My Favorite Disney Coasters

You'd think living right next door to Walt Disney World I'd get to ride all the rides all the time. But with it being so convenient I rarely get there early in the morning or late at night. That means I'm there when crowds are at their biggest and I'm usually only there for a few hours so FastPass often isn't a help. Consequently, with the exception of the Magic Kingdom with its after-hours parties, I rarely get on the big rides. But over the past month I've been able to ride just about all the coasters at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World so I decided to gather a list of my favorite Disney coasters (Note I've not been to any of the International Disney parks):

1: California Screamin' (Disney's California Adventure): I had a chance to ride this again on New Year's Eve and was reminded how just-plain-fun it is with its great start, 2 big drops, a loop and an onboard soundtrack. And while I like all the things that can be done with an indoor (or partially indoor) coaster, it's so exhilarating to be on a coaster outdoors – especially in the night air. The great view of Disneyland is also a bonus. My favorite part (if I don't mind getting a stiff neck) is watching Disneyland do a 360 by looking at it during the loop.

2: Matterhorn (Disneyland): Disney's original coaster is still one of my favorites. A lot of the fun comes from skidding through the mountain so close to the ground and the walls flying in and out of the mountain. I also enjoy the roughness of the ride as it reminds me I'm riding a classic. And, of course, the encounters with Harold. Bonus points for the views it gives of the park. By the way, I prefer the Tomorrowland side (doesn't everyone) as I'd rather go under the bridge, not on it.

3: Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom): I rode Everest for the first time since opening day this morning – the inspiration for writing this column. While I absolutely love it, it wasn't as much as I remembered. But it was still plenty of fun. The backwards part is great fun as is the big drop. The Yeti is absolutely incredible. The helix is a little much for me at my advanced age (I'm always very dizzy when I get off) and I think I'd like it even more if less of it was in the dark, but still Everest is an amazing achievement. And, again, great views of the park!

4: Space Mountain (Disneyland): I rode the latest version of Disneyland's Space Mountain for the first time this past December. WOW! Now I see what all the fuss was about. I loved the original Space Mountain. I loved the Dick Dale version even more. But the current version is amazing. It's amazing how different a ride can be made by changing the soundtrack and scenery while keeping the same track layout. The only thing that keeps this from being even higher on my list is the ride itself – while fun – isn't spectacular with just the one drop and the majority of the turns being in the same direction. And since I don't know the layout as well as I once did, I now keep my hands safely inside the car at all times (instead of outstretched in the dark like I used to … I did nick my finger on something once. Not recommended).

5: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (Disney's Hollywood Studios): My first launch coaster. Many inversions (I love going upside down). Fun music. This is a fun ride. A little short and a little dark but still great fun. 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 …. 1 ……. and, oh year, Ch(K)ris, can you grab my black Les Paul?

Honorable Mention: Primeval Whirl (Animal Kingdom): This isn't 6th on my list. Or even 7th or 8th (well maybe 8th), but this coaster still holds a special place in my heart. I've never giggled like a school girl on a ride as much as I did the first time I rode this. It's just wild crazy fun. After riding Everest this morning I snuck in a ride on here. It was just as crazy as I remember though – again – the advanced aged makes the spinning a little tough. At the end of the ride the ride op asked if I wanted to ride again. I declined.