Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort is my favourite place to visit. With so many rides, attractions, and experiences for all ages, it truly is the most magical place on Earth. In this guide, I'll take you through everything you need to know about Magic Kingdom rides, including must-ride attractions, and helpful tips to plan your visit.
Planning Your Visit - Magic Kingdom Rides Overview
In this guide, we'll take a closer look at all the rides in Magic Kingdom. Whether you're visiting for the first time or planning a return trip, having a plan is key to making the most of your day. From classic favourites like Pirates of the Caribbean to thrilling new additions like TRON Lightcycle / Run, this guide will help you prioritise your must-do rides and experiences.
Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom - A Complete Guide to Rides and Attractions
Tomorrowland is one of the most exciting areas of Magic Kingdom, packed with futuristic rides, thrilling coasters, and fun attractions for the whole family. Whether you're chasing high-speed thrills on TRON Lightcycle / Run or taking a relaxing tour on the PeopleMover, there's something for everyone in Tomorrowland.
Here's a full guide to the best Tomorrowland rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom, including height requirements, Lightning Lane availability, and helpful tips for each one.
TRON Lightcycle / Run
- Type of Ride - High-speed roller coaster based on the TRON movies (1982 and 2010).
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Board your own Lightcycle and get ready for one of the fastest rides in any Disney park! You are secured from behind while leaning forward like a motorbike. A test cycle is available outside the attraction for you to try. If the Lightcycle is uncomfortable, an alternative carriage-style seat is available. Expect a thrilling outdoor launch followed by an indoor race through the Grid.
- Min Height - 48"
- Ride Photo - Yes
- Lightning Lane - Yes and a video too.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
- Type of Ride - Interactive, slow-moving shooter ride (seats 2)
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Each rider uses a laser gun to shoot targets marked with Z’s to score points. The gun is fixed in place and may be tricky for little ones. Spin your ship to face high-value targets! Score 999,999 to earn a "Galactic Hero" sticker.
- Min Height - None
- Ride Photo - Yes
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Astro Orbiter
- Type of Ride - Flying rocket ride.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Board an elevator to reach the rockets. Use a lever to control how high you fly! Great views of Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle, especially at night.
- Min Height - None
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - No
Space Mountain
- Type of Ride - Indoor high-speed rollercoaster in the dark.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - No loops, only sharp turns and sudden drops! Space-themed sounds add to the experience. Tall riders might find the front seat cramped. This ride occasionally experiences downtime, so check the app before heading over.
- Min Height - 44"
- Ride Photo - Yes
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
- Type of Ride - Slow moving train ride through Tomorrowland.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Don’t be discouraged by a long queue, it moves very quickly! Offers a relaxing break and great views inside attractions like Space Mountain and also of the castle.
- Min Height - None
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - No
Tomorrowland Speedway
- Type of Ride - Drive-your-own car experience.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers -
- Great for younger drivers! Pedals are available on both sides of the car. Cars use petrol, so expect a strong smell around the track.
- Min Height - 32"
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress
- Type of Ride - Indoor rotating theatre show through decades of innovation.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Although often described as slow, it's a good option for hot or rainy days.
- Min Height - None
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - No
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
- Type of Ride - Interactive, live comedy show.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - This is a live show so be prepared to be chosen out the audience. It's fun and the kids (and adults) will love it.
- Min Height - None
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - No
Tips for Visiting Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom
- TRON Lightcycle / Run typically has long waits, consider buying an Individual Lightning Lane.
- Space Mountain can have sudden downtime, so ride early if possible.
- The PeopleMover is a perfect break when you need to rest your feet or cool down.
- Night rides on Astro Orbiter offer spectacular views of the park lit up after dark.
Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rides in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom?
The most popular rides in Tomorrowland are TRON Lightcycle / Run, Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. TRON offers a high-speed thrill, while Space Mountain is a must-ride indoor coaster. Buzz Lightyear's ride is perfect for families who love a fun, interactive experience.
Are there any Tomorrowland rides suitable for young children?
Yes! Rides like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Astro Orbiter, the Tomorrowland Speedway, and the PeopleMover are all great choices for younger kids. Most rides in Tomorrowland have no minimum height requirement, but always check before riding.
Does TRON Lightcycle / Run have a Virtual Queue?
No, TRON Lightcycle / Run no longer uses a Virtual Queue system as of Spring 2025. You can purchase an Individual Lightning Lane to skip the wait.
Is Space Mountain too scary for kids?
Space Mountain is dark, fast, and full of sharp turns, but there are no loops or big drops. It's thrilling but generally safe for older children who aren't afraid of the dark or sudden movement. The minimum height is 44 inches.
