This article is your complete guide to the best rides in Magic Kingdom. When visiting Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, best rides can be found all over the park. Disney World has so many iconic, innovative and thrilling rides but which ones are worth your time? In this article, we are going to answer the question, what are the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom?
Inspired by the original rides that Walt Disney himself created, there are a great number of rides that are considered the best attractions at Magic Kingdom. In fact, some of the top rides at Magic Kingdom include unique takes on original, opening day attractions like Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan’s Flight and Mad Tea Party.
There are a number of must do rides at Magic Kingdom, from thrill rides like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to water rides like Splash Mountain. In addition, there are plenty of best rides at Magic Kingdom Orlando for smaller children looking for a mild adventure as well.
Read on to learn more about the Magic Kingdom top rides as well as which attraction the company likely deems the best ride in Magic Kingdom.
What are the Top Rides at Magic Kingdom?
When it comes to ranking Magic Kingdom best rides, there are different ways to group them. The most popular Magic Kingdom rides are often the roller coasters, as thrill rides are always a big draw. But on humid Florida afternoons, guests may consider the best attractions Magic Kingdom has to offer the ones where you get wet. Still others—namely, the parents of the littlest ones—may consider Disney Magic Kingdom best rides to be those without a height requirement.
Many will offer you the Magic Kingdom top 10 rides, but we’re taking it a step further and offering you the 13 best rides Magic Kingdom 2023. Keep reading to discover how many rides the park has in total and which are the overall most popular rides at Disney World Magic Kingdom.
List of the Top Rides at Magic Kingdom
In all, there are 23 rides in Magic Kingdom and another highly anticipated attraction, Tron Lightcycle Run, is slated to open in spring of 2023. While there are many must do rides in Magic Kingdom, we think these 13 should be at the top of your list.
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
3. Splash Mountain
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Mad Tea Party
6. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
7. Space Mountain
8. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
9. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
10. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
11. Peter Pan’s Flight
12. “it’s a small world”
13. Jungle Cruise
This list has a mix of rides, some that are newer, some that have that classic Disney feeling. These 13 rides are some of the most beloved rides in all of Walt Disney World and most can be experienced and enjoyed by all ages. Let’s breakdown the Magic Kingdom most popular rides.
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Jungle Cruise – Most Popular Magic Kingdom Rides #13
Location: Adventureland
Description: Spend nearly 10 minutes cruising through the jungles of Asia, Africa and South America in this riverboat adventure. During the trip, you’ll find beautiful nature scenes, animals galore and plenty of puns, as the skippers reveal one cheesy joke after another to keep everyone laughing throughout the journey.
Who would love it: Those seeking out the best family rides at Magic Kingdom will love this ride, as there is no height requirement and it is gentle enough for guests young and old. It’s also a great one for animal lovers, or anyone who wants to rest their feet for a decent amount of time.
Height Requirements: none
“it’s a small world” – Magic Kingdom Best Rides #12
Location: Fantasyland
Description: One of Disney World’s opening day attractions, “it’s a small world” was recreated based on the Disneyland version—which, in itself, was inspired by a project Walt Disney himself oversaw for the New York World’s Fair in the 1960s. Another 10-minute boat adventure, “it’s a small world” traverses nations around the world, showcasing entertainment, culture and decor from a number of different countries.
Who would love it: This Disney classic is often considered one of the must do rides at Magic Kingdom, if only for the beloved animatronic characters found within. Travel lovers are sure to find it exciting as well as those with youngsters looking for a calm ride in which to unwind.
Height Requirements: none
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Peter Pan’s Flight – Top Rides at Magic Kingdom Rides #11
Location: Fantasyland
Description: Another opening day experience, Peter Pan’s Flight, remains popular today. Riders hop inside a pirate ship, with the track suspended from the ceiling, and fly over London and off to Never Land. Keep your eyes peeled for beloved characters, from Peter Pan and Captain Hook to Nana and the mermaids.
Who would love it: Anyone who loves the movie “Peter Pan” or rides with suspended tracks would enjoy this attraction.
Height Requirements: none
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Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – Best Attractions Magic Kingdom #10
Location: Tomorrowland
Description: Designed as the “mass transit system of the future,” this elevated tram ride has long been one of the best attractions at Magic Kingdom. Venturing over Tomorrowland, the narrated trip takes you behind the scenes of Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and more.
Who would love it: Visit this ride if you’re looking for some rest after hours of walking, or if you’d like to enjoy a view of the land from above.
Height Requirements: none
Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Magic Kingdom Most Popular Rides #9
Location: Fantasyland
Description: When many people think of Disney parks, Dumbo is one of the first rides that comes to mind. This iconic flying adventure for kids takes you aboard a flying elephant, where you can venture as high or low as you want.
