When planning your visit to Walt Disney World you likely are imagining your day in the Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom is the favorite park of most Disney visitors.
In fact, if you have time, we actually recommend trying to hit up the Magic Kingdom twice during your Disney vacation. There is so much to see, do, taste, and take in!
In our opinion, the Magic Kingdom has the best attractions of all the parks. There are a number of reasons we put Magic Kingdom at the to of our list in regards to rides.
First, there are a lot of attractions! The Magic Kingdom has 25 rides throughout the lands. For comparison – Disney’s Animal Kingdom has 8; Epcot has 10; and Hollywood Studios has 9.
Secondly, there are a huge range of styles of rides. You will find attractions that are iconic rides that Walt himself helped develop, such as the Pirates of the Caribbean. You will also find innovative, newer rides that have a modern take, such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
Finally, at the Magic Kingdom there are rides to please every member of your household. No matter if you are bringing a small child or an older senior, you will find rides that will work for everyone.
In this post we are going to give you every attraction in the Magic Kingdom with a short description to help you plan a trip or just to familiarize yourself with what the Magic Kingdom has to offer.
Six Lands in the Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom has six lands: Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Adventureland, and Frontierland.
Each land is themed – for example, Tomorrowland is futuristic and Frontierland has a Wild West feel. The attractions in each land coincide with the theme.
Main Street U.S.A.
Main Street is the road that you walk on between the ticketed entrance and the castle. Most people miss out on all that Main Street has to offer!
Main Street Vehicles
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: slow ride
- Ages: All ages
These are easy to miss, not because of size but because they are not quite as “exciting” as an attraction, however, they have tremendous Disney appeal. The two types of vehicles that run up and down main street most of the day are:
- Open Air Trolley – Turn of the century open air trolley that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time as you move down Main Street.
- Horse Drawn Trolley – Board a vintage horse drawn trolley and be transported down Main Street as you are transported to a time long ago.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: The trolleys don’t run during parades, fireworks as well as periodic breaks. There is no queue. Guests wait at the curb.
Walt Disney World Railroad (Main Street U.S.A. stop)
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: slow ride
- Ages: All ages
Walt Disney had a fascination with trains. He once built a 1/8 scale train on his own property that he would run around on. So, it was only a given that there would have to be a train at Disney World.
These wonderfully restored vintage narrow-gauge steam trains that were built between 1916 and 1928 take you on a relaxing 1.5 mile scenic route around the Magic Kingdom.
- Tips for Visiting This Attraction: This is a 20 minute ride but you can get on and off at 3 different stops. It is a wonderful way to rest your legs and take in the park.
Adventureland Attractions
Adventureland is located to the left of the castle. From Main Street, take a left at the Walt Disney statue and cross over the bridge into Adventureland.
Enchanted Tiki Room
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: stage show
- Ages: All ages
One of the premier Disney Audio-Animatronics creations that debuted back in 1963 at Disneyland. This is a show that is presented in a theater-in-the-round. Rhis menagerie of exotic birds, flowers and Tiki statues present a colorful and musical show that is full of joy.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: We dare you to leave this attraction without singing the “tiki tiki tiki room” song. This is a convenient space to take a quick break off your feet.
Jungle Cruise
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: slow ride
- Ages: All ages
A comedic boat tour of exotic rivers across Asia, Africa and South America. Your skipper will be cracking one liners as you encounter “wild” beasts along the way. This iconic Disney ride is a 10 minute must experience that will have you laughing.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: Don’t take this ride too seriously! Bring your sense of humor. Flip on your wild and crazy side before you get into the boat and you will have a great time.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: slow ride with spinning
- Ages: All ages
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a spinning ride in which guests sit in a 4 passenger flying rug that soars through the air. Similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant, it is a hub and spoke attraction where the riders go around the Giant Genie Lamp. This is a quick ride, lasting only about 1 1/2 minutes.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: Guests sitting in the front can control the height of the carpet and the back controls the forward and backward rocking.
