Magic Kingdom is just one of Walt Disney World’s four parks, but it is the most iconic. In fact, Magic Kingdom is the most visited theme park on planet Earth. If you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation, chances are you will be visiting the Magic Kingdom. There are so many things to do inside this park that it can be overwhelming. This post offers some information on each attraction and suggestions based on your interests. This is not a strict minute-by-minute itinerary. Rather, these suggestions will help you prioritize what to do at the Magic Kingdom.
Best Things To Do At Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
Before we get to the personalization of plans, I do have a general top 3 must-do things for every Magic Kingdom visitor. These things are enjoyed by most people and for anyone of any age. I highly suggest doing these three things during your day at Magic Kingdom.
Top 3 Must-Do Things at Magic Kingdom:
- Happily Ever After
- Mad Tea Party
- People Mover
Happily Ever After
Okay, maybe it’s cheating to put a nighttime show at the top of my must-do attractions list since Disney technically qualifies this as “entertainment” and not an attraction. Still, I always recommend everyone watch Happily Ever After at least once. Watching fireworks sparkle over the castle is exactly what many people picture when thinking about a Disney trip.
Happily Ever After happens every night at the Magic Kingdom, with a couple of exceptions. If the weather is too stormy, the show will be cancelled to keep cast members and guests safe. At the end of each year, Magic Kingdom holds many Halloween and Christmas parties. Happily Ever After will not happen during these party nights, but another holiday-themed show will take its place. So if you attend one of these parties, you will still be able to see fireworks.
The time the fireworks show takes place can vary from night to night. It is typically at 9:00pm over the summer and 8:00pm when the sun sets earlier. Check the show times guide or the My Disney Experience app for accurate times. Whenever the show starts, you should plan to find a spot at least half an hour in advance, maybe even an hour in advance on busy days. What many people like to do is grab a snack from a shop on Main Street to eat as they wait for the show to begin.
If you are planning to exit the park as soon as the show is over, you may want to watch further back on Main Street, by the train station. If you plan to stay later in the park, you may want to choose a viewing location in the hub. Pick out a spot not dead center, but to the right or left, towards either the Adventureland bridge or the Tomorrowland bridge. This will give you a quicker escape from the exiting crowds.
The most popular place to watch the show is in the hub, near the Walt Disney statue. This will give you view directly in front of the castle. Many people also like to watch further back on Main Street as projections are shown on the buildings lining the street. Some people prefer to skip the crowds and watch the show from behind the castle in Fantasyland. You will still be able to see the fireworks and hear the music, but there will be much more elbow room.
Mad Tea Party
There are so many iconic rides to chose from when making a must-do list. Ultimately, the Mad Tea Party comes out on top. This is a classic theme park ride, but Disney’s is among the first and the best. Also known as “the teacups”, this is a spinning ride themed around Alice in Wonderland. Some people may become nauseous with too much spinning. Luckily, you can control how fast you spin. There is a turntable in each teacup. The faster you spin it, the faster your cup goes. This ride will leave you giggling and a little wobbly, but it’s all great fun.
The People Mover
The People Mover is beloved by many Disney parks fans. This ride has a special history as it first opened in Disneyland in the 60s and was included in the original plans for EPCOT. The Disneyland version has since closed, but Walt Disney World still has theirs. This is a unique ride that is not found in any other Disney park, and it is enjoyable for all ages.
The People Mover (or Tomorrowland Transit Authority) is a slow-moving ride that takes you on a tour through Tomorrowland. The tracks are actually on the second story of Tomorrowland, so you will have a nice view of all the action below. Since the atmosphere of the land is part of the attraction, it is slightly different every time you ride.
Popular Rides
These three rides are the ones that most people tend to prioritize when it comes to Magic Kingdom. You may not be able to do all three, but doing at least one of these will usually guarantee a good day.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (or 7DMT) is the centerpiece of Fantasyland. It is a mild rollercoaster through the story of Snow White. You’ll meet the dwarfs in their mine tunnel filled with sparkling jewels. They’ll sing Heigh-Ho to you at the climax of the ride, and the whole train will be singing along. There is a 38 inch (97 cm) height requirement. Even though this is a roller coaster, it is on the milder side, making this a popular family ride.
