"A Big NOPE for Me" — The Surprisingly Terrifying Ride Hiding in Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is home to the most rides out of all the Disney World parks.

Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom

It’s also known as the park with the most family-friendly rides. While there are certainly some more thrilling rides in the park, most notably Space Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, there’s a plethora of rides geared toward younger kids. However, there’s one ride that may SEEM like it’s family-friendly, but we’re here to tell you that it’s NOT what it seems!

Astro Orbiter is located in Tomorrowland, right above the PeopleMover, to be exact! While the ride vehicle itself seems simple — it’s a pick you up and spin you around ride — there’s one caveat: you’re about a hundred feet off the ground.

Astro Orbiter

When you board the spaceship, you’re already 80 feet off the ground, and then while you ride, you have the choice to bring yourself even higher. Already this is a recipe for disaster for people like Emma, who are afraid of heights, but it actually gets worse.

Astro Orbiter

Yes, Emma notoriously hates this ride, but it’s not really because of the height, if you can believe it! She’s faced her fear of Tower of Terror and will now ride it willingly, and she does just fine (most of the time) on the Disney Skyliner. No, the really scary part of this ride is perfectly described by this review we got from a readers on our website:

“A big NOPE for me … the only ride anywhere that has ever brought me to tears. Please do not compare this to dumbo … sweet little dumbo doesn’t attempt to tip you over and pour you out.”

It’s not as fun once you’re in the air!

It may sound a little dramatic, but it’s NOT! This ride really doesn’t feel very secure to some and can really feel like you’re being tilted out of the ride. Will you actually fall out? No, of course not, but it doesn’t FEEL that way!

©Disney

Now, if you’re open to feeling a little unsafe and taking a risk, then this ride is great. Speaking from a personal viewpoint here, I got to ride it right at park opening one day and watch the sun rise from the ride (where I was practically alone because most people were at other rides), which is a core memory in my mind. It’s also great to ride during fireworks! So some people may love it, but if you’re even slightly worried around heights, DO NOT hop on.