Magic Kingdom Attractions

Splash Mountain – Splash Mountain is a log flume ride that features a story and music from Disney’s Song of the South film, and climaxes with a big drop into the briar patch. Not only does it have that thrill, but it has great Audio Animatronics-driven show scenes that make it an all-around winner... Minimum height is 40″; the drop is the only part of the ‘scare-factor’.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – a rollercoaster themed as a runaway mine train on a ride through the barren landscape of the Old West; a guest favorite but there are a couple “rough” turns that can be an issue for some.

Pirates of the Caribbean – The attraction features Audio Animatronics pirates, including Captain Jack Sparrow, engaging in swashbuckling mayhem. This is great fun for guests of all ages (the darkness and gunfire might scare really young children).

Jungle Cruise – Jungle Cruise is a boat ride through the rivers of Adventureland that encounters hippos, lions, and piranhas, etc., along the way. The real highlight here is the non-stop zingers of the skippers who pilot the boats. If you don’t appreciate Dad jokes, you may not like Jungle Cruise.

Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse– Fun area that can be quickly explored as a nice change of pace from doing rides. Never any wait, do it whenever. If you have a child like mine who becomes so excited he practically runs through it, perhaps you leave a less excited adult at the exit-or better yet, feel free to send the kids up solo!

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – Enchanted Tiki Room is a 15-minute musical serenade from Audio Animatronics birds in a theater-in-the-round… the fun music of this attraction, and its history, makes it an attraction not to be missed. Even my irrational disdain of birds doesn’t keep me away.

‘it’s a small world’ – The iconic attraction featuring the children of the world and that song. Lines are never all that long, it’s good for guests of all ages, and is a relaxing boat ride. I’m one of the ones who love this ride, but a good vacuuming wouldn’t hurt many of the animatronics.

Peter Pan’s Flight – It’s iconic because it takes guests in “flying” ships above London and Neverland, which is what makes this attraction magical. Despite its age, the attention to detail in the scenes make this a must see-at least once; however, that also often means long lines.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – A decent dark ride, but there’s a good chance kids will have more fun playing in the queue than on the actual ride. This is a popular attraction but is not worth a long wait time.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic – A 3D montage film mostly from the “Disney Animation Renaissance” cleverly tied together with Donald Duck. Children of the 90s are sure to love this film, but really, anyone should enjoy it.

Mad Tea Party – A fun and iconic diversion, although there’s really nothing more to this experience than a similar one at a local fair.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – Ordinary carousel. Okay at night if there’s no wait and you have time to kill.Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Currently the newest ride in Magic Kingdom and is one of the most popular at Walt Disney World. The coaster’s strengths are its Audio-Animatronics and theming, the weaknesses are duration and show lighting. This roller coaster dark ride hybrid has a 38″ height requirement, but is very smooth.

Haunted Mansion– The Haunted Mansion is a slow-moving dark ride that is home to 999 happy haunts that are dying to meet you…The ghosts are the happy, singing type, so it shouldn’t startle young children, but it is dark. Watching the Muppets Haunted Mansion before going is a great segue if you have kids who may be anxious.

Country Bear Jamboree – A stage show featuring Audio Animatronics singing bears from the South; Country Bear Jamboree is a love it or hate it attraction. My son and I are fans; the rest of my family, not so much.

Tom Sawyer Island – An entire island play area for kids that harkens back to a bygone area. It’s really well done and a great place for kids to blow off energy. Adults may enjoy the tranquility of the island, too. If you have kids, decide on a meeting spot as soon as you get to the island-just in case you get separated.

Liberty Square Riverboat– Relaxing way to float around Frontierland, but like the Tomorrowland Transit Authority or the Walt Disney World Railroad, it’s just an ambiance ride. If you are looking for some photo worthy moments without herds of people in your background, snatch a spot by the railing.

Hall of Presidents– Hall of Presidents is a stage show featuring Audio-Animatronics of all United States Presidents, plus a ‘preamble’ video. All things considered, Hall of Presidents is a powerful and educational attraction.

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – An Audio-Animatronics stage show with scenes in different eras showcasing technological innovations...Carousel of Progress probably won’t appeal to average guests–although older guests will likely enjoy the trip down memory lane, and it offers kids on the verge of a meltdown a chance to hit the reset button.

Space Mountain – a dark roller coaster through outer space. There’s a retro space theming here, a blast-off tunnel, and music to enhance the experience. With the ride being so dark, it’s always a thrill because frequently you don’t see what turn or dip is coming. This roller coaster has a 44″ height requirement.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover – … slow-moving diversion that offers elevated views of Tomorrowland. Note that it does go through Space Mountain, so a portion of it is in the dark, which might scare kids.

Astro Orbitor – Spinner ride similar to Dumbo. Elevated location makes this a fun diversion, especially at night if lines are shorter. Ignore the crazy looking child, but this is a view of the Astro Orbitor from the Peoplemover.

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Buzz Lightyear enlists your help in an interactive and competitive game-attraction to save the universe in this blast-em-up, ride-through adventure. It’s like a ride-through video game.

Tomorrowland Speedway – Kids might like it as it gives them a chance to drive. The smell of exhaust and loud engines can both be very off-putting for some guests.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant –It’s a classic and rite of passage for all kids, but thanks to enhanced lighting and short waits, it’s now a fun night-time attraction for guests of all ages.

Barnstormer – A roller coaster only for kids who want to prove themselves on a coaster, but are too short for other coasters. Everyone else should avoid this due to long waits, short duration, and lackluster visuals. It has a 35″ height requirement.

Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid – a couple of cool scenes and audio animatronics, and the queue is really cool, but it doesn’t quite deliver on the potential of a modern dark ride.