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Magic Kingdom is essentially the most Disney of the 4 Walt Disney World parks in Orlando, Florida.
You’ll discover Cinderella Fortress, Mickey Mouse, Disney princesses, and essentially the most nostalgic rides many people bear in mind from our childhoods.
Magic Kingdom points of interest are usually extra mild than thrilling (though there are just a few enjoyable curler coasters together with the brand new TRON experience), and there’s loads to do for each adults and kids.
Simon and I liked the park as youngsters and proceed to take pleasure in it on repeat visits as adults.
On this submit, we share our picks for the perfect rides at Magic Kingdom plus the way to skip the traces and different enjoyable issues to do for a magical day.
Contents
The best way to Skip Traces at Magic Kingdom
Disney is infamous for lengthy traces, and Magic Kingdom is without doubt one of the hottest Disney parks on the earth.
However with these time saving suggestions we not often wait greater than quarter-hour for any of those Magic Kingdom points of interest.
- Make a Park Reservation – Reservations are important now. I like to recommend reserving your Disney tickets and making a park reservation for every day of your journey no less than a month upfront. Magic Kingdom is the park that’s almost definitely to e-book up at busy instances.
- Obtain My Disney Expertise app – To verify wait instances, make Genie+ picks, order meals, and extra.
- Buy Genie+ – This paid line skipping service is greatest worth at Magic Kingdom with 23 points of interest included within the each day value of $15-35 (relying on demand). It’s a complicated system so see our full information which discusses Is Disney Genie Plus Value It?
- Keep Onsite – In case you keep in a Disney resort, you’ll be capable to enter each park half-hour earlier than official park opening. This provides you a terrific head begin.
- Arrive Early – Arrive half-hour earlier than Early Entry begins as they let individuals into the park even earlier. You may then wait on the entrance to Tomorrowland or Fantasyland (the one areas open for Early Entry). Even if you happen to don’t have Early Entry, arrive half-hour earlier than official opening. The primary hour of the day is the quietest.
- Go to on a Celebration Day – The park closes early (normally at 6pm) when there are paid occasions like Halloween and Christmas events within the evenings. This places individuals off so the park is de facto quiet on these days. Ideally, get a Park Hopper ticket and head to Hollywood Studios or Epcot within the night, and go to Magic Kingdom on one other night to see the fireworks.
- Spend Two Days Right here – There are over 40 points of interest at Magic Kingdom, so it’s greatest unfold over two days if doable, particularly if you’re visiting with young children.
Most Widespread Rides at Magic Kingdom Orlando
The latest and hottest experience at Magic Kingdom is TRON, which opened in April 2023, however it has no standby line and may solely be ridden by digital queue (see under).
These are the Magic Kingdom rides which have the longest traces with common wait instances over the 12 months:
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Prepare (79 minutes)
- Peter Pan’s Flight (67 minutes)
- Jungle Cruise (61 minutes)
- Area Mountain (49 minutes)
- Haunted Mansion (43 minutes)
- Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad (41 minutes)
Apparently (and controversially to some), not one of the high three busiest rides are our favourites. We focus on them extra under.
Finest Rides at Magic Kingdom
These are what we expect are the best possible Magic Kingdom rides that you shouldn’t miss.
As adults with out youngsters we now have a distinct perspective from households, so if you’re travelling with youngsters, you must also take a look at the perfect Fantasyland rides under.
One main experience that’s lacking right here is Splash Mountain. This log flume experience was our favorite attraction within the park, however it closed in January 2023.
It is going to reopen in late 2024 as Tiana’s Bayou Journey, based mostly on The Princess and The Frog film, and I’m certain it’ll once more rise to the highest of this Disney Magic Kingdom rides record.
1) TRON Lightcycle Run
Kind of Journey: Thrill Journey with Huge Drops
Minimal Peak: 48 inches (122cm)
Lightning Lane: Particular person ($20)
Location: Tomorrowland
TRON Lightcycle Run is the park’s latest experience and for a lot of it’s already top-of-the-line issues to do at Magic Kingdom. We haven’t had an opportunity to experience it but, however we will’t wait!