Pirates of the Caribbean
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: slow ride with small drops
- Ages: All ages
A Disney World classic! Audio animatronic pirates will entertain you with swashbuckling songs and lighthearted pirate antics. Guests board a barge and are transported to the 17th century where pirates rule the Caribbean. Your boat will navigate cannon fire and view drunken buccaneers as they plunder a town. (Don’t worry, it is all very tame).
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: This is a bit of a dark ride and can be a bit overwhelming for little children with the cannon fire and the boisterous audio-animatronics pirates.
Fantasyland Attractions
Fantasyland is located behind and to the right of the castle. You can walk through the castle to get there, or take a right just before you get to the bridge over the moat (see the route below).
The Barnstormer
- Height Requirement: 35 inches or taller
- Type of Attraction: very mild roller coaster with small drops
- Ages: All ages that meet the hight requirement
The Barnstormer is a cute mini coaster that is perfect for preschoolers through elementary age. Guests ride a car that is themed like a circus stunt pilot, which of course is the Goofy, the Great Goofini. It is a quick 1 minute ride but will be a hit for those that are not quite ready for the bigger coasters. This ride has some small drops.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: Parents riding with their little ones should note that the seats are definitely made for the children.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: slow ride with spinning
- Ages: Children
Based on the 1941 Disney masterpiece, Dumbo, this ride is similar to The magic Carpets of Aladdin. The ride spins and can be adjusted during your flight to move your elephant up or down.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: If you look down you will see signs of the circus with wagon tracks, animal footprints and shells dropped by Dumbo.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: stage show
- Ages: Children
This attraction is a storytelling time by Belle and her friends that include the audience (children) in the story telling time. Those that love Belle and the Beauty and the Beast story should count this as a must do experience.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: Belle can be photographed with your child but those children that are more adventurous, should try and volunteer to be involved in the show for some extra fun.
It’s a Small World
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: stage show
- Ages: All ages
Created for the World’s Fair in 1964, this Disney masterpiece is still running strong! You will find colorful costumes, catchy song and creative animatronics in this classic Disney attraction. This 10 minute boat ride will take you through all 7 continents representing dozens of nations with their iconic sights and sounds.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: Because of it’s fast loading and exiting, wait times are usually not long and it’s a great way to grab an air conditioned break during the day. If you are in Disney World at Christmastime keep a look out for special holiday decor throughout this ride!
Mad Tea Party
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: spinning ride
- Ages: All ages but a great children’s ride
Guests sit in a teacup and they rotate around a controlled room. You can control how fast the teacup rotates but it is well advised that if you get motion sickness this is not a great ride to go on. This ride lasts about a minute and a half and is especially great for children who love spinning rides.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: We can’t emphasize enough about the queasy stomach you may get. Make sure you have food in your tummy before riding this.
Mickey’s Philharmmaagic
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: 3D movie
- Ages: All ages
This is a fun, multi-sensory 3D show where you will hear your favorite Disney songs and see many of your favorite Disney Characters! The theater has a 180-degree seamless wraparound screen that is 150 feet wide! This 12 minute show is really fun for the whole family.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: Without giving anything away, this attraction has some outstanding Disney effects that make it more than just a simple 3D movie!
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: Stage show in front of Cinderella’s Castle
- Ages: All ages
Mickey and many of his friends put on a musical, dancing celebration in front of the Cinderella Castle at various times throughout the day. It’s a great crowd pleaser and you can catch it from many different locations around the castle.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: Your My Disney Experience app will show the showtimes sos you can figure out what works best in your planning.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: Dark ride
- Ages: All ages
Pooh and all his Hundred Acre Wood buddies – Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo and others – will be on hand as you ride through a story in a Hunny Pot (the name of the vehicle). The ride takes a little over 3 minutes but is filled with Winnie the Pooh at his best!
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: Be sure to take a big sniff as you exit this ride to smell the honey!
