Unlike the other Walt Disney World parks, there’s more consistency at The Magic Kingdom. Even mid-tier attractions are Disney classics. That depth makes it trickier to put together this list. It’s a smaller group than at the original Disneyland, but there’s still a lot to cover.
I’m treating these rankings as a fun way to spotlight what’s great about this park. The crowds can get overwhelming, but there’s a reason so many flock to The Magic Kingdom. This park offers something for everyone, not just thrill seekers.
I’ve skipped the character greetings and parades here; it’s just rides and shows. I’ve also now added TRON Lightcycle Run following our most recent trip in March. I should clarify that I’ve had a great time on every one of these attractions! Even the bottom ones have something to offer. Before we start, here are a few attractions that are currently being updated or constructed.
Coming Soon – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Splash Mountain used to occupy the top spot on this list, and it always felt a little weird for me given the source material. Even so, I still loved the mix of animatronics, music, and mild thrills within the classic attraction. My expectations are sky high for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure when it opens this summer. I expect it will include everything that I liked along with modern animatronics, new effects, and more great music. I’m more excited for Tiana’s based on the recent sneak peeks we’ve seen from Disney leading up to the opening date. Let’s hope it’s a home run and quickly moves up to the top!
Update Pending – Country Bear Jamboree
I had placed Country Bear Jamboree at #16 on this list, but I’ve removed it until I experience the updated version. I don’t hate the idea of changing up the show, though using Disney songs does seem a bit lazy. Thus far, I only know about the “Bear Necessities” based on the preview clip released by Disney. So there are still unknowns about the songs and format of the revised version. I suspect that it will work better than I expect, but it will be hard for it to crack the top 15. There are enough top attractions that making that group will be challenging. I’m interested in what we end up seeing in this space!
I’d love to hear what you think of this list! Leave your comments below about your picks and where I’ve completed missed the mark.
32. Magic Carpets of Aladdin
There’s nothing inherently wrong with this spinner, and it works okay in other parks. However, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin occupies an unfortunate space in the middle of Adventureland. Its placement limits crowd flow and creates a bottleneck near Aloha Isle. The theming and louder colors also don’t match the rest of Adventureland. Finally, there’s little to see because you’re riding in a confined space. You can have fun especially with kids, but the other factors place the Magic Carpets at the bottom.
31. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
I appreciate the technology involved with the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and the audience participation is entertaining. It just occupies such a large space inside Tomorrowland and doesn’t connect with its theme. The Circle-Vision technology was employed well in The Timekeeper, and losing it for an attraction that should be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios was tough. The Laugh Floor holds a large crowd, and that’s needed at the Magic Kingdom. However, it just falls short of working in Tomorrowland.
30. Mad Tea Party
When casual fans think of the parks, the tea cups are likely one of their first thoughts. They appear in five of the six castle parks around the world. The Mad Tea Party is a good early ride for kids; I still remember taking my daughter on it during her first visit. Even so, it’s a standard amusement park ride with better design. I appreciate what it brings to the park, but we rarely ride the Mad Tea Party on most trips.
29. Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
One of the better recent moves that Disney made was removing the cost of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade. It never seemed like a big priority partially due to the additional fees. As a free attraction, it feels like a fun way to spend a few minutes in an old-school theme park setting. The Shootin’ Arcade is a cool throwback to a different era, but it may be on life support and get replaced soon.
28. The Barnstormer
The best parks offer tiers of roller coasters that allow guests to progress up the thrill levels, and The Magic Kingdom is a perfect example. The Barnstormer works best as a starter coaster for kids who aren’t ready (or possibly tall enough) for the others. However, it doesn’t stand up so well on its own. The Vekoma Junior Coaster is uncomfortable for adults and only lasts 53 seconds. I’m glad it exists but don’t ride it much on our trips.
27. Tomorrowland Speedway
There isn’t much that’s futuristic about the Tomorrowland Speedway, but it retains a certain charm especially for young ones. Disney has shortened the track, and the noise and exhaust fumes can be a bit much. However, I totally get why the Speedway remains in place. It’s popular because kids (and some adults) love the chance to drive the slow-moving vehicles. The Speedway occupies a lot of real estate, so I’d be okay with it being replaced. However, I typically enjoy the ride.
