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From the Bottom to the Top: Ranking the Attractions in the Magic Kingdom

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The Magic Kingdom is where most Guests love to spend the majority of their time when at the Walt Disney World Resort as the Disney Park is brimming with classic and beloved attractions that are considered to be must-dos. Opening with the Walt Disney World Resort on October 1, 1971, the Magic Kingdom features distinctly themed lands that have continued to grow and expand over the years and are now home to the highest concentration of attractions on property. With so many experiences to enjoy, let’s rank the attractions of the Magic Kingdom from the bottom to the top and see which ones come out as Guest favorites!

Exterior

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29. The Barnstormer

Kicking off the list is The Barnstormer, a family-friendly roller coaster located in Storybook Circus just past Dumbo the Flying Elephant. The Barnstormer features the Great Goofini who is world renown for his daring aerial stunts, and Guests are invited to board small trains that blast them through the air and the barnyard right alongside Goofy. While the attraction is great for younger Guests who are just beginning to dabble in thrill rides, it can be skipped over by most others in favor of other options.

Mickey's Philharmagic

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28. Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Mickey’s PhilharMagic is a unique show found in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland that invites Guests into a grand orchestra hall for a special 3D presentation conducted by Mickey. Instead of the regular program, things take a turn when Donald steals Mickey’s sorcerer hat and he ends up moving through a series of scenes featuring beloved Disney characters and musical numbers. Featuring favorite songs like “Part of Your World”, “Un Poco Loco”, and “I Just Can’t Wait to be King,” Mickey’s PhilharMagic is entertaining, but definitely far from the best in the Disney Park.

Children on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

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27. Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Moving over to Adventureland, Guests can find the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in the middle of a charming bazaar themed to feel like Agrabah. Each magic carpet features two rows with levels that allow Guests to control both the height that they fly as well as the tilt of their carpet, and each rotation provides beautiful views of the surrounding area, including the Swiss Family Treehouse and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. While there’s nothing overtly wrong with the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, it’s a basic spinner attraction that can be enjoyed in several other forms throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.

Swiss Family Treehouse

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26. Swiss Family Treehouse

Just steps away from the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland is the Swiss Family Treehouse, an often overlooked attraction in the Magic Kingdom that brings the story and home of the Robinson family to life. After being shipwrecked on an island, the family was forced to use the resources available and build a comfortable home, and Guests can climb several stories up into the tree to check out their kitchen, bedrooms, and more. While the scenes are full of interesting details and the views of the Disney Park and Cinderella Castle from the top are incredible, many Guests opt to skip the Swiss Family Treehouse to avoid having to climb so many steps in the Florida heat.

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25. Liberty Square Riverboat

The Liberty Square Riverboat is a beautifully restored steam-powered paddle wheeler named the Liberty Belle that regularly circles and sails along the Rivers of America with a charming dock in Liberty Square. This slow-moving journey around the river offers Guests the chance to enjoy unique views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Haunted Mansion, Tom Sawyer Island, and more in addition to beautiful artwork and props throughout the ship itself. While the Liberty Square Riverboat is a great opportunity to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom, there are plenty of other attractions nearby that are more worth Guests’ time.

Tomorrowland Speedway

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24. Tomorrowland Speedway

Across the Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland is an attraction that offers Guests of all ages the opportunity to jump behind the wheel and set off on a unique race course. The Tomorrowland Speedway is a classic attraction featuring streamlined race cars that Guests can take on a curvy and scenic spin around a track that offers views of Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland. While it’s an enjoyable ride, the Tomorrowland Speedway often features a lengthy queue in full sun that most Guests would rather avoid.

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23. Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor

Also found in Tomorrowland is Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor, an entertaining attraction that welcomes Guests into the world of Monstropolis where the monsters are looking to collect laughs to help power their city. The interactive show features special technology that allows stand-up monster comics to interact with the audience in real-time and one lucky Guest is even chosen to be “that guy” each time. While the jokes are funny and usually unique, Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor can tend to feel a little repetitive each time and Guests are better off saving time for other, more popular, options.

The Hall of Presidents

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22. The Hall of Presidents

In addition to thrilling and entertaining attractions, the Magic Kingdom is also home to an educational attraction that shares the history of the office of the President of the United States. The Hall of Presidents is appropriately located in Liberty Square and welcomes Guests into a stately theater where a beautifully narrated story shares glimpses into history before all of the Presidents in audio-animatronic form stand together as one on stage. The Hall of Presidents is an interesting and patriotic show, but there are many better options throughout the Magic Kingdom to enjoy first.