Peter Pan’s Flight
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: Dark ride
- Ages: All ages
This is one of the most popular rides for a dark ride. Jump on board a pirate ship and enter into the world of Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. The taking flight sequence is a hit for old and young alike – make sure you look down! How many pirate ships do you know that fly? This ride has a great story along with great effects which make this a top ride.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: This attraction is very hard to figure out when to visit. It is not one of the main attractions but it’s popularity is over the top which makes it susceptible to long wait times.
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
- Height Requirement: none
- Type of Attraction: Carousel
- Ages: All ages
This beautiful carousel dates back to 1917 and has a long history of putting smiles on faces of young and old. Who doesn’t like a spin on a wonderful carousel? The Magic Kingdom Park has one of the best!
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: With all the more “exciting” newer attractions, you may pass up this classic ride. Don’t let that happen, it’s a great way to spend a few minutes on your trip. Be sure to try to pull the sword out of the stone in front of this attraction!
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Height Requirement: 38 inches
- Type of Attraction: Roller Coaster
- Ages: All ages that meet the hight requirement
This is a wonderful roller coaster ride with a twist…the cars rock back and forth! The track is pretty tame and the design of the cars, layout and scenery is spectacular. Overall, this is a fun ride for the entire family. If you tend to get motion sick on rides, you should be able to do this one!
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: Be sure to figure out the best way to get this attraction into your day planning. It will cause a long wait if you don’t ride it first thing in the morning or use a Lightning Lane purchase.
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: slow moving dark ride
- Ages: children to adult
Guests sit in a clam shell vehicle as they watch different senes from the Little Mermaid film as well as see audio-animatronics characters during the 6 minute adventure.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: This is a child’s ride for sure. Not much in the way of anything new or exciting but the children love the retold story.
Walt Disney World Railroad – Fantasyland stop
Frontierland Attractions
Frontierland is located to the left of the castle. You can get there either by walking through Adventureland or Liberty Square. Walking through Adventureland is slightly faster.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Height Requirement: 40 inches
- Type of Attraction: Roller Coaster
- Ages: All ages that meet the hight requirement
A runaway train through a mine in the American Southwest is the theme for this great ride. The coaster is fairly mild and anyone who is over the height requirement should have a good time riding this great themed attraction.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: The scenery is really great on this ride but most people miss it as they are focused on the fun. Try and take it all in!
Country Bear Jamboree
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: indoor show
- Ages: children to adult
People either love or hate this show! Watch animatronic bears doing a stage show with corny jokes, corny songs, and corny costumes. The show is making some big changes and if you go in with the right attitude and a child on your lap, everything will be fine.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: Usually there isn’t much of a wait and the air conditioning can really feel good at the heat of a summer’s day!
Splash Mountain – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
This thrill ride is currently closed until 2024 when it will be reopening as new Tiana themed water ride.
Walt Disney World Railroad – Frontierland stop
Liberty Square Attractions
Liberty Square is located just to the left of the castle. You can walk through Liberty Square and you will be on the main road. Take a left and you will get to Adventureland and Frontierland.
The Hall of Presidents
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: indoor show
- Ages: children to adult
This attraction is a 25 minute animatronic presentation given by all of the Presidents of the United States. With a wonderful musical score underneath the speaking, it is a moving experience. History buffs will love this attraction. Enjoy viewing items owned by Presidents before or after the show.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: It is usually fairly easy to get in and it is a great 25 minute break from the heat if you go mid-day.
Haunted Mansion
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: Dark Ride
- Ages: children to adult
From the moment you step into the Haunted Mansion you will understand why this is one of the best Magic Kingdom rides. You will board a Doom Buggy which will transport you through amazing special effects and scenery that makes this one of the best Disney classic attractions. Keep an eye out for the hitchhiking ghosts!
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: As fun as this is, young children can get a bit freaked out unless they are prepped about what they will see.