26. A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasure of the Seven Seas
It’s cool when Disney finds new ways for us to enjoy the parks. Using existing spaces in a different way expands how we experience them. A Pirates Adventure works even better than Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (which is saying a lot) because you aren’t looking at screens. Instead, you’re venturing into corners of Adventureland for surprising effects. The only downside for us was that the sensors didn’t always work, so we had to give up a few times. When it’s working, it’s a good time.
25. Main Street Vehicles
We don’t spend enough time chatting about the Main Street Vehicles, and there’s a reason. Disney typically operates them only for the first few hours of most days at the Magic Kingdom. We aren’t early risers and sometimes don’t see them at all. Regardless, it’s awesome to board the horse car, fire engine, horseless carriage, or omnibus (especially). These vehicles fit perfectly with the Main Street, U.S.A. theme and deserve more attention.
24. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Every theme park needs a good carousel, and this opening-day attraction is a great example. The Prince Charming Regal Carrousel sits comfortably in the middle of Fantasyland with its 90 wood-carved horses. Built in 1917 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co., the Carrousel is charming especially at night. I have great memories of riding it with my girls when they were younger and even more recently. It’s a gem!
23. Astro Orbiter
I should rank the Astro Orbiter lower solely based on the slow-moving line. Even on the quietest days, it still has a 45-minute wait! What makes this spinner work is its stunning view of Tomorrowland and beyond. Its placement up high makes the 11 rotations per minute seem even faster. Be wary if you’re afraid of heights; it’s a convincing effect! I don’t ride the Astro Orbiter as much as I’d like, but it still provides an excellent perspective on the Magic Kingdom.
22. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
I love classic dark rides, and there are plenty of fun moments inside the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. You board honeypots for a three-minute journey through familiar moments with Pooh and his friends like Piglet and Tigger. Despite its charms, I don’t find myself feeling the need to ride this attraction that often. It also replaced Mr Toad’s Wild Ride (which I loved), and while that shouldn’t penalize Winnie the Pooh, it sticks with me. Regardless, it’s still a cute part of Fantasyland.
21. Swiss Family Treehouse
The laid-back vibe of Adventureland that’s missing with the Magic Carpets is everywhere at the Swiss Family Treehouse. Rides are great, but sometimes it’s cool to just walk through a different form of story telling. I’m glad that Disney has retained the original theme here while updating the Disneyland version. It both connects to the classic live-action film and fits perfectly in Adventureland.
20. Hall of Presidents
I’m glad that Disney has stuck with Hall of Presidents, which opened with the Magic Kingdom in 1971. The choice to have sitting Presidents record speeches was interesting but also has created turmoil for some guests. In particular, the strange Trump animatronic was not a highlight. Setting aside any politics, Disney has done an excellent job updating the Hall of Presidents multiple times with better audio and story telling. It’s still worth the time regardless of your political affiliation.
19. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
I suspect my ranking of Dumbo the Flying Elephant would have been lower before I had kids. We’ve had so many fun rides with my girls, and they still enjoy it today. Having two side-by-side versions of Dumbo in Storyland Circus has also eliminated the long waits common in the original spot. I do miss the feeling of flying right next to Cinderella Castle but can’t complain about the current version. It’s my favorite of the Magic Kingdom spinners and exudes so much charm for all ages.
18. Tom Sawyer Island
We need more inventive playgrounds in theme parks! Sure, you can spend hundreds of millions on complex headliners. However, it’s sometimes best to just have an adventure on an island. The open-ended aspect of Tom Sawyer Island makes it a blast for anyone, especially kids with energy to burn. I love its connection to Walt and the original Disneyland, especially since its theme hasn’t changed. It’s similar to the Swiss Family Treehouse where it’s great to retain the feeling of the park’s early days.
17. Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
This classic Omnimover dark ride was the center piece of the first phase of New Fantasyland when it opened in 2012. Although it’s a clone of the attraction at Disney California Adventure, this version includes a striking exterior of Prince Eric’s castle and the nearby cliffs. This leads to a better set-up through the queue before you board the clam shell ride vehicles. The transition to the sea is excellent, and the “Under the Sea” and Ursula rooms are highlights. The downside is the quick ending and book-report model used for this attraction. It’s done well but all a bit too predictable.
16. Mickey’s PhilharMagic
There’s a real love for animation and Disney’s classic films everywhere in Mickey’s PhilharMagic. I wasn’t surprised to learn that animator and director George Scribner (Oliver & Company) produced and directed this 4D attraction. It first opened at The Magic Kingdom in 2003 and still looks great today. Imagineer Kevin Rafferty also worked on this project, and his sense of humor is evident as Donald tries to retrieve the mischievous hat. The new scene from Coco also shows the potential of this film to evolve and stay relevant to guests for a long time.
15. Liberty Square Riverboat
Part of me believes I should have ranked the Liberty Square Riverboat in my top ten. I just keep moving it further up the list! The reason is that I love the way you can escape from the crowds as you float on the Rivers of America. In today’s Walt Disney World, there are few quiet places that give you a chance to just appreciate the park’s ambience. This is totally an old-man pick, but I’m okay with it! Formerly known as the Richard F. Irvine and now called the Liberty Belle, this stern wheeler replica has undergone several major refurbishments. It looks better than ever, and I try to ride it every time we visit The Magic Kingdom.
14. Peter Pan’s Flight
More than 50 years after it opened, Peter Pan’s Flight remains one of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions. The effect of flying over moonlit London still works. This version hasn’t received updates like at Disneyland and falls way short of Shanghai’s, but it’s still a classic dark ride. I wish that Fantasyland had more of them! The interactive queue also includes nice touches for guests waiting in Standby. I don’t feel the need to catch up Peter Pan’s Flight every time we visit, but I always enjoy the ride.
13. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
This original version of the Buzz Lightyear shooting attraction opened in 1998 and signaled a change for Tomorrowland to incorporate Disney and Pixar films. It doesn’t entirely work thematically, but I can’t help but enjoy it. The reason this attraction works better than Toy Story Mania is because you’re moving through a physical space and shooting at real objects. I do wish that Disney would update it to allow us to pick up the guns like in the other versions, yet it’s still a fun time. I miss Dreamflight and If You Had Wings from this space but never skip the chance to take down Zurg.
12. Walt Disney World Railroad
I still consider the Walt Disney World Railroad a key part of the Magic Kingdom. It hearkens back to Walt’s love of trains and the origins of Disneyland from that backyard railroad. You can’t beat this “grand circle tour” to provide a relaxing journey. The four steam-powered locomotives recall a different era and set the right mood for Main Street, U.S.A. and the park. I’m glad the railroad is back now that TRON is open.
11. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
It’s easy to poke fun at Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, especially the “LaserDiscs” and “car phone” references in the final scene. There’s also our host’s unfortunate jokes at the expense of his wife and daughter. Even so, I can’t help but feel nostalgia for this long-running Tomorrowland attraction. Its original version appeared at the 1964-65 World’s Fair during Walt’s time. It also includes one of Disney’s best attraction songs “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” from the Sherman Brothers. That song’s optimistic message encapsulates my feelings about all of Walt Disney World.
10. “it’s a small world”
I didn’t give “it’s a small world” nearly enough credit when I was younger. It took experiencing this boat ride with my girls to really get it. Now I just marvel at how much color and life we see in every room. I’ve always thought the criticisms of the song were overblown. You only hear the well-known chorus in English in the final room. The other areas include parts of the Sherman Brothers’ tune in different languages, so it never feels too repetitive. While it lacks the grand exterior of the Disneyland version, there’s still plenty to enjoy with “it’s a small world” at the Magic Kingdom.
9. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Here’s another attraction that I enjoy a lot more now than I did as a kid. It’s more than just appreciating the history too. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room still works beautifully despite being a little shorter today. It provides a charming show with little wait that connects back to the beginnings of animatronics in 1963. The gods may be angered from all the celebrating, but I never get tired of the Tiki Room.
8. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Before TRON joined this list, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was the only attraction built in the last 30 years that made my top 10, and it retains that classic Disney vibe. It includes the use of innovative technology for its animatronics, but the real draw is fun for all ages. The gorgeous setting and mild thrills combine to deliver a coaster that I don’t grow tired of riding. It could be a little longer and has extremely long lines, but there’s still plenty to like here.
7. TRON Lightcycle Run
I was happy to finally catch up with Disney’s latest coaster on our last trip in March. The TRON franchise might actually work better in a theme park than on the big screen. You don’t really need to know the movies to enjoy this striking new Tomorrowland attraction. The highlight is the opening launch, which is more thrilling because of the motorbike set-up for the ride vehicles. It’s a pretty short ride, but it still packs quite a punch within that time. I love the overall look of this pavilion, which is massive and such a cool addition to the park. Particularly at night, the lit-up canopy and music create a fun atmosphere even if you don’t experience the ride. I wouldn’t be surprised to see TRON Lightcycle Run move up these rankings after more rides in the future.
6. Jungle Cruise
I’ve been surprised by the resurgence of popularity for the Jungle Cruise even before the recent film. Guests can’t get enough of the overload of puns and other bad jokes, and I’m right there with them. I also enjoyed the recent updates, which do more than update some outdated cultural depictions. It’s cool to have the new scenes, and everything feels a bit sharper today. This changes should help the Jungle Cruise to keep charming new fans for a very long time.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean
Despite a shorter running time than its Disneyland counterpart, there’s still a lot to enjoy in Walt Disney World’s Pirates of the Caribbean. The audio updates have done wonders for the battle scene, and everything remains in excellent shape. The opening scenes in the caverns remain eerie and lead well into the first and only drop. The majority of this version remains the Pirates we all love, even with Johnny Depp in there. The music kills like always, and I love the Florida queue in the Spanish Fort. It’s not the best version of Pirates, but I definitely ride it on every trip.
4. Space Mountain
Despite it falling behind Big Thunder, I still love everything about Space Mountain. The extensive indoor queue sets the stage perfectly for our journey into space. If Disney added onboard audio and a smoother track, this might be my favorite Magic Kingdom attraction. This ranking takes into account the rougher experience and head-scratching changes like removing the moving walkway. It’s still a blast and feels a lot faster than the actual speed, but there are a few cracks that need fixing. Space Mountain is another classic because of its mix of thrills and theme, including the gorgeous John Hench design for the exterior.
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The perfect blend of thrills, scale, and theming comes together for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I never get tired of the whole experience of this Frontierland coaster. It’s also a ride that nearly everyone can do. What lifts Big Thunder well beyond the actual ride is the setting based on Monument Valley in Utah. I love how much detail the Imagineers placed into the town of Tumbleweed. We only catch glimpses during the ride, and that always leaves us wanting more with each ride. It’s a quintessential Disney attraction!
2. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
One of my favorite parts of every Walt Disney World trip is a nighttime ride on the PeopleMover. After a long day at the Magic Kingdom, it’s refreshing to escape the crowds and enjoy the cool views of Tomorrowland. The sneak peeks at the attractions may not be as strong as they once were (especially at Space Mountain), but I still love the ride. Disneyland could add the PeopleMover and nothing else, and it would still transform their Tomorrowland. It’s so important to bring life to this area while also providing a nice break from the masses in the park.
1. The Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is possibly the most iconic Disney theme park attraction. My appreciation just keeps growing for this brilliant mix of a walk-through and dark ride experience. We’ve all read the stories of how Claude Coats, Marc Davis, Yale Gracey, Rolly Crump, and other legendary Imagineers all contributed to the Mansion’s success. The mix of humor, special effects, and chills leads to a brilliant attraction that never grows old. Disney continues to update the Mansion and recently added the Hatbox Ghost (in a weird location). I catch something new on every visit, and it’s currently my top choice.
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