Magic Kingdom is the original Walt Disney World park having opened in 1971. It is also the single most visited theme park in the world. For many people this is the first park they will visit during a Walt Disney World Vacation. There is a lot to see and do so we thought we would share what we think are the best Magic Kingdom rides and shows and share all the other attractions in Magic Kingdom park.
Disney’s Magic Kingdom is such a wonderful park. It has that wonderful classic Disney feel as you explore each land and part of the park. All of the rides and shows are in close proximity of each other, so you never have to travel too far between attractions. It always good to plan though, so hopefully our Disney rides and show choices below will give you a good idea of what to expect at Magic Kingdom.
Find Out More About Magic Kingdom:
- How Big is Magic Kingdom?
- Magic Kingdom Afternoon Parade
- Magic Kingdom Tips
- Magic Kingdom Quick Service
- Places to Eat in Magic Kingdom
- The Best Magic Kingdom Snacks
- Best Magic Kingdom Breakfast Locations
My 5 Best Shows at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
When it comes to Magic Kingdom attractions, the shows are just a big a part of the experience. There are some great shows at Magic Kingdom and below you will find our my 5 best shows. These are all a lot of fun so don’t miss any of them during your Disney World vacation.
5. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Location: Adventureland
Visit the Enchanted Tiki Room and you will be seated for the show featuring the famous singing exotic birds with flowers and tiki statues too. This is a Classic Disney World attraction featuring over 225 animatronics and is an entertaining way to escape the heat.
4. Country Bear Jamboree
Location: Frontierland
This is an animatronic bear show where a host of amusing characters perform a musical show. The bears perform a country music stage show with various characters performing different songs. This was an opening day attraction at Disney World and is a really good way to enjoy some entertainment away from the Florida sun and it is usually quite easy to get into without too much of a wait.
This show makes us laugh every time we see it. The animatronic bears are great with so many funny characters.
3. The Hall of Presidents
Location: Liberty Square
This show features a film and audio animatronic models of all the United States Presidents. The film takes a look at the history of America and how over time it has forged the American Way. Each president features and this is a fascinating and entertaining show especially if you are a non U.S guest. The Hall of Presidents is an entertaining way to escape from the sun and sit down for a short while.
We love the spectacle of this show and the way it celebrates the history of all the American Presidents.
2. Mickey’s Philharmagic
Location: Fantasyland
Donald Duck dons Mickey’s Sorcerer’s hat whilst trying to prepare the orchestra as conductor which then takes us on a magical 12-minute 3D adventure. Featuring famous Disney songs and characters throughout this 3D movie as Donald loses control fast. The show is fun, and the 3D works well, and this is usually an easy attraction to get into but is very enjoyable.
Mickey’s Philharmagic is a fun 3D show. The mixture of classic Disney Movie songs and characters along with Donald’s adventure makes this such a fun show.
1. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Location: Tomorrowland
Follow an American family over 4 generations where you take a look at how technology in the home has changed over time. This is a rotating theater show whereas each scene finishes you rotate to the next. Each scene features animatronic characters. The attraction itself is one that was conceived by Walt Disney himself and it was originally called Progressland and featured at the New York World’s Fair in 1964-1965. It was eventually moved to Disneyland and then to Magic Kingdom in 1975.
Carousel of Progress is both entertaining and educating but what makes it special is knowing you are watching Walt’s show.
My 10 Best Rides at Disney’s Magic Kingdom
Let’s start with our top 10 Magic Kingdom rides. There is a great mix of different styles of rides at Magic Kingdom which I think you will see reflected in our choices below. You will find classic Disney dark rides mixed with rides using the latest animatronic technology.
Making this top 10 wasn’t easy and some difficult decisions were made to get our list down to 10.
10. Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
Location: Tomorrowland
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover is a ten minute tram ride around Tomorrowland. During the ride you are taken inside to go behind the scenes of Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. You also get to see the original model for Progress City which was the prototype for Epcot. This is a ride that can also feel like a break as you get to sit down for 10 minutes and take in the views of Tomorrowland. This is usually one of the fastest loading Magic Kingdom rides too so if the line looks long don’t worry too much.