Who would love it: Inspired by a 1940s Disney film, Dumbo the Flying Elephant is great for anyone who enjoys the classics as well as those with young children. Make Disney memories with one of the best family rides at Magic Kingdom.
Height Requirements: none
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Most Thrilling Rides at Magic Kingdom #8
Location: Frontierland
Description: High-speed thrills and themed treasures come together in this roller coaster—one of the Magic Kingdom main attractions. Ride a runaway train through an abandoned mind, with tight turns and scenic mountain views prominent displayed.
Who would love it: As one of the best thrill rides at Magic Kingdom, roller coaster enthusiasts will enjoy wandering through and around this mountain ride. Those interested in the Wild West will also like the theming.
Height Requirements: 40 inches
Space Mountain – Best Rides at Magic Kingdom for Adults #7
Location: Tomorrowland
Description: Blast off into outer space in this fun dark coaster. With stars and streaking meteors set against a blackened “sky,” there isn’t much to this ride yet it remains one of Disney’s most famous, as guests wait in long lines to step aboard these rockets.
Who would love it: As one of the most thrilling rides at Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain is perfect for adrenaline junkies or anyone interested in outer space.
Height Requirements: 44 inches
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Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – Must Do Rides at Magic Kingdom #6
Location: Tomorrowland
Description: A combination ride and show, Carousel of Progress has long been iconic of Disney World’s Tomorrowland. Showcasing how technology has changed throughout different eras, guests are seated in a revolving theater built around stationary sets.
Who would love it: Though it’s now outdated, with the last update taking place in the early 1990s, it’s wonderful for history buffs who want to explore past technologies and when they came about. It’s also educational for children.
Height Requirements: none
Mad Tea Party – Top Magic Kingdom Rides #5
Location: Fantasyland
Description: The unbirthday scene from “Alice in Wonderland” is a favorite amongst the classics, and this ride is modeled after that film, as riders step into oversize teacups and twirl around to the sound of festive music.
Who would love it: Though it’s designed for children and they typically love it, the spinning may make some people dizzy. Anyone who loves spinning rides will have a great time, and those who love to compete can take separate teacups to try to out-spin their friends.
Height Requirements: none
Pirates of the Caribbean – Magic Kingdom Main Attractions #4
Location: Adventureland
Description: One of the few Disney park rides that was turned into a movie after the attraction was made, Pirates of the Caribbean continues to be one of the top Magic Kingdom rides. This slow boat ride takes you past Dead Man’s Cove, into a cannon fight on the open seas and through ransacked towns in the Caribbean where the pirates are wreaking havoc.
Who would love it: Anyone with the heart of an adventurer will enjoy this beloved ride, as will fans of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie series, who can keep their eyes peeled for Captain Jack Sparrow throughout.
Height Requirements: none
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Splash Mountain – Best Rides in Magic Kingdom #3
Location: Frontierland
Description: Splash Mountain has long been one of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom, but the outdated theme is getting a refresh in 2024 as Princess Tiana and other characters from “The Princess and the Frog” move in. The older version featured Br’er Rabbit searching for his laughing place with more than 100 friends, all adorable animal animatronics.
Who would love it: Thrill-seekers will go crazy for the ride’s five-story drop while anyone looking to cool off on a hot day will also want to hop aboard.
Height Requirements: 40 inches
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Most Popular Ride Magic Kingdom #2
Location: Fantasyland
Description: Another mine train ride, this coaster is inspired by Disney’s first full-length animated film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Head up an incline and around twists and turns before meeting up with the Seven Dwarfs themselves in the mineshaft on this fast-paced adventure.
Who would love it: Considered to many as the most popular ride at Magic Kingdom—especially given its individual Lightning Lane status—this ride is ideal for thrill-seekers, coaster lovers and anyone who likes to move fast.
Height Requirements: 38 inches
Haunted Mansion – Most Popular Rides in Magic Kingdom #1
Location: Liberty Square
Description: Over the years, Haunted Mansion has earned a cult-like following. While a movie based on the ride was made, it didn’t quite live up to the attraction. Meet the 999 “happy haunts” whose ghosts occupy the estate as you move past supernatural scenes in your Doom Buggy.
Who would love it: Long one of the top rides at Magic Kingdom, Haunted Mansion is great for those of all ages. The slow movement means no motion sickness while the spooky aesthetic still makes it a thrill to visit. Some children may be scared; however, there is no gore or violence within.
