Complete Guide to Magic Kingdom Rides
Are you heading to the Magic Kingdom and want to know everything about the rides and attractions in the park? You have come to the right place! You will find a complete guide to all that Magic Kingdom has to offer. You will find the length of each ride, description, height requirements, when you should ride, and most importantly, should you ride.
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Adventureland Rides
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Height: Any Height | Duration: 10 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is a great place to go to escape the rain or the heat in Florida. It is a shortened version of the original attraction from Disneyland and features four singing parrots who perform musical tiki numbers.
When to ride: Typically the only time you will wait for this show is when one is currently going on.
Should you ride: Deciding whether or not you need to visit this show depends on who you ask. I only visit it if I need to take a break and sit down, whereas others love the nostalgic feel of the show.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Height: Any Height | Duration: 1.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: Kids
The fun part of this ride is the spitting camel. Which doesn’t say much for the ride itself. It is a fun ride for children, but don’t wait long for this ride.
When to ride: Since this is a ride that is very popular for smaller children and has a limited capacity, the wait time can get pretty long some days.
Should you ride: This is basically Dumbo or Astro Orbiter. If your kid loved both of those, or the line for those is to long, this is a great backup. However, the other two are typically more recommended.
Jungle Cruise
Height: Any Height | Duration: 8 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
The Jungle Cruise is great for all ages. This river cruise is made even better by the Skipper who tells corny jokes throughout your kid, but this also makes each ride unique depending on your Skipper.
When to ride: The line for this ride is typically shorter at night, but if you have children who scare easily, try to take them during the day so they can tell that the animals are not real.
Should you ride: I would absolutely recommend making time for the Jungle Cruise. It is great for the entire family!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Height: Any Height | Duration: 8.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Pirates of the Caribbean is a classic Disney dark ride that takes you on your own Pirate adventure. You’ll find beloved characters from the movies throughout the ride. See if you can spot all three Captain Jack Sparrows!
When to ride: You can typically get a Lightning Lane pass for this ride later in the day or take a break in the air conditioning around midday. Besides busy times of year, you won’t have an issue getting on this ride. Be sure to check My Disney Experience first because it does have a tendency to break down.
Should you ride: Absolutely. While this might not be as intense as its Disneyland counterpart, it is still a great ride. I never miss it if I’m in the Magic Kingdom.
Swiss Family Treehouse
Height: Any Height | Duration: 15 Minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Swiss Family Treehouse is basically a giant playground. It is a great place to take your kids if you need them to run around for awhile to burn off that extra sugar. It is a self paced place so you can spend as little or as much time here as you’d like, but it takes about 10-15 minutes on average. Also it has over 100 steps, so just be aware of that.
When to ride: Anytime. There is never a line!
Should you ride: This isn’t something we do every trip. It is a great time filler if you have to kill time between rides, but isn’t something that is a must-do.
Frontierland Rides
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 3.5 Minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is great for people who are working their way up to a big coaster. While there are a lot of twist and turns, and even some fun dips, there isn’t anything to qualify it as a big coaster. No loops or giant drops, so it is great for anyone who is tall enough to ride it!
When to ride: If you don’t have a Lightning Lane for this ride or in general, try to hit it earlier in the day before a line forms. This tends to fill up quicker than Splash Mountain.
Should you ride: If you like thrill rides, you should definitely go on this. It is one of Magic Kingdom’s three iconic mountains after all!
Splash Mountain
Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 11 Minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Splash Mountain is more than just your standard log flume ride. It covers more than half a mile and features over 100 animatronic characters! Although this isn’t a coaster, it can be scary for some children. There are 3 dips and a 5-story waterfall drop. If you want to get extra wet, try and sit at the front.
When to ride: I highly recommend you try to get a Lightning Lane reservation, but if you can’t, get there within the first two hours or expect to wait in line.
Should you ride: As long as it isn’t freezing outside, definitely try to fit this ride into your Magic Kingdom day.
Country Bear Jamboree
Height: Any | Duration: 12 Minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Country Bear Jamboree is a fun show for anyone who likes classic animatronics and very corny music. Some of the jokes might go over kids heads, but the parents will appreciate them.
When to ride: Anytime, you won’t have to wait for this almost ever.
Should you ride: This isn’t a show that should be a priority for anyone, but its a great place to sit down and cool off for awhile.