TRON is an exciting rollercoaster the place you experience a bike round a excessive velocity monitor. It’s based mostly on the Disney sci-fi movie TRON: Legacy and is Disney’s quickest coaster.
There’s an outside part with superb views of the park earlier than you enter an enormous darkish warehouse to race different groups throughout the Grid via eight Power Gates.
TRON can solely be ridden by becoming a member of a free digital queue within the Disney app at 7am and 1pm (plus 6pm on choose Night Hours days for Deluxe resort friends).
The queue sells out in seconds so you actually should be fast. See our information to the way to use Genie+ for velocity reserving suggestions. It’s normally simpler to get a spot within the 1pm queue if you happen to miss out within the morning.
You’ll be given a boarding group and will likely be notified by way of the app when it’s time to experience. You’ll then have one hour to get to TRON.
In case you don’t handle to safe a spot, you may pay for an Particular person Lightning Lane, however as a result of demand for the brand new experience these are promoting out quick.
Lockers are required for baggage and unfastened gadgets, however they’re free and also you cross them within the queue.
Observe that bigger friends might have points becoming within the bike-style Lightcycles, however there are customary curler coaster vehicles (with lap bars) for individuals who want or want them. There’s a check seat exterior the experience so you possibly can see if it really works for you.
2) Area Mountain
Kind of Journey: Darkish Thrill Journey with Huge Drops
Minimal Peak: 44 inches (112cm)
Lightning Lane: Genie+
Location: Tomorrowland
Earlier than TRON opened, Area Mountain was essentially the most thrilling experience within the park. Whereas this high-speed indoor curler coaster at nighttime feels reasonably dated lately, it’s nonetheless a Magic Kingdom should do for us.
We love dashing in a rocket via outer area, hitting sudden turns and plummeting down unseen drops. It’s pure enjoyable and Simon will experience it time and again.
Like all Disney World Magic Kingdom rides, it doesn’t go the wrong way up.
Seating is in a single row with three individuals per automotive and two vehicles joined collectively to make a rocket practice. If in case you have a alternative on a quiet day, driving on the entrance is essentially the most enjoyable.
Unusually, on our final go to, we discovered Area Mountain jerky within the mornings however smoother and sooner because the day progresses.
We normally experience it very first thing, however wait instances are inclined to drop after Early Entry (when solely Fantasyland and Tomorrowland are open). The tip of the day may also be quiet. In any other case, use Genie+.
The experience is inside an enormous futuristic construction, and if you happen to do have to attend, there are interactive video games on the Play Disney Parks app to maintain you occupied. When it’s quiet, the stroll to the beginning is the longest a part of the expertise.
In case you take pleasure in curler coasters, you’ll undoubtedly wish to experience Area Mountain.
3) Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad
Kind of Journey: Thrill Journey with Small Drops
Minimal Peak: 40 inches (102cm)
Lightning Lane: Genie+
Location: Frontierland
One other of Magic Kingdom’s mountain vary, Huge Thunder Mountain Railroad is a gentler curler coaster than Area Mountain however nonetheless one of many high rides at Magic Kingdom.
For us, the spotlight is the Wild West themeing from the Gold Rush period. Your runaway mine practice speeds via pink canyons, dips into haunted gold mines, and rushes previous the deserted city of Tumbleweed. There are such a lot of particulars to take pleasure in on the best way.
We additionally love the views of the park from this largely out of doors experience—Cinderella Fortress appears to be like particularly good at evening. It could be superb through the fireworks.
As coasters go, this can be a pretty tame one, however it’s quick and there are some enjoyable turns and small drops. It feels a bit jerky, particularly in comparison with the newer Seven Dwarfs Mine Prepare.
That is one other well-liked Magic Kingdom experience greatest ridden at first or finish of the day or with Genie+.
4) Pirates of the Caribbean
Kind of Journey: Darkish Gradual Journey with Small Drops
Minimal Peak: None
Lightning Lane: Genie+
Location: Adventureland
Magic Kingdom excels at darkish rides that take you on mild journeys into different worlds. These are appropriate for all of the household so there are many issues to do at Magic Kingdom even if you happen to don’t like curler coasters.
