While we’ve already ranked the lands at Magic Kingdom by their snacks (just for kicks), we thought it would be an equally entertaining (and slightly torturous) undertaking to figure out which Disney rides are the BEST!
Magic Kingdom
Admittedly, we ADORE Disney World’s attractions almost as much as its FOOD! It’s almost impossible for us to choose only a few favorites! But alas, if we were all in a burning house and we could only save five of ’em from the fire, here are the Magic Kingdom attractions we’d choose — and which ones we’d sacrifice to the flames!
Magic Kingdom’s Top Five Attractions
These are in no particular order (we’re not monsters!).
1. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Peoplemover
Soooo, remember that indecisive streak we told you about? Well right off the bat, we have a tie. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in New Fantasyland is a pretty dope ride (and NOT because Dopey’s IN it)! It’s not only a roller coaster but also moonlights as a classic Disney dark ride, too! Its highest drop is 39 feet — which (believe it or not!) is even higher than Space Mountain’s (which you’ll see in a sec!).
Sever Dwarfs Mine Train
And while we’re always up for some Seven Dwarf-antics when we ride through their mining operation (soooo many SPARKLY gemstones!!) Tomorrowland’s Peoplemover is more our speed! This ride in an OG and 100% zen.
Peoplemover Passing Through Tomorrowland
We love how Peoplemover takes us all the way around Tomorrowland — and even inside some of the rides! And unlike Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, you don’t need to Genie+ to score a Lightning Lane to take a ride! There’s usually, at most, a 10-15 minute standby wait time to ride Peoplemover unless it’s an especially crowded day.
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2. Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion might be the most-perfect ride Disney has ever made (it certainly is to a large number of fans of the ride!). This iconic attraction stationed over in Liberty Square delivers wall-to-wall creeps and hot and cold running chills every time. We love the Ghost Host narrator with his deep, spooky voice throughout and Madame Leota’s seance room, but there are too many great scenes to name.
Haunted Mansion
Even if you’re not a fan of “spookier” rides, Haunted Mansion is much more playful and humorous than a traditional haunted house, making it well suited for children and adults alike. Plus you get to ride in a Doom Buggy and take home a hitchhiking ghost — what could be better than that? This whole ride is immensely quotable for a reason — it’s a true classic!
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3. Space Mountain or Splash Mountain
UGHHH! We’ve got another tie on our hands but between Space Mountain and Splash Mountain, we’re truly torn over these two TOO! Space Mountain is just such a CLASSIC and delivers the perfect blast of adrenaline as we’re being rocketed through outer space. Believe it or not, the two and a half minute attraction reaches peak speeds of 28 miles per hour and its highest drop is only 23 feet! It WAS also your runner up as favorite of ALL the Disney World rides!
Space Mountain
However, Splash Mountain delivers a slightly different but equally enjoyable thrill. It’s just a matter of preference! There’s just something about being outdoors, then indoors, then outdoors, and getting sopping wet that can be really fun — when that’s what you’re in the mood for.
Splash Mountain
This Frontierland attraction has all the hallmarks of a traditional log flume ride except it’s packed full of crazy animatronic animals and has a giant 49-foot plunge into the briar patch BELOW! The ride is being re-imagined as a new Princess and the Frog attraction, so fans of the original ride might want to plan to take a trip down to the Briar Patch SOON! Maybe Princess Tiana will be the tie-breaker we so desperately need!
Click here to learn more about Splash Mountain’s Reimagining!
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Another classic for good reason is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland. There’s a reason this is the ride often featured in so many Disney World commercials! It’s thrilling but easily approachable by young and old alike, it’s fast and silly, and just generally an all-around fun experience!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
It’s definitely “the wildest ride in the wilderness” as it so boastfully claims, reaching speeds of up 36 miles per hour while its highest drop is 35 feet! You’ll whizz through caverns, gulches, and even the rib cage of a DINOSAUR! Why it’s there, we’re not really sure!
5. Pirates of the Caribbean
Our last top-five favorite attraction at Magic Kingdom can be found in Adventureland, and we always have to ride it multiple times ’cause once is never enough! Of course, we’re talking about Pirates of the Caribbean!
©Disney
The song always gets stuck in our heads and we can always sense whenever our favorite scenes are getting close like the “Here Kitty, Kitty” pirate or the plundering pirate who’s pillaged nothing but HATS! Of course, we always have to look up as soon as we sail underneath the pirate on the bridge to admire dirt-stained (HAIRY!) legs hanging over the ledge right over our heads!
