Magic Kingdom – the heart of the Walt Disney World resort – has so many attractions.
I often suggest that people begin and end their trips with a visit to Magic Kingdom because it just feels the most Disney-like so it’s a great way to kick off and wrap up a trip.
Here’s a rundown of all Magic Kingdom rides and attractions…
In this article
A quick overview
Magic Kingdom has a hub-and-spoke layout with Cinderella’s Castle being the hub and all of the lands as the spokes that branch out from there.
Due to the number of attractions here, we usually recommend that people try to spend 2 days if they can.
Characters and Entertainment
In addition to the attractions listed below, Magic Kingdom also offers visitors lots of opportunities to see characters as well as live entertainment like the popular Happily Ever After nighttime fireworks show.
A show featuring over 300 animatronic birds, flowers, and other things that perform various songs, including some Disney tunes.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Older kids and adults
Do we recommend? Only for people who like it for nostalgic reasons
When to visit: Anytime
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): It’s dark inside so prepare little ones with that info ahead of time.
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.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes
When to visit: 1st or last hour, anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): Ride at night for a unique experience and shorter lines
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.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours, anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): There’s a little drop at the beginning of the ride and it’s dark, but if you warn little ones and make it playful, they should be able to ride without much trouble
Swiss Family Treehouse
Essentially a big walk through treehouse that allows kids to burn off some energy. It’s themed after the Swiss Family Robinson movie and involves climbing through various rooms and stairs.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody who is able to climb 116 stairs
Do we recommend? Only as a time filler
When to visit: Anytime
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): The whole attraction takes about 15 minutes, don’t visit if there appears to be a line.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
This is essentially Dumbo but with carpets. If you need to pare down your list of rides to fit them all in, this is definitely one that could be taken off. If you happen to have little ones who like the Dumbo-like rides, this will be fun for them.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? For families with little ones and/or only as a time filler
When to visit: Anytime, anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): Look for the camels that spit.
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!
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours, Early Theme Park Entry, anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): Pinocchio Village Haus is a Quick Service restaurant with a view of this ride. Look up and wave at diners right after you board!
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Board an elephant and soar through the air. There’s also a fun play area to visit while waiting.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? For little ones
When to visit: Anytime standby, Early Theme Park Entry, or anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): There is an indoor play area available to those who wait in the regular line.
Enchanted Tales with Belle (Temporarily Unavailable)
One of the most unique and newest attractions at Disney World, this attraction includes entering Maurice’s cottage and seeing characters from “Beauty and the Beast” come to life. The technology here is amazing.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes
When to visit: 1st hour
Lightning Lane available: TBD
Tip(s): Great to visit in the afternoon to get out of the heat.
Mad Tea Party
Often called “the tea cups,” this ride is fairly iconic in Disney theme parks. Characters from Alice in Wonderland meet near here throughout the day.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes, if you can handle spinning in circles
When to visit: Anytime standby, anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): Minimize dizziness on this ride by not spinning your tea cup
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
A 3D movie featuring the music from various Disney movies. Anybody at any age will enjoy this 11-minute show, but if the 3D effects get to be too much for little ones, removing the 3D glasses usually helps.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes
When to visit: Anytime standby, anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): Great to visit in the afternoon to get out of the heat
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.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes
When to visit: 1st or last hour, Early Theme Park Entry, anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): Queue is well-themed and has interactive elements that can be accessed using the Play Disney Parks app.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Fairly standard carousel but with Disney music and 90 pretty horses.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Only as a time filler
When to visit: First 3 or last 3 hours
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): Look for the horse with a gold ribbon on its tail – that one belongs to Cinderella.
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.
Height req: 38 inches
Suitable for: Anybody who meets the height requirement
Do we recommend? Yes
When to visit: 1st or last hour, Early Theme Park Entry, anytime with Individual Lightning Lane
Lightning Lane available: Yes, available as an Individual Lightning Lane (pay-to-ride) selection
Tip(s): Head to this ride right when the park opens, the queue here builds quickly.
A 1 1/2 minute (seriously) roller coaster for kids featuring Goofy. Although this is a coaster designed for kids, some little ones will still find it to be too intense.
Height req: 35 inches
Suitable for: Anybody who meets the height requirement
Do we recommend? Yes, for kids
When to visit: Anytime standby, Early Theme Park Entry, or anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): If your little one has never ridden a coaster, this a great one to start with.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Board a Hunny Pot and go on a psychedelic adventure through Hundred Acre Woods. This is a popular ride and one that most little ones will like.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes, especially for little ones
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours, Early Theme Park Entry, or anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): Look to your left when entering Owl’s house and you will see a photo of Mr. Toad. This is a homage to Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, the attraction that was previously housed in this location
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Board an elephant and soar through the air. There’s also a fun play area to visit while waiting.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? For little ones
When to visit: First 3 or last 3 hours, Early Theme Park Entry, anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): Ariel’s Grotto, which is where you can meet Ariel with her tail, is nearby but it has a separate entrance and line
WDW Railroad – Fantasyland Station (Temporarily Unavailable)
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 Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes, as both a time filler and as a method to get to the other side of the park
When to visit: Anytime
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): 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 on any of its 3 stops so it is also a good way to save some steps if you need to cross the park.
