Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides
The following contains a list of all Magic Kingdom attractions and includes a description and notes for each to ensure you can understand and plan out your day accordingly. Most notes are self-explanatory categorizations to help define the ride (such as “roller coaster” or “boat ride”) but pay attention that “Dark Ride” is a classic ride type which features physical sets and not actually “without lights”. Rides without lights are noted as just plain “Dark.”
Attractions are divided up by the lands in which they reside, followed by an overall organization by our rankings. Keep in mind that every family is different, so be sure to pick out what you’ll enjoy the most! Each person can have their own favorite ride and make their own memories, too.
This will help you figure out the best rides (and often the most popular rides) so that you can get the most out of your Disney theme park visit. Disney parks are full of what is certain to be your new favorite attractions, so the whole family can benefit from this list to help everyone navigate their first time at the park.
Next to each ride or show is an alphabetical rating to serve as a general to how fun or unique an attraction is. The scale is shown below, but it also may include a + or – to help further differentiate attractions.
How we are grading each ride
A – Your trip wouldn’t be complete without it
B – Great attraction that you should definitely make an effort to experience
C – Decent attraction that you should visit if you have time
D – Nothing too special
Also, be sure to double-check if the rides are suitable for small children and little kids before arriving, that way, you’re even more prepared before arriving. You don’t want to spend a great deal of time planning your day for Magic Kingdom rides and activities if the kids are still a little bit too small or young.
Attractions Organized by Ranking
Remember to read the description of each attraction before determining whether it’s a must-do for your family. Everyone has their own preferences! From a family coaster experience to thrill rides, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
A Rank in Magic Kingdom
Rides
- Haunted Mansion
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- TRON Lightcycle Run (opening late spring 2023)
Shows/Experiences
- Enchantment Fireworks
- Character Meet and Greets
B Rank
Rides
- Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- TTA Peoplemover
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Jungle Cruise
- Winnie the Pooh
- it’s a small world
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Liberty Belle Steamboat
Shows/Experiences
- Festival of Fantasy Parade
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire Stage Show
- Mickey’s Philharmagic
- Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
C Rank
Rides
- Astro Orbiter
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Aladdin’s Magic Carpets
Shows/Experiences
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse
- Carousel of Progress
- Tom Sawyer Island
D Rank
Rides
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- The Barnstormer
Main Street USA
Rides: None
Shows:
- Enchantment (A+)
Description: Daily fireworks and projection spectacular featuring various Disney characters and music. The best viewing spot (and keeps you from having to stake out a spot extra early) is between the Ice Cream Shop and Casey’s Corner on Main Street.
Notes: Keep in mind that there is a mass exodus of people leaving the park right after the fireworks – so be sure to hurry out or plan to stay in the park for another hour or so before trying to leave!
- Festival of Fantasy Parade (B+)
Description: Daily parade featuring all your favorite characters, princesses, and imaginative floats. The parade usually starts at 3 pm in Frontierland before moving through Liberty Square, in front of the castle, and down to Main Street. It takes about 20 minutes to get in front of Cinderella Castle, so plan accordingly!
Notes: You can usually see everything well even if you don’t have a front-row spot, so you may not need to spend time waiting (though front rows can get better character interactions if your kids really want to have a princess wave directly to them).
- Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire (B)
Description: Stage show in front of Cinderella Castle with many of your favorite Disney princesses and other characters. The show usually occurs multiple times per day.
Notes: Check your times guide or Disney App to make sure you pick a time that’s convenient with your plans! Be careful if it’s a rainy day because the show can be cancelled!
- Town Square Theater (Meet Mickey & Tinkerbell) (A)
Description: You’ll have the choice between two lines to meet either Mickey Mouse or Tinkerbell.
Notes: These are two VERY popular characters, so plan accordingly. You’ll see both in the parade, and the wait to meet Mickey will be shorter at other parks. Be sure to manage expectations and plan out the characters your kids want to meet before your trip!
Tomorrowland
Rides:
- Space Mountain (A)
Description: Indoor dark roller coaster with many tight turns and jerky (but fun!) maneuvers. The coaster is very slow moving (23mph) but feels faster due to the darkness and wind effects.
Notes: Roller Coaster, Completely Dark, Thrill Ride, Somewhat Jerky
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (B-)
Description: Slow-moving ride in which you volunteer to fight Zurg alongside Buzz Lightyear by shooting targets in your rotating vehicle.
Notes: Slow Moving, Kid Favorite
- TTA Peoplemover (B+)
Description: Slow-moving ride tour of Tomorrowland which offers great views of the land and attractions you may want to ride – including a look inside of Space Mountain. Its low wait times make it a must-do for relaxation!
