Magic Kingdom Attractions
In this article, I will help breakdown all of the attractions (rides, shows, and overall entertainment) that’s offered at the great Magic Kingdom park.
All of the attractions will be listed by where they’re located inside the park (Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland).
The Lands of the Magic Kingdom
Before we get to the attractions, I wanted to briefly discuss the different areas of park. The Magic Kingdom is essentially broken up into six parts or “lands.” Inside each area of the park are attractions, stores, restaurants, street entertainment and much more.
The six main locations of Magic Kingdom are as follows:
1) Main Street, U.S.A.: Walking down Main Street, U.S.A., you get a photogenic view of Cinderella’s Castle, and there are several gift shops and restaurants where you and your family can grab a bite to eat.
2) Adventureland: This is an area for the true adventurer. Explore traveling to new, exotic lands, as this area of Magic Kingdom is meant to give guests the illusion of having stepped right into Asia or Africa, among other countries and continents.
3) Frontierland: Here, you’ll feel like you’ve time traveled back to the Old West. And while you won’t necessarily feel like Marty McFly in “Back to the Future: Part III,” you will get to soak in the experience of what it must’ve been like to have been an old-school cowboy wandering around the saloon.
4) Liberty Square: This area of the park is made to resemble the appearance and feel of the colonial era of America. This location is home to a couple classic attractions and rides, which we’ll get to a little bit later.
5) Fantasyland: Let your imagination run wild, as the massively expanded Fantasyland is meant to be one big carnival-like experience. This area of the park has the most to offer for kids, and even features new areas like Storybook Circus and the Enchanted Forest.
6) Tomorrowland: Come see the future of tomorrow through the lens of the 1950s. From rocket ships that blast into orbit to robots and virtual reality, this is a great location for anyone that’s interested in a space age future world.
Magic Kingdom Attractions & Entertainment
I’ll go over all the Attractions and related Entertainment at Magic Kingdom below, but in an effort to be as straightforward as possible, I will list them by their location or “land” (which we just covered above). Let’s get right to it.
- Main Street, U.S.A.:
Walt Disney World Railroad: I love the railroad at the Magic Kingdom. This is a great way to not only see the park from a unique perspective, but when you’re tired of walking and would love a free ride from one part of the park to another, just hop on board the train (which can first be boarded at Main Street but also makes stops to pick up and drop off guests at Frontierland and Fantasyland).
Walt Disney himself loved trains, and so it’s interesting to note that the four trains that are used here at the Magic Kingdom were all built between 1916 and 1928. They have since been restored to function properly in the modern age.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults
Main Street Vehicles: Who doesn’t want to ride down Main Street in a 20th Century-era vehicle? Guests can hop on a horse-drawn street car, a roofless automobile (Jitney), a two-story bus (Omnibus), or a replica fire engine and ride directly up to (or away from) Cinderella’s Castle.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults
Casey’s Corner Pianist: All throughout the day, guests can enjoy a Disney cast member (often referred to as just a “CM” for short) sitting at an acoustic piano and showcasing their immense talent and skill. Be sure to make a request or two.
Each performance lasts approximately twenty minutes.
Ages of interest: Adults
(Video by Disney Parks)
Celebrate the Magic: Get ready to see Cinderella’s Castle turn into a living art piece. As the legend of Disney is told in this unique show, images get superimposed onto the castle, making it come to life in a piece of entertainment and pseudo-theater that only Disney can successfully accomplish.
What’s particularly cool here, too, is that guests can purchase Made With Magic Mickey Ear Hats that light up at night. In fact, they are even specifically tied to this very show.
How so?
Well, the ears actually light up in sync with the “Celebrate the Magic” show, which means you could be standing amongst thousands of people and seeing Mickey ears pulsating simultaneously to the show’s actual musical beat.
And what’s great is that these Mickey Ears also glow in sync with other Magic Kingdom night shows, which we’ll get into later. And if you’re not interested in getting a Mickey Ear Hat that lights up, the Made With Magic accessory lineup also features a Minnie Mouse headband, a Mickey Mouse Glove, and a Sorcerer Mickey Wand.
For the best viewing angle of the Celebrate the Magic show, it’s wise to be somewhere on Main Street U.S.A, the Castle forecourt or the surrounding bridge.
This is a ten minute show.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, Kids, tweens, teens, adults
Citizen’s of Main Street: The Magic Kingdom’s Main Street has an old-school feel, so why not have Disney cast members dress up like old-school citizens? Appearing for up to thirty minutes at a time, enjoy this quirky group of citizens that feel like they’ve been transported directly from the past.
Watch them interact with each other, make you and other guests laugh, and even fill your ears with a few songs.
Ages of interest: Kids, tweens, teens, adults
The Dapper Dans: If you want a little taste of vaudeville, then come and enjoy The Dapper Dans. Dressed in colorful pinstripes, this barbershop quartet will sing acapella songs like “Yankee Doodle Dandee” and “Mr. Sandman” for guests.
