We know a lot of people dream of coming to Walt Disney World, but the thought of it alone can seem overwhelming. Instead of walking around with simply a map and furiously looking for anything with a short wait time, we have done some of the dirty work for you. This is a list of the top attractions and rides at Magic Kingdom. While they are all great, these are some that make your time more worthwhile. Enjoy.
Photo was resized – JeffChristiansen
13 – Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Sometimes exploring Magic Kingdom can be a little exhausting and you just need a break. This air-conditioned rotating theatre gives you a great opportunity for that. This is a 20-minute show that never has a long line. We think because of the attraction being located in the back corner of Tomorrowland, sometimes it is forgotten.
You’ll follow an animatronic family as they progress through the years with inventions such as electricity and other technology. There are four different scenes with the first one taking place in the 1900s, the second in the 1920s, third in 1940s and the fourth in what’s meant to be present day. The fourth scene is a little outdated, but that doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of this attraction.
- FastPass+ Available: No
- Height requirement: None
- Recommended for: Everyone
TIP: This ride has pretty cool history behind it. For more info, check out The Secret History Of Disney Rides by Undercover Tourist
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Photo was resizsed – HarshLight
12 – Peter Pan’s Flight
This dark ride suspends you high in the air while on board a pirate galleon. You’ll need a sprinkle of Pixie dust to get the full experience of this attraction. Now “you can fly, you can fly, you can fly.”
As one of the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom, be prepared to wait in a long line if you don’t have a FastPass. Tink and Peter Pan take you through some of the iconic scenes from the animated classic, triggering all the nostalgic feels. It’s kind of like you never grew up.
- FastPass+ Available: Yes
- Height requirement: None
- Recommended for: Everyone
TIP: If you are not able to obtain a FastPass, the interactive queue is a fun experience. This will make your wait pass faster.
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Photo was resized – Josh Hallett
11 – It’s a Small World
Designed by Walt himself, this relaxing boat ride gives you a glimpse of the different cultures found throughout the world. Each group is singing the song It’s a Small World in their native language as you float by. It’s a guarantee that this song will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
Some people may disagree with this being on the list, but we feel that it definitely deserves its place. Magic Kingdom isn’t all about just the thrills. It’s about the shared experiences and memories you make with the family and friends that accompany you. It’s a Small World really does offer that to everyone from the youngest in your group to the oldest.
- FastPass+ available: Yes (Most likely won’t need one unless you’re visiting during a holiday.)
- Height requirement: None
- Recommended for: Everyone
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Photo was resized – Jennifer Lynn
10 – Festival of Fantasy Parade
Don’t skip out on the Festival of Fantasy parade which features many of your favorite Disney characters and some truly incredible floats. You’ll get to see some of the heroes, but we also love that the villains get there chance to shine as well. One of our favorite floats is the 26 foot high fire-breathing dragon from Malificent.
There are over 100 performers altogether and you will have the chance to interact with some as they walk and dance their way up the street. The costumes are very elaborate and the characters are always in great form.
It starts off at Main Street, wrapping its way through Liberty Square, and ending in Frontierland. We recommend that you get your spot 30 to 45 minutes prior to showtime.
- FastPass+ available: Yes (Wouldn’t recommend using one on this Magic Kingdom attraction. There are plenty of great viewing spots available.)
- Height requirement: None
- Recommended for: Everyone
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Photo was resized – d.k.peterson
9 – Space Mountain
This rollercoaster is one of the big ticket rides in Magic Kingdom and rightfully so. Everyone dreams of going to space, so why not go for the next closest thing?
This attraction is very dark, so you never really know when you’re going to bank around a sharp turn or shoot down an unexpected drop. This really adds to the thrill factor and leaves you on the edge.
- FastPass+ available: Yes
- Required height: 44 in. (112 cm)
- Recommended for: Thrill-seekers, not recommended if you have neck or back problems.
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8 – Jungle Cruise
Your trip to Magic Kingdom won’t be complete without a trip aboard the Jungle Cruise. I mean, where else in the world allows you to travel between 4 continents in the span of 10 minutes?
The attraction is heavily dependent on Skipper driving the boat. They are constantly delving out jokes to explain the story of the animals along the river. These jokes tend to be pretty corny, but we find this whole experience, well, just downright “pun.”
- FastPass+ Available: Yes (Wouldn’t recommend using 1 of your 3 priority FastPass’s. Wait until you use your first 3, then grab one for this.)
- Height requirement: None
- Recommended for: Everyone
TIP: During the Christmas season they do a festive overlay called the Jingle Cruise. To learn more about it check out Everything You Need To Know About Jingle Cruise by Blog Mickey.
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Photo was resized – Matthew Freema
7 – Splash Mountain
Based on the 1946 film Song of the South, Splash Mountain may seem like your standard one-drop water ride, but there’s much more to it than meets the eye from the outside. This 11-minute log flume ride winds its way through swamps and caves, home to some of the movies iconic characters as animatronics.
This ride isn’t for the faint of heart, as it ends with a 52-foot plunge into the briar patch. Being that you do get wet, this can be very refreshing on a hot Florida day. If you don’t want to get wet you could opt to wear a poncho while aboard.
- FastPass+ available: Yes
- Height requirement: 40in. (102 cm)
- Recommended for: Everyone 40 in. and up looking for a thrill or to get soaked.
TIP: Cast members are handing out Ziploc bags at the entrance to the attraction to keep your phone nice and dry.
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Photo was resized – John Frost of TheDisneyBlog.com
6 – Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train
Follow the dwarfs into the mine where you are taken on a great adventure with jewels all around. This smooth, family coaster/dark train ride is fun for all 38 inches and above in height. Sing along with the dwarfs as you climb the hill singing “Hi-Ho,” then its off to amazing views of Cinderella’s castle you go.
