Magic Kingdom – the heart of the Walt Disney World resort – has so many attractions, but which ones are the BEST?
In this post, we’ll spotlight the best rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom. These are the rides that we think every guest should experience at least once! After that, we’ll delve into the park’s full roster of experiences to help you construct an even more magical itinerary for your upcoming vacation.
Let’s dive in…
A quick overview
Magic Kingdom has the most rides of the Walt Disney World parks. With over 30 attractions ranging from a peaceful riverboat to iconic classics like “it’s a small world” all the way to intense thrill rides like Space Mountain or Tron Lightcycle / Run, there is definitely lots for guests of all ages to see and do here.
There are a total of 5 lands at Magic Kingdom and the entire park is based around a hub-and-spoke layout, with Cinderella Castle being the hub and all the lands as the spokes that branch out from there. For most people, this layout makes Magic Kingdom one of the easiest parks to navigate:
- Adventureland (5 attractions)
- Fantasyland (12 attractions)
- Frontierland (5 attractions)
- Liberty Square (3 attractions)
- Main Street, U.S.A. (1 attraction)
- Tomorrowland (8 attractions)
Due to the number of attractions plus all the character meet-and-greet opportunities at Magic Kingdom, we usually recommend that people try to spend 2 days if they can.
Looking for more information on when we recommend you visit each of the rides below? Check out our post on the best times to ride every Magic Kingdom attraction. Also, if you’re ready to put together a touring plan, we can help with that, too. Get our free Magic Kingdom Tour Guides.
The Best Rides at Magic Kingdom
The list below isn’t arranged in any particular order; we found it impossible to rank these attractions because each one holds a special place in our hearts and offers a unique magical experience.
(But if we had to pick our MOST favorite of all it would have to be The PeopleMover. You’ll see why we love it below).
Pirates of the Caribbean (Adventureland)
You can’t beat Pirates. It’s so good, in fact, 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 (Adventureland)
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”.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Frontierland)
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!
Haunted Mansion (Liberty Square)
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.
“it’s a small world” (Fantasyland)
“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 (Fantasyland)
And away we 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 (Fantasyland)
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.
WDW Railroad (Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Fantasyland)
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.
Space Mountain (Tomorrowland)
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 (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 (Tomorrowland)
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 (Adventureland)
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.”
VIDEO: The BEST attractions at Magic Kingdom in 2023
A Note about Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane Selections
As you’ll see noted below, many of the attractions listed are a part of the Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane Selection systems. This is a pay-to-use extra that you can add on to your ticket.
Although we don’t recommend it for all of the Walt Disney World theme parks, we do think that Genie+ is worth it at Magic Kingdom.
Learn more about what this system can do in our Complete Guide to Genie+ at Walt Disney World.
All Magic Kingdom Rides & Attractions (By Land)
Adventureland
Designed to transport guests into the world of adventure, Adventureland is the Magic Kingdom home for some of the most beloved classic adventure Disney stories including Jungle Book, Pirates of the Caribbean, Swiss Family Robinson, and Aladdin.
Adventureland is also where you can find Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, which was the first attraction to ever feature Audio Animatronics when it debuted in 1963 at Disneyland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fantasyland
We like to think of Fantasyland as the heart of Magic Kingdom since it features several family-friendly attractions that are based on classic Disney animated films, such as Peter Pan’s Flight, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and the Mad Tea Party. In addition to all the attractions, Fantasyland is where visitors can meet and interact with their favorite Disney characters such as Cinderella, Tiana, Rapunzel, Pooh, Tigger, Donald, Daisy, and more.
Fantasyland is also the home of the iconic “it’s a small world” attraction, which was designed by the famous Disney artist Mary Blair and features over 300 Audio-Animatronic dolls.
“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!
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Board an elephant and soar through the air. There’s also a fun play area to visit while waiting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Fairly standard carousel but with Disney music and 90 pretty horses.
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.
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.
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.
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Climb aboard a clamshell and journey under the sea where you’ll see all your friends from The Little Mermaid.
WDW Railroad – Fantasyland 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.
Frontierland
Designed to transport guests back to the American Old West, Frontierland is where you’ll find one of the roller coasters at Magic Kingdom – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Frontierland is also where you can take a raft over to Tom Sawyer’s Island or catch a showing of the Country Bears Jamboree. Plus, this area is the future home for the reimagining of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
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.
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.
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.
Splash Mountain (Permanently Closed)
Splash Mountain closed permanently on January 23, 2023 in order to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
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).
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.
WDW Railroad – Frontierland 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.
Liberty Square
Although it isn’t that big of a land, Liberty Square packs a big punch. Designed give the feeling of Colonial Era America, Liberty Square houses one of the most iconic attractions in all of Walt Disney World – The Haunted Mansion.
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.
Liberty Square Riverboat
This 17-minute cruise on a steam-powered boat takes you on a 1/2 mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island.
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.
Tomorrowland
Ready to blast off into the futuristic world of tomorrow? Then Tomorrowland is for you!
Here among other things you can catch a ride on the iconic Space Mountain, shoot a laser with Buzz Lightyear, take a tour on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority – People Mover, or watch the longest running stage show in the US at Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.
Plus, Tomorrowland is the home to the newest coaster at Magic Kingdom – TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Astro Orbiter
Although this ride looks similar to Dumbo, it’s much higher and faster.
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.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
A comedy show using interactive animation where characters from Monsters, Inc. tell jokes and interact with the audience.
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.
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.
TRON Lightcycle Run
A coaster-style attraction that allows guests to hop on a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles, just like in the movies.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
A 10 minute long laid-back tour of Tomorrowland.
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.
Main Street, U.S.A.
The entrance to Magic Kingdom is where you’ll find the iconic Main Street Train Station, which is where you can board one of several steam trains that will take you on a loop around the entire Magic Kingdom park.
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.
Magic Kingdom Characters and Entertainment
In addition to the attractions listed above, 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.
Magic Kingdom Entertainment (fireworks, shows, & parades)
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John
Thursday 5th of January 2023
Am i missing jungle cruise on here?
Felicia Goodwin
Friday 6th of January 2023
Hi, John - We had an issue that was preventing the Jungle Cruise block from displaying. It has been corrected and Jungle Cruise should be displaying now. Thanks for calling this to our attention.