There are a lot of rides at Magic Kingdom. So… which ones are the best?
Everyone is going to feel differently about the top rides at Magic Kingdom – and that’s ok. But, we’re here to share the ones we believe are the best of the best at the Walt Disney World theme park.
These attractions at Magic Kingdom are the rides that you shouldn’t skip, especially as a first-timer.
Keep in mind that a great attraction doesn’t have to be a thrill ride or super fast. Depending, we often prefer the slow-moving, nostalgic attractions that ooze Disney magic and goodness.
The following isn’t a ranking, but simply our opinions and what we believe are the best rides at Magic Kingdom.
The best of the best attractions at Magic Kingdom
The best rides in Adventureland
Pirates of the Caribbean
An 8 1/2 minute gentle boat ride through a Caribbean city of pirates. This attraction has over 125 animatronics, including 3 Jack Sparrows so be on the lookout for those.
You can’t beat Pirates. It’s so good that you can find different versions of the ride at multiple Disney theme parks across the globe.
While it may be better at some parks compared to others, you really can’t go wrong with the savvy boat ride that takes you through the Caribbean alongside untrustworthy pirates.
Reasons we love Pirates of the Caribbean
- Pirates of the Caribbean doesn’t have a height requirement, meaning anyone can ride it.
- It has just enough thrill for little ones and those who don’t like roller coasters (spoiler – there’s one drop).
- You can spot Captain Jack Sparrow – multiple times. This makes for a fun game when riding with kids.
- It features an empowered female character – Redd the pirate!
- The queue is covered and inside, which is perfect on hot days and if it’s raining.
- You won’t get motion sick.
- There’s a gift shop, Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar, attached that sells exclusive Pirates of the Caribbean souvenirs.
Jungle Cruise
Jungle Cruise is a river raft ride where animatronic animals and corny jokes abound.
Every Jungle Cruise Skipper has their own “routine” with jokes so every ride is a little bit different. Little ones who are easily scared should maybe be told ahead of time that the animals are all pretend.
It’s the back side of… water! (If you know, you know.)
This is truly a classic attraction starring some of the funniest Cast Members at Magic Kingdom.
Who doesn’t want to sail on a boat, while Jungle Cruise Skippers tell the corniest jokes about animals as you take an exotic journey across Asia, Africa, and South America?
Reasons we love Jungle Cruise
- There isn’t a height requirement, so anyone can ride Jungle Cruise.
- The Jungle Cruise Skippers will make you laugh with their silly puns and corny jokes. They also may interact with you, which adds to the fun.
- While there is a dark scene through a cave, overall, this is a pretty kid-friendly ride. Kids will love looking at the animatronic animals.
- The ride even has its own restaurant, Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen, that is one of the best Table Service spots in the park.
- During the holidays, the ride gets its own holiday overlay and transforms from “Jungle Cruise” into “Jingle Cruise”.
The best rides in Frontierland
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
A great intro coaster for people who are working up the nerve to do bigger coasters. The theming is Old West style and there are lots of mountains and caverns to make your way through. There are no big drops like on scarier coasters but there are some fun dips that can lift you out of your seat.
It’s the wildest ride in the wilderness! Really, it is.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad may not be the original mountain of Magic Kingdom (that title goes to Space Mountain), but it will forever be one of the best mountains.
Reasons we love Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- It’s just darn fun! This is one of the best roller coasters at Disney World. (Some of us may even think it’s the best mountain – sorry, not sorry).
- While there is a height requirement, it’s not one of the taller ones. It may be intense at times, but it’s a good introductory to a true thrill ride.
- The outdoor part of the queue can get hot during those warmer temps, but once the line goes inside it’s and has several hands-on mining-inspired in-line activities that are great for little ones.
- There’s an outdoor viewing area (walk past both the entrance and exit) for non-riders to watch their family and friends as they whiz by on the runaway train.
- This roller coaster has a Hidden Tinker Bell at the exit of the attraction. Look to your left, you’ll see an “H” crack in the rock and it’s actually Tink. You really have to look at it, but it resembles her profile and you can even see her bun on the top of her head!
The best rides in Liberty Square
Haunted Mansion
A tour of various ghost-filled rooms of a mansion. On your way to board your ride vehicle, you’ll first go through an octagon-shaped room that appears to stretch.
Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion. I am your host, your ghost host. Well, not really, but you should most definitely visit the Haunted Mansion to meet the real ghost host.
The Haunted Mansion will forever be a Magic Kingdom staple. It’s spooky, fun, and friendly all at once (minus that one moment in the stretching room — if you know, you know).
