With so many amazing rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which ones to experience first. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best Magic Kingdom rides, so you can make the most of your visit.
With more than 20 rides, you will be hard-pressed to be able to experience them all unless you plan to visit Magic Kingdom for multiple days.
If all you have is one day at Magic Kingdom, you are going to have to plan carefully in order to ride the more popular ones.
This is why you should consider using Genie+ and Lightning Lane.
Both of these will help you to do the most in a limited amount of time.
10 BEST Magic Kingdom Rides
When looking at all the things to do at Magic Kingdom, these 10 rides should be at the top of your list:
1. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
One of the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom was Splash Mountian and since it is only getting a theme overhaul, we have decided it still needs to be part of this list!
In fact, the movie-tie-in theming is probably going to make this ride even more popular than it has ever been!
As guests float through the cypress trees and Spanish moss of a beautiful Louisiana bayou, some familiar faces will make an appearance.
Along with Princess Tiana, Louis and Mama Odie, keep an eye out for Eudora, Charlotte, Prince Ralphie, Prince Naveen, and others.
While the overall storyline remains a mystery, some things will remain the same.
It is a water flume ride, which means that you could get wet. Do yourself a favor and wear a poncho!
2. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
One of our favorite rides at Magic Kingdom is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train where you go on an adventure into the mine where the seven dwarfs from Snow White work and play.
This ride has one of the best interactive queues in Disney World.
The ride itself is totally unique as you board mine carts that take you on a journey through the mines.
Each vehicle is mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicle to swing back and forth during the ride, creating the feeling that you are in an out-of-control mine cart.
There is so much to see on the ride itself that if you get the chance, you might want to ride it twice just to take it all in.
This is one of the rides that doesn’t have a Lightning Lane entrance through Genie+, but does have a Lightning Lane entrance for individual purchase
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad takes guests on a wild ride in a runaway train through an abandoned gold mine.
This family-friendly Disney Roller coaster offers a perfect blend of thrills and theming, with sudden drops and jolting turns that are just the right intensity for all ages.
The attention to detail in the ride’s setting makes you feel like you are in the hills of California.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
You can’t go to Magic Kingdom and not ride Pirates of the Caribbean!
This water ride starts off with a splash and then thrusts you into the middle of a Pirate battle.
As you make your way through a town that has been taken over by pirates, you will be able to spot Jack Sparrow, who is hiding out, in a few different scenes.
5. It’s a Small World
If you have never been to Magic Kingdom, you really should ride It’s a Small World.
This slow boat ride features the iconic song that everyone loves and beautiful dolls designed by Mary Blair.
6. Space Mountain
Located in Tomorrowland, this Disney World rollercoaster takes you on a journey into space where you have no idea what comes next due to the fact that it is pitch-dark.
While you might think Space Mountain sounds scary, it really isn’t that bad!
There are no inversions on this rollercoaster, although it does have drops and sharp turns.
7. Haunted Mansion
This is the home to 999 ghosts and they are looking for one more!
From the time you enter the queue, you are in for a treat. There are hilariously spooky busts, tombstones and even a pet cemetery!
There are hidden (and hilarious) features everywhere, including this Leota gravestone that is right before you enter the ride..
8. Dumbo
At Magic Kingdom, you will find a set of two Dumbo Flying Elephant rides sitting side by side.
This is because this is one of the most beloved rides at Disney World!
Lines are long, but they move fast since there are two of them and there is a play area for kids to enjoy while you are waiting!
9. Mad Tea Party
What could possibly be more fun than a spinning set of tea cups?
This original ride is one of the few rides that allows you to control the experiences (spin yourself crazy or allow yourself a more gentle ride).
This ride is not good for those struggling with motion sickness, so you have been warned.
10. TRON Light Cycle Run
While this ride might appear last on the list, it is really the best ride at Magic Kingdom.
Guests board a Light Cycle and then take off on a race against the Grid’s most menacing Programs in an attempt to cross through 8 Energy Gates.
While it does look intimidating based on the fact that you are riding a bike and it goes outdoors, it is not scary at all.
Rides with Genie+ Service Lightning Lane Entrances
If you want to ride the Best Magic Kingdom rides, consider purchasing Genie+. As you can see by this list, many of the rides are included:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- “it’s a small world”
- Mad Tea Party
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Space Mountain
Lightning Lane Entrances for Individual Purchase
These are the rides that made the list that aren’t included in Genie+, but can be purchased additionally:
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- TRON Lightcycle / Run
Other Magic Kingdom Rides to consider:
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Astro Orbiter
- Jungle Cruise
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
- People Mover
- Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Disney Speedway
- Barnstormer
These rides are fun, but usually not as crowded as the first 10.
The only exception to this is Peter Pan’s Flight. It is ALWAYS ridiculously crowded and for a 2-minute ride, I can never justify waiting an hour or more for it.
Are you traveling with someone or maybe you are someone who doesn’t like rides? Don’t worry.
There are plenty of fun activities at Magic Kingdom besides rides.
What do you think are the best Magic Kingdom rides?