Last updated: Oct. 11, 2024
So, fasten your seatbelts, hold onto your mouse ears, and prepare to be transported into a world where fantasy becomes reality.
Finding the Top Magic Kingdom Rides for Your Family or Group
While this list of top attractions at Magic Kingdom can be used as a guide, we recommend that first-timers to Disney World live a little on the edge and try everything. Based on ride reviews, I’ve previously decided I wasn’t going to like a ride, only to walk off thinking it was one of the best I’ve ever ridden.
However, if you’re short on time or you just need to otherwise narrow down your list, here are some of the top rides in Magic Kingdom, broken out by category, to help you prepare for your type of adventure.
Disclaimer: While we include a motion sickness guide, our advice is based on our long-standing history of traveling with a number of guests who suffer from motion sickness. However, everyone is different. If you know rapid drops or tight twists tie your stomach in knots, for instance, you may want to avoid coaster type rides, even though our testers were able to tolerate them.
Top Rides at Magic Kingdom for Thrill Seekers
If you’re looking for stunning heights and stomach-churning drops, you might be disappointed in the selection of thrill rides offered at Magic Kingdom. However, the lack of adrenaline-pumping excitement is easily outweighed by the artistry and theming with each of Magic Kingdom’s top thrill rides.
1. Tron: Lightcycle Run
Bringing modernity to the Magic Kingdom, Tron: Lightcycle Run saw its newest debut at Disney World Florida in 2023. Riders board their own Lightcycle and zoom through a neon-lit, futuristic landscape, emulating the adrenaline-pumping race sequences from the movies. As riders are enveloped in a captivating world of light and sound, they are transported into the heart of the Grid, engaging in an epic battle between man and machine. With innovative technology and immersive storytelling, Tron Lightcycle Run offers a one-of-a-kind experience, combining heart-pounding speed and unexpected racing maneuvers. Tron Lightcycle run is now Disney World’s fastest coaster, racing past even recent predecessors, such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT.
Category: Thrill Ride
Height Requirement: 48in (122cm) or taller
Good for: Tweens, Teens, Adults
Bad for: Guests suffering from back, neck or heart conditions should not ride. Also, pregnant women may want to sit this one out as well as those guests who do not like rides with tight twists, sudden drops or enclosed spaces.
Early Entry: No
Lightning Lane: Yes (Lightning Lane Single Pass)
2. Space Mountain
Space Mountain is a roller coaster type ride, featuring rapid descents and some very quick turns, as well as a lift sequence that blasts riders into space. Much of the excitement from this ride is derived from the fact that it takes place in the dark, beneath streaming stars and meteors.
Category: Thrill Ride
Height Requirement: 48in (122cm) or taller
Good for: Tweens, Teens, Adults
Bad for: Guests suffering from back, neck or heart conditions should not ride. Also, pregnant women may want to sit this one out as well as those guests who do not like rides with tight twists and sudden drops.
Early Entry: Yes
Lightning Lane: Yes
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
They call this the wildest ride in the wilderness for a reason. Guests enter an abandoned mine through an eerily dark lift sequence. Bat eyes blink through the blackness while a waterfall feeds through fissures and cracks. Through it all you wonder, will this ancienct shaft withstand the assault of another human passage? From there, the ride gets really crazy as the train breaks loose to careen out of control through the mountains and around the town.
Category: Thrill Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 40in (102cm) or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Bad for: Guests suffering from back, neck or heart conditions should not ride. Also, pregnant women may want to sit this one out as well as those guests who do not like rides with tight twists and sudden drops.
Motion Sickness Factor: 3 out of 10. This ride has been known to bother a moderate number of people who suffer from motion sickness.
Early Theme Park Entry: No
Lightning Lane: Yes
3. 7 Dwarfs Mine Train
Head into the mine of the 7 Dwarfs on this roller coaster type ride. You’ve never experienced coaster twists and turns like these. Swinging cars that rock with the direction of the track eliminate the typical jerking of a steel coaster and allow riders to really enjoy the energy of the hairpin turns.
Category: Thrill Ride, Small Drops
Height Requirement: 38in (102cm) or taller
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Bad for: Honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone who might not enjoy this top ride at Magic Kingdom, but it’s important for guests to mind their own safety. If you think this ride might aggravate an existing condition, it’s best to sit this one out. Children under 32″ tall will not be permitted to ride.
