride through a cartoon world. It’s the first ride at Disney to star Mickey Mouse and Friends and is known for its catchy theme song and innovative trackless ride system.

This is what we are seeing more and more of at Universal and Disney are trackless rides with huge screens. This is one of the best rides at Hollywood Studios in my opinion and we rode it a number of times.

I rate this a 2.5. There are no drops, but the screen simulates a drop. It is sometimes dark, and it can feel like you are moving faster than you are.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

It is an interactive attraction where guests can pilot the Millennium Falcon, the iconic spaceship from the Star Wars series, on a smuggling mission.

The ride is not typically considered scary in the traditional sense, as it doesn’t feature intense drops or high speeds that you might find on roller coasters. It’s more of a thrilling and immersive experience that puts riders in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, where they can take on the role of pilot, gunner, or engineer. The experience involves a motion simulator that creates the feeling of flying through space, engaging in battles, and avoiding obstacles.

I rate this a 3. This isn’t scary at all, but it does feel like you are moving at fast speeds, even though you are staying in one place.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Chill Animal Encounters

If you’re a timid rider, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has plenty of mild excursions to enjoy. Here are some of the best rides to check out:

Na’vi River Journey

This gentle boat ride takes you through the bioluminescent forests of Pandora from the movie Avatar. The scenery is stunning, and the ride is peaceful, making it a great option for those who don’t like thrill rides.

I rate this a 1. While it is a dark ride, it goes very slowly and has no drops.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Take a tour through the re-created African savanna  on an open-air vehicle, where you’ll see animals like lions, giraffes, and elephants. The ride is bumpy at times but not too intense. It’s a unique and educational experience that’s perfect for animal lovers.

I rate this a 1. If you like riding in a car and looking at animals, you will love this one!

TriceraTop Spin

Similar to the classic Dumbo ride, TriceraTop Spin lets you soar through the air on a gentle spin. You’ll be riding on the back of a Triceratops, perfect for kids and adults who want a mild thrill.

I rate this 1-4. You can totally ride this ride like a carousel and never have a drop. But if you want to add to experience you can use the lever in front of you to go up and down.

Universal Studios: Light Entertainment

If you’re a timid rider, Universal Studios is the perfect place for you to enjoy a day of light entertainment. This theme park is known for its movie-themed attractions, which offer a range of experiences for all ages and thrill levels.

Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

Instead, “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon” is a 3D motion-simulator ride that takes guests on a whimsical and comedic race through, above, and below New York City against the show’s host, Jimmy Fallon. The experience includes flying through the city’s streets and landmarks, encountering characters and references from “The Tonight Show,” and experiencing special effects that engage the senses.

While the ride is high-energy and fast-paced, it’s meant to be fun and entertaining rather than scary. It’s designed to be suitable for a broad audience, including families with children. However, as with any motion simulator, there is a potential for motion sickness, and the ride does have height requirements to ensure safety.

I rate this a 2. While this is not a scary ride at all, there is a good chance you will feel motion sickness if you ride it more than once.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Ride

Another great option for timid riders is the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. This 3D simulator ride takes you on a wild adventure with Gru and his minions but without any big drops or intense thrills.

I would recommend that your timid riders opt for the stationary seats at the front. This will help avoid the feeling of drops and spins.

I rate this a 5 if you do the traditional seating. It is still a tame ride, but you will be jostled around a lot and surely feel sick when finished.

Men in Black: Alien Attack

The “Men in Black: Alien Attack” ride at Universal Studios Florida is an interactive ride inspired by the “Men in Black” film franchise. While it does feature aliens and some dark ride elements, it is not considered scary in the traditional sense of horror or intense thrill rides.

During the ride, guests board a vehicle equipped with laser guns and are recruited to become MIB agents tasked with defeating an alien invasion. The experience involves riding through a New York City street set, where riders encounter various animatronic alien creatures. Guests compete for points by aiming and shooting at targets throughout the ride.

While “Men in Black: Alien Attack” is dark and fast-paced, with spinning vehicles and sudden movements, it’s intended to entertain rather than scare.