Tom Sawyer Island
Height: Any | Duration: Unlimited | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Similar to Swiss Family Treehouse, this is an exploration type attraction. You have to take a raft over which can take 10-20 minutes sometimes. It is a great place to bring your kids to run around for awhile
When to ride: Anytime, you won’t have to wait for this almost ever.
Should you ride: If you have a lot of time to kill it is worth checking out, but it isn’t something that would be considered a must-do for anyone.
Liberty Square Rides
Haunted Mansion
Height: Any | Duration: 7.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: Older
The Haunted Mansion, while it isn’t as scary as a standard haunted house, it can be scary for many young children. Hop on a doom buggy and travel through the mansion that is home to 999 happy haunts, where they are searching to make it an even 1000.
When to ride: The line for this can get longer after the park has been open for about two hours, however, it has one of the best queue lines in the park, so if there is a 30 to 45 minute wait, it doesn’t feel like waiting because the line is so interactive.
Should you ride: The catchy tune and hitchhiking ghosts are staples of a Disney trip, but skip it if you have little ones who scare easily.
The Hall of Presidents
Height: Any | Duration: 21 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
The Hall of Presidents is an animatronic show about the Presidents. Styled like Independence Hall in Philadelphia, it is home to all past and sitting Presidents.
When to ride: There is rarely ever a line, it makes it a great place to escape rain or heat.
Should you ride: The show itself is informative and entertaining for anyone who likes history. We don’t always make time for this attraction, but I would recommend it if you haven’t seen it before.
Liberty Square Riverboat
Height: Any | Duration: 13 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Liberty Square Riverboat is a steam-powered boat that will take you on a 1/2 mile tour around Tom Sawyer Island. It is standing room only, but the top deck provides a great view for photos!
When to ride: Anytime, you will rarely wait to get on.
Should you ride: It is a great way to take a break and see Magic Kingdom from a different perspective, but it is a must-do.
Fantasyland Rides
“it’s a small world”
Height: Any | Duration: 10.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
“it’s a small world” is one of the most well known Disney attractions. Whether you love or hate the song, the 300 animatronics represent different countries and bring you on a journey around the world.
When to ride: Except for busy seasons, this ride usually has a minimal wait. It is also pretty easy to get a Lightning Lane option throughout the day. However, the queue is one of the worst since there is nothing to do, so I wouldn’t wait over 15 minutes to get on.
Should you ride: I love the nostalgia of the ride, so if you have never ridden before, it is a must-do. However, if you have, you probably already have decided if you love or hate the attraction.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Height: Any | Duration: 3 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
You can fly over London with Peter Pan and off to Neverland! It is a typical Disney dark ride, but nothing overly scary for kids. You’ll see mermaids, pirates, lost boys, and more. The added touch of flying over everything is something truly magical.
When to ride: This line fills up quickly, so try to head here within the first hour of park opening if you don’t want to use a Lightning Lane option.They have redone the queue and added games to play while waiting through the Play Disney app to make the wait a bit better.
Should you ride: I won’t miss this ride if I am in Magic Kingdom. While it could do with a revamp to update the ride a little, it is still one of my favorite rides in Disney World.
Mickey’s PhilHarMagic
Height: Any | Duration: 12 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
This is a 3D attraction that features music played by a magical orchestra that transports you into classic Disney movies.
When to ride: While there is occasionally a line, this is a good break for midday to escape the heat in some air conditioning.
Should you ride: I love this attraction, but it wouldn’t rank as a must-do for most people. It is a great one to grab a Lightning Lane the day of hop in line if there is a short wait, but unless it’s a busy season, you can easily use standby.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Height: Any | Duration: 2 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
This is a pretty standard carousel, except it features Disney music while you ride. If you can find the horse with a gold ribbon on its tail, you have found Cinderella’s horse!
When to ride: Anytime, you won’t have to wait for this almost ever.
Should you ride: It is a fun time for kids, so if you see that there is a minimal wait, it is worth riding. Definitely not a must-do though.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Height: Any | Duration: 10 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
This is one of the newer attractions in the Magic Kingdom. It brings to life the story of Beauty and the Beast and makes it more than just a typical character meet and greet. Guests get to reenact parts of the movie with Belle instead of just posing for a photo.
When to ride: Using your advanced Lightning Lane for this isn’t recommended, unless you aren’t using them for the coasters. However, this does get a line so head there shortly after opening.