Motion Sickness Factor: 2 out of 10 – This ride tends to bother very few people who suffer from motion sickness.
Early Theme Park Entry: Yes
Lightning Lane: Yes
4. Haunted Mansion
While not your typical thrill ride, this sedate tour of an abandoned haunted residence has been known to send “hot and cold running chills” down the spine of several guests. This attraction features some of the best of early Disney ingenuity, as intrepid visitors board their own Doom Buggy. The route twists and turns throughout the mansion, but ghoulish frights are never far from sight.
Category: Thrill Ride
Height Requirement: None
Good for: Kids, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Bad for: Young children who are frightened by dark scences, loud noises or ghosts; Adults who do not enjoy horror and suspense.
Motion Sickness Factor: 0 out of 10 – This ride is highly unlikely to bother guests who experience motion sickness.
Early Theme Park Entry: No
Lightning Lane: Yes
Top Attractions at Magic Kingdom for Families with 2-Year Olds and 3-Year Olds
Now, let’s dive into the top attractions at Magic Kingdom that are perfectly suited for families with young children. From gentle escapades through beloved storybook scenes to thrilling out-of-this-world encounters, the best rides at Magic Kingdom for children include those that inspire the imagination and encourage creativity.
1. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
This classic Disney attraction has guests board a flying elephant, to soar up and down over the big top tent. Children enjoy finding an elephant sporting their favorite color as well as the flight over Fantasyland. Long considered a fan favorite, guests will benefit from a ride expansion that drastically increased capacity and decreased previously lengthy line waits.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: Motion sickness sufferers and guests who don’t like heights.
Motion Sickness Factor: 5.5 out of 10 – This ride tends to bother an average number of people who can’t tolerate spinning rides.
Early Theme Park Entry: Yes
Lightning Lane: Yes
2. Astro Orbiter
Enter a lift and ascend to a loading dock where space travelers can pilot their own rocket. This is the Dumbo ride on steroids, as adults enjoy expansive park views and space loving kids spin past planets as they pilot their own craft high above the park.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: Motion sickness sufferers and guests who don’t like heights.
Motion Sickness Factor: 8.5 out of 10 – This ride tends to bother a high number of people who can’t tolerate spinning rides.
Early Theme Park Entry: Yes
Lightning Lane: Yes
3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Who can resist a bounce through the One Hundred Acre Wood, especially when joined by Pooh and Friends? This ride follows the story line of the classic Disney film, complete with heffelumps and woozles. Children seem to enjoy the segment of the track that simulates Tigger’s bouncy, trouncy, ouncy, pouncy fun, fun, fun, fun…Well you get the idea.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: No one
Motion Sickness Factor: 1.5 out of 10 – This top ride at Magic Kingdom tends to bother a very slight number of people who suffer from motion sickness.
Early Theme Park Entry: Yes
Lightning Lane: Yes
4. Mickey’s Philharmagic
Guests enter Mickey’s “opry house” and join the famous mouse and his pals for an orchestral event during this top “ride” at Magic Kingdom. There’s only one problem. Donald just can’t refrain from getting into his usual brand of trouble and ends up hurtling through scenes from several Disney classic films to retrieve Mickey’s sorcerer hat. This 3-D film brings animated elements to life right before your eyes with interactive sights and sounds.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: No one
Motion Sickness Factor: 1.5 out of 10 – This ride tends to bother an extremely small number of people who suffer from motion sickness, namely those who can’t tolerate the 3-D film experience.
Early Theme Park Entry: Yes
Lightning Lane: Yes
The Way Walt Did It: Can’t Miss Attractions for Fans of Walter E. Disney
Walt Disney’s genius came from a willingness to dream and take risks. Many of the innovations you’ll find inside Magic Kingdom today come from his own ideation and ability to incorporate the true talents of his time. Including some of the most iconic classics, these are the rides that fans of Walt Disney the man can truly appreciate.
1. The Carousel of Progress
The Carousel of Progress remains an enduring symbol of technological advancements and optimism. Created specifically for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, this groundbreaking attraction features a circular theater that revolves through the centuries of American technological advancement. After the conclusion of the World’s Fair, the Carousel of Progress found its permanent home in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, where it continues to operate as the longest continuously running stage show in history.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: No one
Motion Sickness Factor: 0 out of 10 – This ride tends not to bother guests who suffer from motion sickness.