Height Requirements: none
Best Thrill Rides at Magic Kingdom 2023
Some of the best rides at Magic Kingdom for adults or even young thrill-seekers are Disney’s roller coasters. There are currently four worth mentioning:
- The Barnstormer
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are two of the most thrilling rides at Magic Kingdom. Both venturing through old mineshafts, these fast-paced roller coasters are also some of the busiest rides at Magic Kingdom—so you’ll want to try to hit these first thing in the morning.
Space Mountain is another one of the best rides for adults at Magic Kingdom. With its exciting space theme and quick twists and turns, it’s always a famous stop for thrill-seekers.
Smaller children can enjoy a kiddie coaster in the park as well, thanks toThe Barnstormer, where youngsters can take flight with Goofy in an airplane over Storybook Circus.
All of these roller coasts are Magic Kingdom must do rides and help make the park what it is. Next year, Disney will add to its best Magic Kingdom rides for adults with the addition of TRON Lightcycle / Run, a new coaster coming in 2023.
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Best Water Rides at Magic Kingdom 2023
When it comes to the best rides in Magic Kingdom, the water-based rides offer a ton of fun. And when Florida sun heats things up, the lines for these attractions tend to grow. Obviously, the most popular water ride at Magic Kingdom is Splash Mountain. With a massive five-story drop at the log ride’s conclusion, you’re sure to get wet and likely to get soaked.
Attractions like Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—some of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom—also provide a chance to get wet, whether it’s from the elephant bathing pool or the backside of water at Jungle Cruise, the thrilling drops on Pirates of the Caribbean or mist from water features at Big Thunder. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin also features a camel that “spits” on riders. Step aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat or “it’s a small world” for boat trips where you won’t get splashed. Water lovers will also enjoy the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station. Although it’s not one of the Magic Kingdom popular rides, you will definitely get wet in this play area inspired by “Dumbo.”
Fun Rides at Magic Kingdom for Little Ones 2023
While many of the roller coasters and bigger rides are suitable for children, the littlest ones likely won’t be tall enough to ride many of the Magic Kingdom main attractions. Luckily, there are plenty of rides with no height requirements that are perfect for toddlers.
In fact, some of the best rides in Magic Kingdom Disney World don’t have a height requirement—imagine that! These young guests are able to hop on everything from Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean to Peter Pan’s Flight, no problem. Below is a list of rides that the whole family can enjoy at the Magic Kingdom park.
Best family rides at Magic Kingdom:
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- “it’s a small world”
- Jungle Cruise
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Mad Tea Party
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Walt DIsney’s Carousel of Progress
Keep in mind that Haunted Mansion, too, has no height requirement, but the subject matter may be too scary for little ones. Ride with caution.
Genie+/Lightning Lane — Busiest Rides at Magic Kingdom 2023
With the addition of Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, you can skip the lines at some of the park’s most prominent attractions.
When trying to determine the most popular ride Magic Kingdom has, just take a look at the only individual Lightning Lane pass offered. With this method, the best ride at Magic Kingdom is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. And we think it’s worth paying a little extra for, since the line gets so long.
While Genie+ does not work for the most popular ride at Magic Kingdom, fear not because there are plenty of rides that it does work on. Consider this service to expedite your wait times for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Jungle Cruise.
Once you’ve hit all of the big rides, or if it’s a particularly busy day, Genie+ can also be helpful for The Barnstormer, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Tomorrowland Speedway.
Magic Kingdom Best Rides FAQ 2023
Q: What are the top 10 rides at Magic Kingdom?
A: The top 10 rides at Magic Kingdom are:
1. Haunted Mansion
2. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
3. Splash Mountain
4. Pirates of the Caribbean
5. Mad Tea Party
6. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
7. Space Mountain
8. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
9. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
10. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Q: What are the Magic Kingdom Orlando best rides for thrill seekers?
A: The Magic Kingdom Orlando best rides for thrill seekers include The Barnstormer, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Space Mountain. Adrenaline chasers will be happy to know that an all new coaster, Tron Lightcycle Power Run, will open in Magic Kingdom in Spring 2023.
Q: Which popular rides in Magic Kingdom will get you wet?
A: Some popular rides in Magic Kingdom that will get you wet are Splash Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. If it’s a hot day, you are going to want to ride Splash Mountain to cool down!
Q: What are the top Magic Kingdom rides with no height requirement?
A: Some of the top Magic Kingdom rides with no height requirement include Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Mad Tea Party, Peter Pan’s Flight, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress and more. Magic Kingdom is one of the best parks for kids because of the many attractions that do not have a height requirement.
Q: What are the best rides in Disney World Magic Kingdom for Genie+/Lightning Lane?
A: The best rides in Disney World Magic Kingdom for Genie+ include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Peter Pan’s Flight, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Jungle Cruise. You can also opt to spring for an individual Lightning Lane pass for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
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