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10 Magic Kingdom Rides You Can Skip (and What to Do Instead)

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is known for its iconic attractions, unforgettable shows, and magical experiences. While every ride holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans, not all attractions are created equal. Today, we’re ranking what we consider the bottom 10 rides at Magic Kingdom.

These attractions aren’t necessarily bad, but compared to the must-do rides, they’re lower on the priority list. Let’s dive in!


1. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Tomorrowland

This interactive ride lets Guests aim and shoot at targets as they help Buzz Lightyear defeat the evil Emperor Zurg. While it’s fun and competitive, the difficulty in aiming and the long wait times make it less appealing. If you’re a fan of interactive rides, we recommend prioritizing Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios instead.

A young child wearing a black hat and blue bandana stands facing two large, life-sized Toy Story characters in an outdoor setting at a Disney Park. The characters are brightly colored, with one dressed as Woody in a cowboy outfit and the other as Buzz Lightyear in a space suit. Trees are visible in the background.
Credit: Disney

2. Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Storybook Circus

As a quintessential Disney spinner ride, Dumbo is a rite of passage for many Guests. However, its simplicity and lack of thrills place it lower on our list. With two ride setups to reduce wait times, it’s an excellent option for first-timers but doesn’t hold up against more dynamic attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.


3. Carousel of Progress – Tomorrowland

A piece of Disney history, the Carousel of Progress offers a rotating theater experience showcasing technological advancements over generations. While the nostalgic “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” song is delightful, it’s not a must-do unless you’re seeking an air-conditioned break from the Florida heat.


4. Mad Tea Party – Fantasyland

Spin around in colorful teacups on this whimsical ride. While it’s a classic Magic Kingdom attraction, the spinning can be overwhelming for some Guests. Lower wait times make it a good option later in the day, but it’s not essential compared to headliners like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

People enjoying a spinning tea cup ride, one of the important rides in Magic Kingdom's amusement park, under a canopy adorned with colorful lanterns. The tea cups are pastel-colored with various patterns, and trees can be seen in the background. The atmosphere is lively and playful.
Credit: Disney

5. The Barnstormer – Storybook Circus

This junior coaster starring Goofy is perfect for little ones new to roller coasters. However, the ride duration is less than a minute, making it feel underwhelming. If your kids are ready, consider introducing them to longer coasters like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.


6. Liberty Square Riverboat – Liberty Square

Take a 17-minute steam-powered journey around Tom Sawyer Island on this scenic riverboat. While it offers fantastic views of Frontierland, the lengthy experience and lack of seating make it less appealing when time is limited. It’s great for a relaxing break but not a priority for thrill-seekers.


7. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – Fantasyland

This beautifully crafted carousel is an opening-day attraction with plenty of charm. However, carousels are common at many parks and fairs, making this ride less unique compared to Magic Kingdom’s signature experiences. It’s worth a spin if there’s no wait and you’re traveling with young children.


8. Astro Orbiter – Tomorrowland

Perched high above Tomorrowland, Astro Orbiter offers breathtaking views of the park. Unfortunately, the slow elevator to the loading area and long waits often deter Guests. While the ride is enjoyable, it’s not worth prioritizing over faster-loading attractions like Space Mountain.


9. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Adventureland

Fly high on a magic carpet while controlling its height and tilt. While fun for kids, this spinner ride doesn’t add much that Dumbo or Astro Orbiter don’t already offer. The added spitting camel effect provides some excitement but isn’t enough to make it stand out.


10. Tomorrowland Speedway – Tomorrowland

Kids love the chance to drive their own car around a winding track, but the heat from the track and the smell of the cars can detract from the experience. Long wait times make this ride less appealing compared to other family-friendly attractions in Magic Kingdom.

A family of four, including two young children, is seated inside a blue ride vehicle on an elevated track system at one of the important rides in Magic Kingdom. The parents and one child look ahead, while the other child gazes to the side. Trees, track, and other park elements are in the background.
Credit: Disney

Final Thoughts

While these rides may not top our list, they each have unique charms that might resonate with certain Guests. Magic Kingdom offers so much variety that every family can create their own magical experience. Prioritize your must-do attractions, and if time allows, check out these rides to see if they’re a fit for your group.

What do you think of our rankings? Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to explore more Magic Kingdom tips for planning your next visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth!

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.

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