Pirates of the Caribbean is our favorite darkish experience. This mild boat journey takes you thru scenes of a seventeenth century pirate raid from the bombardment of a fortress to debauchery after the victory.
There are numerous particulars to take pleasure in on the best way and also you’ll end up buzzing “Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me” for the remainder of the day.
This traditional experience pre-dates the films (which had been impressed by the experience), however now you can see an animatronic determine of Captain Jack Sparrow.
There’s a small waterfall drop however largely this can be a very relaxed experience appropriate for all. You possibly can get splashed however you gained’t get soaked.
Wait instances fluctuate for Pirates of the Caribbean however are not often lengthy, so simply wait till a quieter time or use Genie+ (however it isn’t a precedence).
5) Haunted Mansion
Kind of Journey: Darkish Gradual Journey
Minimal Peak: None
Lightning Lane: Genie+
Location: Liberty Sq.
One other traditional darkish experience at Magic Kingdom (and for a lot of, their favorite) is Haunted Mansion.
Board a Doom Buggy for a sluggish experience via a labyrinth of haunted rooms stuffed with ghosts and ghouls and otherworldly surprises.
Whereas young children would possibly discover it scary, there’s no gore and the ghosts are pleasant. We discover it extra playful than scary and love all of the particular results.
Traces fluctuate however you shouldn’t have to attend too lengthy if you happen to look forward to a quieter time. Halloween season is the busiest so experience it earlier then.
A barely longer wait right here isn’t a hardship as the road options interactive components like a musical crypt.
6) Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin
Kind of Journey: Spinning Gradual Journey
Minimal Peak: None
Lightning Lane: Genie+
Location: Tomorrowland
Buzz Lightyear’s Area Ranger Spin is an interactive experience that we at all times take pleasure in.
Seated in spinning vehicles armed with laser cannons, you experience previous Toy Story scenes aiming your laser on the glowing Z targets.
The extra you hit, the extra factors you acquire. The aggressive high quality makes it immensely re-rideable.
Buzz Lightyear has extra dated tech than Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios, and it’s more durable to intention right here, however we nonetheless assume it’s price doing if the traces aren’t too lengthy.
7) Jungle Cruise
Kind of Journey: Gradual Journey
Minimal Peak: None
Lightning Lane: Genie+
Location: Adventureland
Jungle Cruise is completely different from different Magic Kingdom rides. Sure, the out of doors boat journey takes you previous animatronic characters and different fascinating scenes like the opposite sluggish rides, however right here you get commentary out of your tour information so each experience is exclusive.
Anticipate a number of dad jokes and puns as you sail previous gorillas in Africa and elephants in Asia.
Your enjoyment of the experience will largely rely upon how humorous you discover it, though it’s nonetheless a calming river journey both manner with heaps to note.
Whereas it’s not our favorite Magic Kingdom experience, we do assume it’s price doing if waits aren’t too lengthy. That is the perfect Genie+ to pick out first because it usually sells out.
You may also wish to experience it at evening for a distinct expertise.
High Fantasyland Rides at Magic Kingdom
Fantasyland is the realm of Magic Kingdom the place you’ll discover essentially the most iconic Disney characters and kid-friendly points of interest.
These are our picks for the perfect Fantasyland rides, however there are loads extra together with a carrousel, teacups, spinning rides like Dumbo, and naturally, the long-lasting “it’s a small world” with its experience track you gained’t be capable to neglect.
In case you are visiting with young children, you’ll seemingly add extra to your Magic Kingdom should do record than us.
8) Seven Dwarfs Mine Prepare
Kind of Journey: Thrill Journey with Small Drops
Minimal Peak: 38 inches (97cm)
Lightning Lane: Particular person ($10-12)
Location: Fantasyland
Another greatest Magic Kingdom rides record can have Seven Dwarfs Mine Prepare close to the highest. It’s at all times the experience with the longest traces within the park and far beloved by many.