Each show lasts twenty minutes.
Ages of interest: Kids, adults
Dream Along with Mickey: Ever since Disney World began implementing technology in which the costumed characters like Mickey and Minnie could blink their eyes and move their mouths to speak, shows like Dream Along with Mickey went up a couple of notches in my mind.
That’s because in this show (unlike a parade or a fireworks show), there is a lot of interaction between the characters.
Here, Mickey and his friends throw a party to celebrate dreams coming true. But Maleficent becomes a party crasher and attempts to invade Donald Duck’s dream with a nightmare.
Will he be able to defeat the famous villain? You’ll just have to show up and see how it all turns out.
This is a twenty minute show.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, adults
Flag Retreat: Each day, typically around 5 pm, the American flag is lowered at the Magic Kingdom. Regardless of where in the world you have traveled from to attend Disney World, you might be interested in seeing Americans pledge allegiance to the flag.
Patriotic songs will also be played here, and even a few select guests will be asked to participate in this daily ritual, which lasts fifteen minutes.
Ages of interest: Adults
Magic Kingdom Welcome Show: If you arrive early enough at the Magic Kingdom—before the park technically opens—you can witness the daily opening ceremonies of the park. This involves Mickey Mouse, his friends, and several other cast members welcoming guests as they approach the opening gates.
Although this only lasts ten minutes, it’s a great way to kick off your Magic Kingdom experience.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults
Meet Disney Friends in Town Square: Usually between the morning hours and the early afternoon, you can catch a wide variety of characters around Town Square that are anxious to meet kids (and adults!).
Willing to pose for pictures and sign autographs, you can expect a little bit of a line for some of the more popular characters.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers and kids
Meet Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater: Yep, unlike his friends, Mickey Mouse gets the nice, inside, air-conditioned theater treatment.
Come here to get a hug or a photo with Magic Kingdom’s star.
Ages of interest: Kids, tweens, teens, adults
FastPass+ Offered
Meet Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater: If you want to meet Tinker Bell, then this is the place to be. Once inside, you might feel like you’ve been shrunken to the size of a fairy. But don’t worry, by the time you exit the theater, you’ll be returned to normal size.
Ages of interest: Kids, tweens, teens, adults
FastPass+ Offered
- Adventureland:
Jungle Cruise: Sail down rivers in Africa, Asia and South America while encountering playful elephants and roaring Tigers. Sure, the animals here are animatronics (or robots), but the famous Jungle Cruise should delight kids of all ages.
And the self-deprecating tour guide will no doubt amuse adults—especially if it’s your very first time on the cruise.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults
FastPass+ Offered
(Video by Theme Park Worldwide)
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin: Get the sensation of what it must’ve been like for Aladdin and Jasmine to ride aboard a magic carpet.
On this slow, spinning ride, kids and adults (or kids and their parents or guardians) can board a small, four passenger vehicle that resembles a magic carpet. The ride will slowly spin around in a giant circle, while also slowly lifting up and down in the air, attempting to simulate the feeling of having your carpet soar.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids and adults
FastPass+ Offered
A Pirates Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas: Kids of all ages can become pirates in search of booty at the interactive “A Pirates Adventure” attraction. Race against villains like Captain Barbosa and even an evil British Captain. Fare well, and you have the opportunity to become fully embraced by Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults
Pirates of the Caribbean: First time visitors to Disney World may not realize that the Johnny Depp movie of the same name was actually based on this classic ride, which has been delighting guests for so many years before it eventually made its big screen debut.
Here, as you sail through a town full of thieving and drunken pirates, be on the look out for an animatronic Jack Sparrow. He could pop up just about anywhere in this slow moving (and still fantastic) dark water ride.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Kids, tweens, teens, and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Swiss Family Treehouse: A massive tree house that kids can walk through and explore? Yep, I think I just heard every child around the globe fainting from pure excitement.
Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour, where you can explore the living space of the Swiss Family Robinson. Check out everything from the library to the kitchen, and even get some pretty cool views of the Magic Kingdom once you reach the top.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, and adults
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room: When I first visited the classic “Tiki Room” attraction back in the 1990s, I just couldn’t get into it for whatever reason. Maybe I was just having one of those days.
But perhaps Disney agreed that the attraction could use a little TLC, because they closed the attraction down and when it was reopened, it was billed as being “Under New Management.”
Now, this attraction has gone a bit of a rebirth again. Now called “Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room,” the overall premise of this attraction (which dates back to the 1960s in Disneyland) is the same, but kids will probably enjoy it more this time around, especially as there are over 225 audio animatronic figures here (parrots, masks, statues and more).
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Kids
Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial: This is where you come to train in the “art” of being a pirate. You’ll also learn how to sword fight, too. This particular show, which lasts about twenty-five minutes, is for both boys and girls.
Ages of interest: Kids, tweens, adults
Meet Characters from Aladdin in Adventureland: No, you can’t hop aboard a magic carpet for the ride of a lifetime, but you can come and meet Aladdin and Princess Jasmine in this meet in greet in Adventureland. So get those cameras ready!
