Disney has a long, rich history in the entertainment industry. Over the years, the company has released hundreds of shows, cartoons, movies, and video games that have not only kept fans glued to the screens, but also inspired and captivated many. One notable genre that Disney has done a remarkable job on is racing video games. Most of the franchise’s racing games feature iconic locations and characters from its cartoons and movies. They involve riding or driving at high speeds, performing stunts, and competing against time or other players.
Some of these racing games allow players to explore the thrilling realms of Disney or race as a popular animated Disney villain or hero. They also come with various gameplay elements, including modes, skills, weapons, and power-ups that enhance racers’ experiences, challenges, and fun.
8 Split/Second
Unlike other titles on this list, Split/Second is not inspired by any Disney franchise or movie. The game has its own plot in which racers participate in a reality TV show featuring some of the most breathtaking stunts in video games. From detonating power plant cooling towers to jets exploding on the tarmac, players experience it all with this title.
Split/Second, which is both an arcade racing and Kart racer title, is as much about knocking over other rivals as it is about finding the ideal driving line. As a competitor on the television show, players race against competitors on a circuit meant to be wrecked. The visuals, sound, gameplay, and graphics are great, and it features multiplayer modes like split screen and online.
Split/Second is available on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, iOS, and OnLive.
7 Mickey's Speedway USA
Everything about the innovative karting racing game is in the title. Mickey and others travel around the nation in race cars to save Mickey’s dog, Pluto, from kidnappers. The game, which was released for the Game Boy Color and Nintendo 64 in 2000, has several characters from the Mickey Mouse Universe, like Goofy, Daisy Duck, Minnie Mouse, and Mickey Mouse. It features 20 tracks inspired by real locations like Hawaii, Alaska, New York, and San Francisco. There are also power-ups, like magnets, baseballs, and banana peels.
It features three difficulty levels: amateur, intermediate, and professional. On the amateur level, the car moves a bit slowly, and the powerslides are not as dramatic. The cars get faster as a player progresses from intermediate to professional, and the powerslides get bigger. Visually, there are several subtle color themes for every level. The soundtrack, meanwhile, features upbeat tunes with a cartoon edge.
Mickey's Speedway USA is available on Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color.
6 Cars
Released in 2006, Cars is a racing game based on the Disney-Pixar movie of the same name. Gamers play as Lightning McQueen and follow the story by winning multiple road races, track races, and time trials. Other characters in the game include Chich Hicks, Doc Hudson, Sally Carrera, and Mater.
Gamers get to watch all the action from a top-down angle where all the tracks are well-detailed. All the cars represent a specific character in the movie. Cars also features a race mode where gamers can compete in various races such as relay, circuit, sprint, and survival. The game is visually appealing; the racing is robust and easy to grasp. The only caveat is the limited customization options.
Cars is available for GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows, Wii, and Xbox 360.
5 Toy Story Racer
Released in 2001 for the PlayStation, this kart racing game features locations and characters from Toy Story movies. Every character has challenges, such as smash battles, races, breaking targets, and collecting clown squeeze toys. If a player completes a challenge, they get a green army man that can be used to unlock new racers and more challenges.
There are 200+ races in different modes for players to compete in, like challenge, battle, and tournament. Toy Story Racer also features weapon boxes players can pick and red batteries in specific places that act like speed boosts.
Toy Story Racer is available for Game Boy Color and PlayStation.
4 Cars 2
This spy-themed game is inspired by the sequel to Cars. It is set in the Cars 2 universe, featuring 20+ characters from the film and 25+ tracks in various exotic places across the world. Gamers can take the role of Lightning McQueen, Mater, or other characters as they train in a center known as CHROME to become spies. Players go on various dangerous missions, compete in multiple races globally, or use their acquired skills In various action-packed and exciting racing arenas.
Cars 2 supports various single and multiplayer modes such as co-op, online, and split screen. Gamers can race against family and friends with up to 4 players to unlock various thrilling spy missions, characters, and new tracks.
Cars 2 is available for Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows, Wii, Nintendo DS, and Arcade.
3 Walt Disney World Quest: Magical Racing Tour
Walt Disney World Quest: Magical Racing Tour is a mouthful of a kart racing game released in 2000. Players race on tracks inspired by real-life attractions and rides in Disney’s themed parks. Players select characters, and then move around tracks, competing against other racers and picking pieces of the gigantic Fireworks machine.
The plot is simple: While gathering acorns, the popular duo Chip and Dale accidentally destroys the firework machine. So they have to travel across the magic kingdom, competing in races while collecting all the pieces of the fireworks machine. Regarding sound and graphics, the details are also impressive and colorful.
Walt Disney World Quest: Magical Racing Tour is available for Game Boy Color, Dreamcast, PlayStation, and Windows.
2 Disney Speedstorm
Disney Speedstorm is one of the few racing games by Gameloft. The hero-themed racing title features various Disney characters that compete in various races and battle out different Pixar and Disney worlds, from The Jungle Book’s Jungle Ruins map to the Pirates of the Caribbean’s Pirates Island.
The racing tracks have obstacles and branching paths, as well as grind rails that make it fun and exciting to drive through the courses. Characters have different individual skills and stats that a player can upgrade to help win battles, like Sully’s “Fearsome Roar” or Mulan’s “Firework Barrage.” Another plus for the game is the customization features. Gamers can customize their characters from the kart wheels, wings, and even the suit.
Disney Speedstorm is available on the Epic Games Store, Steam, the Microsoft Store, PlayStation 5 (PS5), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (PS4), Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
1 Cars 3: Driven to Win
Care 3: Driven to Win is an arcade racing game that features locations and characters from the same movie. The title features various intriguing modes like Race, Stunt Showcase, and Thomasville Playground. “Race” is the standard racing mode where players race against other cars by drifting and performing stunts. “Stunt Showcase” is about earning points by either doing air tricks or drifting, while in “Thomasville Playground,” players explore and collect items to unlock the next character.
Other enjoyable modes include “Takedown” and “Battle Race.” The former is about destroying as many cars as possible, while the latter is about attacking opponents with landmines, rocket launchers, and grenades.
The game supports single-player and multiplayer modes, where up to 4 players can race against each other. Unfortunately, the title only supports local play, not online. Cars 3: Driven to Win is a nice game with amazing graphics, gameplay, and variety.
Cars 3: Driven to Win is available for PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo and Wii U.