Liberty Square Riverboat
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: Riverboat ride
- Ages: any
The Liberty Belle riverboat is an authentic replica of an old paddle wheel boat. This almost 17 minute ride slowly floats around Tom Sawyer Island several times a day.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: There is a wonderful recorded narrator in voice of Mark Twain sharing memories of Twain’s time on the Mississippi River.
Tomorrowland Attractions
Tomorrowland is located to the right of the castle. Take a right at the Walt Disney statue. You will see a big “Tomorrowland” sign over the path.
Astro Orbiter
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: slow spinning ride
- Ages: any
Hop on board a two passenger retro spacecraft that twirls around. This ride is similar to The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Dumbo in which you can make your spaceship go up and down yourself. This is another wonderful children’s ride.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: An elevator takes you up to the ride from the queue and the wait time can be a bit deceiving.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: dark ride
- Ages: any
This is an interactive ride in which you are shooting lasers at targets as you are sitting in a space vehicle. You are trying to get a score of at least 999,999 and take down the evil Emperor Zurg! This is an enjoyable ride!
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: If you hit the 999,999 score you become a Galactic Hero (we have tips to do becoming a Galactic Hero here!)! Make sure you take a picture.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: stage show
- Ages: any
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is a fun interactive comedy show in which Mike Wazowski and his monster friends actually interact with those in the audience. Each show has unique elements because of the creativity and technology Disney has for this show.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: You are able to text jokes to the Disney folks (Cast Members) before the show and possibly get them read during the show.
Space Mountain
- Height Requirement: 44 inches
- Type of Attraction: Roller Coaster
- Ages: any but teens and those above the height requirement will especially love this ride
This mainstay has always been in the category of Disney’s most popular ride. And why not? Where else can you board a simulated open air spaceship and travel through through space in the dark?
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: If you have back or neck problems, better stay clear…Space Mountain can be a bumpy, twisty ride and because you are in the dark, you don’t see them coming.
Tomorrowland Speedway
- Height Requirement: 32 inches
- Type of Attraction: Car Ride
- Ages: any but small children over 32 inches will like this best
This is a go-cart type of ride with the kids being able to drive the car on a track with guides. The ones who love this ride the most are the younger children, but the problem is that they need to be over 32 inches to ride.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: We wonder how much longer Disney will keep this ride going. The exhaust is smelly, the cars are clunky and don’t respond well, and the on and off is not very efficient. If your kids are set on this one be aware of the cons before riding it.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: Omnimover slow ride
- Ages: any
This 10 minute ride is just what you need after walking 10 miles in the Florida heat as you make your way through Magic Kingdom! This is a slow paced ride that shows you some unseen portions of Magic Kingdom and it is a great place to just sit, regroup and get off your feet for a few minutes. We ride the PeopleMover ever time we are in the Magic Kingdom.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: The PeopleMover is great for what it is. It is almost always easy to just jump on it but if there is a wait of any kind, it is a direct reflection of how busy the park is on that day.
TRON Lightcycle Run
- Height Requirement: 48″
- Type of Attraction: Thrill ride
- Ages: Elementary age kids and up
Leave the real world behind and join Team Blue in a quest across the Grid—the dark, computerized world with no horizons from TRON. This is a fast thrill ride where you hop on a lightcycle that goes 59 miles per hour!
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: As this is a new attraction, boarding is now a virtual queue. If you want to ride this ride – and we think you should – check a couple days prior to your Magic Kingdom day so you know how to best get on this attraction. You can read our full review of this ride here.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: Show
- Ages: any
The Carousel of Progress first debuted in the New York World’s Fair in 1964. Walt designed this in order to show progress from the 1920’s to present day. The Carousel of Progress is another Disney classic that needs to be seen and appreciated for it’s history and fun.
Tips for Visiting This Attraction: Some of the older attractions need to be visited with the right mindset. We have seen this countless times and still enjoy every second of it.