Plus, we can never turn down a chance to smell that musty scent of pirate water permeating the attraction. They even added whiffs of fruity scents in the village scenes a few years back to really make this an experience for your olfactory system AND your eyes and ears!
Click here for everything you ever wanted to know about Pirates of the Caribbean!
OK, OK, we know, we know. Where’s Jungle Cruise?! it’s a small world?! Where’s Mad Tea Party? Where’s Little Mermaid? Tomorrowland Speedway? POOH? BELLE’S MAGIC HOUSE?!???! Listen, this article is about the five best and the five worst. So that’s all we’re able to cover (plus those bonus tie ones above whatever it’s REALLY HARD TO DECIDE!!!). But that doesn’t mean we don’t LOVE the rest of those attractions. They’re all special snowflakes, and you can share your top five in the comments below! <3
Those were the best, now let’s get to THE WORST!
Magic Kingdom’s Bottom Five Attractions
Again, in no particular order! You wouldn’t ask us to pick a favorite child, so don’t expect a LEAST favorite ride! Use your imaginations to determine our true least favorite. 😉
1. Astro Orbiter
Astro Orbiter is a spinny ride that allows you to pilot your own rocket high above Tomorrowland!
Astro Orbiter Atop The Peoplemover
While that sounds like a pretty swell description, and the views can be amazing, the actual ride itself isn’t very exciting. “Spinny rides that go up and down” seem to be a dime a dozen in Disney World so this isn’t particularly unique. Plus, the attraction’s loading process is notoriously slow and you’ll have to board an elevator to get up to the Astro Orbiter’s platform. For all the extra effort it takes to ride Astro Orbiter, we’ll just ride Peoplemover a few times instead or take a few similar trips on Dumbo the Flying Elephant!
2. The Barnstormer
Storybook Circus is such a cute addition and an area of the park you should definitely visit but The Barnstormer roller coaster is definitely more of a kiddie ride. Any mom or dad who’s been through the “Barnstormer phase” with their littles knows exactly what we’re saying here. Yep, the “Barnstormer phase” is when you get to ride this coaster over and over and over again. LOL!
That said, this IS a solid “first coaster” experience for younger kiddos. If you can convince your kiddo to try a bigger a coaster, take them on Seven Dwarfs or Big Thunder instead.
The Barnstormer
If you’re more of a coaster aficionado, you’ll likely be incredibly underwhelmed by the small coaster. Even though we’re totally charmed by this part of the park, spend your time and energy chowing down on Caramel Corn at Big Top Treats next door instead!
3. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Remember what we said about spinny rides like Astro Orbiter? Yep, we got another one. Did you ever realize Magic Kingdom has a bunch of spinny rides that all basically do the SAME thing like this? The only spinny ride worth our time is Dumbo the Flying Elephant since it’s historically significant to Disney and a rite of pachyderm passage for many!
Aladdin!
Magic Carpets of Aladdin just feels a bit redundant to us. Yea, the spitting camel is fun but not enough to land it on our good list. Sure the theme is cute and all, but since this ride is also very slow loading, we’d rather allocate the time to enjoying something more unique. There are better spinning rides to devote some of your Magic Kingdom park time!
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4. Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel
Now wait a minute. Before you freak out, all we’re saying is that if you’re figuring out where your Magic Kingdom time is going to go, this ride probably wouldn’t be the first one you’re running to at rope drop, OK? Ya gotta give us that.
Formerly known as Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel, Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel was originally built in 1917, LONG before the Magic Kingdom was even an idea in Walt Disney’s head! We love the ambiance the carrousel’s music provides and the Cinderella-themed murals are spectacular to look at. We can’t image Magic Kingdom without this iconic feature, but as far as rides go…it’s only a two-minute merry go round.
Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel
Unless you’re wanting to take some memorable family photos or kill some time until Anastasia and Drizella wander by, you might want to ride something else. Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel usually has really short wait times though, so if you’re wanting to go for a spin, you can usually hop right on!
Overall, we realized our most-favorite attractions are the ones we can’t imagine going to the parks and NOT riding, while some of our bottom five attractions we haven’t been on in years. Maybe it’s time to give them another try and see if we’ve changed our minds! What will happen when TRON Lightcycle Run is completed? We’ll have to wait and see!
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1st time at MK with granddaughter when she was 9 and not fond of rollercoasters, she & I rode Barnstormer many times(Mom was done after a couple of time). Last time there she had graduated to riding Space Mountain but we still rode Barnstormer for “old times sake” . Peoplemover is our “we need a break” ride. It’s nice to just sit there and enjoy the views of Tomorrowland.
