(Article last checked: October 27, 2018)

complete guide to magic kingdomMagic 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...


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, I usually recommend that people try to spend 2 days if they can.

Magic Kingdom rides and attractions

Adventureland

Captain Jack Sparrow (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: 11:00am, 12:00pm, 2:40pm, 3:35pm, & 4:30pm

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 3rd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: 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

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 3rd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Ride at night for a unique experience and when the lines are shorter.

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? For families with little ones and/or only as a time filler
When to visit: 3rd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Look for the camels that spit

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

A show featuring over 300 animatronic birds, flowers and other things that perform various songs, including some Disney tunes.

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Only for people who like it for nostalgic reasons
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: It's dark inside so prepare little ones with that info ahead of time

Swiss Family Treehouse

Essentially a big playground 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
Recommended? Only as a time filler
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: The whole attraction takes about 15 minutes, don't visit if there appears to be a line

Aladdin & Jasmine (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: Intermittently between 9:30am-5:10pm

Fantasyland

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 1st hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Very popular ride so you should definitely use FastPass+ to avoid long lines

Enchanted Tales with Belle

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 (watch the video below to see what I mean).

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 1st hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Great to visit in the afternoon to get out of the heat.

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: 38
Suitable for: Anybody who meets the height requirement
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 1st hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Either get a FastPass+ to ride or head to this ride right when the park opens.

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!

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Pinnochio Village Haus is a Quick Service restaurant with a view of this ride. Look up and wave at diners right after you board!

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

Board a clamshell to take a ride through Ariel's life on this 7-minute ride full of color and music. Although Ursula can be really scary for little ones, she appears fairly briefly at the end and isn't nearly as scary as she is during the show at Hollywood Studios.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+)

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes, especially for little ones
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: If you ride this after the first hour, you'll probably need a FastPass+ to avoid lines

The Barnstormer

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: 35
Suitable for: Kids 35" and taller
Recommended? Yes, for kids
When to visit: 3rd hr (or later w/FP+)

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes, if you can handle spinning in circles
When to visit: 3rd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: No

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Board an elephant and soar through the air. There's also a fun play area to visit while waiting.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? For little ones
When to visit: 3rd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Although you can get FastPass for this, the indoor play area is only available to those who wait in the regular line.

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: Great to visit in the afternoon to get out of the heat

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Fairly standard carousel but with Disney music and 90 pretty horses.

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Only as a time filler
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: Look for the horse with a gold ribbon on its tail - that one belongs to Cinderella

WDW Railroad - Fantasyland Station

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
When to visit: Anytime

Casey Jr. Splash ’N’ Soak Station

Outdoor play area that has "soak" in the name for a reason. It is sometimes closed but can be a fun way to cool down on a hot day.

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Only if you're ok getting really wet
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: There's a nearby kiosk selling towels if you need one

Princess Elena & Cinderella (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+), available to meet from park opening to park closing

Goofy and Donald Duck (character meet)

Meeting at Pete's Silly Sideshow as Astounding Donaldo and The Great Goofini

Height req.: None
When to visit: 10:00am to 7:30pm

Alice in Wonderland (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: 9:20am (8:20am on Extra Magic Hour mornings) to 11:55am

Gaston (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: 10:00am - 12:10pm and 2:00pm - 4:30pm

Merida (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: 9:15am-2:30pm, 3:45pm-6:15pm

Pluto and Daisy (character meet)

Meeting at Pete's Silly Sideshow as Wonder-Pup Pluto and Madame Daisy Fortuna.

Height req.: None
When to visit: Park opening - 7:30pm

Ariel at her Grotto (character meet)

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+), available to meet from park opening to park closing

Peter Pan (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: Intermittently between 10:00am - 1:40pm and 3:50pm - 4:30pm

Winnie the Pooh & Tigger (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: 10:45am-2:05pm, 3:15-7:35pm

Tiana & Rapunzel (character meet)

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+), available to meet from park opening until 30 minutes before park closing

Anastasia & Drizella (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: Intermittently from park opening - 3:00pm

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: 40
Suitable for: Anybody 40" and taller
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: In the morning, it's best to ride this one before Splash Mountain because it tends to get busier faster

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).

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: 40
Suitable for: Anybody 40" or taller who doesn't mind a 5 story drop with a little bit of water
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 3rd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Non-riders can watch from the bridge, people who want to get more wet should ask to sit in the front

WDW Railroad - Frontierland Station

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
When to visit: Anytime

Country Bear Jamboree

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
Recommended? Only as a time filler and/or a chance to get out of the mid-afternoon heat
When to visit: Anytime

Tom Sawyer Island

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
Recommended? Only as a time filler
When to visit: Opens 1 hr after park
Tips: Usually opens later than the rest of 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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody (dark imagery could scare little ones)
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: 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.

Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Just as a time filler
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: 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 43 patriotic animatronics modeled after the past and sitting Presidents of the United States.

Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? For anybody that enjoys history
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: The theater is large and is rarely full, making it a great place to escape the weather.