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.
Height req: 40 inches
Suitable for: Anybody 40″ and taller
Do we recommend? Yes
When to visit: 1st or last hour, anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): In the morning, it’s best to ride this one before Splash Mountain because it tends to get busier faster.
Like outdated animatronics that sing corny music? This is a fantastic show for you. OK, it’s an easy attraction to get into and many little kids will probably have fun with it but it’s definitely outdated and not a high priority.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Only as a time filler and/or for a break
When to visit: Anytime
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): Great place to get out of the heat for a bit.
Splash Mountain
What starts as a gentle boat ride through cheery scenery ends in a steep drop and a splash. Throughout the 11 minute ride, you will encounter 3 lifts and 5 drops (most of them are mild except for the 1 big one).
Height req: 40 inches
Suitable for: Anybody 40″ and taller who doesn’t mind a 5 story drop with a little bit of water
Do we recommend? Yes
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours, anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): Non-riders can watch from the bridge, people who want to get more wet should ask to sit in the front.
A giant island that is basically a playground to explore. You board a raft near Big Thunder Mountain which takes you over to where you can venture around the island. FYI: there used to be hidden paintbrushes placed here and people who found them could redeem them for FastPasses. That is no longer the case.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody who can handle the rugged terrain
Do we recommend? Only as a time filler
When to visit: Anytime, generally opens 1 hour after park opening
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): Usually opens later than the rest of the park.
WDW Railroad – Frontierland Station (Temporarily Unavailable)
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 Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes, as both a time filler and as a method to get to the other side of the park
When to visit: Anytime
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): 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 on any of its 3 stops so it is also a good way to save some steps if you need to cross the park.
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.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody (dark imagery could scare little ones)
Do we recommend? Yes
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours, or anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): Pay special attention at the end as ghosts appear on the screens as though they were part of your ride vehicle.
Liberty Square Riverboat
This 17-minute cruise on a steam-powered boat takes you on a 1/2 mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Just as a time filler
When to visit: Anytime
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): Mostly standing room only, find a spot on the top deck to snap some good pics of nearby attractions.
The Hall of Presidents
This theater (modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia) is home to 46 patriotic animatronics modeled after the past and sitting Presidents of the United States.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes, for anybody that enjoys history
When to visit: Anytime
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): The theater is large and is rarely full, making it a great place to escape the weather.
Tomorrowland
Astro Orbiter
Although this ride looks similar to Dumbo, it’s much higher and faster.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Older kids and adults
Do we recommend? Only as a time filler
When to visit: First 2 or last 2 hours, Early Theme Park Entry
Most kids seem to love boarding these gas-powered cars and driving them around the track at the super fast speed of 7.5 mph. There are far better rides than this one but the track is so big that kids are often very drawn to it and want to ride. Because of the lines that build throughout the day, this is a good one to ride at the very beginning of 1 of your Magic Kingdom days.
Height req: 32 inches
Suitable for: Anybody 32″ and taller
Do we recommend? If you can get away with not riding it, then I wouldn’t recommend it but kids will likely want to ride
When to visit: First 3 or last 3 hours, anytime with Genie+
Lightning Lane available: Yes, included with Genie+
Tip(s): Ride at the beginning of the day or don’t ride at all (lines can get long and are in the sun).
TRON Lightcycle Power Run (Opening TBD)
A coaster-style attraction that allows guests to hop on a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles, just like in the movies.
Do we recommend? Not a top priority but it is a nice break that most people seem to enjoy
When to visit: First 3 or last 3 hours
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): Although the line can sometimes look long (especially after Monsters, Inc., Laugh Floor lets out), the line usually moves quickly
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
This 20 minute attraction is a rotating carousel theater that takes you through decades to show how technology has changed over the years.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Only as a time filler
When to visit: Anytime
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): Look for 4 hidden Mickeys in the final scene
Town Square
WDW Railroad – Main Street, U.S.A Station (Temporarily Unavailable)
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 Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Height req: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Do we recommend? Yes, as both a time filler and as a method to get to the other side of the park
When to visit: Anytime
Lightning Lane available: No
Tip(s): 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 on any of its 3 stops so it is also a good way to save some steps if you need to cross the park.
