10 Scariest Rides at Disneyland Paris

These scariest rides at Disneyland Paris cover the most thrilling options, so you can decide which are for you and which to skip.

Disneyland Paris may be known for its charming parades, classic characters, fairy-tale ambience, and whimsical attractions, but that doesn’t mean thrill-seekers are left out of the magic. Hidden among the pastel castles and family-friendly rides are some genuinely intense, hair-raising, stomach-dropping attractions—rides filled with darkness, speed, suspense, and unforgettable storytelling.

Whether you’re someone who seeks out high-octane roller coasters, rides that blend psychological tension with sensory overload, or attractions that leave you gripping the safety bar just a little too tightly, Disneyland Paris offers plenty of frightening fun and is one of the best amusement parks in Paris.

Scariest Rides at Disneyland Paris

Why Disneyland Paris Has a Unique Approach to Thrills

Unlike some theme parks built specifically around extreme roller coasters, Disneyland Paris delivers its scares differently. Instead of relying only on height, speed, or inversions, Disney merges advanced animatronics, atmospheric storytelling, darkness, and emotional tension. The result is a lineup of rides that aren’t just physically thrilling—they’re psychologically immersive and a must on your Disney Paris holiday.

This means that “scary” at Disneyland Paris comes in several forms:

Types of Fear You’ll Find in the Parks

1. High-speed and intense roller coasters
   Think Space Mountain or Avengers Assemble: Flight Force—not your typical Disney coasters.
2. Dark rides with spooky or unsettling themes
   Phantom Manor delivers a slow, creepy, ghost-filled journey.
3. Drop towers and suspense-based thrills
   The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror offers some of the most intense drops in Europe.
4. Psychological suspense and jump scares
   Adventure Isle’s caves and Alice’s Labyrinth even offer non-mechanical thrills.
5. Child-friendly rides with surprisingly eerie moments
   Snow White is more intense than many expect.

With that in mind, let’s dive into each major scary attraction, breaking down exactly what makes it frightening and whether it’s right for your thrill-level.

1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

• Park: Walt Disney Studios Park
• Intensity: ★★★★★ (Extremely Scary)
• Scare Type: Sudden drops, darkness, psychological tension, eerie storytelling
• Theme: Haunted hotel trapped in another dimension

Tower of Terror is the pinnacle of fear at Disneyland Paris and often considered one of the scariest rides in all Disney parks worldwide. Housed inside the decaying Hollywood Tower Hotel, the attraction blends unsettling storytelling with high-speed, stomach-dropping thrills.

Why It’s So Scary

From the moment you enter the lobby, the atmosphere is heavy—dusty luggage, eerie lighting, crackling sounds, and a sense that time itself has stopped. The pre-show introduces the mysterious disappearance of hotel guests in an elevator accident caused by paranormal forces. Once you board the service lift, the tension escalates: it moves unpredictably in the dark, opening doors to ghostly apparitions and surreal Twilight Zone imagery.

Then comes the plunging.

The elevator shoots upward and drops multiple times, without a predictable rhythm. Since the ride mechanism creates real free-fall, your body lifts off the seat, giving an intense zero-gravity sensation. Day or night, the moment the doors open at the top, revealing a view of the park before another sudden drop, delivers a jolt of pure adrenaline.

2. Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain

• Park: Disneyland Park
• Intensity: ★★★★★
• Scare Type: Speed, darkness, inversions, intense G-forces
• Theme: Star Wars space battle

This is not the whimsical Space Mountain Americans might know. Disneyland Paris’ version is faster, darker, more physically intense, and features a full Star Wars overlay that makes the experience even more dramatic.

What Makes It Scary

You begin with a high-speed launch that accelerates faster than most Disney coasters. The ride takes place mostly in the dark, illuminated by laser effects, TIE Fighters, and starfield projections. The track includes:

– multiple inversions
– corkscrews
– high-speed turns
– sudden drops in near-complete darkness

The lack of visibility makes it hard to anticipate what’s coming, heightening the sense of fear. The soundtrack and battle effects add urgency, making you feel like you’re truly part of an intergalactic chase.

3. Phantom Manor

• Park: Disneyland Park
• Intensity: ★★★☆☆ (Psychological, atmospheric)
• Scare Type: Ghosts, dark imagery, eerie storytelling
• Theme: A haunted house with a tragic Western twist

Disneyland Paris’ Phantom Manor is arguably the creepiest version of the Haunted Mansion found worldwide. While other Disney haunted houses lean toward humour, this one goes much darker.

What Makes It Scary

The story follows Melanie Ravenswood, a bride abandoned by her lover under mysterious—and sinister—circumstances. The haunting narrative, eerie soundtrack, and ghostly apparitions give the ride a cinematic, somber tone. Instead of playful ghosts, you get skeletal figures, decaying Western towns, and supernatural threats.

