Best Magic Kingdom Rides
Top 8 Magic Kingdom Rides and Attractions – Walt Disney World
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 as the resort’s first theme park. Today, Magic Kingdom continues to grow in popularity. It has solidified its legendary status as the single-most visited theme park in the world (over 20 million annual visitors). So why is Magic Kingdom the go-to destination for family fun? Even though people love its restaurants and resorts, getting to meet all of their favorite Disney characters, shopping, scenery, character dining, and other elements of the park, most people will tell you they go for the rides above all else. So what are the best Magic Kingdom rides? Which attractions are best for Lightning Lane passes? Let’s take a look at the top 8 best rides at Magic Kingdom to experience on your next trip.
1. TRON Lightcycle Run
TRON Lightcycle / Run is Magic Kingdom’s newest attraction — and one of its most thrilling!
Board your Lightcycle and be instantly launched into the Grid on this roller-coaster ride through the world of Disney’s TRON movies. Along the way, race a rival (digital) team to see which of you can pass through all the energy points first. Try not to get derezzed!
The ride offers much more than typical Magic Kingdom roller coasters, thanks to high-resolution animated graphics that really make you feel like you’ve jumped straight into these popular films. In addition, part of the launch sequence is outdoors under a canopy; at night, it’s bathed in vibrant animated lights. For this reason, we suggest a nighttime ride if possible.
Category: Thrill Ride
Height Requirement: 48in (122cm) or taller
Good for: Tweens, Teens, Adults
2. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one of Disney World’s most thrilling and popular rides. It’s such an exhilarating and magical experience that it long held the top spot on our list, toppled only recently by the addition of Tron Lightcycle Run. Nevertheless, it’s still a fantastic ride (and the best option for smaller riders who aren’t quite tall enough to ride Tron).
Guests board a rustic diamond mine train inside an ancient mountain from the Disney classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Here you will begin your ascent to the top of the summit, where you will be greeted with an incredible view of Fantasyland. But this tranquility is fleeting because you then begin a wild ride down into the mine shaft as you swoop through hairpin turns. Hold on tight because this is a bumpy ride!
You soon encounter a merry band of Seven Dwarfs, singing and whistling as they labor. Then, Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, it’s off to Seven Dwarfs Train you go on this family-friendly roller coaster ride.
This is a high-priority Magic Kingdom attraction if there ever was one.
[Note: For those who want to skip the normal standby line – and don’t mind paying a little extra to do so – please note that this attraction is now available as a pay-per-ride Individual Lightning Lane Pass selection.]
Category: Thrill Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 38in (97cm) or taller
Good for: Younger Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
3. Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean a swashbuckling voyage that checks off all the boxes of a great Disney attraction. That is to say; it’s enjoyable, memorable, classic, and suitable for the entire family. Yes, the lines are long, but you can use a Lightning Lane pass or just deal with it. But whatever you do, you don’t want to skip over this iconic Magic Kingdom ride!
Step aboard a barge and get ready to journey back to a long-forgotten time when pirates ruled the high seas. The ride takes you along a treacherous voyage through ransacked seaport towns, past the haunted Dead Man’s Cove, and amidst booming cannons between a Caribbean fort and a 12-gun galleon.
Pirates recite their “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a Pirate’s Life for Me” anthem as you pass by drunken buccaneers and fiery locales. See if you can spot Captain Jack Sparrow, made famous by Johnny Depp and the Hollywood film franchise.
This is a must-do indoor boat ride attraction when you visit Magic Kingdom!
Category: Slow Boat Ride, Small Drops, Dark
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
4. Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion is Magic Kingdom’s spookiest attraction. Located in Liberty Square, guests will climb aboard a Doom Buggy and embark on an eerie adventure through a maze of haunted chambers.
The Ghost Host serves as your private guide throughout the tour of this haunted estate. Here you will encounter ghosts, ghouls, and supernatural phenomena as you skate by a conservatory of caskets, Madame Leota’s séance room of horrors, and a spooky graveyard of singing ghosts. There are plenty of surprises at every turn!