Astro Orbiter is so different then the other rides sort of like it. I rode it for the first time in March 2020 and I went in thinking it would be like dumbo or the magic carpet ride. It is NOT. It’s soooo much better. Would I pick Big Thunder Mountain over Astro Orbiter, yes. But this is the best “spinny” ride at Disney Word. The speed you get from the ride is awesome. It’s a must ride next time I go.
Thanks for sharing, Tina!
Stitch’s Great Escape was not a ride
Jon, fair point.
I agree with the top five 100%.
Throw-in soaring from Epcot and what used to be maelstrom
( wish they would have never changed that)
Splash Mountain is my personal #1 best ride at the resort and should be left as it is, and Tiana should be given her own ride. All I’m here to say.
Agree about Stitch- not a fan, and my kids were too old by the time Barnstormer came around so not been on that. I like Aladdin’s magic carpets even if identical to Dumbo. Also live Buzz Lightyear! But hands down Haunted Mansion has always been my very favorite. Love your blog/site!
Tomorrowland Speedway is soooo blah! I haven’t ridden some of the other worst ones but that is def on the list. My daughter might like it but I think we’ll avoid it on our next trip if we can!
I would actually add The Peter Pan ride to the bottom list because it needs A LOT of updates. It could be fantastic, but the animatronics are awful. I was disappointed with that ride and expected more from Disney. 🤗
Stitch has to be the worst ride! It was cool when it was Alien Encounter. It was definitely intense but very realistic. Cast members tried to tell parents it really wasn’t suited for children but they wouldn’t listen. Children would cry hysterically then parents would complain! Stupid parents! Then Disney buckled as usual and changed it to a stupid ride. Not surprised it’s going away.
I feel you…you can’t choose just five, leaving too many out. My family often narrows it to “if this ride is closed for refurbishment would you want to cancel the trip”. That brings us to (in order Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Splash Mountain, Soarin, and Rockin’ Rollercoaster. Our list of no-go also includes (not top 5) Space Mountain, Spaceship Earth, and recently Flight of Passage. So many others we love but could swallow a closure and not ruin the entire trip 😉
I agree with your list of the bottom five, but I never experienced Stitch’s Great Escape. I would have to add The Tea Cups to that list since I get so sick riding it.
Now for a better experience of 3 of the top rides, go to Disneyland especially when everything turns Christmas to experience the HauntedMansion turns into Oogie Boogie. WAAAAAAAY COOLER. “Space Mountain” called something else like Hyper something is Star Wars themed. Waaaaaaay Better ( I really hope they keep it like that). For some reason Pirates of the Caribbean seems better at Disneyland. I’m not sure what exactly it is but I seemed to like it more. Now everyone who just can’t stand listening to “Its a small world” has to try Disneyland when it goes to Christmas. The song changes and everything is Christmas inside. I really thought it was kool and I didn’t leave the ride having the song “it’s a small world” stuck in my head.
While I wouldn’t waste a fast pass on it the Carousel was my daughter’s favorite thing a couple years ago. It all depends on the ages of the people going on your Disney trip.
My absolute favorite is the haunted mansion. A close second is Peter Pan’s flight because it’s just so creative and you get to fly in your own pirate ship fits thru the air. How great is that? Of course I’ve never been on the seven dwarfs mine train yet. I’ve always thought that they should have a ride like that.
So here’s the thing about the Magic Carpets of Aladdin: it’s wheelchair accessible. It’s one of the few wheelchair accessible rides in Disney World (not counting shows like Tiki Room or Mickey’s Philharmagic). While it’s seen as redundant to some, it’s one of my son’s favorite rides in any park, because he’s confined to a wheelchair due to his cerebral palsy. He’ll never be bale to walk, but when he gets the chance to ride Magic Carpets of Aladdin, he can fly.
Would I be correct in guessing this is a re-print of an older post? Reason is both Barnstormer and Stitch’s are kaput.
the worst is Peter Pan.
Have to say Haunted Mansion tied with Peter Pan since can only have top 5 (8) but agree whole heartedly.
Paul, it’s from early August. Sharing your thoughts with the team. 🙂
Chant, thank you for sharing.
Keep the briar patch loose the princess and the frog
I don’t really understand the overall execution of the Voyage of The Little Mermaid ride. The Little Mermaid’s face looks different on every figure in the ride. Sometimes, she looks downright strange. When I compare the faces to say “Peter Pan” done 30+ years ago,
I honestly am not sure what happened there.