Notes: Slow Moving, Relaxing
- Tomorrowland Speedway (D)
Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides
Description: Despite being in Disney World, there’s nothing special about the speedway: it’s just go-karts which are guided by a track, making the whole experience a bit less exciting. Kids do, however, enjoy the chance to get behind the wheel.
Notes: Kid Favorite
Read Also: What Is The Race Car Ride At Disney World?
- Tron Lightcycle Run (A) *opens late Spring 2023*
Description: This new coaster takes you on a fast and smooth ride through the world of Tron. You’ll hop on board a motorcycle-type vehicle and lean forward over it, so take note that it’s a bit different (and cooler!) ride than many traditional coasters. Note that there will be a test vehicle out front if you have worries.
Notes: Roller Coaster, Thrill Ride, Fast, Smooth
- Astro Orbiter (C)
Description: A traditional hub-and-spoke type ride with a little extra excitement due to being high above Tomorrowland. It’s actually a lot more thrilling than it seems and can be extra fun to ride at night.
Notes: Kid Favorite
Shows:
- Carousel of Progress (C-)
Description: Walt Disney’s creation for the 1964 Worlds Fair. The Carousel is a show featuring classic animatronics in scenes that explore the evolution of household technology. Though a can’t miss for true Disney fans, many one-time visitors may feel that it’s a bit boring.
I will often come here to cool down, as it’s a 20 minute show. Be careful not to fall asleep, as I’ve seen it happy many times to overheated park guests!
Notes: Classic Attraction, Animatronic Show
- Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor (B-)
Description: This stand-up comedy style show takes you into the world of Monsters Inc and features Mike Wazowski as emcee. You’ll watch a screen where characters are synced up to the voices of live comedians, creating a unique experience every single time.
Notes: Comedy, Screen/Movie
Fantasyland
Rides:
- Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train (B+)
Description: A unique kiddie-coaster ride which features mine-cart vehicles that rock back and forth. It also contains a slow, dark ride style break in the middle of the ride featuring the Seven Dwarf’s mine. It’s a great test to see if the kids are up for the slightly more thrilling coasters like Space and Big Thunder Mountain.
If you are on the larger body type, this can be a bit painful as the lap bar surrounds and crowds you legs. My husband avoided this ride for quite a while after his first attempt to ride.
Notes: Roller Coaster, Thrill Ride, Smooth
- Winnie the Pooh (B)
Description: A classic dark ride attraction featuring your favorite Winnie the Pooh characters. The slow-moving vehicles will take you straight into the story, passing animatronic characters and physical sets.
Notes: Slow Moving, Dark Ride
- The Barnstormer (D)
Description: A kiddie-coaster ride which takes riders on a short trip around the circus. Though it’s a coaster, it is overall rather small and underwhelming but can serve as a “survive and advance” attraction to coax nervous kids onto bigger and better rides.
Notes: Roller Coaster
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant (C)
Description: A traditional hub-and-spoke type ride with great views and a play area in line as you wait! It’s a great ride to check out at sunset due to the beautiful view.
Notes: Kid Favorite
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid (B-)
Description: A slow-moving attraction which takes riders through the story of the Little Mermaid. The ride features animatronics of all the characters, music, and physical sets “under the sea.”
Notes: Notes: Slow Moving, Story Ride, Dark Ride, Kid Favorite
- It’s a small world (B)
Description: A slow-moving boat ride attraction which takes riders through hundreds (maybe thousands) of singing dolls representing dozens of cultures from around the world.
Notes: Notes: Slow Moving, Kid Favorite, Classic Attraction
- Peter Pan’s Flight (B)
Description: A slow-moving flying ride takes riders soaring above the story of Peter Pan. It’s a classic ride with a lot of charm, but it tends to get very long lines!
Notes: Slow Moving, Story Ride, Dark Ride, Kid Favorite
- Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel (D)
Description: A traditional carousel ride. Cinderella’s horse is the one with the gold ribbon, so keep an eye out for it!
Notes: Slow Moving, Kid Favorite
Shows:
- Mickey’s Philharmagic (B)
Description: After sitting down for a concert experience, your show will be interrupted by Donald Duck’s shenanigans, and you will travel through many of your favorite Disney films in this musical show. Be sure to look behind you at the end of the show after Donald is shot through a cannon!
