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

When it comes to planning your magical day at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, one thing is certain: there’s no shortage of incredible rides, shows, and attractions to enjoy! With so many options, it can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you have limited time. How do you decide which attractions are worth waiting for and which ones you can skip without feeling like you missed out?

To help you make the most of your day, we’ve put together a list of the five rides to prioritize and the five rides you might want to skip. While all of these attractions add their own sprinkle of Disney magic to the park, some just offer more excitement, thrills, or fun than others. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Disney pro, this guide will help you plan your day like a seasoned park-goer.

Five Rides to Skip at Magic Kingdom

Let’s start with the rides that, while still fun, aren’t necessarily the best use of your time if you’re on a tight schedule. Whether it’s due to long lines, similar attractions, or just not being as iconic, here are five rides we typically skip during our visits to Magic Kingdom.

Astro Orbiter – Tomorrowland

First up on our “skip” list is Astro Orbiter. While it may look like a cool retro-futuristic ride high above Tomorrowland, it can take a lot of time and effort to experience. Guests must first take a slow-moving elevator to reach the loading area—a process that can feel like it takes longer than the ride itself!

Astro Orbiter is also a spinning ride, and while it’s similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant or The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, it spins at a much faster pace and much higher up. If you’re not a fan of spinning rides (or heights), this one can leave you feeling a little dizzy. Since there are similar attractions that offer the same spinning fun, this one usually falls into our “skip” category.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin -Adventureland

Speaking of spinning rides, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland is another one we usually skip. It’s essentially a clone of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, but with an Aladdin theme. While flying around on a magic carpet and dodging the spitting camel is cute, it doesn’t offer anything new compared to other spinner rides.

With so many unique and thrilling attractions in Magic Kingdom, we recommend skipping this one and opting for Dumbo in Storybook Circus if you want the classic spinning experience.

Swiss Family Treehouse – Adventureland

This one isn’t technically a ride, but the Swiss Family Treehouse is another experience we often pass by. Based on the classic film Swiss Family Robinson, this walk-through attraction is a replica of the treehouse the family builds in the movie. While it’s charming and offers some great views from the top, it involves climbing up six stories of stairs, which can feel like a workout, especially on a hot Florida day.

For guests who want to save their energy for more thrilling experiences, we suggest skipping the treehouse. There are plenty of other attractions in Adventureland that offer more excitement without the legwork!

Tomorrowland Speedway – Tomorrowland

While younger kids might enjoy the novelty of driving a race car, Tomorrowland Speedway is one attraction that often gets skipped by older guests. The ride involves driving a small gas-powered car around a track, but the fumes from the cars combined with the heat coming off the track can make this ride feel less than magical.

If you’re traveling with young children, they might love the experience of driving, but for adults, the slow speed and clunky controls might leave you frustrated. We recommend skipping the speedway and heading over to Space Mountain for a much more thrilling experience in Tomorrowland.

Mad Tea Party – Fantasyland

The Mad Tea Party is one of the most recognizable attractions in Fantasyland—you’ve probably seen the teacups spinning around in Disney commercials! However, if spinning isn’t your thing (or if you want to avoid a potential upset stomach), this is one ride you might want to skip.

For those who love spinning rides, the Mad Tea Party can be a blast. But if you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s best to pass on this one to ensure you can enjoy the rest of your day at Magic Kingdom.

Five Rides You Shouldn’t Miss at Magic Kingdom

Now that we’ve covered what to skip, let’s move on to the rides you absolutely shouldn’t miss during your day at Magic Kingdom! These are the attractions that capture the magic of Disney in the best possible way, offering fun for guests of all ages.

Pirates of the Caribbean – Adventureland

First on our “must-do” list is Pirates of the Caribbean. This iconic boat ride takes you on a swashbuckling adventure through scenes filled with pirates, treasure, and cannon blasts. The storytelling, catchy soundtrack (we can never get “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” out of our heads), and immersive theming make this one of the most beloved rides in all of Walt Disney World.

The small drop at the beginning is just thrilling enough to keep things exciting, but the rest of the ride is all about enjoying the detailed sets and fun characters. Whether it’s your first time or your 100th, Pirates of the Caribbean is a ride you should never skip.

Haunted Mansion – Liberty Square

Another Magic Kingdom classic, the Haunted Mansion is a spooky (but not too scary) dark ride that’s full of Disney’s trademark storytelling and special effects. From the moment you step into the stretching room, the ride draws you into its eerie but playful atmosphere. The 999 happy haunts inside the mansion are more funny than frightening, making this a favorite for all ages.

The mix of old-school animatronics and modern effects makes the Haunted Mansion a must-ride, and it’s the perfect way to cool off while taking in some of Disney’s best Imagineering.

Space Mountain – Tomorrowland

If you’re looking for thrills, Space Mountain is the place to go. This indoor roller coaster sends you on a high-speed journey through outer space, complete with sharp turns, sudden drops, and the excitement of racing through the dark. It’s one of the most popular rides in the park, and for good reason—it delivers on adrenaline every time.

Make sure to snag a Genie+ reservation or head to Space Mountain early in the day to avoid the long wait times. It’s worth the ride, trust us!

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Frontierland

Hold onto your hats because Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of the wildest rides in the wilderness! This classic mine train roller coaster offers twists, turns, and plenty of exciting drops as you race through the Old West. The theming is top-notch, and the views of Frontierland from the ride are some of the best in the park.

This is a great ride for both thrill-seekers and families, and it’s a Magic Kingdom staple you won’t want to miss.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover 

For a more relaxing experience, hop on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. This leisurely ride takes you on a tour of Tomorrowland, offering unique views of attractions like Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. It’s a great way to rest your feet while still taking in the magic of the park.

On a hot or crowded day, the PeopleMover is a lifesaver, giving you a quiet break while still letting you enjoy the sights of Magic Kingdom from a different perspective.

Final Thought

There’s no denying that Magic Kingdom is packed with incredible attractions, but with limited time, it’s important to prioritize the ones that offer the most fun and Disney magic. By knowing which rides to prioritize and which to skip, you can make sure your day is filled with the best experiences the park has to offer.

What are your favorite must-do rides at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments, and start planning your next magical adventure!