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Must-Do Rides and Attractions in Magic Kingdom: What to Skip and Why

One of the great things about a vacation to Walt Disney World is that there is so much to see and do. With the four main Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom), the two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), Disney Springs, as well as the Disney Resorts, there is always something to experience at the Walt Disney World Resort.

The downside to this, though, is that you have to realize you aren’t going to be able to see and do it all during your Disney vacation. No matter how long you stay, there will still be rides, shows, restaurants, and experiences you won’t be able to fit in.

Because of this, we are providing a quick breakdown of experiences that you should prioritize during your Walt Disney World vacation to make the most of your time.

We are focusing on the iconic Magic Kingdom. Magic Kingdom has the most attractions and experiences out of the four Disney Parks. We often suggest that families schedule at least two days here to enjoy the most magical time.

Let’s take a look at a few things we recommend prioritizing when visiting Magic Kingdom during your vacation.

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid vs. Peter Pan’s Flight

In Fantasyland, we recommend checking out Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid instead of Peter Pan’s Flight.

While Peter Pan’s Flight is a classic, its line gets extremely long, and the ride itself is very short. Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, on the other hand, typically has shorter wait times and offers a longer experience. Like Peter Pan’s Flight, it takes Guests through a beloved Disney story, but this attraction immerses you in Ariel’s world with vibrant scenes and catchy songs.

For families with younger children, Ariel and her friends may feel more familiar, making this ride a better option. For these reasons, we recommend prioritizing Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid over Peter Pan’s Flight.

The exterior of Peter Pan's Flight lights up at night
Credit: Disney

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover vs. Tomorrowland Speedway

When in Tomorrowland, we highly recommend taking a spin on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover over the Tomorrowland Speedway.

The PeopleMover offers a relaxing, scenic tour of Tomorrowland with great views of attractions like Space Mountain and Cinderella Castle. It typically has a short wait time and is a great way to take a break while still enjoying the park.

In contrast, Tomorrowland Speedway often has longer waits, and the heat and fumes from the cars can make the experience less pleasant. While it’s a fun, nostalgic attraction for some, it may not be the best use of your time if you’re prioritizing comfort and efficiency.

For us, the PeopleMover is the clear winner when comparing these two Tomorrowland experiences.

Pirates of the Caribbean vs. “it’s a small world”

Both of these rides are iconic staples of Magic Kingdom, but if you’re short on time, we’d recommend prioritizing Pirates of the Caribbean over “it’s a small world”.

Pirates of the Caribbean offers a blend of thrilling scenes, catchy music, and engaging storytelling that appeals to a wide audience. While “it’s a small world provides an uplifting message and whimsical charm, it may not be as dynamic for some visitors.

For a well-rounded experience, Pirates of the Caribbean is our top choice.

Cavalcades vs. Festival of Fantasy Parade

We love that the Festival of Fantasy Parade is back at Magic Kingdom. It brings a sense of magic and nostalgia with its elaborate floats and costumed performers.

That being said, parades can take up valuable park time, especially when factoring in the time spent securing a viewing spot, watching the parade, and navigating crowds afterward.

Alternatively, the cavalcades are shorter, more frequent mini-parades that feature beloved characters. They allow you to see your favorites without a lengthy time commitment and can be enjoyed as you continue exploring the park.

For those looking to maximize their day, the cavalcades may be a more efficient option, though both experiences have their merits.

Don’t Miss TRON Lightcycle / Run

One of Magic Kingdom’s newest and most exciting attractions is TRON Lightcycle / Run, which opened on April 4, 2023. This high-speed roller coaster offers a thrilling experience that’s not to be missed. With its unique lightcycle seating and dazzling visuals, it’s a standout addition to Tomorrowland.

A futuristic roller coaster with glowing blue lights, carrying riders through a translucent tunnel frame illuminated by purple and pink lighting. The design resembles a digital, cyber theme with the riders appearing to be on motorcycles.
Credit: Disney

We recommend planning ahead for this attraction, as it remains one of the park’s most popular rides. Be sure to check for Virtual Queue or Lightning Lane options through the My Disney Experience app.

Final Thoughts

There is so much to see and do in Magic Kingdom. We hope these suggestions help you narrow down your options and make the most of your day. Whether you’re soaking in the nostalgia of classic attractions or experiencing the latest thrills, your time at Magic Kingdom is sure to be unforgettable.

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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