Should you ride: It is such a unique experience that I would recommend it for anyone who hasn’t done it before.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Height: 38″ or taller | Duration: 2.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has quickly become one of the more popular rides in Magic Kingdom. It is one of the smoothest coasters and features the story of the Seven Dwarfs. The animatronics are much newer than most you’ll see throughout the park.
When to ride: If you don’t want to pay extra for Lightning Lane for this ride, you will either have to head there at rope drop, or wait in line to ride. This is often one people will ride at the end of the night before the park closes.
Should you ride: Anyone who enjoys coasters should ride. It isn’t as intense as others so it is a great first coaster for kids who are tall enough.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Height: Any | Duration: 3 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh replaced Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride in the Magic Kingdom. It is a typical dark ride for Disney and is a popular ride for younger kids. It does have a section that can be a little scary for some children because it features heffalumps and woozles.
When to ride: It can get busy later in the day and while there are a few activities built into the queue, grabbing a Lightning is definitely better than waiting in my opinion. However, this ride’s line will fluctuate a lot throughout the day. It’s definitely possible to find a shorter wait time.
Should you ride: While this isn’t typically a standard must-do attraction, both adults and kids will love the playful dark ride with everyone’s favorite characters.
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
Height: Any | Duration: 6 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Step into a clam shell and relive the story of The Little Mermaid. The ride is full of beloved songs and characters. Kids will love the Under the Sea room filled with dancing fish and colorful scenery.
When to ride: There isn’t typically a long wait and you can easily grab a Lightning Lane for this throughout the day if you wanted. I rarely see this with anything other than a walk-on unless its a busy season.
Should you ride: I would say this is more a time filler ride than an essential dark ride. We usually end up riding it, but aren’t upset if it is missed.
The Barnstormer
Height: 35″ or taller | Duration: 1 minute | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: Kids
While the Barnstormer isn’t as thrilling as Seven Dwarfs or Big Thunder, it is still a coaster, just a coaster for kids. The height requirement helps younger thrill seekers ride a coaster in the parks. The ride is very short though.
When to ride: There isn’t typically a wait for this because it isn’t one of the more popular rides. However, it’s great for younger kids who want to try a coaster. The ride is so short, I wouldn’t wait to long for it though.
Should you ride: If you have a kid who loves thrill rides, but isn’t tall enough to go on a lot of them yet, this is perfect for them. Adults are better off skipping this ride.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Height: Any | Duration: 1.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Dumbo the Flying Elephant has quickly become one of the most photographed and iconic attractions in Magic Kingdom. Fly above the park with Dumbo and get a different view! The ride now features a fun play area you can bring your kids to wait in instead of standing in a line.
When to ride: While this does sometimes get a line, if you can’t get a Lightning Lane for this, you won’t have to entertain your kids in a line. Take them to the indoor play area and have them run around until it is their turn to fly with Dumbo.
Should you ride: I like to ride this day or night because the view and nostalgia combined are pretty magical.
Mad Tea Party
Height: Any | Duration: 1.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Another iconic ride in Disney parks is the Mad Tea Party. Hope into the tea cups and spin around in Wonderland for a bit! While the ride is spinning you, you can spin yourself even faster. It is definitely fun for kids and adults, just don’t do it right after you’ve eaten.
When to ride: The line varies during the day, but because the ride can hold a decent number of people, it usually moves fairly quickly if you don’t have a Lightning Lane, which is rarely necessary for this ride.
Should you ride: I would recommend this to anyone who doesn’t get dizzy easily.
Tomorrowland Rides
Tomorrowland Speedway
Height: 32″ or taller | Duration: 5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: Kids
Tomorrowland Speedway lets kids take the wheel and speed (at 7.5 mph) around the tracks. While this ride is technically for everybody, it is definitely a favorite among kids, while adults can usually skip it.
When to ride: This can get a line quickly, so either Lightning Lane it during the day or head there shortly after park opens if your kid wants to drive.
Should you ride: If you have a child, then this is a recommended ride. If it is just adults, you can usually skip the ride. Since there aren’t any amazing views or anything else notable about the ride, there isn’t a real reason to wait in line.
Space Mountain
Height: 44″ or taller | Duration: 2.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
While some people claim this is just a wild mouse ride that is indoors, in the dark, with glow lights, we all know it is much more than that. It is one of my favorite rides in Magic Kingdom because it is such a unique experience.
When to ride: If you don’t have Lightning Lane for this ride, head there within the first hour. They added an interactive game in the Play Disney app to help pass time in the queue. It does tend to break down, so check My Disney Experience before heading across the park to wait in line.
Should you ride: If you are a thrill seeker and tall enough, this is definitely a must-do ride. As long as it isn’t broken down, we try to hit it every visit.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Height: Any | Duration: 10 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Fans of Disneyland might have better versions of some of the same rides, but we still have the PeopleMover! You get a chance to ride around Tomorrowland for some awesome behind-the-scenes looks at different areas. Head through Space Mountain, see what the original plan for Tomorrowland was, and more!
When to ride: Anytime. There might be a line, but it is a continuous loading station so it is usually very minimal of a wait.
Should you ride: Although this ride might not be for everyone, I still highly recommend it. It is a great way to relax and kick back for 10 minutes and see the park from a different perspective.
Astro Orbiter
Height: Any | Duration: 1.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Astro Orbiter is basically the same as Dumbo or Magic Carpets, but it is placed above the ground on top of The Lunching Pad so it provides more unique views across Magic Kingdom. If you are deciding between the three rides, I would rank this at second behind Dumbo.
When to ride: There is no Lightning Lane option for this ride and the line can get very long. I don’t recommend waiting to long for this though. You can ride it within the first hour to avoid the line, or if you want a beautiful view, try to catch it at night when the park is lit up!
Should you ride: I wouldn’t call this a must-do ride at all, however, if you see there is a 20 minute or less wait, it is worth a ride. Just don’t go out of your way.
Carousel of Progress
Height: Any | Duration: 21 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Carousel of Progress boasts a great big beautiful tomorrow and brings a smile to almost anyone riding. You’ll travel through different decades to learn to see all of the progress we have made. See how technology has changed over the years and get excited for what is right around the corner.
When to ride: Anytime, you won’t have to wait for this almost ever.
Should you ride: This is a personal favorite of mine and is a ride you won’t find anywhere else. This is a great one to escape the weather for awhile if it is raining or you need air conditioning, I highly suggest taking the time to see this attraction.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Height: Any | Duration: 4 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin puts guests into an arcade game. You get to help Buzz defeat Zurg by using your laser to score points. Try to get the max score of 999,999 and become a Galactic Hero!
When to ride: You can usually grab Lightning Lane pretty easily, but if not try to hit this earlier in the day. The line can sometimes get long and the queue is pretty boring. The ride is constantly loading which makes the queue move fairly quickly though!
Should you ride: While I wouldn’t wait hours to ride this, I highly recommend fitting it into your Magic Kingdom day. It is a great time for kids and adults!
Monsters Inc., Laugh Factory
Height: Any | Duration: 11 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
This interactive comedy show features characters from Monsters Inc. trying to capture your laughs by telling jokes. You can actually send in some of your own and the attraction also features audience participation.
When to ride: Anytime, you won’t have to wait for this almost ever.
Should you ride: Kids will enjoy the corny jokes, and it is a nice break to sit down for awhile, but by no means is this a must-do attraction.
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Height: 48″ | Duration: 11 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
TRON is the newest addition to Magic Kingdom. This roller coaster was brought over from Shanghai Disneyland and opened in 2023. It’s an intense one-of-a-kind ride that sends you into the computerized world of TRON.
When to ride: Currently you will need to either pay for an individual Lightning Lane or join the virtual queue to be able to access this ride.
Should you ride: Anyone who is a fan of roller coasters and thrill rides should absolutely not miss this one!
Did you find this helpful? Be sure to check out the other ride guides!
- Complete Guide to Epcot Rides
- Complete Guide to Hollywood Studios Rides
- Complete Guide to Animal Kingdom Rides
Want to know more about the rides at Disney World? Check out some of these posts:
- The Best Tips for Fastpass+ Reservations
- Best Attractions to Escape the Weather – Rain or Heat
- 11 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid at Disney World
- Everything You Need To Know About Extra Magic Hours in Disney World
Are you ready to keep planning? Check out everything you need to know before you go when planning for Disney.
4 Comments
Ashley
Do you plan on doing an article for rides at the other parks? This one helped me narrow things down for Magic Kingdom.
Kelly
Absolutely! Epcot’s will be up shortly, and the other two will be up within the week. I’m so glad this helped!
marissa
Im going to Disney world for the first time ever, but I am only going for one day. I decided to pick going to Magic Kingdom and this has helped me a lot on deciding what rides to go on first!!
Kelly
That is so exciting! I hope you have a magical trip 🙂