The simplicity of this Magic Kingdom ride makes the People Mover special and we always ride it multiple times during our vacation. As all of our family enjoys the ride it makes it into our top 10.
Take a look at our Magic Kingdom Disney Genie Plus Guide
9. Peter Pan’s Flight
Location: Fantasyland
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Located just across the way from It’s a Small World is Peter Pan’s Flight which is also an opening day attraction at Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World. This rail suspended dark ride gives you the feeling of flight (after being sprinkled with Fairy Dust) taking you from the Darling’s house in London to Neverland where you will see various scenes from the classic Disney animated movie. Peter Pan’s Flight is a very old fashioned but charming dark ride that is known for long wait times, but the actual ride time isn’t actually very long. Definitely a Lightning Lane contender this one.
This makes our list for its nostalgic old fashioned feel and the wonderful way it tells the story of Peter Pan as you make your way through the ride. Short but a very sweet experience for old school Disney fans.
Find out our favorite Disney World Dark Rides here.
8. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Location: Fantasyland
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Take the Journey of the Little of the Little Mermaid as you go underwater (don’t worry no actual water is involved) to watch Ariel’s story unfold in this dark ride that uses music and great animatronics to tell the story of the Disney movie. All of the characters from the movie feature along with the music too. One of the more modern dark rides at Magic Kingdom and a very enjoyable one too.
This is usually a pretty easy ride to get on as like the People Mover it is fast loading. Like Peter Pan it does a very good job of telling the story of the Little Mermaid but in a lot longer and modern experience.
7. Jungle Cruise
Location: Adventureland
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Take a boat ride through the jungle waters whilst being entertained by your Skipper as you enjoy the sights of the Jungle Cruise. Elephants, Tigers, unfortunate explorers and even the backside of water will be seen during your trip. This boat ride is really made by your skipper and the rest of the guests in your boat. If the Skipper is funny and guests are enjoying themselves then you will have a great time on the Jungle Cruise. The humor makes this Magic Kingdom ride a special experience that you can’t miss during your vacation.
If you are visiting Disney World during the Christmas period the Jungle Cruise gets a Christmas theme and becomes the Jingle Cruise.
6. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Location: Fantasyland
Height Restriction: 38in (97cm) or taller
This hugely popular ride mixes roller coaster thrills with dark ride elements. Take a ride in the swinging mine train ride vehicle though drops, twists and turns before slowing down to take a trip through the Seven Dwarfs diamond mind and then more thrills before ending the ride at the Dwarfs cottage. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a great family friendly roller coaster, but it is extremely popular so do try to make it a priority for a Lightning Lane reservation if you have Genie+.
A great family coaster for all ages and the diamond mine section of the ride makes this something special. My only slightly negative comment of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is that it seems quite a short experience compared to the other big Disney World coasters.
5. Space Mountain
Location: Tomorrowland
Height Restriction: 44in (113cm) or taller
Space Mountain is a high speed dual rail roller coaster and most of the ride takes place in the dark. You hurtle around the track at high speed not knowing where you are going whilst sound effects are used to add atmosphere. There aren’t any inversions or corkscrews but there are plenty of twists, turns and drops which in my opinion makes Space Mountain not only an iconic ride but one of Magic Kingdom’s biggest thrill rides.
If you are a fan of thrill rides you have to experience Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom.
You can find out more about the Best Disney World Roller Coasters here.
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
Location: Adventureland
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Enter a world of Pirates and Captain Jack Sparrow in this classic Disney Dark Ride. You take a boat ride through 17th Century waters where you will visit a haunted cove, a pirate ship attacking a Caribbean fort and Pirates being Pirates. There are songs, humor and Captain Jack Sparrow in this fantastic boat ride that has great animatronics and even a small drop too. One of my favorite Dark Rides at Disney World.