I rate this a 4. This ride is really fun, but it spins around a lot! While it is a great ride for timid riders, you won’t want to this one first!

Islands of Adventure: Calm Discoveries

If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience at Universal Orlando Resort, then the Islands of Adventure has some great options for you. Here are some of the best rides for timid riders:

Flight of the Hippogriff

This roller coaster is perfect for those who want a taste of thrill without going overboard. It’s a short ride that takes you through Hagrid’s pumpkin patch and past his hut. The coaster has a maximum speed of 28 mph and a height of only 13 feet, making it a great option for those who are new to roller coasters.

I would rate this a 5. It is a roller coaster, but a very easy one. If you or your child is ready to try a “grown-up” rollercoaster, this is perfect.

The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!

This ride takes you on a tour of Seuss Landing, giving you a bird’s eye view of all the colorful attractions. It’s a slow-moving ride that’s perfect for all ages. The ride is also wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for those with mobility issues.

I would rate this a 2. The ride is slow and easy, but it is raised off the ground, so it may be scary to those afraid of heights.

Hogwarts Express

The Hogwarts Express at Universal Orlando Resort is not a scary ride. This attraction, which connects Universal Studios Florida with Universal’s Islands of Adventure, faithfully recreates the magical train from the Harry Potter series. Guests can board the train at either King’s Cross Station in the London area of Universal Studios or Hogsmeade Station in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure.

The ride is designed to be a pleasant and immersive experience for Harry Potter fans, simulating the journey that characters in the series take between London and Hogsmeade. During the ride, passengers are treated to views of the British countryside and magical elements from the Harry Potter world through the train’s windows, which are actually high-resolution screens.

I would rate this ride as a 1. No sudden drops, high speeds, or intense special effects typically characterize thrill rides. It’s a great opportunity for fans to relax and enjoy the transition between the two Harry Potter-themed lands at Universal Orlando Resort.

SeaWorld Orlando: Relaxing Encounters

If you’re a timid rider looking for a more relaxing theme park experience, SeaWorld Orlando has plenty of options. Here are some of the best rides and attractions that are perfect for the faint of heart:

Dolphin Nursery

The Dolphin Nursery is a great place to relax and watch the playful dolphins swim around. You can get up close and personal with these intelligent creatures and even learn more about them from the knowledgeable staff. This is a great attraction for all ages, especially those wanting a more laid-back experience.

This is rated a 1. The only chance it could scare someone is if they are afraid of dolphins.

Turtle Trek

Turtle Trek is a 3D movie experience that takes you “underwater”. You’ll learn about the life cycle of sea turtles and the challenges they face in the wild. This attraction is perfect for those who want to learn more about marine life and enjoy a relaxing, air-conditioned break from the Florida heat.

This is rated a 1. This is much more movie than ride, but it is a super great way to learn about sea turtles.

Tips for a Stress-Free Park Visit

Going to a theme park can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming for timid riders. Here are some tips to help make your park visit stress-free:

Plan Ahead

Before you go, research the park and its rides. Look up ride descriptions, height requirements, and thrill levels to get an idea of what you might want to ride. This will help you avoid wasting time and energy on rides that you won’t enjoy.

Arrive Early

Arriving early can help you avoid long lines and crowded areas. This will give you more time to explore the park and ride the attractions without feeling rushed.

Take Breaks

Don’t try to do everything at once. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. You can grab a snack, sit down and relax, or explore some of the park’s non-ride attractions.

Use FastPass or Express Lane

Many parks offer a FastPass or Express Lane option that allows you to skip the regular line and ride the attraction with little to no wait time. This can be a great option for timid riders who don’t want to spend too much time waiting in line.

Bring a Friend

Bringing a friend or family member can help ease your nerves and make the experience more enjoyable. You can ride together and provide each other with support and encouragement.

Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes

Make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. They should be appropriate for the weather and the type of activities you’ll be doing.

This will help you feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout the day.

Following these tips can help you have a stress-free and enjoyable park visit, even if you’re a timid rider.