The atmosphere is unsettling from the beginning, with cryptic portraits, flickering lights, distorted voices, and a mournful bride who appears throughout your journey. The experience isn’t fast or physically intense, but the fear comes from the ambience and the haunting imagery.

4. Avengers Assemble: Flight Force

• Park: Walt Disney Studios Park
• Intensity: ★★★★★
• Scare Type: Speed, inversions, full darkness
• Theme: Super-hero mission with Iron Man and Captain Marvel

Previously known as Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, this high-speed ride was re-themed for the Avengers Campus opening, but it remains just as intense.

Why It’s Scary

The coaster features:

– a super fast launch
– loops
– corkscrews
– barrel rolls
– high-speed manoeuvres

All of this takes place mostly in the dark, with only brief moments of light from screens and cosmic effects. The storyline puts you in the middle of a high-stakes mission, adding to the feeling of chaos and urgency.

5. Big Thunder Mountain

• Park: Disneyland Park
• Intensity: ★★★★☆
• Scare Type: Fast turns, darkness, loud effects
• Theme: Runaway mine train through cursed Western mountains

Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland Paris is widely considered the best and scariest version anywhere in the world. The entire mountain sits on its own island, which means the coaster includes long, dark tunnels traveling under the water.

Why It’s Scary

While there are no inversions, the ride is extremely fast and jerky. The darkness, sudden turns, and rumbling sound effects give a sense of chaos. The caves feature glowing red lights, dynamite explosions, and supernatural elements that connect to the Phantom Manor storyline.

The backstory—that the mountain is cursed—adds an eeriness to the whole experience.

6. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril

• Park: Disneyland Park
• Intensity: ★★★★☆
• Scare Type: Inversions, rough track, drop through ruins
• Theme: Archaeological expedition gone wrong

This adventurous coaster is one of the most intimidating rides in the Disneyland Park side and the first Disney attraction in history to feature a looping inversion.

Why It’s Scary

The ride is fast, outdoors, and surprisingly rough. Riders speed through ancient ruins and rickety-looking temple structures, dive into sharp turns, and flip upside-down in a full 360-degree loop.

The track height and open design add to the fear factor, as does the storyline of venturing into cursed territory.

7. Pirates of the Caribbean

• Park: Disneyland Park
• Intensity: ★★★☆☆
• Scare Type: Darkness, skeletons, cannon fire, two drops
• Theme: Pirate battles, cursed sailors, and ghostly scenes

This beloved attraction isn’t a coaster, but it does contain a few genuinely spooky elements—especially for younger or nervous visitors.

Why It’s Considered Scary

– The opening scenes feature skeletons, skulls, and ominous music.
– The atmosphere is dark and mysterious.
– Cannon fire explosions and falling structures feel very real.
– There are two surprise drops (not huge, but unexpected).
– Some scenes include realistic animatronics engaged in chaotic battle.

For adults, the ride is immersive and detailed. For children, the darker moments can be startling.

The Disneyland Paris version is widely considered one of the best and most atmospheric in the world.

8. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (The Scary Adventure)

• Park: Disneyland Park
• Intensity: ★★☆☆☆
• Scare Type: Jump scares, dark forest scenes, the Evil Queen
• Theme: Classic fairy tale with frightening imagery

This ride surprises many visitors. Despite being based on a sweet Disney film, it contains genuinely frightening moments.

Why It’s Scary

– A haunted forest scene with glowing eyes
– Sudden appearances of the Evil Queen
– Intense lighting and sound effects
– Dark, narrow passages
– A quick, unsettling pace

It’s more psychologically scary than physically intense. Children often leave this ride more shaken than expected.

9. Alice’s Curious Labyrinth (Unexpectedly Creepy Areas)

• Park: Disneyland Park
• Intensity: ★☆☆☆☆
• Scare Type: Sudden appearances, disorientation
• Theme: Wonderland maze

While not a ride, this interactive maze contains elements that can surprise guests: narrow corridors, sudden laughs from the Cheshire Cat, and eerie quiet corners.

For kids, the Queen of Hearts animatronic can feel quite intimidating.

10. Adventure Isle Caves and Skull Rock

• Park: Disneyland Park
• Intensity: ★★☆☆☆
• Scare Type: Darkness, confined spaces, eerie sound effects
• Theme: Pirate caves

Like the labyrinth, these walk-through caves hold moments of darkness and startling sound effects. Some tunnels are narrow and dimly lit, providing a mild sense of claustrophobia.

Honourable Mentions: Rides People Think Are Scary

These rides aren’t actually scary but often get mistaken as such by first-time visitors:

• Ratatouille: The Adventure: Some guests worry about darkness or 3D effects, but it’s mostly cute and fun.

• Crush’s Coaster: While not traditionally scary, the unpredictable spinning and quick movements startle some riders.

• Star Tours: Can be intense due to motion simulator effects.