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room

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21. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland is a classic attraction that invites Guests into a tropical theater where a massive cast of birds, tikis, flowers, and more serenade them from above. Guests will find themselves singing along to classic numbers including “The Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room” and laughing at some of the corny jokes told by the quartet of hosts, but there are still plenty of other attractions that rank higher at the Magic Kingdom than this classic experience.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

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20. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Many Guests consider a ride on Dumbo the Flying Elephant to be a rite of passage at the Walt Disney World Resort, and thousands of Guests board the famous elephant for a ride around the skies of Storybook Circus every day. While Dumbo the Flying Elephant is definitely charming and offers up beautiful views of the surrounding areas, it is still a basic spinner attraction that can is outranked by many other nearby attractions in the Disney Park.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

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19. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Fantasyland is bursting with popular attractions that Guests love to enjoy, but the very heart of the area is home to the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel which features dozens of beautifully crafted and unique white horses surrounded by ornate gold detailing. The carousel is a classic Disney Park experience, and Guests love to check out the scenes above that share the story of Cinderella as well as listen to calliope-style renditions of favorite Disney songs including “Chim Chim Cheree.”

On Ride Photo

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18. Astro Orbiter

Tomorrowland is home to yet another spinner attraction, but this one ranks higher thanks to its unique positioning. The Astro Orbiter invites Guests to board rockets and blast off in the skies above Tomorrowland. The attraction itself is only accessible via an elevator that whisks Guests to a loading platform above the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. The Astro Orbiter is a relatively simple attraction in the Magic Kingdom, but it gains points for its stunning views of the Disney Park and the surrounding Resort area.

Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid

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17. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is a beloved Disney animated film and Guests who spend time in Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom can enjoy an attraction that retells the story of Ariel. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid invites Guests to enter Prince Eric’s seaside castle, board clam shells, and dive into the oceans to enjoy favorite moments and musical numbers from the film including a wonderful rendition of “Under the Sea”, featuring countless sea creatures and characters.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

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16. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

A favorite attraction that many Guests love to enjoy in the Magic Kingdom is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland. This fun and interactive experience has Guests join Star Command and help Buzz defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg by taking aim at special targets and seeing who can score the highest to be a Galactic Hero. While the attraction is fun and competitive, it ranks towards the middle of the list thanks to its very apparent need for a refurbishment and upgrade.

Carousel of Progress

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15. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Also found in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom is Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, which originated at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. This unique theater experience follows one family throughout the century showcasing new technologies invented along the way, and Guests rotate a series of central stages. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a classic experience featuring the Sherman Brothers’ song “There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and also ranks high on many Guests’ lists thanks to it being a wonderful spot for a quick nap in the Disney Park.

Mad Tea Party

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14. Mad Tea Party

One of the most dizzying and fun attractions in the Magic Kingdom is the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland. Based on the classic unbirthday scene from Alice in Wonderland, Guests board massive tea cups and set off on a spinning and dizzying adventure around a central teapot with the Dormouse in the middle. While Guests who are prone to motion sickness should avoid this one, the Mad Tea Party is wonderful for all ages as Guests can control just how fast they want their individual teacups to spin.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

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13. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Found not far from the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland is The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, a charming and fun attraction that brings Guests into the middle of the Hundred Acre Wood where Pooh and friends are experiencing a blustery day. With the opportunity to go for a ride in a honey pot, bounce with Tigger, and come face to face with Heffalumps and Woozles, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a classic attraction that shouldn’t be missed.

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12. Country Bear Jamboree

Many Guests who spend time in the Magic Kingdom tend to overlook the Country Bear Jamboree, but this amazing performance in Frontierland is absolutely worth enjoying. The show features an ensemble cast of memorable bears including Henry, Trixie, Big Al, and more, who each perform hilarious and catchy songs that Guests will be clapping and singing along to. With an over-the-top finale featuring the whole gang, Country Bear Jamboree is a great time for all Guests and a wonderful opportunity for a short break in air conditioning.

Front View

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11. Walt Disney World Railroad

An attraction that literally every single Guest in the Magic Kingdom passes by, but is overlooked by most is the Walt Disney World Railroad located right at the entrance to the Disney Park on Main Street, U.S.A. This classic attraction features several beautifully restored steam engine trains that circle the Disney Park offering up a scenic ride as well as stops in Storybook Circus and Frontierland. While not the most thrilling experience, the Walt Disney World Railroad is a relaxing way to move around the Magic Kingdom.

Finale

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10. Splash Mountain

Frontierland is home to a duo of popular attractions including Splash Mountain, a water-based experience where Guests board logs and set off with Br’er Rabbit who leaves home searching for more adventure. Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear soon capture Br’er Rabbit and fling him and Guests down a steep drop into the Briar Patch below, resulting in a soaking splash that Guests absolutely love. Splash Mountain is a favorite attraction that many Guests can’t miss and is also home to the popular song “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” and other catchy numbers.