What’s the best time to visit Tomorrowland?
Tomorrowland tends to be busiest in the middle of the day. For shorter wait times, head there first thing in the morning or later in the evening, especially for popular rides like TRON and Space Mountain.
Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom: A Complete Guide to Rides and Attractions
Fantasyland is the heart of the Magic Kingdom, where classic Disney stories come to life through enchanting rides, magical attractions, and family-friendly fun. Whether you're soaring over London on Peter Pan’s Flight or singing along on "it's a small world," Fantasyland offers something for dreamers of all ages.Here's a full guide to the best Fantasyland rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom, including height requirements, Lightning Lane availability, and helpful tips for each one.
Mad Tea Party
- Type of Ride - The Mad Tea Party is a classic Disney attraction where guests sit inside giant colourful teacups that spin in circles. Each cup comfortably fits two adults and two children, making it a great family ride in Fantasyland.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Spin the wheel in the centre to control your speed, the faster you spin, the faster you go! Larger parties should request two cups to avoid feeling squashed. Perfect for all ages but may cause dizziness if you spin a lot.
- Min Height - None
- Ride Photo - None
- Lightning Lane - None
Dumbo The Flying Elephant
- Type of Ride - Fly through the sky on Dumbo the Flying Elephant! Riders control their flying elephant by using a lever to go higher or lower.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - There are two Dumbo rides side-by-side, helping to reduce waiting times. Midway through the queue, kids can enjoy a huge indoor playground. It’s split into areas for 2–3 year-olds and 4–8 year-olds. You can skip the ride and exit after the playground if your kids just want to play.
- Min Height - None
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - Yes
The Barnstormer
- Type of Ride - The Barnstormer is a junior rollercoaster where you ride a wacky old-fashioned propeller plane piloted by Goofy.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Queue times can hit 90 minutes even though the ride itself lasts under 40 seconds. It's the perfect first roller coaster for young thrill seekers. Larger guests may find it a tight squeeze, but you can ask to ride alone if with an older child.
- Min Height - 35"
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - Yes
It's A Small World
- Type of Ride - Sail through scenes representing different cultures from all around the world in this large indoor boat ride.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Each boat fits around 20 people, and the line moves continuously. Warning - the “It’s a Small World” song will stick in your head all day! Kids love throwing coins into the water at the end of the ride.
- Min Height - No
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Peter Pan's Flight
- Type of Ride - Board a pirate ship and soar over the rooftops of London on your way to Neverland.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Extremely popular so expect long queues (often 2+ hours without Lightning Lane). The ride uses clever lighting and special effects to bring scenes to life. Some areas are quite dark, making it magical but possibly spooky for little ones.
- Min Height - None
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Under The Sea - Journey Of The Little Mermaid
- Type of Ride - Board a colourful clamshell for a slow-moving journey through scenes from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Be sure you're joining the ride queue, not the Ariel meet-and-greet next door. You'll hear lots of classic songs like "Under the Sea" and "Part of Your World." Look up as you "dive" down into the ocean at the start of the ride!
- Min Height - No
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - Yes
The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh
- Type of Ride - Hop aboard a bouncing honey pot and journey through beloved scenes from the Winnie the Pooh stories.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Your honey pot bounces like Tigger and sways on a blustery day! Meet classic characters like Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet along the way.
- Min Height - No
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Type of Ride - A child-friendly roller coaster where you ride in mine carts through the world of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Some drops and speedy sections, but also slow scenic parts inside the dazzling mine. Queue times are very long (up to 200 minutes). Lightning Lane highly recommended. Offers both a photo and a video onboard!
- Min Height - 38"
- Ride Photo - Yes and a video.
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
- Type of Ride - Enjoy a relaxing ride on beautifully hand-crafted horses, with beautiful views of Cinderella Castle and Fantasyland.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - The carousel has a large capacity, so the line moves quickly. You can ride with your child by fastening them first and climbing behind them on the same horse. Standing is also allowed if you prefer.
- Min Height - No
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - No
Tips for Visiting Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom
- Head to Fantasyland at rope drop (park opening) giving you a chance to experience popular rides
- Lines tend to be shorter during the Festival of Fantasy Parade or evening fireworks shows.
- Don't rush, there is so much to see in Fantasyland
- Make sure you visit the Tangled toilets!
Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom - Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom?
Fantasyland is located right behind Cinderella Castle at the heart of Magic Kingdom. It stretches from the carousel area all the way back to the Storybook Circus area.
What are the best rides in Fantasyland for toddlers?
