PlanningResortsThe ParksTips

5 To Skip, 5 Not To Miss: Breaking Down Magic Kingdom Attractions

Most of us take time during our Walt Disney World vacations to visit Magic Kingdom. This iconic Disney Park has many rides, shows, and attractions for Guests to experience throughout the day. Because there are so many experiences, completing them all during one vacation is hard.

To help narrow down what we would ride while in Magic Kingdom, we will share the five rides we would skip and the five we would make sure to attend during our visit. We hope this list will help you plan your day in Magic Kingdom.

magic kingdom
magic kingdom

Five To Skip

We will start by sharing the five rides in Magic Kingdom that we suggest skipping during your visit. These experiences are still part of the magic, but if you have limited time, we find that there are other rides we would prioritize.

Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland
Credit: Resort Gals

Astro Orbiter- Tomorrowland

Astro Orbiter is one ride we always skip in Magic Kingdom during our visits. We skip this ride when in Magic Kingdom for a few reasons. First, we think this ride takes a lot of time and effort. Guests must ride an elevator to the ride’s loading area, which can be extremely slow. It is also the only way to get back down after riding.

The other reason we skip this ride is because of the spinning. We aren’t fans of spinning, and even though this is a typical spinner ride like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, it does turn a lot faster. Because of this factor and possibly the height, we sit this ride out during our trip.

Magic Carpets Aladdin
Photo Credit: Disney

Magic Carpets of Aladdin- Adventureland

Like Astro Orbiter and the same ride as Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Magic Carpets of Aladdin is another ride we skip in Magic Kingdom.

There isn’t anything wrong with this ride, but if we choose to ride a spinner, we will head to the original Dumbo the Flying Elephant in Storybook Circus.

Magic Carpets allows Guests to fly in a carpet like Jasmine and Aladdin while controlling the tit and height of the carpet. They can also try to avoid spitting camel along the way.

Even though the wait times for this ride are typically low, we skip it to ensure we can experience some of the other rides in Magic Kingdom.

SwissFamilyRobinsonTreehouse
SwissFamilyRobinsonTreehouse

Swiss Family Treehouse- Adventureland

We realize this isn’t a ride but an experience found in Magic Kingdom; however, it does make our list of things we skip during our visits. Swiss Family Treehouse is a replica of the treehouse inspired by the film Swiss Family Robinson. Guests can walk through the treehouse to see how the family survived in the treehouse.

The main reason we skip this experience is because of the steps. The treehouse is six stories high, and Guests climb all of those independently. Since we are typically putting much effort in Magic Kingdom already, we don’t want to add steps.

The views from the top of the treehouse are some of the best in Magic Kingdom, but getting to that point is a lot of work. Because of the effort that goes into experiencing the Swiss Family Treehouse, we often skip this when in Magic Kingdom.

Tomorrowland Speedway
Credit: WDW Magazine

Tomorrowland Speedway- Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland Speedway is one ride in Magic Kingdom that does not appeal to us. The combination of the heat off the track, the smell of the cars, and the overall frustration with driving make this ride a lot more frustrating than enjoyable.

If you have younger kids, they will probably love the experience of driving. Keep in mind as an adult; it can be extremely underwhelming. We think an upgrade is needed.

Mad Tea Party
Mad Tea Party

Mad Tea Party- Fantasyland

This iconic ride is one that most Guests know about before arriving in Magic Kingdom.  Commercials show families smiling and laughing as they spin around in their tea cups.

Since we prefer not to spin, we skip this ride to make sure our stomachs remain calm, and we can enjoy our time in Magic Kingdom.

If you like to spin, you might enjoy this ride more than we do.

credit: Disney
credit: Disney

Five Not To Miss

There are a lot of attractions in Magic Kingdom that we think are fantastic, but these five are ones that we make sure we don’t miss out on each trip.

Pirates of the Caribbean
Credit: Disney

Pirates of the Caribbean- Adventureland

One of the best rides in all of Walt Disney World is Pirates of the Caribbean. This ride has what makes Disney unique. From the fantastic storyline, fun songs, and excellent boat ride (including a small drop), they all work together to make this ride fantastic and one we never miss.

Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom
Credit: William Drew Photography

Haunted Mansion- Liberty Square

Haunted Mansion is an iconic Disney ride we never miss when visiting Magic Kingdom. This classic dark ride shows the true creativity of Disney Imagineers. The story begins before entering the mansion and continues around every corner.

With a fun storyline, significant special effects, and outstanding scenes, we look forward to Haunted Mansion and the creepy haunts on each vacation.

BigThunderMountain
Credit: Disney

The Mountains: Space and Big Thunder

Experiencing the two mountains in Magic Kingdom are Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain, and they are a must when visiting. Big Thunder Mountain is the wildest ride in the wilderness. This coaster is full of twists and turns as Guests race around the wild west.

Space Mountain is the most thrilling of the mountains. Guests race through the dark at high speeds as they zig and zag their way through space.

We ensure we experience these two rides each time we are in Magic Kingdom. Kids will also want these on their must-do lists as they are the most thrilling and older.

MK_PeopleMover
MK_PeopleMover

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover-Tomorrowland

We hit up the PeopleMover each time we are in Magic Kingdom for a relaxing and magical ride.  We love how we can see Magic Kingdom from a different point of view as well as enjoy a nice, relaxing ride.

This ride isn’t exciting at all, but that is what makes it unique and one we like to ride each visit to Magic Kingdom. We enjoy seeing Cinderella Castle from up high and traveling through Space Mountain.

When it is hot and crowded, this is a great option to get away and relax without leaving the Park.

TRON Lightcycle/Run, Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

Tron Lightcycle Run: Tomorrowland

The newest ride in Magic Kingdom to make our not to miss list is the new E-ticket attraction of Tron Lightcycle Run. This coaster launches Guests into the fun and continues with a high-speed race. As the latest and most intense ride in Magic Kingdom, Tron is on our not to miss list.

We would love to have time to experience every single ride, show, and attraction at Magic Kingdom during our tips; however, that isn’t possible. Because of this, there are some rides that we typically skip and some that we never miss. We hope that by sharing a list with you, you can make your list before visiting Magic Kingdom.

 

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

Related Articles

Close

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker