Complete Guide to The Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom

3…2…1…Prepare to blast off on a high speed flight with the Great Goofini.

Climb aboard Goofy’s stunt plane and hold on tight as you swoop, twist, and turn in the skies above Fantasyland. This junior coaster is a great introduction to roller coasters and is fun for kids and adults alike.

Keep reading for our complete guide to The Barnstormer.

Before we get too far into it, make sure you check out our guide on the Best Rides at Magic Kingdom for information on every attraction and show at Magic Kingdom.

The Barnstormer Quick Facts

Location

The Barnstormer is located in the Storybook Circus section of Fantasyland, to the left of Dumbo the Flying Elephant and across from Big Top Souvenirs.

Here is the location on the map:

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How to Ride Barnstormer

The Barnstormer has a Standby Line that is completely outdoors. It also has a Lightning Lane. There is no Single Rider Line.

The Standby Line is to the left and the Lightning Lane entrance is to the right. Eligible guests can also ride the attraction during Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

Do I need to use Genie+ at The Barnstormer?

Genie+ is available at The Barnstormer. It is not an early priority to book since Genie+ availability rarely runs out here.

Be sure to check out our touring plans for Magic Kingdom for more Genie+ advice.

Rider Switch/Child Swap

The Barnstormer does offer Rider Switch.

Rider Switch is Disney’s system that allows guests with small children to take turns riding bigger rides, while another person/people wait with the little one.

What to Expect When You Ride

Queue

The Barnstormer’s queue is completely outdoors. The theming here is spot-on. The queue features “The Great Goofini” as he performs his world-famous aerial stunt show.

There are some fans in the queue but be prepared for outdoor elements like sun and heat during your wait. You will get to take in the sights of The Barnstormer coaster taking off, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station while you wait.

Ride Vehicles

The ride vehicles are fashioned after a prop plane. There are two coasters which seat 16 persons each. Two passengers, preferably one adult and one child per row sit comfortably.

Two adults can usually fit in the row together. Once you climb inside there is a single lap bar that pulls down.

Accessibility Information

For those in ECVs or wheelchairs, you must transfer to the ride vehicle. Children under the age of 7 must be seated next to someone in their party who is age 14 or older.

Due to the nature of the ride, service animals are not permitted.

Motion Sickness

The Barnstormer reaches a top speed of 25 miles per hour and has a few quick turns, so motion sickness can occur. It’s certainly not as intense as bigger roller coasters, like Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Be sure to check out our guide on motion sickness that’s filled with information and tips.

On the Ride

If you prefer to experience The Barnstormer without any spoilers, you may want to skip this part.

Climb aboard Goofy’s stunt airplane and pull down on the lap bar. Your plane departs from the loading station and up an incline hill.

Curving down the hill your plane enters a few twists and turns before coming to a stop and reentering the loading station. The Great Goofini hopes you will fly again soon!

Is The Barnstormer Kid-Friendly?

This is definitely a kid-friendly attraction. If your little one has never been on a coaster, this a great one to start. It is a short ride and the drop is manageable for kids who want to build up the courage to ride more intense roller coasters at Disney World.

Strollers

Strollers are not allowed in most queues at Disney World, including The Barnstormer. They can be left at the designated stroller parking area near the entrance to the Standby queue.

History

The location of The Barnstormer was originally a petting zoo called Grandma Duck’s Petting Farm which opened in 1988. The petting zoo feature a holstein cow named Minnie Moo. She was famous for the Hidden Mickey on her side.

In 1996, the petting zoo was permanently closed and Minnie Moo was relocated to Fort Wilderness where she later passed away from natural causes.

After the closure of the petting zoo, construction began on a new junior roller coaster called The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm. It opened on October 1, 1996 in what was then called the Mickey’s Toontown Fair section of Fantasyland. The theme of the ride was an airplane school where Goofy was the instructor. 

From 2011 to 2014, the Fantasyland section of Magic Kingdom underwent a large expansion and renovation. As part of this refurbishment, Mickey’s Toontown Fair closed permanently on February 12, 2011. The new Storybook Circus themed area of Fantasyland was constructed in its place.

The first half of the expansion opened in early 2012 and included the new re-themed Barnstormer. The Barnstormer theme was now updated from Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm to The Barnstormer featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini.

The crash-out barn had been removed during the construction. Riders now make their way to an open-air barn where The Great Goofini performs his world-famous aerial stunt show. 

Other Fun Details

• After riding the attraction you can meet The Great Goofini himself over at Pete’s Silly Sideshow across from the the Casey Jr. Splash n’ Soak Station.
• The top speed for The Barnstormer is only 25 miles per hour. It moves slower than it looks!

• The Barnstormer got its name from one of the attractions at the now closed Opryland USA theme park.
• Behind the sign at the entrance is a nod to the original theme for the attraction. There is a grouping of letters that once read “Wiseacre Farm.”