Dumbo the Flying Elephant, It's a Small World, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel are all perfect for toddlers and younger children.
Which Fantasyland rides have the longest wait times?
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Peter Pan’s Flight usually have the longest queues. Lightning Lane or an early morning visit is highly recommended for these rides.
Are there height restrictions in Fantasyland?
Most Fantasyland rides have no height restrictions, making them perfect for families. Only The Barnstormer (35") and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (38") require riders to meet a minimum height.
Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom - A Complete Guide to Rides and Attractions
Liberty Square is a charming and immersive area of Magic Kingdom that takes you back to Colonial America, with historic landmarks, spooky attractions, and engaging rides for the whole family. From exploring the halls of the haunted mansion to stepping aboard the Liberty Belle riverboat, there’s plenty of adventure to be found in this patriotic corner of the park.
Here's a full guide to the best Liberty Square rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom, including height requirements, Lightning Lane availability, and helpful tips for each one.
The Haunted Mansion
- Type of Ride - A spine-tingling tour of a dark, haunted estate filled with "999 happy haunts."
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Keep an eye on the wait time — if you ever see it drop to 13 minutes, that’s a spooky Easter egg! It means there's practically no wait and you can usually walk right on.
- Min Height - None
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Liberty Belle Riverboat
- Type of Ride - A relaxing journey aboard a 19th-century-style paddlewheel riverboat, cruising around Tom Sawyer Island with beautiful waterfront views.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Head to the top deck for the best views and photo opportunities. The ride offers a peaceful break from the busy crowds of Magic Kingdom.
- Min Height - None
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - No
The Hall of Presidents
- Type of Ride - A patriotic and educational show featuring lifelike audio-animatronic figures of all the U.S. Presidents.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - This is a great attraction to cool off in during the hotter parts of the day. It’s a slower-paced show perfect for history buffs or anyone needing a break from the thrills.
- Min Height - None
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - No
Tips for Visiting Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom
- Liberty Square tends to be less crowded early in the morning or after dinner time.
- If you see The Haunted Mansion’s posted wait time at 13 minutes it usually means you can walk right on!
- Liberty Square is packed with historical touches look for the "Liberty Tree" with its 13 lanterns.
- Check out the subtle brown “river” through the pavement symbolising Colonial-era waste disposal.
Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom - Frequently Asked Questions
What rides are in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom?
Liberty Square is home to The Haunted Mansion, the Liberty Belle Riverboat, and The Hall of Presidents.
Is Liberty Square a good area for young children?
Yes! All rides and attractions in Liberty Square have no height requirements, making them suitable for guests of all ages.
How long does the Liberty Belle Riverboat ride last?
The full trip on the Liberty Belle Riverboat takes about 17 to 20 minutes.
Frontierland at Magic Kingdom - A Complete Guide to Rides and Attractions
Frontierland is one of the most adventurous areas of Magic Kingdom, transporting you to the Wild West with thrilling rides, rustic landscapes, and plenty of frontier-style fun. Whether you’re racing down the runaway trains of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or getting soaked on Splash Mountain’s replacement, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, there's excitement around every corner.
Here's a full guide to the best Frontierland rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom, including height requirements, Lightning Lane availability, and helpful tips for each one.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure
- Type of Ride - Long Flume ride (previously Splash Mountain) based on the movie Princess and the Frog.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - I think the ride layout is identical to Splash Mountain except for one of the drops which I feel maybe different. You can queue separately for the front row however this will increase your queuing time by a little. The ride is quite long with lots of ups and downs both inside and out. The main drop is quite steep and the force of the splash when you reach the bottom may be too much for little ones.
- Min Height - 40"
- Ride Photo - Yes
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Type of Ride - Runaway mine train type rollercoaster. Each cart seats two comfortably.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Queue times vary dramatically depending on the time of day. Towards park closure the queue time can be as little as 5 minutes and riding in the dark has the added bonus of seeing the fireworks if you time it right. You can sit three in a cart if you have a little one who is wanting to sit between two adults to feel safe.
- Min Height - 40"
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Tom Sawyer Island Rafts
- Type of Ride - A short raft journey across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island, where you can explore caves, bridges, and forts.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - The raft ride itself only takes a few minutes, but once you arrive, you can spend as much time as you like exploring the island. It's a great place for kids to burn off some energy, and it usually stays quieter than other parts of the park. Be aware the island closes before dusk, so plan to visit earlier in the day.
- Min Height - No
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - No
Tips for Visiting Frontierland at Magic Kingdom
- Prepare to get wet on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly Splash Mountain). Bring a poncho or sit toward the back of the log if you want to stay a little drier.