Early Theme Park Entry: No
Lightning Lane: No
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2. The Enchanted Tiki Room
Originally conceived by the visionary mind of Walt Disney himself, the Enchanted Tiki Room stands as a testament to his unparalleled dedication to creating immersive experiences. It was one of the first fully air-conditioned indoor attractions when it debuted in 1963 at Disneyland, offering respite from the heat while transporting guests to a vibrant Polynesian paradise.
Walt Disney, a man known for his attention to detail, held a special fondness for the Enchanted Tiki Room, considering it a personal favorite among his creations. Its intricate audio-animatronics and the catchy tunes of the singing birds showcased his commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and entertainment. Even today, the Enchanted Tiki Room remains a cherished testament to Walt Disney’s enduring legacy and his unwavering passion for bringing joy to people’s lives through the magic of imagination.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: No one
Motion Sickness Factor: 0 out of 10 – It is highly unlikely that anyone suffering from motion sickness would be bothered by this attraction.
Early Theme Park Entry: No
Lightning Lane: No
3. Jungle Cruise
Filled with “punny” jokes, the Jungle Cruise offers a glimpse into early animatronic technology, but the truly funny thing is this: the ride wasn’t supposed to be amusing or to use animatronics at all. Walt, in all his visionary wonder, wanted to create an immersive experience where guests could cruise through various animal habitats and learn about the creatures that lived there. Once collecting and caring for the wild animals was deemed too complicated and costly, the attraction was reimagined as a light-hearted escapade that combined a smattering of education with entertainment. The Jungle Cruise remains a testament to Walt’s enduring vision and the flexibility of his creative process. These are just a few of the reasons it remains one of the top rides at Magic Kingdom.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: No one
Motion Sickness Factor: 1 out of 10 – It is highly unlikely that anyone suffering from motion sickness would be bothered by this attraction, but anyone who gets queasy on a boat might have a slim chance of experiencing those ailments. However, waters are flat and there is very little rocking of the boat.
Early Theme Park Entry: No
Lightning Lane: Yes
4. Hall of Presidents
Nestled within the enchanting realm of Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, the Hall of Presidents stands as a remarkable testament to both American history and Walt Disney’s spirit of innovation. The Hall of Presidents, made its grand debut in 1971, bringing to life the legacy of the United States’ commanders-in-chief through a captivating combination of audio-animatronics and immersive storytelling. Walt Disney personally oversaw the creation of this ambitious project, aiming to provide an educational experience that was both entertaining and enlightening. The attraction remains current today by adding an animatronic for each new sitting president.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: No one
Motion Sickness Factor: 0 out of 10 – It is highly unlikely that anyone suffering from motion sickness would be bothered by this attraction.
Early Theme Park Entry: No
Lightning Lane: No
5. It’s a Small World
This classic boat ride was another innovation created for the New York World’s Fair in 1964-1965 as part of the Pepsi-Cola Pavilion. After the World’s Fair, the ride found its permanent home in Disneyland’s Fantasyland in 1966 and was later replicated in various Disney parks around the world, including Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The ride spreads a timeless message of global unity, with animatronics crossing many cultures, and a theme song you won’t soon get out of your head. Walt Disney himself held a deep personal attachment to the It’s a Small World ride, considering it not just an attraction, but a tribute to the ideals he cherished.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: No one
Motion Sickness Factor: 0 out of 10 – It is highly unlikely that anyone suffering from motion sickness would be bothered by this attraction.
Early Theme Park Entry: Yes
Lightning Lane: Yes
Top Magic Kingdom Attractions for Princess Fans
Young princess fans can join with their heroes on magical adventures that explore the world and wonder of some of Disney’s classic animated films on these top rides at Magic Kingdom.
1. Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
Feel what it’s like to be a mermaid as you hop inside a clamshell and dive beneath the sea—no scuba gear required. Follow through scenes of the classic Disney animated film and watch as Ariel succeeds in vanquishing the evil Ursula and securing life with her Prince Charming.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: No one
Early Entry: No
Lightning Lane: Yes
Motion Sickness Factor: 0 out of 10 – It is highly unlikely that anyone suffering from motion sickness would be bothered by this attraction.
