Water Rides at Disney World: How Wet Will You Get?
There are plenty of water rides at Disney World, from slow-moving boat rides to raging river rapids along the Kali River. A lot of the water rides at Disney are some of the most popular rides, and some are classics! It’s a Small World and Jungle Cruise have been there since Walt Disney World’s opening day in 1971!
The water rides can be a great way to cool off in the Florida heat. So here’s a complete list of all the water rides at Disney World, from the thrill rides that will leave you soaked to the gentle boat rides suitable for all ages. The list covers all the rides featuring water – some in places you might not expect!
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Water Rides at Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is home to a few water rides, including one that will get you the wettest – Kali River Rapids.
Kali River Rapids
This water rafting adventure takes you on a journey through the heart of the rainforest. As you navigate the rough waters, there’s a chance you’ll get splashed, but there’s also a chance you’ll get soaked! It’s hard to know which seat to pick if you want to get wet – riders sit in a circle, and the raft will toss and turn as it makes its way along the river. When you reach the tall drop, the riders going backwards will get the wettest!
Towards the end of the ride, there are also two elephants that squirt water into the raft, controlled by other guests in the park. I’ve seen a raft get stuck under these elephants as the queue built up to disembark, and they got completely drenched. I guess Disney guests have no mercy when it comes to pressing that button! Overall, the Kali River Rapids is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day at Disney World, and it’s a lot of fun. Just be prepared to get very wet!
Water Ride Tip: Use the lockers to keep your belongings dry and safe. Disney provides free lockers across from the Kali River Rapids, so you don’t have to risk electronics and other important items getting wet.
Na’vi River Journey
The Na’vi River Journey is a captivating boat ride in Pandora – The World of Avatar. The boat takes you on a beautiful ride through the bioluminescent rainforest of Pandora. It’s a peaceful and relaxing journey as you sail down the river passing by luminous plants and glowing creatures. Na’vi River Journey does a really good job of immersing you in the magical world of Avatar’s Pandora with mesmerizing visual and sound effects. You’ll stay dry on this ride, allowing you to sit back and enjoy this little serene oasis.
Avatar Flight of Passage
Avatar Flight of Passage is a fantastical journey on the back of a Banshee. It’s a breathtaking ride as you soar over the landscape of Pandora – it really does feel like you’re flying! This isn’t a traditional water ride, but as you glide over the ocean, you feel the mist of the water to give an incredibly realistic experience.
Water Rides at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom has some of the most popular and classic water rides in Disney World. You can laugh your way around the jungle on Jungle Cruise or make a splash on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
In 2020 Disney announced that Splash Mountain would be reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Splash Mountain is currently closed, but the log ride will make its return in 2024.
If you want to stay as dry as possible on this ride, sit towards the back of the log and to the left. The front tends to get most of the water moving down dips. Those sitting on the right may also get splashed (or soaked!) by a waterfall as you wait to disembark. This means you should get on the ride first.
Water Ride Tip: Put important belongings in a resealable bag. It will keep items such as phones or autograph books dry, even if you get wet!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean takes you on a swashbuckling journey on the open sea. As you glide through the darkened waterways in your boat, you’ll encounter animatronic pirates, treasure-filled caves and Jack Sparrow himself. The boat moves slowly, and you won’t get soaked on this ride, but you might get a little splash in two spots. The first is on the small drop at the beginning, especially if you’re sitting at the front. The second is as Captain Barbossa shoots cannonballs, which splash into the water. This has got me a couple of times!
Jungle Cruise
As you depart on the Jungle Cruise, don’t forget to take one last look at the dock – you might never see it again! This boat takes you on a gentle ride down the Amazon River and features animatronic animals, waterfalls and a trip through temple ruins. The highlight of this ride is the skippers – the cast members who narrate your journey with their cheesy jokes. There is some misting as you pass waterfalls and some cute elephants that squirt water, but it’s unlikely you’ll get wet on this ride.
