Top Ten Must-Experience Rides at Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is the Disney Park that most Guests visit during their Walt Disney World vacation. It is also the Disney Park that has the most rides for Guests to experience. Because of this, we highly recommend spending at least two days at Magic Kingdom during your vacation. This will allow you to experience more magic without rushing everything.

For those who might only have one day to experience Magic Kingdom, we have ten rides you must experience while visiting. We hope this list will help you narrow your focus as you plan your trip to Walt Disney World.

10. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover- Magic Kingdom

It isn’t a thrill ride, but it is one of the top rides at Magic Kingdom. The PeopleMover takes Guests high above Tomorrowland, where Guests can take in views of Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle.

Guests also sneak a peek into Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger, and Star Traders while on the ride. This 10-minute ride is a great way to get out of the crowd, enjoy some fantastic views, and travel around on the mass transit system of the future.

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

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 can 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.

8. Peter Pan’s Flighty- Fantasyland

Peter Pan’s Flight continues to be a top ride at Magic Kingdom. Guests love flying high above iconic scenes from this movie, along with Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Michael, and Tink.

Seeing NeverLand, Pirate’s Cove, and Mermaid Lagoon all while flying high on a ship covered in pixie dust, is magical.

This ride isn’t higher on the top ten list because of how short it is and how long the wait tends to be. Because of these two factors, the overall experience can be a letdown. Although we encourage everyone to experience it during their trip, we suggest doing so early in the morning or using Genie+ to avoid those long waits.

7. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train- Fantasyland

One of the most popular rides 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 stay 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 it experiences all day leaves it out of our top five list.

This family-friendly coaster is an excellent ride for the family to enjoy together. With small hills and drops, this is often a first coaster for many kids during their trip to Disney. Get there early or use Individual Lightning Lane to avoid hour-long waits during the middle of the day.

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+.

5. Space Mountain- Tomorrowland

Our top five list begins with the indoor coaster in Tomorrowland. Space Mountain is a thrill coaster that blasts Guests off in a rocket throughout space. Flying past shooting stars as gravity pulls you in every direction makes this dark coaster one of the more intense rides 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.

4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad- Frontierland

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

With many twists and turns, this coaster will leave Guests laughing and having a great time. As the only big ride currently in Frontierland, try to plan to visit early in the day or late at night to avoid long lines.

3. Tron Lightycle Run- Tomorrowland

The newest ride in Magic Kingdom is the high-speed coaster Tron Lightycle Run. Here Guests board their futuristic motorcycles where they race into a virtual world full of amazing special effects and neon lights.

The ride features drops, dark sections, and a launch that reaches the highest speeds in Walt Disney World. Currently, Guests wanting to enjoy this top ride can do so using an Individual Lightning Lane or by joining the virtual queue and receiving a boarding group.

2. Haunted Mansion- Liberty Square

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

A Ghost Host takes guests on a private tour through the haunted estate filled with ghosts, ghouls, and supernatural excitement.

We love the Haunted Mansion and feel it is a must-do on every trip to the Magic Kingdom. Keep an eye on Wait Times as they will build throughout the day.  Disney Genie+ is an excellent option for Haunted Mansion as well.

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 fantastic ride experience.

From the outstanding storytelling and music to a slight thrill of a drop, this boat ride 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.

In Magic Kingdom, those are the top ten rides you shouldn’t miss during your visit. Each time we visit Magic Kingdom, we ensure we experience each of these outstanding rides.