2. Enchanted Tales with Belle
For Disney princess fans seeking to join the world of Beauty and the Beast, look no further than “Enchanted Tales with Belle” at Magic Kingdom. Step into Maurice’s cottage and be transported to a charming village in France, where Belle’s tale unfolds. From a magical wardrobe to Lumiere’s lively banter, every moment is filled with whimsy and wonder. Through interactive storytelling, guests have the opportunity to participate in the reenactment of the tale alongside Belle herself. Aspiring princesses can take on the roles of iconic characters, sharing in the magic of Belle’s world.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: No one
Early Entry: No
Lightning Lane: Yes
3. Aladdin’s Flying Carpet
Inspired by the beloved Disney animated classic, this magical experience allows young princess fans to step into Princess Jasmine’s world and soar above Agrabah on a flying carpet. Control the height of your carpet as you admire the bustling marketplace below. With intricate details and vibrant colors, this attraction captures the essence of Jasmine’s extraordinary adventures.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: No one
Early Entry: No
Lightning Lane: Yes
4. Cinderella’s Carousel
Hop aboard Cinderella’s Carousel and enjoy the majesty of the royal stable. See if you can locate Cinderella’s horse amongst the fancy steeds who make up this beloved carousel ride.
Category: Slow rides/Child friendly
Height Requirement: None
Good for: All ages
Bad for: No one
Early Entry: No
Lightning Lane: No
Other Magic Kingdom Rides to Consider
While the aforementioned attractions represent the top rides in Magic Kingdom for their respective categories, there are still others worth your time.
Peter Pan’s Flight, for instance, remains one of the top rides at Magic Kingdom. One of the few dark ride experiences still located in this park, Peter Pan’s Flight takes guests on a soaring flight over London and the scenes of the classic 1953 animated film. Pirate ships are suspended from an overhead track to complete the illusion of flying above the countryside.
Youngsters with a yearning to drive will certainly enjoy a tour de force spin around the Tomorrowland Speedway, where kids that are at least 32 inches in height can drive their own speedster. Children in this age range will also enjoy the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Adventureland.
Pirates of the Caribbean fulfills another of Walt’s famous visions and borrows innovations from It’s a Small World, where a continuously moving water system propells guests through the ride at a controlled pace. Keeping guests on pace is essential to managing line waits and maintaining happy visitors, another concept about which Walt Disney knew a lot.
Lovers of pomp and fantasy will certainly not mind standing curbside to see the Festival of Fantasy parade pass by. It’s an enchantment of the senses, where intricate floats, vibrant costumes, and beloved Disney characters are brought to life with stunning detail.
Finally, there is no better way to end the night than with Happily Ever After, a nightly spectacle of storytelling, lights and sounds, as the sky above Cinderella’s Castle erupts in a dazzling fireworks display.
A Word About Lightning Lane Passes and Early Theme Park Entry
Since our list of top rides at Magic Kingdom includes some of the most popular experiences in the park, lines can get long. Fortunately, most rides listed here are Lightning Lane enabled, meaning you can book a spot in a shortened queue using Multi Pass or Single Pass.
Guests who prefer not to purchase either type of Lightning Lane pass can experience some of these attractions with little wait if they arrive early and take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry. This special perk reserved exclusively for guests of Disney World resort hotels, lets you into the parks a half hour early. That’s enough time to experience one or two attractions with little wait. We recommend that if you plan to ride any of the attractions listed below, you do so using Early Theme Park Entry. We’ve listed them in priority order. Rides at the top of the list should be more of a priority during Early Entry than rides lower down.
- Space Mountain or 7 Dwarfs Mine Train
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Astro Orbiter
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Finding Your Top Rides at Magic Kingdom
From the galactic thrills of Space Mountain to the immersive storytelling of Pirates of the Caribbean, and the beloved classics like It’s a Small World and the Carousel of Progress, the top rides at Magic Kingdom take guests on whimsical journeys. Whether you are soaring through the skies, exploring mystical lands, or being whisked away by tales as old as time, the top rides at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom escape into a world where fantasy and reality merge. Finding the best experiences for your trip depends solely on where you find your escape.
Ten Things You Probably Don’t Know About Disney’s Cinderella’s Carousel