The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History

When to visit: Daily at 9:05, 9:15, 10:00, 10:15, 11:45 & 11:55am and 12:10, 1:15, 1:25, 2:20, 3:35, 3:45, 4:25 & 4:35pm

Main Street, USA

WDW Railroad - Main Street, USA Station

Suitable for: Anybody
When to visit: Anytime

Disney Friends visit Town Square (character meet)

As part of Mickey and Minnie's Surprise Celebration, this surprise character meet will take place daily at the flagpole in Town Square. Check MDE daily to see which characters are meeting that day.

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled
Tips: The schedule and characters are subject to change, but so far the character meet schedule has been:
Sunday - Chicken Little and Abby Mallard

Monday - Little John and Robin Hood

Tuesday - Gideon and Foulfellow

Wednesday - Remy and Emile

Thursday - Friar Tuck and Prince John

Friday - Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde

Saturday - Phineas and Ferb

Pluto (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: Park opening - 2:10pm

Chip ’n’ Dale (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: 9:05am-1:30pm

Mickey and Minnie at Town Square Theater (character meet)

Meet Mickey and Minnie in their celebration outfits

FP+ available? Yes
When to visit: Park opening - 30 minutes prior to park closing

Tink at Town Square Theater (character meet)

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+), available to meet from park opening until 30 minutes before park closing

Tomorrowland

Astro Orbiter

Although this ride looks similar to Dumbo, it's much higher and faster.

Suitable for: Older kids and adults
Recommended? Only as a time filler
When to visit: 1st hr (no FP+ available)
Tips: At night, you get a fantastic view .

Tomorrowland Speedway

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: 32
Suitable for: Anybody 32" and taller
Recommended? 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: 1st hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Ride at the beginning of the day or don't ride at all (lines can get long and are in the sun)

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.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: 44
Suitable for: People 44" and taller who love thrillers
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 1st hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Definitely make use of FastPass+

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

This is a ride and game in one. You board ride vehicles and then aim at the Zs and earn points which appear on the screens in your ride vehicle.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Aim for the top of the volcano and at the robot's left hand for huge points

Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor

A comedy show using interactive animation where characters from Monsters, Inc., tell jokes and interact with the audience.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: Audience members are invited to text in jokes that might be used during the show so think of one beforehand if you'd like to submit one

Stitch's Great Escape

A multi-sensory performance wherein Stitch burps on you.

Height req.: 40
Suitable for: Nobody
Recommended? No
When to visit: Anytime (or never), open seasonally
Tips: Don't do it

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
Recommended? Only as a time filler
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: Look for 4 hidden Mickeys in the final scene

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

A 10 minute long laid back tour of Tomorrowland.

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Not a top priority but it is a nice break that most people seem to enjoy
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: Although the line can sometimes look long (especially after Monsters, Inc., Laugh Floor lets out), the line usually moves quickly

Stitch (character meet)

When to visit: Intermittently between 9:00am and 2:30pm

Buzz Lightyear (character meet)

Height req.: None
When to visit: 10:00am-1:30pm and 2:45pm-4:45pm

Regularly scheduled entertainment

Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled (daytime show)

Happily Ever After fireworks

A nighttime fireworks show that involves both fireworks over Cinderella Castle as well as extensive use of projections and lighting effects.

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled (nighttime entertainment)

Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire (castle show)

When to visit: 10:30am, 11:35pm, 1:05pm, 2:05pm, 4:15pm, 5:15pm

Once Upon a Time

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled (nighttime entertainment)

Festival of Fantasy Parade

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled (daytime parade)

Only during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Hocus Pocus Villian Spelltacular castle show (seasonal)

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled (only available during MNSSHP)

Boo-to-You Parade (seasonal)

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled (only available during MNSSHP)

HalloWishes (seasonal)

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled (only available during MNSSHP)

Only during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration (seasonal)

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled (only available during MVMCP)

Holiday Wishes fireworks (seasonal)

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled (only available during MVMCP)

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade (seasonal)

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled (only available during MVMCP)

Frozen Holiday Wish (seasonal)

Height req.: None
When to visit: As scheduled (only available during MVMCP)

Dining at Magic Kingdom

We have 2 dining guides below - 1 for dining inside Magic Kingdom and the other for dining at Magic Kingdom-area resorts.

Magic Kingdom ridesThe pros and cons of all Magic Kingdom restaurants
There are several good Quick Service options and character Table Service meals available in Magic Kingdom.

Pros and cons of all Magic Kingdom-area resort restaurants
There are several great resorts near Magic Kingdom and visiting them and dining at 1 of the restaurants makes for a great way to end a Magic Kingdom day.

WDW Prep Members

Level 2 WDW Prep Members have touring plan tools to put together their own plans. The attractions indicate height requirements, if it's a good use of FastPass+, illustrations of ride vehicles so you can see how many people will fit (especially handy if the kids outnumber the adults), and when to visit each attraction.

And as you build your touring plans, they are grouped by hour (for the first 3 hours) and then your whole plan is plotted on a map at the bottom of the page so you can see how it all lays out.

⇢ Get access to Level 2 tools ⇠