This is the second newest ride to the Magic Kingdom, so it is still very popular. Wait times can get up to over an hour, easily. That is why this is a top choice for many who have Early Entry access to the parks (You can get Early Entry access by staying on property at a Walt Disney World Resort). If you do not have Early Entry, another option is to wait just before park close. If you hop in line a few minutes before park close, you will still be able to ride. Wait times usually drop below an hour in the evening. Some people will recommend to go during fireworks. Most everyone else in Magic Kingdom will be crowded in front of the castle, meaning shorter wait times on the rides. If you time it right, you may even be able to see a glimpse of the fireworks overhead on the rollercoaster. Personally, I don’t recommend skipping the firework show unless you have already seen it before. Sometimes the attraction will close in the rain. If it rains while you’re at Magic Kingdom, wait it out somewhere nearby and then hop in line as soon as the ride re-opens.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight is a short dark ride where you board a flying pirate ship and go to Neverland. Peter Pan is kind of a controversial attraction. Many people adore this classic, but some groan that the wait time is ridiculous. On top of the ride being so well-loved, it has a very low capacity, meaning only so many people can ride at once. Wait times typically get up to over an hour long. Peter Pan is the next top priority for Early Entry after 7DMT. Again, you can use your Early Entry access for this ride, but wait times may stay under an hour all throughout the morning. If this ride is on your must-do list, I recommend hopping in line before 10:00am. Even if the line is long, you may not mind waiting as the queue is very fun and interactive.
Tron
Tron Lightcylce Run is the newest addition to Magic Kingdom. This attraction was copy-pasted from the one in Shanghai Disneyland that proved to be very popular. The popularity has transferred over to the states - many people give this ride their stamp of approval. This is one of Disney’s fastest rollercoasters and it has some cool visuals. If you love thrill rides, you’ll want to do Tron. It has a 48 inch (122 cm) height requirement, the tallest of any Magic Kingdom ride.
Currently, in order to ride Tron you will need to book a virtual reservation through the My Disney Experience app. These reservations are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will have two chances to get a reservation: at 7:00am and at 1:00pm the day of your Magic Kingdom visit. This virtual queue system is meant to cut down on wait times, so no need to worry about that once you have your reservation.
Thrill Rides
The thrill rides at Magic Kingdom are mostly rollercoasters with a height requirement. Some of them have large drops or speed along intense tracks.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
It's the wildest ride in the wilderness! Hop on board a haunted runaway train through caves, canyons, and a western ghost town. There is a 40 inch (102 cm) height requirement and some jerky turns. Big Thunder Mountain is located in Frontierland, at the back of the park. Wait times usually hover around 30-45 minutes, but can get up to an hour on busy days.
Space Mountain
Like many Magic Kingdom rides, duplicates of Space Mountain can be found in Disney parks across the globe. However, Walt Disney World's Space Mountain was the first. This attraction is beloved by many thrill ride enthusiasts as many hold the memory of when they were finally tall enough (44 inches, 112 centimeters) to ride Space Mountain. Space Mountain is an indoor rollercoaster located in Tomorrowland and themed around space travel. It is mostly in the dark, so you will not know what is coming next. This is a fairly popular attraction. Many chose to do this ride at rope drop instead of 7DMT.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure
Tiana's is a log flume ride with a 5-story drop. You will get splashed. Some guests like to wear rain ponchos on this ride to avoid getting soaked. Since this is a water ride, it is most popular in the middle of the day, when the Florida humidity is at its peak. Since this is a newer ride, Disney is choosing to use the virtual queue system to reduce wait times. To join the virtual queue, you will need to open the My Disney Experience app at either 7:00am or 1:00pm on the day of your visit to the Magic Kingdom. You will need to be at least 40 inches (102 cm) tall in order to go down the bayou.