Character Meet & Greets in the Magic Kingdom
Ariel
Location – At Her Grotto in Fantasyland
Jasmine & Aladdin
Location – Agrabah Bazaar Market in Adventureland
Cinderella, Elena, Tiana, Rapunzel
Location – They rotate throughout the day at Princess Fairytale Hall
Buzz Lightyear
Location – Rocket Tower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland
Belle
Location – Maurice’s Cottage in Fantasyland
Peter Pan
Location – Never Land Map in Fantasyland
Donald Duck and Goofy
Location – Pete’s Silly Side Show in Fantasyland
Merida
Location – Fairytale Garden Fantasyland
Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse
Location – Town Square Theater in Main Street
Captain Jack Sparrow
Location – Adventureland Stage
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger
Location – The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pho in Fantasyland
Other Magic Kingdom Attractions to Visit
Tom Sawyer Island
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: Self Guided tour
- Ages: any but great for children
Board a log raft across the Rivers of America and disembark at Tom’s Landing to explore and experience dusty roads, creaky suspension bridges, secret mined caves and uncover a frontier fort.
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: rifle target range
- Ages: any but great for children
Shoot replica .54-caliber Hawkins Buffalo rifles at over 100 targets. The rifles shoot a infrared beam of light at the targets. The targets will knock over and make noise as hits are happening on the range. A small fee is required for this arcade.
Swiss Family Treehouse
- Height Requirement: any
- Type of Attraction: Self Guided tour
- Ages: any but great for children
Tour the Swiss Family Robinson island and the spectacular tree house they made after being shipwrecked on the deserted island.
Shows & Entertainment in the Magic Kingdom
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade
A 12 minute parade that celebrates New Fantasyland with music, floats and beautiful costumes and scenery.
Disney Characters will be present including Ariel and the Little Mermaid crew, Sleeping Beauty, Dumbo, Peter Pan, Rupunzel and the Tangled crew, Merida and the Brave crew among others.
Be sure to check when it runs in the Entertainment Schedule or the Times Guide at the park but it usually goes twice a day, at noon and 3pm.
Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party
A parade and show that starts down Main Street U.S.A and ends up at Cinderella Castle with energetic, fun singing. Along with Mickey and Minnie, you’ll see Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Clarabelle and others moving and shaking.
Be sure to check the Entertainment Schedule or the My Disney Experience App for exact times and for any postponements.
Special Events at Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Every fall Disney puts on the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party after hours throughout the Magic Kingdom. Trick or Treats are given out, you can dress in a costume, special events like the Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade and the Hocus Pocus Villain Spectacular.
This is a special event that you will need to purchase tickets to attend.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Every year leading up to Christmas and New Years Disney puts on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This party is filled with a ton of special celebration moments including fireworks, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, a stage show staring Mickey in Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, and decorations galore. Christmas really is a special time at Disney World.
This is a special event that you will need to purchase tickets to attend.
Fireworks Dessert Parties
For an admission of $114 for adult, $69 for child 3 – 9, guests can partake in the 50th anniversary celebration pastries prepared by the Disney chefs which include chocolate-dipped strawberries, butterscotch pudding and a variety of cheeses.
Also included is an assortment of beer and wine for guests over 21. It’s a pretty amazing way to enjoy delicious deserts and watch the best fireworks in the world!
New Attractions Coming to the Magic Kingdom
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Splash Mountain will be under construction until 2024 while its being reimagined to Princess and the Frog. Stay tuned.
Magic Kingdom Strategies
There is no way you will be able to ride and experience everything the Magic Kingdom has to offer. There are two options to help you accomplish as much as you can:
If you are at the Magic Kingdom with toddlers and are unsure which of these attractions will be good options for your kid, we can help! This post will give you the best options for toddlers in the Magic Kingdom.
Of course there is more to experience in the Magic Kingdom than just the attractions! Keep an ear out for the Barbershop Quartet on Main Street or try removing the sword from the stone near the carousel.
If you get hungry, check out some of the top snacks to eat, including the Dole Whip! For lunch we recommend going to a quick service restaurant in the Magic Kingdom. Our top three favorites are here!
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