Notes: Musical, Kid Favorite, Screen/Movie
- Enchanted Tales with Belle (A)
Description: In this glorified meet and greet, you’ll travel into the library to meet Lumiere and Belle for a short story-time and picture session. Kids will have the chance to participate in the retelling of the story of Beauty and the Beast, so be sure to encourage their participation!
Notes: Meet and Greet, Kid Favorite
- Princess Fairytale Hall (A)
Description: In this meet and greet, you’ll have the opportunity to meet 1 of 2 different sets of princesses (usually Rapunzel with Tiana and Cinderella with Elena of Avalor). Be sure to think of some questions for them for a better interaction (maybe ask Tiana about her Gumbo or Rapunzel what Flynn has been up to, for example)
Notes: Meet and Greet, Kid Favorite
- Pete’s Silly Sideshow (A)
Description: In this meet and greet, you’ll can usually meet Donald, Daisy, and Goofy, in their circus outfits.
Notes: Meet and Greet, Kid Favorite
Liberty Square
Rides:
- Haunted Mansion (A+)
Description: Hop aboard a Doom Buggy for this slow-moving, classic attraction. You’ll head through a spooky (not too scary-but timid kids be warned) mansion filled with “happy-haunts” and silly ghosts.
Notes: Notes: Slow Moving, Dark Ride, Dark, Classic Attraction
- Liberty Belle (B-)
Description: Step aboard a real steam-powered boat as you circle Tom Sawyer’s Island. It’s a great chance to relax and take in some great views of the park! Note that there are some seating areas that are covered and inside on the second floor, while the best views are outside all the way on the top.
Notes: Notes: Scenic outdoor boat ride
Shows:
- Hall of Presidents (B+)
Description: In this impressive historical show, you’ll get a brief history of the American presidency and witness animatronics of all 46 presidents.
Notes: Notes: Historical, Screen/Movie, Animatronic Show, Classic Attraction
Frontierland
Rides:
- Splash Mountain (A) *Soon to close and be rethemed*
Description: Hop on board this log flume style ride that takes you on a journey through story-scenes and thrilling drops! The biggest drop is in view from the outside (45 degrees and 90 feet, so it looks scarier than it is) to give you a good test of if you’re up for it. You normally get a little wet, but rarely soaked – the back is where to stay the driest!
Notes: Log Flume, Water Ride, Story Ride, Thrill Ride
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (A)
Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides
Description: This runaway mine coaster is the self-proclaimed “wildest ride in the wilderness!” It features tight turns and vertical movement to keep it thrilling, but still tame enough for most kids to enjoy. It does not have any vertical drops. Riding at night gives it a completely different feel!
Notes: Roller Coaster, Thrill Ride
Shows:
- Country Bear Jamboree (B+)
Description: You’ll watch a colorful cast of animatronic bears as they sing hilarious folk songs for a rootin-tootin good time.
Notes: Animatronic Show, Musical
- Tom Sawyer Island (C-)
Description: The island is less of a show and more of a glorified playground and adventure area where kids can explore caverns, a fort, and floating bridges. It’s also the best spot in the park to step away from the crowds!
Notes: Large play/adventure area
Adventureland
Rides:
- Pirates of the Caribbean (A+)
Photo by Bayley Clark for Magical Guides
Description: Hop aboard a boat and sail through the life of a pirate. The classic ride is mostly dark and features physical sets, effects, and animatronics. Since it has the highest capacity (most people per hour) in the park, lines tend to avoid being extremely long despite it being an extremely popular attraction (for good reason)!
Notes: Boat Ride, Dark Ride, Story Ride, Classic Attraction
- Jungle Cruise (B)
Description: This comedy boat ride features a live cast member skipper to guide your tour of the jungle. It has all sorts of animatronic animals to see and includes a short dark portion.
Notes: Boat Ride, Dark Ride, Classic Attraction, Comedy
- Aladdin’s Magic Carpets (C-)
Description: A traditional hub-and-spoke type ride that often has less of a wait (and none at night) than Dumbo.
Notes: Kid Favorite
Shows:
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room (B+)
Description: Sit down for a tropical serenade featuring a colorful cast of hundreds of animatronic birds and tikis. This show was worked on by Walt himself, so it has that classic feel and character. As with many shows, it rarely has a wait, so it’s a great opportunity to rest your legs and escape the sun!
Notes: Animatronic Show, Musical Show, Classic Attraction
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse (C+)
Description: Not really a show and more of a walk-through attraction. Climb into the story of the Swiss Family Robinson as you follow a path up into their treehouse, passing all sorts of physical props. Though it requires climbing lots of steps, it offers great views of the park and has a lot of cool details.
Notes: Walk-through, Kid Favorite