Pirates of the Caribbean is another classic Disney Ride. The music and humor really makes you feel like you are entering a world of pirates and starts off by setting a fairly dark atmosphere, but this soon picks up as you make your way through the ride. This is one of the rides we will quite often ride first when visiting Magic Kingdom and I have some great memories of this ride.
You can usually get on Pirates of the Caribbean very quickly first thing in the morning just after rope drop.
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Location: Frontierland
Height Restriction: Guests 40in (102cm) or taller
Take the wildest ride through mine caverns and canyons of the Big Thunder Mining Company. Lots of twists and turns in this fun coaster that we absolutely love. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a great roller coaster to take kids on that haven’t been on bigger ones before. It’s not too scary but provides plenty of thrills to entertain all the family.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad makes my list as the theming from the standby line to when you board the ride is great and the ride itself gives you what I call an old school roller coaster experience. When I say old school what I mean is twisting turns and drops but also set it in a fantastic environment capturing the gold mine environment to great effect.
2. Splash Mountain
Location: Frontierland
Height Restriction: Guests 40in (102cm) or taller
This water rides also combines dark ride elements using animatronics and music as you follow the adventures of Brer Rabbit. The ride itself is quite a long one and very enjoyable too. Parts of the Splash Mountain ride offer great views of Magic Kingdom as you float on your log outside before hitting some drops and entering some of the dark ride elements with the animatronic characters and music.
The big drop is a great thrill offering a great photo opportunity and the finale element of the ride is wonderful. Splash Mountain is probably the best water ride there is anywhere in my opinion.
Splash Mountain is due to be reimagined into a Princess and the Frog theme. You can find all the new attractions coming to Disney World here.
1. Haunted Mansion
Location: Liberty Square
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Haunted Mansion is my favorite ride at Disney World, I adore it. The standby line is great, the stretching room sets the dark but humorous tone of the ride perfectly and the rides itself is packed with so many great elements, effects, and characters that I would happily keep riding this continuously to see all the details. For me, this Magic Kingdom ride is pure escapism that is spooky but funny at the same time. The bride, the hitchhiking ghosts and even the ghost host make this doom buggy ride so much fun.
Haunted Mansion is an essential Magic Kingdom experience in my opinion. You have to ride it.
You can find a map of Magic Kingdom on the Disney World website here.
All The Other Magic Kingdom Rides and Shows
When planning a Disney World Vacation, it is always good to get an understanding of the rides and attractions in the parks. In this article we will take you through all the Magic Kingdom Rides and Attractions.
Magic Kingdom for a lot of people is the first Disney Park that they will visit on their vacation. It isn’t the biggest park at Disney World but there are a lot of rides and attractions inside the park. Let’s take a look at all the Magic Kingdom Rides and Attractions.
As you enter Magic Kingdom you will find yourself on Main Street USA with views of Cinderella’s Castle in front of you and above the Main Entrance the Main Street Station.
Let the Magic Begin
Let the Magic begin is the opening show held on the castle stage before each land is officially opened. Up until this point, guests can enter Magic Kingdom and explore Main Street but can get any further than the hub areas in front of the castle. This show featuring Mickey and Friends is the official start to each day at Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney World Railroad
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
The Walt Disney World Railroad circles Magic Kingdom with stations at the main entrance of the park, Frontierland and Fantasyland in the Big Top Circus area. The Railroad is a great way to get around the park whilst taking your weight off your feet for a bit.
Beyond Main Street USA, the Hub and Cinderella’s Castle are the various lands that make up magic Kingdom. We will start at Adventureland before heading into Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
Adventureland
Swiss Family TreeHouse
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Take a trip up to the Swiss Family Robinson home built up in a large tree. Cross the bridge and make your way up to the top where you will tour their living quarters before making your way back down to the exit. This is more of a walk up and down various stairs rather than a ride but some of the views of the park from the top are very nice.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
This attraction is very similar to Dumbo which we will get to later. Four Guests can ride in each magic carpet though in this spinning ride. Those seated in the front can make the magic carpet go up and down and passengers in the back can make it tilt forwards and backwards with a push of the magic scarab.
