Top Five Rides and Attractions at Walt Disney World

Taking a trip to Disney World is a dream come true for almost any child - or adult, for that matter. You're never too old to go to Disney World, and their quasi-thrill rides prove this point. Don't miss these top five fun attractions on your trip to Disney World.

Aerosmith Rock 'n Roller Coaster

The Rock 'n Rollercoaster featuring Aerosmith graces the landscape of the Disney Hollywood Studios section of the park, formerly known as MGM Studios. This super-speed roller coaster catapults riders to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds from launch. It's currently the only roller coaster at Disney World that turns riders upside-down.

Each coaster is shaped like a limousine, and throughout the whopping one and a half minute ride, you hear "Dude Looks Like a Lady" blasting out the speakers of each car. During the ride, you'll be blasting through Sunset Boulevard's infamous streets and landmarks, though you'll be going too fast to really see very much. When you come careening to a halt at the end, you'll be rushing back in line for more.

Twilight Tower of Terror

Located right across the block from Aerosmith Rock 'n Roller Coaster in Disney Hollywood Studios looms the Twilight Tower of Terror. No, Twilight fans, this is not a ride commemorating Edward and Bella, but rather a flashback of the "Twilight" TV show, complete with a spooky holographic introduction.

Meander through dusty, spider-webbed haunts of the old hotel to the elevator where your imminent doom awaits. Passengers ride side by side in bench cars with a metal bar lowered across their laps. An attendant will place you according to weight, but sometimes they're not so hot at their job. When I rode it, both myself and one of my family members sat in the same car as two rather large people.

Since we are both skinny, the bar fell across their laps and stayed suspended a number of inches above ours, so when the elevator began its free fall down the shaft, we were lifted off our seats. Quite exhilarating in the end, but a little scary at the time.

As you are launched up and dropped down the shaft in random patterns, you'll be able to see the streets of Disney out the broken elevator windows. Sort of takes away from the creepy effect, but it's wild to see it before your eyes as you fly up and down the shaft.

Space Mountain

One of my favorite attractions in Magic Kingdom, the Space Mountain roller coaster launches you on a ride from another galaxy. Climb aboard rocket-shaped cars and prepare for takeoff into a dark stratosphere illuminated with stars and planets.

This is no cheesy space ride, either. The atmosphere is state of the art genuine (or at least in a Disney way), and you almost feel as though you're really flying.

Though this is not a thrill ride by any means, the roller coaster speeds along at a pretty good clip, so it's fun for every member of the family, even picky teens.

Epcot Center World Showcase

Experience the entire world all in one place at the Epcot World Showcase, which displays authentic architecture and culture from China, Japan, England, France, Canada, Germany, Mexico and yes, America. One of my favorite performances was the Beatles tribute band in England. When we were strolling by, four gents looking suspiciously like the Fab Four were singing "Penny Lane" and "Eleanor Rigby." I'm not much for tribute bands, but these guys were top notch.

Some people really enjoy the afternoon parade at Epcot Center. As long as it's not raining, it's worth watching for a while, as the costumes and acrobatics are pretty neat.

Kali River Rapids

Despite forty-degree weather and torrents of rain, we rode this ride at least four consecutive times during our tour of Animal Kingdom. This water ride straps you in for a wild adventure filled with twists, bumps, drops and of course, plenty of drenching opportunities. If you're going in the winter, it's wise to wear ponchos on the ride, otherwise I can guarantee you will be soaked to the skin the rest of the day.

Pirates of the Caribbean

If you loved the movie series, you can't miss this attraction. Part ride, part scenic tour, the Pirates of the Caribbean drops you down a waterfall in a boat and dares you to explore the handiwork of Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa in the island's burning buildings, pirate prison and plundered streets, all within the hilarious context of surly pirates, wench meanies and innocent maidens.