It’s a Small World
This classic ride has been transporting visitors around the world since 1964. It’s a gentle boat ride suitable for all ages and features over 300 dolls representing different countries and regions from around the globe. The boat makes its way slowly around famous landmarks as the figures sing the iconic It’s a Small World song that the ride is known for.
Liberty Square Riverboat
The Liberty Square Riverboat takes you on a leisurely cruise around Tom Sawyer Island. The majestic steam-powered paddlewheel boat glides along the tranquil waters, providing beautiful views of the Disney landscape, including the iconic Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain. The Liberty Belle is a peaceful retreat from the excitement of the park, allowing you to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Inspired by the classic Disney movie, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin takes you on a magical journey through Agrabah on a flying carpet. As you soar through the air, you can control the height of your carpet and even tilt it forward and backwards. And there’s a little surprise I didn’t expect – you can get a bit wet! As you fly through the air, you may get splashed by the spitting camel statue that stands by the ride. You have to be in the correct position to get hit, so if you want to stay dry, make sure you fly over its head!
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
This splash pad play area is located in Storybook Circus, and while it isn’t a ride, it seemed fitting to include it in the list since you do get wet! The area is Dumbo-themed, and animals squirt you from the circus train.
Splash Pad Tip: If you have kids that love splash pads, pack a swimsuit in your park bag! It’s a great way to cool down on hot days.
Water Rides at EPCOT
Not only is it possible to go underwater at Sea Base, the EPCOT aquarium, but the park also has several water rides.
Frozen Ever After
Frozen Ever After is a boat ride that takes you on a magical journey through Arendelle. There are snowflakes, singing and snowmen! The boat travels at a gentle pace through the icy landscape, and there’s a small drop towards the end. Still, this is a Disney water ride where you’ll stay dry.
Living with the Land
Living with the Land takes you on a boat ride through various agricultural environments, showcasing the innovative techniques used in sustainable farming and food production. You’ll ride through greenhouses displaying assorted fruit and vegetable plants, some of which are used in restaurants throughout Disney World. Living with the Land is more of an educational ride as you learn about things like hydroponics and fish farms. This means the boat moves slowly, and there are no surprise splashes.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
Hidden inside the grand Mayan pyramid in the Mexico Pavilion is the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros. You’ll join Panchito Pistoles and José Carioca as they embark on an adventure to find Donald Duck, who has gone missing before their big performance. The attraction is a slow-moving boat ride that takes you through the vibrant and colourful Mexican landscape. There are no drops or splashes so you don’t have to worry about getting wet!
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Shrink down to rat size as you adventure through Gusteau’s restaurant on this trackless ride. Guests get to experience everything from a Remy-sized perspective as they scamper through the kitchen and walls to avoid capture. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure isn’t a water ride, but as a 3D attraction, it includes a little splash of water.
Water Rides at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is the only park which has no water rides. The closest it gets is a little squirt of water during the Muppet*Vision 3D show.
Disney Water Parks
Disney World is home to two water parks that offer a refreshing escape from the Florida heat: Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Disney’s Blizzard Beach is a unique water park themed around a melting ski resort. The park’s theming features icy slopes, snow-capped mountains, and even a colourful chairlift for guests to ride. The water park has everything you’d expect; thrilling water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool and a Frozen-themed play area called Tike’s Peak for little ones. You’ll also find Florida’s tallest water slide, Summit Plummet, a 120-foot-tall water slide that offers a breathtaking free fall experience.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is a tropical paradise featuring a relaxing lazy river and a wave pool that generates six-foot waves. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, there are plenty of water rides to choose from, such as Crush ‘n’ Gusher and Humunga Kowabunga for thrill seekers.
If you’re heading to the Disney water parks, check out our water park captions for your social media posts!
Tips to Stay Dry on Water Rides at Disney World
If you want to enjoy the water rides in Disney World without getting wet, here are some tips on how to stay dry!
Lindsey is the creator and writer for Mouse Trip Magic. When she’s not walking down Main Street, she likes to bring the Disney magic home with Disney movies, fun recipes and cute Disney finds. Her love of storytelling and cinematography led her to pursue a degree in film and media, which means she loves to research and take a deep dive into all things Disney!