This is one of Magic Kingdom’s dark rides and has some scary moments, but the ghosts are friendly, and there are no violent or bloody elements. Be sure you check out the musical crypt, leaky tomb, and other creepy discoveries outside the main entrance.
Category: Slow, Dark Ride
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
5. Peter Pan’s Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight is inspired by Walt Disney’s animated film Peter Pan (1953), along with the popular book and play of the same name. The story follows a young boy who just doesn’t want to grow up.
When California’s Disneyland Resort opened in 1955, Walt Disney Company included Peter Pan’s Flight as one of the Disney parks’ first attractions. Disney World opened its own version of the classic attraction when Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. It is located in Fantasyland, and it remains one of the resort’s most popular attractions to this day (and tops our list of the best Disney rides for toddlers and preschoolers).
Peter Pan’s Flight takes you on a high-flying adventure above scenes from Disney’s animated film. Guests board a pirate galleon and follow Peter Pan on an exciting journey over London. As you descend into Never Land, you will fly between waterfalls and volcanos and swoop into Pirate’s Cove. Will Peter Pan defeat Captain Hook and safely return his companion to London, or will the crocodile thwart these plans?
Peter Pan’s Flight is a classic Disney attraction that’s not to be missed!
Category: Slow Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a Frontierland attraction for the daring. It may not be the most thrilling ride in the park, but it’s definitely the most “refreshing.”
The ride gently drifts through a scenic Southern bayou and past Audio-Animatronics critters.
This low-key, relaxing musical cruise concludes with an exciting surprise as you drop 5-stories down a waterfall! Be warned: riders can expect to get wet, especially those seated in the front of the ride. Lockers are available to store your personal items while you are on the ride.
The attraction has three dips, the concluding 5-story drop, and it utilizes 950,000 gallons of water.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure currently uses a virtual queue for the ride.
Rather than a traditional standby line in which Guests simply stand in line, you’ll need to use the MyDisneyExperience app to get a virtual spot in line. Then you can go do other things while you wait. Spaces open up daily at 7 AM and again at 1 PM.
Available spots may fill up in literally just a few seconds, so be sure to read Disney’s extensive instructions ahead of time so you have the best chance at snagging a spot.
Category: Thrill Ride, Water Ride, Big Drops
Height Requirement: 40in (102cm) or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
7. Jungle Cruise
The Jungle Cruise is a 10-minute boat tour of scenic riverways across Africa, Asia, and South America. On the ride, you’ll encounter several dangerous beasts and laugh at the dry wit of the skipper.
Guests board a canopied steamer and set sail through some of the globe’s most treacherous waterways.
Your boat cruises through South America’s lush, tropical foliage, passing by picturesque waterfalls. Then you encounter an abandoned camp along the banks of the African Congo and bathing elephants and angry hippos along the Nile. Keep alert because there’s a tribe of headhunters on the loose!
The Jungle Cruise continues through Asia and down the Mekong River, where you’ll come into close contact with cobras, baboons, and other exotic creatures.
As scary as it all sounds, this relaxing ride is suitable for the whole family.
Category: Slow Ride
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All
8. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad may not be the flashiest or fastest roller coaster at Disney World. Still, this classic Frontierland attraction is one that everyone should experience.
The ride is set in the 1850s-era Gold Rush ghost town of Tumbleweed. You will enter the abandoned mine shaft and willingly step aboard a train that has lost its marbles.
The train speeds along rickety old tracks, catapults you through tunnels, swoops around turns, and drops into canyons. All the while, you will narrowly miss falling boulders and escape exploding dynamite.
Overall, the theming is fantastic, and this attraction really shines at night. It is a bumpy ride with some dark sections, but it’s one of those classic Disney World attractions that stands the test of time.
Category: Thrill Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 40in (102cm) or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
BONUS: Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
If you need a break from Disney’s thrill rides, then Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover may just be the ride you are looking for. The attraction takes you on a narrated 10-minute voyage through Tomorrowland.
After boarding a futuristic tram (powered by magnetized linear induction motors), guests are treated to a leisurely cruise through Tomorrowland. You experience a bird’s-eye view of the park and go behind the scenes for a close-up look at several Tomorrowland attractions, including Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and Mickey’s Star Traders.