The Barnstormer
So this is a kiddie-coaster and technically not a thrill ride, but it is included here because the Barnstormer is many kids' first rollercoaster! There is only a 35 inch (89 cm) height requirement, meaning that even some toddlers can ride. The Barnstormer is located in Storybook Circus, next to Dumbo and features the character Goofy. If you have a little one and are unsure of how they'll fair on bigger rides, the Barnstormer is a great way to test out rollercoasters.
Dark Rides
Dark rides are indoor rides that involve a mild-moving vehicle going through various scenes and set pieces. Some of these attractions tell the story of various Disney movies. Dark rides are great for kids or people who don’t enjoy thrill rides. The Magic Kingdom is home to many classic dark rides.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
This is a dark ride in that you board a vehicle and go through indoor show scenes. This one is unique, however, in that it is also a game! Each space ship vehicle comes with two shooters that can be aimed at various aliens and targets to earn points. See who has the high score at the end of the game. Since each vehicle sits only 2 people, this attraction can be a bit awkward for those with an odd-numbered party. One person will be their own competition. Wait times for Buzz may hover between 30-60 minutes. but it is a walk-on at the beginning and end of the day.
Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is widely regarded as one of Disney's best dark rides. It is found in many Disney parks all over the world, but each version is unique. Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion Is located in Liberty Square and based on early American colonizer architecture. It is the oldest and biggest house in Liberty Square. This spooky mansion holds some secrets. You'll be invited in by the mansion's servants to explore the library, ballroom, and graveyard. This ride starts out spooky, but becomes funnier as it goes on. Since this ride is so popular, wait times for it may creep up to the hour mark.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Hop in a hunny pot and enter the story of Winnie the Pooh and all his friends in the Hundred Acre Woods. This dark ride is a top choice for many with small kids because of the beloved characters and colorful scenes. Wait times usually average between 20-45 minutes, which is not bad. The queue itself is very interactive, keeping kids entertained as they wait. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is located in Fantasyland, across from the 7DMT. Right next to the ride is Pooh corner, a meet and greet area that Tigger and Pooh frequent.
Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid
This dark ride takes you through the story of the Little Mermaid. You'll see Ariel's grotto, jam out to "Under the Sea" with Sebastian, have an encounter with Ursula, and find that love conquers all. If you love this movie, you will like the ride. The Little Mermaid ride is located in its own themed section of Fantasyland, towards the back of the park. This ride boards guests quickly, so wait times can be very low. Sometimes the line will be longer on busier days.
Boat Rides
These attractions may be similar to dark rides, but vehicle is a boat and the track is water. Since the Magic Kingdom has so many of these, they deserve their own category.
It's A Small World
Is there any other ride more synonymous with Disney than It's A Small World? This is a 15-minute boat ride through scenes of children of the world celebrating their cultures, reminding us that harmony exists in humanity. Some may chose to skip this one because of the incessant tune, but many cherish this classic. Wait times do not typically get over an hour. Small World is located in Fantasyland, across from Peter Pan and near the Tangled tower.
Jungle Cruise
Another Disney classic, the Jungle Cruise is a boat ride through
the rivers of the unexplored jungles of the world. You'll see some animals, ancient ruins, and waterfalls. The standout of this attraction are the Jungle Cruise skippers. The skippers navigate the boat through the treacherous waters and offer up their commentary of the scenery. Skippers can be quite humorous - especially if you love dad jokes. Each skipper has their own unique commentary, so each ride is different from the last. Since this is a popular attraction, wait times can easily reach over the hour mark. Many guests plan to do this attraction in the beginning of the day. You may also prefer to wait until sunset for a different ambience. You'll find this attraction in Adventureland, across from the Magic Carpets of Aladdin.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates was a strong contender for Magic Kingdom's must-do list. It features a pirate ship battle, treasure, and general pirate chaos. This attraction is so popular that Magic Kingdom has its own pirate themed section of Adventureland. Wait times for Pirates can vary wildly, but expect it to be about half an hour for planning purposes.
