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11 of the Best Rides at Magic Kingdom

May 16, 2024

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I'm amber

A mom of six through birth and adoption, family travel specialist, self-proclaimed chocolate chip cookie connoisseur, Disney lover, and, I hope to be, your new best friend.

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Magic Kingdom offers the quintessential Disney experience, from the charming walk down Main Street to the iconic castle photo ops. Home to some of Disney World’s most famous rides, it can be tough to decide which ones to prioritize.

Planning ahead can feel overwhelming, especially since experiencing everything in one day is nearly impossible. However, with our picks for the best rides at Magic Kingdom and a mix of attractions that cater to your group’s preferences, you’re guaranteed to have a magical day at the Magic Kingdom.

11 Best Rides at Magic Kingdom

Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

  • Type: Family Roller Coaster
  • Height Requirement: 38 inches (97 cm)
  • Tips: Consider Individual Lightning Lane purchase to avoid long waits.

This may be a new addition to this park full of classics, but there’s no doubt it’s one of the best rides in Magic Kingdom. It is absolutely one of my favorite rides in the entire park You’ll hop into what looks like a creaky old mine train and make your way into the enchanted forest and then dip deep down into the mine shaft of the seven dwarfs.

The whole time you mine cart will feel like it’s wobbling back and forth, which is an exciting touch. You’ll see the dwarfs collecting an array of diamonds and gems, all while singing their classic tune of “Heigh-Ho”. Then you will race back up and out of the mine shaft, where you can catch a sweet view of Fantasyland.


PRO TIP: If you purchase Disney World’s Memory Maker they give you an awesome video of your Seven Dwarfs Mine Train experience!


TRON Lightcycle Run

  • Type: Thrill Ride
  • Height Requirement: 48 inches (122 cm)
  • Tips: Use the virtual queue via MyDisneyExperience app or purchase Individual Lightning Lane pass.

TRON Lightcycle Run is one of the best rides at Magic Kingdom, offering a thrilling and immersive experience like no other. Inspired by the TRON film series, this high-speed roller coaster allows riders to hop onto their own Lightcycle and race through a futuristic digital world. The unique ride system and cutting-edge technology create an exhilarating adventure that combines sharp twists, turns, and rapid acceleration.

The attraction’s stunning visual effects and captivating storyline transport guests into the grid, making it a must-ride for thrill-seekers and TRON fans alike. Whether you’re zooming past neon landscapes or competing against the grid’s programs, TRON Lightcycle Run promises an unforgettable experience that blends innovation and excitement. As one of the newest additions to Magic Kingdom, it’s quickly becoming a fan favorite and a highlight of any visit to the park.


Best Rides at Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain

  • Type: Outdoor Roller Coaster
  • Height Requirement: 40 inches (102 cm)
  • Tips: Ride during the evening for a unique experience with scenic lighting, and use Genie+ to minimize wait times.

Right next to Splash Mountain is Big Thunder Mountain. This rollercoaster or out of control train ride is an absolute blast. The rain goes through twists and turns as you race through a mine shaft. You can fit up to three in a row so if you have a little one that meets the height requirement can ride in between mom and dad. My 4 year old absolutely loves this ride and we ride it multiple times during our vacation.


Space Mountain

  • Type: Indoor Roller Coaster
  • Height Requirement: 44 inches (113 cm)
  • Tips: Ideal for Genie+ or rope drop if you have Early Entry.

The last of the three mountains is Space Mountain. This indoor roller coaster is unlike any other. As you head off into outer space you find yourself whizzing through the solar system.It’s one of the most thrilling rides in all of Disney World. This roller coaster zooms through the darkest corners of outer space while playing the perfect music to get you pumped you for the drops and quick turns. It’s an unforgettable experience and undoubtedly a top ride. This is a fast-paced ride and is dark so just keep that in mind for little ones who reach the height limit.


Goofy’s Barnstormer

  • Type: Family Coaster
  • Height Requirement: 35 inches (89 cm)
  • Tips: Perfect for young children experiencing their first roller coaster; visit early in the day or use Genie+ to avoid long lines.

Goofy’s Barnstormer is a junior roller coaster but if you have a little one, they will absolutely love it. Located in Toon Town, you take off on one of a fun and twisty roller coaster. The best time to head to this ride is about an hour after the park opens as toon town often opens one hour after the park opens so it is pretty empty.


Pirates of the Caribbean

  • Type: Slow Boat Ride
  • Height Requirement: None
  • Tips: Use Genie+ for shorter waits, especially during peak times.

The Pirates of the Caribbean is one you definitely should not miss. You’ll get to see all the original animatronic pirates, along with some newer additions like Jack Sparrow and finally a woman pirate! Of course, you might find yourself singing the catchy pirate tune the rest of the day but it’s well worth it. Riding this is a right of passage as a kid, and since the movies have become such a hit it’s really fun to see where all the inspiration came from for all ages. Keep in mind it is dark and the sound of gunshots can be loud for little ears.


Haunted Mansion

  • Type: Dark Ride
  • Height Requirement: None
  • Tips: Consider riding during parades or fireworks for shorter wait times.

Even if you aren’t a big fan of haunts and spooks, you can probably make it through the Haunted Mansion. In fact, you might even enjoy it despite the spookiness! The ghosts that reside here are actually pretty happy and sing the whole time you cruise through on your “doom” buggy. The whole line is an interactive experience, making the wait fly by.


Best Rides at Magic Kingdom - Jungle Cruise

The Jungle Cruise

  • Type: Boat Ride
  • Height Requirement: None

If you’re looking for a quick laugh, you have got to hop aboard the Jungle Cruise. This is my husband’s favorite ride as he loves a terrible joke. Once aboard you will cruise down the river to see hippos, elephants, piranhas, and monkeys oh my! Jungle Cruise opened in Disneyland in 1955, so although the version in Magic Kingdom isn’t the original it does have that true Walt Disney touch.


Dumbo

Type: Classic Ride
Height Requirement: Any height
Tips: Take advantage of the interactive play area while waiting, and use Genie+ to reduce wait times.

Dumbo at Magic Kingdom is just one of those classic rides you have to experience. Besides the ride, kiddos and parents love the line. You are probably thinking I am crazy at this point, but inside the Dumbo Line is a huge play area where the parents can relax and you receive a pager to let you know when it is your turn to ride.


Peter Pan

  • Type: Dark Ride
  • Height Requirement: None
  • Tips: Utilize Genie+ due to slow-moving queues.

Let me be honest, this is not my favorite ride, but everyone else in the world seems to love it as it consistently has the longest lines in Fantasyland. You get to sail away in a Pirate Ship and explore Neverland. Like I said the line gets quite long so a Fastpass is highly recommended or visit the ride late at night for smaller lines.


Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

  • Type: Interactive Dark Ride
  • Height Requirement: None
  • Tips: Use Genie+ for a quicker ride experience.

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is definitely one of the best rides in Magic Kingdom for the whole family. Older kids and adults love it because you can compete for the highest score. Kids love it because, well, Buzz Light Year. At the end of the ride is a great photo spot with Zurg in jail. Also, look for Buzz to the right of the exit when you leave as that is often where he shows up for character greetings.


Map of Best Magic Kingdom Rides

For your reference, all the rides below are in Red



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