Ranking the Scariest Rides at Disneyland Paris (From Most to Least Intense)

1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
2. Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain
3. Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
4. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
5. Big Thunder Mountain
6. Phantom Manor
7. Pirates of the Caribbean
8. Crush’s Coaster
9. Snow White’s Scary Adventure
10. Adventure Isle Caves
11. Alice’s Labyrinth (scary only in moments)

Tips for Riding Scary Attractions at Disneyland Paris

1. Ride earlier in the day: Adrenaline rides can feel more intense when you’re tired or full from meals. There are plenty of ways to travel from London to Disneyland Paris but arrive in the evening to get to the parks early.

2. Use Premier Access: Especially for Tower of Terror and Hyperspace Mountain—queues get long. Even if you are visiting Disneyland Paris on a budget, try to book these tickets for the best rides.

3. Start with mid-level thrills: If you’re unsure, begin with Big Thunder Mountain or Pirates before tackling Tower of Terror.

4. Know the restraint types: Hyperspace Mountain and Flight Force use overhead restraints; Big Thunder uses lap bars.

5. Prep children honestly: Avoid telling them a ride “isn’t scary”—instead explain what’s inside so it doesn’t shock them.

6. Avoid the very back on rougher coasters: Indiana Jones and Big Thunder are significantly bumpier at the back.

7. Take breaks between thrill rides: Too many G-forces too quickly can lead to motion sickness or dizziness.

Scariest Rides at Disneyland Paris FAQ

• What is the scariest ride at Disneyland Paris?
  The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is considered the scariest due to its intense free-fall drops, eerie atmosphere, and unpredictable sequences.
• Are any scary rides suitable for children?
  Yes. Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Phantom Manor are often enjoyed by older children, depending on their comfort with darkness and loud noises.
• Which rides have the biggest drops?
  Tower of Terror has the most dramatic drops. Pirates of the Caribbean includes two small drops, and Hyperspace Mountain has sharp dips combined with inversions.
• Do any Disneyland Paris rides go upside down?
  Yes—Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force all include inversions.
• Are the roller coasters very intense?
  Hyperspace Mountain, Flight Force, and Indiana Jones are physically intense coasters. Big Thunder Mountain is less extreme but still fast and thrilling.
• Is Phantom Manor scary?
  Phantom Manor is spooky rather than intense. It features ghosts, skeletons, and a dark storyline but has no big drops or high-speed sections.
• Which rides are scary but don’t go upside down?
  Tower of Terror, Big Thunder Mountain, Phantom Manor, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Crush’s Coaster offer thrills without inversions.
• Are any rides scary because they’re in the dark?
  Hyperspace Mountain, Flight Force, Pirates of the Caribbean, Phantom Manor, and parts of Indiana Jones all use darkness to enhance suspense.
• What’s the least scary of the “scary” rides?
  Pirates of the Caribbean and Snow White’s Scary Adventure are milder options, with spooky visuals but no major physical thrills.
• I get motion sickness—what should I avoid?
  Avoid Hyperspace Mountain, Flight Force, Crush’s Coaster, and Star Tours, as they involve intense movement or spinning.
• Are the queues for scary rides frightening too?
  Tower of Terror, Phantom Manor, and Pirates of the Caribbean have atmospheric queues, but they’re not overwhelmingly scary.
• Which scary rides have the longest queues?
  Big Thunder Mountain, Tower of Terror, Hyperspace Mountain, and Crush’s Coaster usually have the longest wait times.
• Are the scary rides safe?
  Yes. All attractions follow strict European safety regulations and are operated by trained Cast Members.
• Can I ride if I’m afraid of the dark?
  You may want to avoid Hyperspace Mountain, Flight Force, and Phantom Manor, which rely heavily on darkness. Big Thunder Mountain has short dark tunnels but is mostly outdoors.
• Are there scary rides in both parks?
  Yes. Disneyland Park features Big Thunder Mountain, Indiana Jones, Phantom Manor, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Snow White. Walt Disney Studios Park has Tower of Terror, Flight Force, and Crush’s Coaster.
• What scary ride is best for nervous riders to start with?
  Pirates of the Caribbean or Big Thunder Mountain are great starting points before moving on to Phantom Manor or Indiana Jones.
• What scary rides are most popular with teens?
  Teens love Tower of Terror, Hyperspace Mountain, Flight Force, Indiana Jones, and Big Thunder Mountain.
• Are any scary rides wheelchair-accessible?
  Accessibility varies by attraction. Some require transferring from a wheelchair, and Disneyland Paris provides detailed accessibility guides for each ride.

Whether you’re speeding through outer space in a Star Wars battle, plunging down an elevator shaft in the haunted Hollywood Tower Hotel, or racing through an exploding mine in Big Thunder Mountain, the scariest rides at Disneyland Paris here leave unforgettable memories.