Flat/Spinning Rides
Flat rides are confined to a singular space. They do not have any drops. Magic Kingdom has a category of flat rides that spin. Think Dumbo. These attractions are perfect for small children, but older people can also enjoy them. Some of the flat rides at Magic Kingdom are classics that everyone should ride at least once.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Everyone knows the basic concept of this ride. Get in an elephant, get lifted in the air a few feet, and spin around in a circle. Did you know that you can actually adjust the altitude of Dumbo? There is a lever in each elephant that riders can move the elephant up and down. Dumbo is also situated over a small water fountain that lights up different colors at night. Wait times for Dumbo are usually not long - only a few minutes. Don't worry if the line looks too long, though. Inside of the queue is an indoor play area for young ones. If you want to play, you will be given a pager to let you know when it's your turn to fly. Want a fun pic of Dumbo? There is a photo op outside of the attraction featuring one of the ride vehicles....or, elephants.
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Magic Carpet ride is basically Aladdin's version of Dumbo. Instead of an elephant flying, it is a magic carpet. Another difference is that magic carpets can fit 4 people while elephants can only seat 2. Wait times rarely get over 45 minutes. This attraction is located on the opposite end of the park as Dumbo, in Adventureland. So, which one should you do during your day at Magic Kingdom? Dumbo or Aladdin? Both rides are fun. It depends on which movie you like better.
Astro Orbitor
This is another Dumbo-esque attraction. This one is located in Tomorrowland and themed after rockets instead of elephants. There is another twist - this ride is on the third story of Tomorrowland. You will have to take an elevator to reach it. This one is not for the faint of heart when it comes to heights. Wait times average around half an hour.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Located right behind Cinderella's castle, the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is very fitting for the centerpiece of Fantasyland. The carrousel features murals of Cinderella and plays music from your favorite Disney movies. Wait times for the carrousel are usually very low, but some people do not think even a 20 minute wait is worth it. If you wait to ride this at night, it may be a walk-on. Plus, the carrousel all lit up is beautiful.
Transportation
These attractions are based on forms of transportation. Some of
them actually are modes of transportation you can use to get around the park.
Liberty Square Riverboat
Board the Liberty Belle, a steamboat based on the one Mark Twain piloted, and take a 17-minute cruise along the Rivers of America. If the riverboats
part of your Magic Kingdom plans, you will want to board earlier rather than later. This attraction opens a few hours after park open and closes a few hours before park close, giving you limited time to ride. This big boat can hold 450 guests at a time, so you will not have to wait much to board, other than the 17-minute round trip it takes. You may want to wait until you see the boat about to dock before getting in line.
Main Street Vehicles
During the day, Main Street is crowded with a variety of vehicles. You might see a horse-drawn carriage, a fire engine, or an old school omnibus. These attractions definitely add to ambiance of the turn-of-the-century town. You can actually get on one to travel from one end of the street to the other, all while resting your feet. There isn't really a line for the Main Street Vehicles - just wait for one to stop nearby.
Tomorrowland Speedway
The Tomorrowland Speedway is a go-kart style attraction. Hop in a mini-car and cruise along the highway of the future. There is a 32 inch (81 cm) height restriction. Wait times tend to fluctuate between 10-30 minutes. Be aware - the smell of gas is quite strong and the fumes can make some people lightheaded.
Walt Disney World Railroad
There would be no Magic Kingdom without Walt's love for trains, so of course the entire park is bordered by one. The Walt Disney World Railroad has several different stops throughout the park. There is the Main Street Station, which is the first thing you see as you enter the park. There is the Frontierland Station, located in between Tiana's and Big Thunder Mountain. There is the Fantasyland Station, which is located in the Storybook Circus area. This is a great way to get around the park, but you can also ride it in one full loop just for fun.
Shows
On this blog, these attractions are often called "break attractions" because they are shows that allow you to sit inside for a few minutes. The Florida heat can be intense for traveller. It is so nice to rest your feet in the air conditioning. I recommend at least one of these at some point during your day.
Country Bear Jamboree
This is a 16-minute show featuring a humorous band of bears. This attraction has quite the cult following, and you might enjoy it, too. Warning - this attraction is expected to close soon for a renovation.