The worst ride is Tomorrowland Speedway. I’m surprised Disney still has those gas fume spewing cars in the MK. I get a headache from the fumes every time I spend anytime in this area. Seems like a total waste of real estate to me. If it’s a favorite of the kids why not consider going electric.
Ok, both of my kids work at Disney World! So I am a true Disney mom and HUGE fan of all things Disney! I love all the rides! I have to say I adore Winnie The Pooh, so that ride is nostalgic for me and my absolute favorite!!! I brought my mom with me last December to see her grandkids working in the parks, and she loved the Carousel! It brought back special memories for her of when she was a young girl!
Most of your top 5 are not handicapped accessible
Most of your top 5 are not handicapped accessible. This is the first. Time I have responded to this article.
lets get serious. Stitch’s Escape is not a ride, it is an attraction, and for attractions It is no comparison to Monsters Inc Laff Factory. Stitches escape was never very good, a poor use of space after the Flight to the Moon attraction closed from the early days of WDW.
This article is Exactly why MK SHOULDN’T go to a tier system for FP+
There is no Stitch it hasn’t functioned in several years, and for sure it’s original theme was much better (though it had to be retitled due to similarities with ET the Extra Terrestrial). Secondly, wheelchair accessibility has no place in a best of list. That needs to be addressed in a different list. Finally, if we are specifically listing a Magic Kingdom best of rides list then why would any person add rides from different parks that aren’t Magic Kingdom?
1) Splash Mountain
2) The Haunted Mansion
3) Big Thunder Mountain
4) Space Mountain
5) Pirates of the Caribbean
I agree 100% with the top 5, but Tomorrowland Speedway has got to be in the bottom, at least the carousel has a nice view
My family and I are SO confused by the draw of the Mine Train!
We are SERIOUS Disney fans, we all love ALL things Disney!!!
When MT first came out my daughter & I were at MK & snagged a ride at end of day. We were SO shocked at the lack of ANY story?!? It’s just a short measly roller coaster & no story. Just a small section of diamonds in dark cave….. the whole family went 2 years later & we made them all ride it to get their opinion. They all got off and was like, that is super un magic Kingdom like?!?! And yet it’s still a long line every time We walk right by, even with a 20 min wait. Least fav ride in all of DW!!!!!
So true about Astro Orbiter… last time I’ve been to Disney I was pregnant, so there were only a few rides that I could get into, and the Astro Orbiter was one of them along with the 8765 rides Just like it. And that’s Just Disney. If you add Universal Studio’s Parks, de can triple that number. All I know os that I went up and Down a lot!! LOL
Most of the rides you mentioned are not wheelchair accessible so I would not know
Granted it’s only a carousel, but let me tell you that our Disney vacations doesn’t start until we ride the carousel! Even now, with my children all being adults, when they’ve visited WDW on their own, the first ride is ALWAYS the carousel. Tradition!
Splash Mountain is my all time favourite DIsney ride of all the parks and contrary to what most articles say about the ride it is not the final drop that makes the ride so great. It is the uplifting happy storyline that precedes the drop with wonderful characters and such catchy songs that has most riders coming off at the end of the ride humming or singing Zip-a-de-do-dah with huge smiles on their faces. The retheme will kill this ride and I for one will never ride it again after it is rethemed. A retheme to PATF makes no sense either as it would be more popular with young children who wouldn’t be able to ride it due to the height restrictions (Disney do not plan to change the ride mechanics just the theming of the ride)
Just wondering if Carousel of Progress is still operating there. I always go on the at one. The 1st time I ever saw it was at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. I love Pirate’s of the Caribbean, People Mover, Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents. Since I have been going to WDW since 1978 I switch some of the rides each time & don’t worry if I miss one because I would be back in a few months. I never stayed all day either. Would go Park To Park. I only live 150 miles from WDW. I have a Annual Sr Platinum Pass to SeaWorld That’s good for 11 of their 12 parks across the USA I’ve been to 5 so farI. intend to pick up an annual pass to Universal/Islands of Adventure in the Fall & I have my Annual Disney Pass as well. I just visited EPCOT on April 25th and it was really not too bad people wise. Rode on a few rides was going to park hop to MK as they they said it was good to go but I then decided to head home because my back bothered me but scheduled.to go back soon to Magic Kingdom.
Hi Joanie! The Carousel of Progress is still running. 🙂