Actually, we don’t fairly get the fuss. If the road was brief, we’d experience it each time we visited the park, however getting on entails planning, an extended wait, or paying for an Particular person Lightning Lane, and it doesn’t really feel definitely worth the effort for us.
On the plus aspect, it’s the smoothest curler coaster in Magic Kingdom—much like Thunder Mountain however a lot much less jerky.
The design is nice from enjoyable interactive components within the line like a musical fountain to the wonderful animatronics on the darkish experience part the place you see the dwarfs mining jewels.
The out of doors coaster part is enjoyable as you experience in mine carts with a cool tilting design, however it’s reasonably tame. It’s the best first curler coaster, although, which explains its recognition in Disney’s most child-friendly park.
In case you do wish to experience Mine Prepare with out lengthy waits, head there very first thing in Early Entry (however everybody else will likely be doing the identical) or experience on the very finish of the day.
9) Peter Pan’s Flight
Kind of Journey: Darkish Gradual Journey with Small Drops
Minimal Peak: None
Lightning Lane: Genie+
Location: Fantasyland
As with Seven Dwarfs Mine Prepare, Peter Pan’s Flight is without doubt one of the hottest Magic Kingdom rides that we don’t assume is definitely worth the lengthy waits.
This mild darkish experience is definitely cute as you fly in a magical pirate ship over scenes from the tales. See Huge Ben in London lit up at evening then enterprise to By no means Land and watch Peter Pan preventing Captain Hook.
Whereas it could be charming, the traces are nearly at all times unreasonably lengthy. In case you are a Peter Pan fan, choose this as one in all your first Genie+ points of interest to keep away from an extended wait.
10) The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Kind of Journey: Darkish Gradual Journey
Minimal Peak: None
Lightning Lane: Genie+
Location: Fantasyland
Winnie the Pooh is one other cute darkish experience in a hunny pot via scenes from the traditional tales.
If wait instances are brief (or you possibly can rating a Genie+ later within the day), it’s price driving, however I wouldn’t queue for lengthy.
Finest Sights at Magic Kingdom with Low Wait Instances
It’s the afternoon at Magic Kingdom—it’s scorching, you’re drained, and wait traces are lengthy on all of the above rides. What do you do?
Journey one in all these low-key Magic Kingdom points of interest that not often have lengthy waits. Lots of them are indoors and permit as much as 20 minutes of blissfully air-conditioned relaxation time.
Even if you happen to don’t benefit from the attraction (though we love them), you’ll recognize the break, so ensure so as to add no less than just a few of those to your Magic Kingdom itinerary for a change of tempo.
None of those have top restrictions or require Genie+.
11) Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover ranks as top-of-the-line points of interest at Magic Kingdom for a lot of hardcore Disney followers, however it flies underneath the radar for many first timers.
It’s definitely not one thing you wish to experience within the all-important first few hours of park opening, however it does have loads of appeal and is splendidly straightforward to experience (if traces occur to be lengthy, look forward to them to go down).
This slow-moving elevated tram experience takes you on a 10-minute journey via Tomorrowland together with behind the scenes at points of interest like Area Mountain.
The views of the park are pretty together with Cinderella Fortress and Tomorrowland Speedway.
Our favorite time to experience the stress-free PeopleMover is at sundown, however it’s additionally nice at evening when the park is lit up.
12) Tom Sawyer Island
Again once we visited Disney on a good finances, we’d deliver a packed lunch into the park and picnic on Tom Sawyer Island.
The island is reached by log rafts and looks like an exquisite escape from the busy park. You may wander down grime trails, cross suspension bridges, discover forts and caves, and take a break on a bench to benefit from the view.
Whereas it’s a enjoyable playground for youths, it’s a pleasant probability of tempo for adults too.
The rafts cease operating at nightfall so that is greatest visited within the afternoon.
13) Swiss Household Treehouse
Swiss Household Treehouse is one other distinctive Magic Kingdom attraction that by no means has a wait.
On this self-guided walk-though, you climb up the 116 stairs of the Robinson treehouse, house to a household who had been shipwrecked on a abandoned island.