- Catch the Country Bear Jamboree. It’s a great place to cool off, relax, and enjoy a bit of classic Disney charm with a hilarious animatronic show.
- Frontierland is a key spot along the parade route. If you’re planning to watch the Festival of Fantasy Parade, grab a spot along the Frontierland wooden sidewalks for a great view.
Frontierland at Magic Kingdom - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the height requirements for Frontierland rides?
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: 40 inches (102 cm)
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: 40 inches (102 cm)
- Country Bear Jamboree: No height requirement (show attraction)
- Tom Sawyer Island: No height requirement (play area)
Is Lightning Lane available for Frontierland rides?
Yes, both Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure offer Lightning Lane.
How Long Does The Tom Sawyer Raft Take?
The raft ride across to Tom Sawyer Island takes just a few minutes, but plan to spend at least 30–60 minutes exploring the island itself.
Adventureland at Magic Kingdom - A Complete Guide to Rides and Attractions
Jungle Cruise
- Type of Ride - A guided boat tour through rivers of the world, featuring pun-filled jokes and animatronic animals.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - The jokes are half the fun! Skippers each have their own script style, so every cruise can feel a little different. Jungle Cruise is extremely popular mid-morning — ride early or use Lightning Lane if you can.
- Min Height - No
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Pirates Of The Caribbean
- Type of Ride - A dark boat ride through pirate-infested waters featuring impressive animatronics, catchy music, and a few small drops.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - You might get a light splash during the ride, especially in the front rows. Look out for Captain Jack Sparrow hiding among the scenes — he appears three times!
- Min Height - No
- Ride Photo - Yes
- Lightning Lane - Yes
The Magic Carpets Of Aladdin
- Type of Ride - A spinning, flying carpet ride where you control the height and tilt of your carpet.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - If you want to get extra wet, sit in the front row. Watch out for the camels they spit water randomly.
- Min Height - No
- Ride Photo - Yes
- Lightning Lane - Yes
Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
- Type of Ride - A colourful, classic animatronic show featuring singing birds, flowers, and tikis in an indoor tropical paradise.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - It’s a wonderful spot to relax and cool off — the show lasts about 15 minutes. The songs are incredibly catchy ("In the tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki room!") and will likely be stuck in your head all day.
- Min Height - No
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - No
Swiss Family Treehouse
- Type of Ride - A self-guided walk-through attraction climbing through the elaborate treehouse home of the Swiss Family Robinson.
- Hints, Tips or Spoilers - Be prepared for a lot of stairs! It's a great activity while waiting for a Lightning Lane window or parade to start, but it’s not shaded, so it can be hot during the middle of the day.
- Min Height - No
- Ride Photo - No
- Lightning Lane - No
Tips for Visiting Adventureland at Magic Kingdom
- Ride Jungle Cruise early or late
- Both Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean are extremely popular, consider a Lightning Lane to save you lots of time.
- Don't miss the famous Dole Whip from Aloha Isle, it's the perfect tropical treat on a warm Florida day!
Adventureland at Magic Kingdom - Frequently Asked Questions
Are the queues for Adventureland rides indoors or outdoors?
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Mostly indoors (cool and themed)
- Jungle Cruise: Mostly outdoor and covered, but still warm
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin: Outdoors and uncovered
- Enchanted Tiki Room: Indoors (show building)
- Swiss Family Treehouse: Entirely outdoors and uncovered
Are there any special character meet-and-greets in Adventureland?
Sometimes you can meet characters like Aladdin and Jasmine near The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, although availability can vary. Check the My Disney Experience app for current meet-and-greet times.
Is Adventureland open during fireworks?
Yes, Adventureland remains open during nighttime fireworks, and it can actually be a great time to catch a ride with shorter wait times.
How long should I plan to spend in Adventureland?
Plan to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours if you want to enjoy most of the rides and grab a snack. Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean are the biggest time commitments depending on wait times.
Why We Love Magic Kingdom and Would Recommend It
Magic Kingdom truly is a place where dreams come to life, and with so many incredible rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There isn't a ride in Magic Kingdom we don't love. So whether you're chasing thrills on Tron Lightcycle / Run, enjoying the nostalgia of Peter Pan’s Flight, or soaking up the magic during a parade, every moment spent here is special. I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect day and make the most of everything Magic Kingdom has to offer.
Remember the most important thing is to take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and create magical memories with your loved ones. No matter how many rides you tick off your list, the real magic is in the experience itself. Have the most amazing adventure!
Michelle
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