But, it’s one ride that we can’t get enough of and will always hurry baaaack to.
Reasons we love Haunted Mansion
- Even though this can be a hot queue during those higher temps, it’s a fun one. There are several interactive elements and the cemetery section adds a new level to the attraction.
- When you exit the ride, make sure you look to your left and check out the pet cemetery. You can see a marker for Mr. Toad.
- The stretching room features one of the most famous attraction pre-shows. Is it actually stretching? Or is it your imagination?
- At the end of the first hallway, make sure you pose in front of the Medusa portrait for a fun on-ride PhotoPass.
- Speaking of PhotoPass, don’t forget to get your photo taken in front of the Haunted Mansion. It makes for a spook-tacular photo-op!
- While there are darker moments that could scare little ones, there also isn’t a height requirement meaning anyone can ride.
- The queue has its own murder mystery that you can solve courtesy of the Dread family busts.
The best rides in Fantasyland
“it’s a small world“
A gentle boat ride takes you through scenery that includes animatronic dolls set in different countries. Try not to get the song stuck in your head!
“It’s a small world after all! It’s a small world after all! It’s a small world after all! It’s a small, small world!”
Do you have the song stuck in your head yet? If not, you will after you get off the slow-moving boat ride. It sure is catchy.
This is far from the most exciting attraction at Magic Kingdom, but it’s one of the original rides that started it all thanks to Walt Disney, himself. It even debuted on opening day.
Reasons we love “it’s a small world”
- It sends a good message and represents different cultures.
- The boat ride is family-friendly and perfect for littles ones of all heights.
- It’s a longer ride, making for a great way to escape the heat and rest your feet.
- The attraction now features a doll in a wheelchair. As Disney World said, this “allows even more guests and cast members to see themselves and their loved ones depicted in the experience.”
- If you look up to the overlooking windows right after you set sail, you can wave to guests eating at Pinocchio Village Haus.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Board ride vehicles that are suspended from the top, and glide over charming scenery in the dark. Although the ride takes place mostly in the dark, it doesn’t typically scare little ones.
Let’s gooooo!
Believe it or not, but Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom. Waits build quickly and will remain long throughout the day.
It’s a cute ride that transports you to Neverland and tells the story of Peter Pan, the Darlings, and Captain Hook in a succinct and magical way.
Reasons we love Peter Pan’s Flight
- It’s all-around fun and kids will absolutely love it. Plus, no height requirement!
- The ride vehicles are perfectly themed to look like pirate ships.
- Your safety lap bar gets pulled down with some help from “pixie dust”. It’s pure magic!
- The queue has the best interactive elements, like watching your shadow come to life and bells that appear on the wall that you can play — for real.
- You can meet Peter Pan next to the ride in front of the map of Neverland.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
An easy coaster with the intensity of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, obviously done with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs theme.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train may not be an original mountain of Magic Kingdom, but it’s a popular ride and for good reason.
Where else can you board a mine car that swings and then take off up and down hills? While we do wish the roller coaster was a tad longer, it’s still makes for a great time.
It’s the perfect way to celebrate Snow White and the seven dwarfs.
Reasons we love Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- The cars on the ride vehicles swing back and forth just like a mine car. These are a first of their kind!
- There are so many Easter eggs. First, the Snow White, seven dwarfs, and Evil Queen animatronics at the very end of the ride are also from the original Snow White’s Scary Adventures. The two vultures you see at the top of the mountain once you pull out of the loading area are also from the original Snow White dark ride.
- The queue is interactive allowing guests to sort jewels, wash gems with water spigots, and turn barrels filled with glowing stones.
- The line contains a replica of the dwarfs home, which you can see even better as you exit the ride.
- The ride takes you through the mine alongside the dwarfs and it’s one of the prettiest scenes thanks to all the gems lit up brightly.
The best ride on Main Street, U.S.A.
WDW Railroad – Main Street, U.S.A Station
A steam train that takes guests on a loop around all of Magic Kingdom. There are 3 stops – at the end of Main Street, in Fantasyland (back by Storybook Circus), and in Frontierland between Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
All aboard! It’s time to discuss why the Walt Disney World Railroad is one of the best attractions at Magic Kingdom.
First of all, Walt Disney loved trains, so it’s a great way to honor him and keep his memory alive.
The train serves as the perfect in-park transportation, is a mellow attraction, is a way to see unique views of the park, and so much more.
We can’t get enough!