You may discover the varied rooms the place they lived and the ingenious strategies they created to outlive—like a bucket pulley system to deliver water to the home.
We love exploring all the small print and having fun with the park views from the six-story-high summit.
14) Nation Bear Jamboree
Our favorite break at Magic Kingdom is Nation Bear Jamboree. And never only for the air con—this 10-minute musical present is so enjoyable!
An array of animatronic bears carry out foot-stomping nation songs which can be hilariously racy (“the blokes that flip me on, flip me down”) and surprisingly darkish in locations.
It’s a simple crowd-pleaser for all ages.
15) The Corridor of Presidents
The Corridor of Presidents makes an excellent higher break because the present is 20 minutes lengthy, the theatre seats are cozy, and naturally, there’s aircon.
That is extra critical than most Disney reveals with an fascinating look again via the US presidents with every represented by life-size animatronics.
The ready space has an exhibition of presidential portraits and memorabilia.
Positively one for patriots, however as foreigners we take pleasure in it too.
16) Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Mickey’s PhilharMagic is one other air conditioned present that’s superb for the afternoons.
Donald Duck stars on this zany 3D musical present on an enormous display screen that options traditional Disney songs like “Be Our Visitor” and “I Simply Can’t Wait To Be King”.
In case you are visiting with youngsters, this could take precedence over the reveals above, however it’s enjoyable for all.
17) Liberty Sq. Riverboat
For a calming experience round Tom Sawyer Island, hop aboard the Liberty Sq. Riverboat, a steam-powered paddle wheeler.
On the 17-minute journey you possibly can take pleasure in distinctive views of rides like Thunder Mountain in addition to sights you possibly can’t see some other manner.
That is one other one which’s nice at sundown however you possibly can experience at any time of day whenever you want a change of tempo.
18) Walt Disney World Railroad
The Walt Disney World Railroad is the one Magic Kingdom attraction that can be utilized as transport across the park as there are three stops (Important Road, Fantasyland, and Frontierland) the place you will get on and off.
We not often use it like this, although—we want to take pleasure in the entire 20-minute loop across the park. In addition to an satisfying break, the classic narrow-gauge steam practice provides you an fascinating perspective on the park.
Traces can sometimes be lengthy, so wait till they go all the way down to experience.
19) Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
The Tiki Room looks like traditional Disney and makes a terrific break from the warmth.
The vigorous present options animatronic birds dangling from the ceiling singing the horribly catchy tune “The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room”.
20) Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
The Carousel of Progress is a form of hokey transferring present. Your theatre seating strikes to numerous scenes of an American household all through the twentieth century exhibiting how their properties and devices change through the years.
It’s a superb break as you by no means have to attend lengthy, it’s 20 minutes lengthy, and the theatre is comfy and funky.
Walt Disney himself conceived the present for New York World’s Truthful in 1964-65.
Different High Issues to Do at Magic Kingdom
Take a Photograph at Cinderella Fortress
There’s no extra iconic picture of Disney than Cinderella Fortress. You’ll see it as quickly as you arrive within the park and stroll down Important Road in the direction of it.
When the park first opens, particularly in Early Entry, is the perfect time to take a selfie with out the crowds.
Admire the Fireworks
The traditional approach to finish a day at Magic Kingdom is watching the fireworks.
Fortunately Ever After is the present night present and options fireworks, lasers, Disney songs, and projections that remodel the citadel and Important Road.
It lasts 18 minutes and also you’ll wish to safe a great place early for the right view in entrance of Cinderella Fortress. Examine the My Disney Expertise app for present instances.
Snack on Tasty Treats
Dole Whip is essentially the most well-known Magic Kingdom snack and ideal for a scorching afternoon. You’ll discover this pineapple mushy serve ice cream on the Aloha Isle stand in Adventureland.
Our favorite candy deal with is a Binx Pastry Tail on the Cheshire Cafe kiosk in Fantasyland. This lengthy flaky pastry is drizzled with chocolate sauce and embellished with a white chocolate button Binx. It’s each cute and scrumptious.