Frontierland
Tom Sawyer Island
This is usually one of the more quieter locations in Magic Kingdom (if you want to escape the crowds). Just across the way from Splash Mountain you can take a raft ride across the river to explore Tom Sawyer Island. You can explore caves, walk over barrel bridges just like Tom and Huck and let the kids play in Fort Langhorn. A really nice location that isn’t usually that crowded.
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
This is a shooting gallery arcade attraction that you have to pay to play. This is unusual for Disney World but this has been part of Frontierland for some time. The rifles use infrared so no projectiles are used. This is a nicely presented attraction but is one of the few things at Magic Kingdom that I would personally skip.
Liberty Square
Liberty Square Riverboat
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Take a cruise on the rivers of America on the Liberty Square Riverboat. This is a nice relaxing experience on board the Liberty Belle a steam powered riverboat taking you back to colonial times. The boat trip takes around 17 minutes and along the way you will see an early American Settlement, a Native American Village and other interesting sights. The rivers of America waters surround Tom Sawyer Island and the journey takes you around the island. The Liberty Belle has upper and lower decks and it is enjoyable just to be on board to look at the boat in detail.
The Muppets Present Great Moments in American History
The Muppets perform throughout the day in the building adjacent to the Hall of President appearing high up from the upper floor windows. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzy, Gonzo and others perform a fun show using their Muppet humor to educate the crowds about American History. This is an entertaining street show worth stopping to watch.
Fantasyland
It’s a Small World
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Can you hear the music in your head yet (it’s a Small World after all). This colourful boat ride takes you on a trip around the world with colourful sets, cute animatronic models and of course that music. Another opening day attraction at Disney World this ride is great for all the family whatever the age. The classic Mary Blair design is instantly recognisable making this a Disney World classic that was originally designed for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.
You can read more about my Favorite Disney World Dark Rides here.
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
The famous carousel located behind Cinderella Castle is a classic fairground attraction that is still very popular today. This carousel originally built in 1917 has beautiful wood carved horses and chariots to ride and has been entertaining guest since 1971.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Another one of the many Magic Kingdom dark rides in Fantasyland. This ride takes you on a journey through the adventures of Winnie the Pooh by taking you through various scenes from the classic Disney movie. Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga and Roo all feature as you ride in your honey pot through the pages of the huge picture book telling the story as you slowly make you way through the ride.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
This is really a very elaborate meet and greet with Belle. You make your way through Belle’s cottage and Maurice’s workshop before a magic mirror transports you to the library in Beast Castle where you meet Belle, Lumiere and the enchanted Wardrobe. Once inside the library the characters will take you through the fairytale story with guests taking part too.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
This classic Disney attraction is very similar to the Magic Carpets of Aladdin but is more of a must do experience when it comes to Magic Kingdom rides. There are two sets of Dumbo rides in operation with two guests riding in each vehicle and you make Dumbo go up and down as you ride. The great thing about this ride is that as you enter the standby line you are given a pager and while you wait any children in your party can play in the indoor play area and the pager will buzz when it is your turn to ride. This is a great way to keep any children you are with occupied and it gets you out of the sun for a little while too.
Casey Jr Splash and Soak Station
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Not really a ride or an attraction to be fair. This large model of the famous train blows cool mist and squirts water from various locations. Although during colder times of the year it might not be operating be warned that when it is if you do go near it you will get wet. A fun way for the kids to cool down a little though when it is hot.
The Barnstormer
Height Restriction: 35in (89cm) or taller
This is a fast kiddie coaster that is over very quickly due to its short ride time. It is fun for taking little ones on but if it has a long line possibly wait for a quieter time to ride it as you will be standing in line for a lot longer than you will be on the ride that is for sure. Definitely fun for little one though.