This attraction tends to have one of the longest wait times of any of the rides at Magic Kingdom. Make sure you use a priority FastPass if available or head for this early morning or late at night. Lines tend to be shorter during nighttime fireworks, and as an added bonus, you may catch a glimpse of Happily Ever After while onboard the train.
- FastPass+ available: Yes (Use one of your 3 priority FastPass’s. This is one of the toughest rides in Magic Kingdom to acquire a FastPass for, so get it ASAP.)
- Height requirement: 38in. (97 cm)
- Recommended for: Everyone 38 in. and up
TIP: Rock the train side to side when you see Snow White dancing in the cottage.
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Photo was resized – Steve Wise
5 – Pirates of the Caribbean
Ahoy! If you are a pirate fan, this is the ride for you. Take a boat through as you experience dark scenes with gun shots and canons. With 120 total animatronics included, this is sure to immerse you into the pirate life. With elaborate costumes and dead-on facial gestures, these scallywags could easily pass as being alive.
You may be familiar with the popular movies, but something you may not know is that the attraction actually came first. Recently, Jack Sparrow was added, so keep your un-patched eye out for him as he appears three times throughout.
- FastPass+ available: Yes. Not recommended for priority FastPass.
- Height requirement: None
- Recommended for: Everyone (Side Note: As mentioned before, there are gun shots and canons. If children do not like loud noises we don’t recommend)
TIP: Look out for PhotoPass at the beginning of the ride. Give your best pirate pose before you take the plunge.
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Photo was resized – JeffChristiansen
4 – Haunted Mansion
Grab you guy or ghoul and funnel in, these ghosts are looking for a ride home. This attraction was brought to the Liberty Square of Magic Kingdom in October 1971 and still is not outdated. The Disney Imagineers were way ahead of the game.
We all love details when it comes to Disney and The Haunted Mansion does not disappoint in this aspect. As you spin room to room in your “doom buggy” each scene has so much to offer. The ghosts look real and you always get that eerie feeling, but no worries, they’re all friendly.
P.S. Good luck getting the cast members to crack a smile, their characters are to die for. Muhahaaaa.
- FastPass+ available: Yes. Not recommended for priority FastPass.
- Height requirement: None
- Recommended for: Everyone (Side Note: If you have children, you should know their limitations. Although friendly ghosts, due to theming and lighting they may be scared)
TIP: If you are visiting in the fall (September and October) this attraction has some added Halloween features to make it extra spooktacular. There is a live ghost that will interact with the crowd in the queue. Also, check out this video from MouseSteps.
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3 – Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
YES! You read that right, the PeopleMover comes in at the #3 spot of attractions and rides at Magic Kingdom. This may not seem like a top-notch attraction based on wait times, but we think it is one of the most overlooked. The fact that it is typically a walk-on at any point during the day just adds to the experience.
It’s nothing fancy or thrilling but gives you a great chance to relax and take a break from what can be a very fast-paced park day. This omni-mover takes you around Tomorrowland allowing you to see inside Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and the Space Traders store. Also, be sure to pack your camera as you will see some of the most stunning views of the castle.
- FastPass+ available: No
- Height requirement: None
- Recommended for: Everyone (Side Note: ride does a brief moment of darkness)
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Photo was resized – HarshLight
2 – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Hold on to your hats and sunglasses, you’re about to take off on the wildest ride in the wilderness. This fast coaster is sure to leave you coming back for more as you take a long journey set in the time of the Gold Rush.
This Magic Kingdom ride is great fun for everyone 40 inches and above. Even the members of our family who are not thrill-ride junkies come off this attraction with a huge smile on their face. Be sure to seek out views of Frontierland and Tom Sawyer Island on your way around; especially when the tracks bend by the river.
- FastPass+ available: yes
- Height Requirements: 40inches (102 cm)
- Recommended for: everyone 40 inches and up
TIP: This is one of the rides at Magic Kingdom in which the experience is enhanced when you ride at night. Everything is lit up and somehow the coaster seems even faster.
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1 – Happily Ever After Nighttime Fireworks Show
This spectacular Disney World attraction made its debut on May 12, 2017 replacing long time favorite, “Wishes.” We know Disney fans hated to see a new show take over, but we feel as if this was at no disappointment.
Fireworks, projections, and lasers are all synced simultaneously with tunes from some old Disney classics such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Lion King, and Mulan while mixing in the new favs like Frozen and Moana.
Happily Ever After definitely deserves the #1 spot in attractions at Magic Kingdom. So much so we recommend getting your viewing spot 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to the start of the show. Depending on the night, they will also do a projection show called “Once Upon A Time” 15 minutes before or after Happily Ever After. Be sure and check the park show times in advance.
- FastPass+ available: No
- Height requirement: None
- Best time to grab viewing spot: 45 minutes to 1 hour before showtime
- Recommended for: Everyone
TIP: The best viewing spots are at the end of Main Street in the flower and garden areas. Line up along the rails. The railings should be between you and the castle; so basically, your body should be directly behind the rail. Don’t get too close to the castle. Also, make sure there are no trees or poles to obscure your view as projections will be displayed directly on the castle.
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Well, there you have it. This was our top list of attractions and rides at Magic Kingdom. Let us know if you agree or disagree. Did one of your favorites not make the list? Comment below with your opinions. Maybe you have a special story or fun fact that may make us try it out too. We’d love to know. Thanks for stopping by Beyond the Drop Off, we’ll see ya real soon.
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Featured image photo credit to – Derek Hatfield. Image was resized.
