11 Best Water Rides At Disney World

Disney World is a lot of things, but boring isn’t one of them. 

Each of the four theme parks hosts iconic rides and thrilling roller coasters, so there’s always a new experience right around the corner.

However, Disney World offers a variety of exciting attractions, and we can’t overlook its spectacular water rides.

Whether guests need to escape the Orlando heat or want to jazz up their ride schedule, Disney World has them covered.

The top 11 water rides at Disney World are:

• Splash Mountain
• Jungle Cruise
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros 
• Frozen Ever After
• Living with the Land
• Kali River Rapids
• Na’vi River Adventure
• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Casey Jr. Splash N’ Soak Station.

Keep reading to learn more about the top 11 water rides at Disney World, including where they’re located and what to expect from the experience.

11 Top Rated Water Right At Disney World

Magic Kingdom is home to all the classic Disney rides parkgoers grew up with, including three of the water rides on our list. 

1) Splash Mountain (Frontierland)

Known for its iconic log flume (and five-story drop!), Splash Mountain is the most thrilling water ride on this list.

Onboard, guests float through a whimsical world complete with cartoon animals singing “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.” 

Riders relax as they slowly drift along – when suddenly they’re interrupted by big drops.

The log vehicle then races down each of the ride’s three falls, soaking everyone who dares to sit in the front rows.

Splash Mountain’s charming theme, exciting track, and guaranteed splash make this the best water ride at Disney World.

For those guests who haven’t had the opportunity to experience Splash Mountain yet, be sure to visit the park before January 22, 2023! – the ride will soon be revamped into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, reopening in 2024.

2) Jungle Cruise (Adventureland)

Cruise through the jungles of Asia, Africa, and South America on this leisurely river ride full of animatronic wildlife, like hippos, elephants, and tigers.

Jungle Cruise was refurbished in 2021 after the movie of the same name hit theaters. 

With the updated storyline, visitors connect with familiar characters and enter an immersive jungle adventure.

3) Pirates of the Caribbean (Adventureland)

Any “best of Disney” list would be incomplete without this park favorite. 

Before inspiring five hit movies, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride enchanted parkgoers for decades. 

The attraction has since been updated to include the film’s characters – now guests follow Captain Jack Sparrow as he maneuvers pirate-infested towns. 

The big drop at the finale plummets riders directly into battle on the high seas before they escape downstream and exit the ride.

4) Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros (World Showcase)

EPCOT may not be associated with mind-blowing rides, but Disney has made notable improvements to the park and put its attractions on the map!

Located in the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT, Gran Fiesta Tour follows the Three Caballeros as they search for Donald Duck. 

As guests relax on this family-friendly cruise down the Rio Grande, they can enjoy lively music from Disney’s classic animatronic characters.

5) Frozen Ever After (World Showcase)

Frozen Ever After was developed out of the Norway pavilion’s previous ride, Maelstrom, and has become one of EPCOT’s main attractions.

Guests board an ancient Nordic ship and launch into the wonderful world of Frozen, sailing through the magic and music that made the film so popular. 

The ride is complete with animatronic characters such as Elsa singing “Let it Go” and the occasional splash that leaves riders slightly damp.

6) Living with the Land (World Nature)

Living with the Land is a classic EPCOT edutainment ride that combines the wonder of Disney with educational content. 

This slow attraction takes guests on a calming boat ride through lush greenery and fish schools, truly reinventing what a water ride can be.

Unlike Frozen Ever After and Gran Fiesta Tour, Living with the Land caters to adults and curious visitors interested in farming innovation, conservation efforts, and the environment.

7) Kali River Rapids (Asia)

Animal Kingdom celebrates the natural world by bringing guests up close and personal with exotic animals and landscapes – and its water rides are no different.

Embracing Animal Kingdom’s dedication to the natural world, Kali River Rapids takes guests through an incredible, endless jungle on a river rafting adventure. 

Riders are sure to get soaked while careening down rapids thanks to drops, water jets, and geysers – it might even be a good idea to bring some extra clothes.

8) Na’vi River Journey (Pandora – The World of Avatar)

Keeping with Animal Kingdom’s natural theme, Na’vi River Journey welcomes guests into a beautiful landscape, although with a distinct twist. 

After boarding a mystical boat, riders are taken downriver into the lush jungles of Pandora, the mythical world of Avatar. 

The Shaman of Songs audio-animatronic sings out as visitors experience ride features inspired by Earth’s natural wonders, such as the incredible biodiversity and bioluminescence that exist in our planet’s rainforests.

9) Avatar Flight of Passage (EPCOT)

These rides may not have the typical splash factor or ferry guests down a river, but their unique water features earn them each a spot on this list.

Avatar Flight of Passage is one of EPCOT’s most popular rides, although it’s not usually considered a water ride. 

Unlike other Disney attractions, this ride is a 3D flying simulator with sound, movement, and water effects. 

Guests fly alongside fellow Na’vi through the incredible world of Pandora on the back of a banshee. 

As they soar across the sky, riders feel the mist as they break through clouds and float around the Hallelujah Mountains.

10) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom)

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of Disney lovers’ favorite roller coasters. 

Located in the heart of Frontierland, riders board a coal train and journey through an old (possibly haunted) goldmine deep in the mountains of the Old West. 

Racing down big drops and sharp turns, this Magic Kingdom classic is a true roller coaster.

As this bumpy train ride passes geysers, mist, and zooms through pools, some guests can get wet.

11) Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station (Magic Kingdom)

While technically not a ride, this splash area for kids is still in our top picks for water attractions at Disney World.

Located in Fantasyland and inspired by the movie Dumbo, Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station is the perfect spot for families on hot Florida days.

Conclusion

Disney World has endless attractions for every guest, and its water rides should not be underestimated. 

Our list of the 11 best water rides across Disney’s four theme parks includes thrill rides, leisurely river rides, and out-of-the-box water-themed attractions.

From Disney classics like Splash Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean to new excursions like Na’vi River Adventure and Kali River Rapids, parkgoers can board a water ride whenever the mood strikes.