Boat

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9. Jungle Cruise

The world-famous Jungle Cruise in the Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland is a classic and beloved attraction that brings Guests on an unforgettable adventure down some of the most exotic and dangerous rivers in the world. After boarding their boats, Guests embark on their journey led by the loveable skippers who narrate the experience with groan-worthy jokes that Guests love. With iconic moments including the backside of water, there is no skipping the Jungle Cruise when in the Magic Kingdom!

Boat on It's A Small World

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8. “it’s a small world”

One of the most easily recognizable and beloved attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort is “it’s a small world” in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. This charming boat ride brings Guests on a tour of the world where iconic dolls dressed in traditional cultural attire belt out the favorite Sherman Brothers’ song of the same title. “it’s a small world” is a classic attraction that will forever stand the test of time and is a must-do in the Magic Kingdom.

pirates of the caribbean

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7. Pirates of the Caribbean

Another classic attraction that comes close to the top of the list in the Magic Kingdom is Pirates of the Caribbean, a thrilling adventure on the high seas found in the heart of Adventureland. This popular attraction brings Guests into the middle of a burning seaside village where lovable pirates are ransacking the town and causing all sorts of antics while merrily belting out “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).” This classic attraction features beloved characters including Captain Jack Sparrow and cannot be skipped!

Mine Cart

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6. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

One of the newest attractions in the Magic Kingdom also ranks very high on the list thanks to its fun thrills and great theming. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train can be found in Fantasyland and brings Guests on a fun journey into the mines with the Dwarfs aboard unique mine cars which independently sway from side to side as the train whips along the track. With fun twists and turns and a surprise glimpse of the Evil Queen at the end, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has a firm spot near the top of the rankings.

Exterior of Peter Pan's Flight

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5. Peter Pan’s Flight

Kicking off the top five attractions in the Magic Kingdom is the beloved Peter Pan’s Flight in Fantasyland. This classic experience sprinkles Guests with pixie dust and has them soar high over the skies of London and Neverland with Peter and friends. With simple technologies that are still beautiful to this day, Peter Pan’s Flight is a true classic attraction that has captured the hearts of generations over the years and is sure to continue doing so for many years to come.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

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4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of the most popular thrill attractions in the Magic Kingdom and offers them the chance to enjoy the wildest ride in the wilderness through the mining town of Tumbleweed. After boarding a rustic train, Guests set off on the mountain where they plunge into caves and mine shafts, whip around corners and curves, and catch glimpses of the Rivers of America and Frontierland. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is absolutely one of the top attractions at the Walt Disney World Resort and deserves its high ranking in the Magic Kingdom.

Ride vehicle on Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

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3. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Rounding out the top three attractions in the Magic Kingdom is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. This iconic attraction whisks Guests around the skies of Tomorrowland and offers up wonderful views of the surrounding area, glimpses of Cinderella Castle, and sneak peeks into nearby attractions. With a gentle breeze, calm speeds, and charming narration, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is a favorite attraction of many Guests in the Magic Kingdom and definitely considered a must-do on every visit to the Disney Park.

Haunted Mansion

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2. Haunted Mansion

“Welcome, foolish mortals…” Every Guest is familiar with the beloved Haunted Mansion, which can be found in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. This wonderful attraction perfectly blends eerie with humorous as 999 happy haunts materialize to cause all sorts of odd happenings and scenes. Guests love singing along to “Grim Grinning Ghosts” and saying hello to iconic characters like Madame Leota, the Ghost Host, the Hitchhiking Ghosts, and Constance the Bride on the Haunted Mansion during every visit to the Magic Kingdom.

Exterior

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1. Space Mountain

Coming in as the number one attraction in the Magic Kingdom is Space Mountain, a thrilling adventure through the darkness of space found in the rear of Tomorrowland. Space Mountain brings Guests to Star Port 75 where they board rocket ships and soon find themselves twisting, turning, and dropping through the inky blackness of space with an upbeat and rocking soundtrack blaring along. With the added thrill of not being able to see what’s coming next, Space Mountain is a thrilling and unforgettable attraction that rightly deserves the top spot in the Magic Kingdom.

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane has been visiting Walt Disney World since she was a child and has developed a deep love and appreciation of the Disney Parks with a particular interest in the small details and history that can be found all around. Visiting every chance she gets, Caitlin loves to enjoy the ambiance of the Disney Parks and try something new every time. She can often be found eating and drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, riding the Haunted Mansion, sipping on a Lapu Lapu, pretending Illuminations: Reflections of Earth was still in existence, and enjoying seeing the magic through the eyes of her children. When not in WDW, Caitlin can be found at home in New York dreaming of a ride on Living with the Land and counting down the days until her next trip.