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Top 10 Rides in Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is the Disney Park that has the most rides and attractions for Guests to experience during their Walt Disney World vacation.  We often recommend that Guests schedule at least two days at Magic Kingdom so they can slow down and enjoy that magic instead of feeling rushed to get everything in.

If you do only have one day at the Magic Kingdom, we have a list of the top 10 rides that you should make sure to experience while visiting.

We hope this list will help you as you plan for your vacation to Walt Disney World.

People Mover
Credit: Disney

10.  Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover- Tomorrowland

Starting off at number ten is the PeopleMover over in Tomorrowland.  This 10-minute ride takes Guests high above Tomorrowland as they travel around on the mass transit system of the future.

We love the views of Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle as we enjoy this leisurely ride.  Guests get to peek into Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Star Traders as they go behind the scenes.

Don’t forget to check out the model of Progress City, the prototype of EPCOT as well.  PeopleMover is a top ride in Magic Kingdom and one we ride sometimes multiple times during our visit as it is a nice break away from the crowds.

its a small world
Credit: Disney

9.  it’s a Small World- Fantasyland

This one might have some people questioning us, but we feel that it’s a Small World is a top ten attraction in Magic Kingdom.  This opening day attraction is a classic Walt Disney World ride and one we think every Guest needs to experience at least once during their Disney vacation.

Guests cruise along the Seven Seaways Waterway during a 10-minute journey through all seven continents.  As they visit each area of the world, Guests are able to enjoy the many audio-animatronic figures as they come together in harmony.

This ride is a slow loader meaning lines can get long during the middle of the day.  Consider getting there early or late during your Magic Kingdom day.

peterpansflight
credit: Disney

8. Peter Pan’s Flight- Fantasyland

With the long waits and high popularity for Peter Pan’s Flight, one might think this ride would find itself higher in the top ten; however, we think number eight is a good fit.

We love flying high above the iconic scenes from the beloved movie right along with Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Michael and Tinker Belle.

Seeing Never Land, Pirate’s Cove as well as Mermaid Lagoon all while flying high with pixie dust is magical.  The issue we have with this ride is that it is extremely short and most times the line to ride is extremely long.

Because of this, the overall experience can be somewhat of a let down.  We do think it is a top ten attraction that Guests should experience while in Magic Kingdom, but we do recommend getting there early or late in the evening or getting Genie+ so you can skip the line.

Seven-Dwarf-Wicked-Witch-DPS-526x330
Disney

7.  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train- Fantasyland

The most popular ride in Magic Kingdom currently remains Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.  This family-friendly coaster sees long wait times starting as soon as Magic Kingdom opens and they remain long throughout the day.

Although we love racing through the diamond mine with the seven dwarfs and enjoy the small thrills as we rock back and forth, the long lines that it experiences all day leaves it out of our top five list.

6.  Jungle Cruise- Adventureland

Jump on board for a real adventure with the Jungle Cruise.  Guests are given an exotic tour of the rivers of Asia, Africa and South America where they can see the wildlife and excitement from the local areas.

Although we love the scenes, the true winner of this ride is the skipper.  We love the great dad jokes that are told even after we have heard them numerous times.

With new, updated scenes and the excitement of the movie with the same name, Jungle Cruise has become extremely popular.  Being a slow loader, Guests will want to ride early in the day to avoid those long lines or use Genie+.

Space Mountain

5.  Space Mountain- Tomorrowland

Starting out our top five list is Space Mountain in Tomorrowland.  This thrilling coaster blasts Guests off in a rocket through space.  Flying past shooting stars as gravity pulls you every which way makes this dark coaster the most intense ride in Magic Kingdom.

Thrill seekers will love this ride as it is a high-speed, indoor roller coaster; however, those who aren’t fans of being tossed around might want to sit this out.

Keep a watch on the wait times for Space Mountain.  Even though it can have long waits, you can often catch lower waits in the morning or at night.

Splash Mountain
Credit: Disney

4.  Splash Mountain- Frontierland

Splash Mountain is the only water attraction in Magic Kingdom and is a longer ride (13 minutes) that takes Guests on an adventure with Brer Rabbit.

The adventure ends with a five-story drop that can leave Guests more than just a little wet.  The theming, storytelling and thrills of this ride make it one of the top five in Magic Kingdom.

We look forward to seeing how it will be re-themed in the future to Princess and the Frog, but until then, we will continue to enjoy hanging out with Br’er Rabbit as he tries to avoid trouble.

BigThunderMountain
Credit: Disney

3.  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad- Adventureland

Also found in Frontierland is the wildest ride in the wilderness.  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a high energy coaster that takes Guests through deserted towns, mines and so much more.

With a lot of twists and turns, this coaster will leave Guests laughing and having a great time.  Like with Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain sees wait times rise throughout the day so get there early for your ride into the wild west.

Haunted Mansion
Credit: Disney Photo Snapper

2.  Haunted Mansion- Liberty Square

The 999 happy haunts will greet you as you enter one of the most iconic rides in Magic Kingdom and that is the Haunted Mansion.

Guests are taken by a Ghost Host on a private tour through the haunted estate that is filled with ghosts, ghouls, and supernatural excitement.

We absolutely love the Haunted Mansion and feel that it is a must-do on each and every trip to the Magic Kingdom.

Keep an eye on Wait Times as they will build throughout the day.  Disney Genie+ is a great option for Haunted Mansion as well.

Pirates of the Caribbean
Credit: Disney

1. Pirates of the Caribbean- Adventureland

Taking the number one spot in Magic Kingdom is Pirates of the Caribbean.  This beloved attraction brings together everything that makes Disney magic together into one amazing ride experience.

From the outstanding storytelling and music to a slight thrill of a drop, this boat ride is one that brings excitement and joy every time we ride. Sing along with the pirates and be on the lookout for Captain Jack Sparrow.

Pirates of the Caribbean is the top ride in Magic Kingdom because it has so much to offer in one ride truly showing the magic of Disney.

Those are our top rides in Magic Kingdom as of right now.  Each time we visit they might move around within the top ten list, but these ten rides are the ones that we make sure we experience each and every visit to Magic Kingdom.

Do you agree with our list?  Would you have added a different ride?  Let us know!

Wanting more suggestions on rides?  Check out Current Top Rides in Walt Disney World or 5 to Skip, 5 Not to Miss- Breaking Down Walt Disney World Rides

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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