Hall of Presidents
This is a 25 minute show about the history of America, featuring life-like animatronics of all its presidents. This is great attraction for history buffs. Even if you do not wish to see the show, the lobby is worth a look around. It is filled with artifacts of former presidents, including Teddy Rosevelt's teddy bear and Lincoln's hat.
Mickey's Philharmagic Concert
This is a 12-minute 4D show featuring songs from your favorite Disney movies. This show is a bit of a hidden gem. There is normally not a huge line, and singing along is so fun. There is no better way to be entertained while enjoying the AC.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
This show is based on the Pixar movie Monsters, Inc. Remember in the end of the movie when the monsters found out that the factory could be powered by laughs? Well, you'll be invited into the factory for a 15-minute long comedy show hosted by Mike Wazowski. The more you laugh, the more power you'll create. And this really is a funny show! This is an interactive show and involves audience participation, so it is different every time you see it.
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
The Carousel of Progress is another beloved attraction amongst Disney fans. Walt himself was very involved in the creation of this attraction. It is also the only version of this show still standing. This show takes you through the last century and all its technological advances.
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki room was the first attraction of any kind to
use audio-animatronics. The show was copy-pasted for Magic Kingdom's opening and has remained a classic ever since. Many people love to grab a Dole Whip at the stand nearby and eat it in while watching the 10-minute show.
Miscellaneous
The rest of the attractions are compiled here.
Casey Jr. Splash and Soak Station
This is Magic Kingdom's version of a playground or splash pad for kids. It is located in the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland and is themed after the circus. There are different sprinklers and water features to play in. Some parents anticipate their kids want to play here, and will bring an extra change of clothes or a swimsuit.
Frontierland Shootin' Arcade
Located in the front of Frontierland is an old school carnival shooting game. In the past, this game cost $1 to play, but recent reports say the game is now free.
A Pirates's Adventure - Treasure of the Seven Seas
This is a scavenger game. To get started, you'll need to find the stand in the back of Adventureland, past the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Pick up your map and follow the clues. There are 5 different maps to choose from. Each scavenger hunt takes about 15 minutes to complete. This is a great way to explore Adventureland.
Swiss Family Treehouse
This is a walkthrough attraction inspired by the vintage book-turned-movie The Swiss Family Robinson. There are some steps, bridges, and scenes.
Tom Sawyer Island
Located in the middle of the Rivers of America is Tom Sawyer Island. You will only be able to reach this island via log raft. The dock is located in Frontierland. Once you get to the island, you'll find much to do. There are caves and tunnels to explore, and a playground for kids. Tom Sawyer Island is the perfect place for your kids to burn off some energy in between having to stand patiently in lines. Don't stay too long, though. The island closes down a few hours before the rest of the park.
Suggestions
After reading the descriptions of the attractions, you probably have an idea of what you want to do during your day at Magic Kingdom. If you do not, I have a few suggestions for you based on your family's ages and interests.
As always, I am a big proponent of prioritizing a handful of attractions rather than over scheduling. These suggestions follow that strategy. You may use these suggestions to personalize your own itinerary.
Thrill seekers will love
- Tron
- 7DMT
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Space Mountain
- Tiana's Bayou Adventure (coming soon)
Small kids will love
- Dumbo
- Casey Jr's Splash and Soak Station
- Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Peter Pan's Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Barnstormer
Older kids will love
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
- A Pirate's Adventure
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Space Mountain
- Tom Sawyer Island
Disney animated movie fans will love
- Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Peter Pan's Flight
- Dumbo
- 7DMT
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
- Magic Carpets
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Philharmagic
History nerds will love
- Carousel of Progress
- Hall of Presidents
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Main Street Vehicles
Disney history nerds will love
- Haunted Mansion
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Dumbo
- Carousel of Progress
- Peter Pan's Flight
- Jungle Cruise
- It's A Small World
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Prince Charming Regal Carousel
- Enchanted Tiki Room
Want to learn more about Magic Kingdom?
For some information on where to eat at Magic Kingdom, check out my top 5 favorite table service restaurants and my top 5 favorite quick service restaurants at Magic Kingdom.
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