Sadly, it’s solely out there throughout Halloween season, however the remainder of the 12 months you will get a Cheshire Cat Tail, which has similarities however lacks the button.
We’re additionally keen on a Mickey cupcake from the old school sweet retailer, Important Road Confectionery.
Eat at Skipper Canteen
Probably the most tough advance eating reservations to get at Magic Kingdom are Be Our Visitor (in Beast’s Fortress) and Cinderella’s Royal Desk (in Cinderella Fortress). To safe a desk you’ll seemingly have to e-book 60 days upfront, and the set menus are dear.
If you’d like a desk service meal that doesn’t require such advance planning, we advocate Skipper Canteen.
This Jungle Cruise themed restaurant has enjoyable decor, joking servers, and an fascinating menu that includes flavours from around the globe.
The vegetarian choices listed here are above common for Magic Kingdom, and we particularly loved the spicy Skipper Dan’s Dan Dan Noodles (which may be made with tofu as a substitute of pork). The veggie curry can also be tasty.
For a extra informal, quick-service meal, we just like the veggie rice bowl at Pecos Invoice Tall Story Inn and plant-based scorching canine at Casey’s Nook (sit exterior for a citadel view and stay pianist).
Watch a Parade
Magic Kingdom normally has a few parades every afternoon the place you possibly can watch floats of Disney characters roam the park with music and dancers.
The present parade is Disney Pageant of Fantasy celebrating the characters of Fantasyland together with a powerful fire-breathing Maleficient dragon. It begins in Frontierland and makes it manner via Liberty Sq. to Important Road.
Whereas some individuals arrive no less than half-hour upfront for a superb parade spot, we normally simply catch it if we occur to stroll previous. For teenagers, that is extra of a must-do.
You too can look out for the shorter cavalcades that happen all through the day.
Meet the Characters
Once I visited Magic Kingdom as a child, getting a signature from my favorite Disney characters was a key a part of the expertise.
As adults this isn’t one thing we wish to spend time on, but when your youngsters (otherwise you) wish to meet Ariel, Tiana, Belle, Cinderella, Mickey, Winnie the Pooh and extra, take a look at the character meet and greets within the app.
Wait instances at usually lengthy so that you would possibly wish to use Genie+ for a few of these. Ariel sells out first adopted by Mickey Mouse at City Sq. Theater.
Wander and Benefit from the Environment
For us, the spotlight of Magic Kingdom is the magical environment and noteworthy particulars in each themed land.
Make sure that to permit time to wander and soak all of it in by day and evening. That is why it’s useful to spend two days at Magic Kingdom or no less than sooner or later and one night (when you’ve got a Park Hopper ticket).
Wandering is particularly enjoyable throughout seasonal occasions like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas when the park is embellished.
Take a Facet Journey for a Cocktail at Dealer Sam’s Grog Grotto
You may’t purchase alcohol at Magic Kingdom besides with a meal at desk service eating places. However the close by Polynesian Resort has top-of-the-line bars at Disney World and is nicely price a aspect journey from Magic Kingdom.
You will get there by boat from the park, so it’s an satisfying journey, and it’s enjoyable to go searching top-of-the-line Disney deluxe resorts.
Dealer Sam’s is such a singular bar with its tiki decor, enjoyable servers, and themed cocktails, a few of which include shock outcomes! The most effective one is Uh-Oa—a two-person fruity rum cocktail in a cool bowl.
It’s justifiably well-liked so arrive early (it normally opens at 3pm) and anticipate to attend (they are going to textual content so when your desk is prepared so you possibly can discover the resort within the meantime). Advance reservations aren’t doable. Kids are allowed till 8pm.
Is Magic Kingdom Value Visiting?
After all, Magic Kingdom is essentially the most iconic Disney park and nicely price visiting! It affords one thing for individuals of all ages from enjoyable curler coasters to mild darkish rides and loads of Disney nostalgia.
I like to recommend spending no less than one full day at Magic Kingdom and ideally two if it’s your first time, you will have young children, and also you wish to do all of it.
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