The TTA People Mover is probably the best Magic Kingdom ride for rest and relaxation. Not to be missed!
Category: Slow Ride
Height Requirement: Any
Good for: All
The Vacationeer’s Favorite Magic Kingdom Rides
It’s always helpful to check in with our favorite Disney World YouTubers and see what they say about the topic.
Here is a great video from The Vacationeer revealing their favorite Magic Kingdom rides and the reasons why they pick them. Some of these will surprise you!
Be sure to subscribe to her channel and hit the bell icon so you don’t miss out on their new videos.
Best Magic Kingdom Rides and Attractions for Lightning Lane
It’s far-fetched to think that you’ll be able to experience all of Magic Kingdom attractions in one day. Therefore, you should prioritize some of the best rides to avoid missing out.
Unfortunately, many of the most popular rides have long lines (see our ways to avoid long lines page for tips on how to reduce wait times). We recommend adding Lightning Lane passes to your tickets to take advantage of shorter wait times via the Lightning Lane entrance. Here are some suggestions.
Best Magic Kingdom Rides for Lightning Lane Passes
Here are some suggestions on how to prioritize your ride access through Lightning Lane passes. Be sure to check the latest list of Lightning Lane rides to see which rides are currently included within Multi Pass and which are sold separately as a Single Pass — the list can change from time to time.
- TRON Lightcycle/Run and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are extremely popular; it may be worth paying to skip the line.
- You should also prioritize the following attractions: Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Big Thunder Railroad, Enchanted Tails with Belle, and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger’s Spin.
- On busy days, you can add the following rides to your Lightning Lane wish list: Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Tomorrowland Speedway.
- Some of the least crowded rides include Dumbo the Flying Elephant, ” it’s a small world,” Mad Tea Party, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and Under the Sea.
If you need some advice on which Lightning Lane selections to prioritize, we urge you to seek out the assistance of Disney travel agencies. Their services are free!
How Many Rides Does Magic Kingdom Have?
Magic Kingdom Lands and Rides
Disney World’s Magic Kingdom covers 107 acres and is divided into six themed areas called “lands.” These include Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Main Street, U.S.A., and Tomorrowland. The Magic Kingdom park map is laid out like a wheel, with its hub in front of Cinderella Castle and pathways branching out from the hub leading to each of the lands. In addition, a 1.5-mile train named Walt Disney World Railroad circles the park and stops at Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Main Street U.S.A.
There are currently over 30 rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom.
We hope our Best Magic Kingdom Rides page helps you prioritize your Magic Kingdom rides list.
Another great way to prepare for your vacation is to bring in an expert at no cost to you:
Connect With a Disney Super Fan Who’ll Plan Your Trip for Free
Planning a Disney World vacation can be overwhelming. You’re bombarded with confusing choices: dozens of hotels, hundreds of restaurants, and endless ticket options. It’s easy to feel helpless.
Now imagine getting personalized advice and help from an expert who’s visited the parks dozens of times and knows all the tips and tricks. And better yet, they’re willing to handle all of it for you, for free!
That’s exactly the idea behind The Vacationeer — a group of 100+ Disney Super Fans who are also highly-trained travel professionals.
Why not let them take the stress out of your Disney vacation?
What Their Clients Have to Say
“I can’t thank them enough”
“Emily did an AMAZING job planning my Disneymoon. The attention to detail is absolutely spot on!”
Heather G.
Grain Valley, MO
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We had a wonderful vacation”
“Disney can be a little overwhelming when you’re new to it, but [JoMarie] made it very enjoyable and low stress!”
Amanda L.
Athens, AL
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“We saved the most money possible”
“Carla worked side by side with me to plan the perfect shows, rides, fireworks and places to stay and I could not be happier.”
Tracie B.
Colorado Springs, CO
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Vacationeer Advantage
For more useful Disney World information, please review some additional pages on MagicGuides like our Magic Kingdom Restaurants, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, Be Our Guest Restaurant, Best Epcot Attractions, Best Hollywood Studios Rides, Disney World Maps, and Disney World Weather articles.
Thanks for reading and we hope you have a magical Walt Disney World Resort vacation!