Reasons we love the Walt Disney World Railroad
- In addition to the station on Main Street, U.S.A., you can find one in Storybook Circus and another in Frontierland.
- This is a great attraction to ride if you have a little one that needs to rest since you can stay on it as long as you like.
- You can get on and off at any of it stops, so it is also a good way to save some steps if you need to cross the park.
- The train offers different views of the park and also has narration themed to each land you pass through.
The best rides in Tomorrowland
Space Mountain
An indoor roller coaster that takes place in the dark. The ride doesn’t go upside down but has lots and lots of drops and quick turns.
An indoor roller coaster that travels through space in the dark? Yes, please!
Space Mountain might be an oldie, but it sure is still a goodie that we can’t get enough of.
This is certainly a thrill ride. It doesn’t go upside down, but it is very rough and jerky. Not everyone will love it, especially kids. But, let us tell you why we think it’s one of the Magic Kingdom greats.
Reasons we love Space Mountain
- It’s an all-around solid thrill ride that still holds up after all these years (it opened in 1975).
- Even though it is in the dark for the most part, there are still aspects that make you feel as if you’re in space.
- The coaster travels above the PeopleMover, which is just cool.
- The queue has some of the best music — and so does Tomorrowland.
- During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Space Mountain receives a special holiday overlay that includes interstellar lighting and high-energy holiday tunes.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
A 10 minute long laid-back tour of Tomorrowland.
Paging Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow.
If we had to pick a favorite ride at Magic Kingdom, it just might be the PeopleMover.
Why? Well, it literally moves people around in a car that travels on a track around Tomorrowland at a decent speed, while giving guests the chance to see both the land and park in a whole new way.
Reasons we love PeopleMover
- The ride provides awesome views of Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Cinderella Castle, TRON Lightcycle / Run, and more.
- It’s relaxing. Put your feet up and chill!
- PeopleMover feels like a different ride at night, because you can see the entire park lit up. It’s so pretty!
- This is the best and most unique way to see Tomorrowland.
- There are usually low wait times. Even if the line is long, it moves quickly.
TRON Lightcycle Run (Opening 4/4/2023)
A coaster-style attraction that allows guests to hop on a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles, just like in the movies.
TRON Lightcycle / Run is as fast and as exciting as it looks. Even though there aren’t any inversions or spinning ride vehicles, the roller coaster is intense.
You go as fast as 60 mph! Woohoo! It’s one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your hair won’t survive all that speed. But, who cares, because TRON is so much fun!
Overall, it’s pretty smooth. It’s similar the thrill-level of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Reasons we love TRON
- It’s fast, exciting, and intense all at once.
- You literally get to ride motorcycle-style ride vehicle that’s part of a roller coaster, which makes the attraction super unique. We’d be remiss if didn’t mention that the ride vehicles are a bit awkward (both your back and calves are strapped in, while your chest lays flat), but still fun.
- There’s an accessible ride vehicle for those who can’t or don’t want to hop on the cycle.
- The queue’s theming is spot-on. You feel as if you’re part of the Grid.
- TRON adds a whole new level to Tomorrowland that’s been needed for a very long time.
- The area is spectacular. Plus, the area music? Put it on a loop!
Honorable mention…
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Coming 2024)
Taking over the former Splash Mountain attraction, this ride will follow Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance. There will also be music from the movie.
We’re almost there! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open sometime in 2024 and we cannot wait.
Replacing Splash Mountain, this new, updated, and culturally-sensitive water ride will tell the story of Tiana post-Princess and the Frog.
Those on the ride will get to see as she and jazz-loving alligator Louis go on a musical adventure as they prepare to host a Mardi Gras celebration for the people of New Orleans.
While our opinions may change once we are able to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure after it opens, we fully expect to love this ride just as much as we do Tiana!
Reasons why we think we’ll love Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- We get even more representation of Tiana and The Princess and the Frog at Magic Kingdom.
- Tiana will be seen as an animatronic — in human form!
- The queue will show how Tiana continues to grow her restaurant business with “Tiana’s Foods,” an employee-owned cooperative.
- When we travel through the bayou with Tiana and Louis, we’ll meet new friends and experience zydeco music, a special Louisiana-born blend of rhythm and blues.
- Tiana’s appearance is significant and impactful. Not only is she wearing pants (which are practical for the bayou and unlike any other Disney princess), but her hair represents the different hairstyles that African American women wore back in this time period. Disney is even using authentic, high-quality materials showing “that there are different textures to African American hair.”
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What’s your favorite ride at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments!
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