Mad Tea Party
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Have a very merry unbirthday in the famous spinning teacups ride based around Alice in Wonderland. You can control how much you spin your cup by turning the disc in the middle of your teacup ride vehicle. A classic Disney ride and when you have taken a ride do look around to see if any of the Alice in Wonderland Characters are nearby meeting guests. We have managed to meet Alice, the Mad Hatter and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum after enjoying this ride.
Tomorrowland
Tomorrowland Speedway
Height Restriction: 32in (82cm) or taller
You’ll know when you are at this attraction as you will hear the mini hotrod cars roaring and you will be able to smell the exhaust fumes too. You get to drive around a 2000 foot track with two people in each car. The car are on a rail so although you steer them you can’t stray too far. You control the speed of the car using the gas pedal and it’s always fun for smaller kids to steer whilst the taller adults take control of the gas pedal. There are up and down inclines and winding turns making this fun for children who are aspiring drivers.
Astro Orbiter
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
Another ride similar to Aladdin and Dumbo but this one is located on top of the People Mover loading area. Because of the rides position you can get some great views of Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary Resort as your rocket spins around the spinning planets that surround the ride. The rocket ride vehicles seat two people one in front of the other.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
This fun Toy Story themed ride takes you on a journey where you have to take on Zurg and his fellow baddies by shooting them with your infrared laser cannon. The ride vehicle is a space cruiser for two people and you can control which direction you are facing by spinning it using the joystick next to your cannons. You need to get as high a score as possible be hitting the various red targets located throughout the ride. There is a great animatronic of Buzz Lightyear as you wait in line just before boarding and Zurg features too of course.
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
Height Restriction: Guests can be any height
This sit down show is themed as a comedy club. You sit down to watch various Monsters appear on the big screen to perform comedy routines. There are cameras placed around the room as the monster will interact with the audience who will then feature on one of the screens for the rest of the audience to see. The show is fun and the last time I watched it I had to roar like Sully which our kids thought was hilarious.
Other Magic Kingdom Shows and Attractions
As well as all the rides and attractions above there are also the following shows to consider seeing when visiting Magic Kingdom.
Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire
This show takes place on the castle stage throughout the day at Magic Kingdom. Mickey and friends entertain the crowds where various characters from different Disney stories all come together to celebrate friendship. During the show a variety of characters feature such as Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Flynn and Rapunzel
Festival of Fantasy Parade
The famous afternoon parade at Magic Kingdom entertains guests as it makes its way from Frontierland through the park to Main Street USA. A host of colourful floats along with classic characters, princesses and even a dragon make this a must see parade during your stay at Disney World. You can get some great photos as the parade passes by. We like to watch from the parade from City Hall near the park entrance.
Move it! Shake it! MousekeDance it! Street Party
A host of characters including Mickey and Minnie make their way down Main Street USA on floats for a dance party in front of the castle. With music playing and singing hosts the character dance and interact with the crowds which is fun. This normally takes place in the morning and again in the afternoon but times can change.
You can find an entertainment schedule on the Disney World Website here.
Happily, Ever After
The evening fireworks display that takes place every evening at Magic Kingdom. You have to watch this at least once during your Disney World Vacation. Fireworks light the sky as Cinderella Castle becomes part of the show using projections and Tinkerbell flies above the crowds from the top of the castle. A must see in my opinion.
Future Magic Kingdom Rides
Currently under construction at Magic Kingdom is the Tron Light cycle Roller Coaster which is going to open in 2023. This will be one of the most exciting Magic Kingdom Rides and is located next to Space Mountain in Tomorrowland and will be similar to the ride at Disney’s Shanghai resort (it may be exactly the same).
Take a look at our Magic Kingdom Disney Genie Plus Guide
You can find our Tips for Magic Kingdom here.
The Best Shows and Rides at Magic Kingdom
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I hope you have found some good ideas for rides and shows to enjoy during your next Magic Kingdom visit. There are of course lots more to see and do at Magic Kingdom, but these are our top choices. Please do share the post on social media if you have found it helpful (you can even pin the image below).
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