Ages of interest: Preschoolers and kids
- Fantasyland:
The Barnstormer: This is a junior rollercoaster that’s available in Fantasyland. A great option for little kids looking for mild thrills, The Barnstormer sees passengers board a “wacky plane” that flies above Storybook Circus. This attraction does feature small drops.
Height Restriction: 35 inches (89 cm) or taller
Age of Interest: Preschoolers and kids
FastPass+ Offered
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station: This is where you take the kids when it’s hot out and they need to be refreshed. But instead of buying them a bottle of water, how about you let them splash around in a water-themed play area?
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers and kids
Cinderella Castle: Inspired and brought to life thanks to the castle seen in “Cinderella,” this real-life Cinderella’s Castle stands 189 feet high. It’s not only the iconic symbol of the Magic Kingdom, but you can easily argue that, despite the ubiquity of Mickey Mouse, Cinderella’s Castle might just be the first thing you think about when you fantasize about going to Disney World.
There’s no ride inside the castle (check out the video below for what really is inside the castle), but you will find beautifully handcrafted murals within the corridor. And check out the video below.
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, and adults
(Video by iThemePark)
Dumbo the Flying Elephant: Hop aboard a passenger vehicle that resembles the classic character Dumbo. This attraction lifts guests up in the air and slowly spins them around in a circle, as if you really were the famous flying elephant. And to keep kids content before the ride even begins, there’s a fun play area that’s housed under a big circus tent.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers and kids
FastPass+ Offered
Enchanted Tales with Belle: In this interactive story time with Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” kids and adults have the opportunity to spend time with the princess and even have a chance at becoming an active participant in the story being told.
Height Restriction: None
FastPass+ Offered
“it’s a small world”: It’s the classic Disney ride that has been polarizing guests for decades. Some love “it’s a small world” due to its age (it was created in 1964!) and whimsy (lots of singing and dancing), and others find it to be an overly long boat cruise (lots of singing and dancing) that results in you humming the catchy tune for hours after the park closes.
It’s probably best that you make up your own mind here, as you do get to experience a handful of unique cultures through this ride. Namely, Africa, The Middle East, Asia, Antarctica, and The British Isles.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Mad Tea Party: Yet another classic Disney World attraction (are you sensing a theme here at the Magic Kingdom?), the concept behind this beloved attraction is simple: You and your party sit around a metal wheel propped inside the middle of oversized teacups, and as you vigorously turn the wheel, it makes your teacup spin faster and faster. Meanwhile, those around you are doing the same thing, making for a wild and fun (if somewhat nauseous) experience in Fantasyland.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens and adults
FastPass+ Offered
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: This attraction is akin to riding through a Winnie the Pooh children’s book. Passengers will sit inside a giant honey pot (of course, right?) and get to bounce around with Tigger, as well as see Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids
FastPass+ Offered
Mickey’s PhilharMagic: One of the best 3D shows located in all of Disney World, Mickey’s PhilharMagic features a 3D concert that stars Donald Duck. But, with this being Disney World, you can expect to see cameos from Goofy and Mickey, while also enjoying classic songs from “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” “Peter Pan,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Peter Pan’s Flight: Get ready to board a pirate ship that can float through the air in this fun attraction. You’ll definitely be able to point out classic scenes from the animated film “Peter Pan” on this ride, as they have been recreated for your pleasure thanks to Disney’s imagineers.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids
FastPass+ Offered
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: Well, isn’t this attraction charming! Hop aboard a noble steed in this regal carrousel and spin around and around in an attraction that will make any young boy or girl feel like a true Prince or Princess straight from the world of “Cinderella.”
Fun fact for this ride: There are over 2,300 lights that shimmer on this carrousel.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: This relatively new ride, located in Fantasyland, features small drops but is certainly a doable thrill ride if you’re frightened by bigger attractions like Space Mountain or Splash Mountain.
Here, you mostly have to deal with sharp turns and little dips. Make sure you keep an eye out for the seven dwarfs, and even Snow White herself. And depending on your thrill ride-tolerance, you’ll either be yelling “Heigh-Ho!” as the coaster rounds each bend, or “Oh No!” by the time the mine train has pulled back inside the station.
Height Restriction: 38 inches (97 cm) or taller
Age of Interest: Kids, tweens, teens, and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Under the Sea: The Journey of the Little Mermaid: This new attraction is certainly a colorful one, and it begins with the striking clamshells guests board for this slow moving ride.
This attraction is heavy on audio-animatronics (which is never a bad thing, in my opinion), and of course features all of your “Little Mermaid” favorites like Sebastian, Prince Eric, and of course Ursula.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Kids, teens, and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Walt Disney World Railroad – Fantasyland: In Fantasyland, guests can board and disembark the Walt Disney Railroad. If you so choose, you can jump on board the train and take a 20-minute tour of the perimeter of the Magic Kingdom.
It’s a great way to not only take a load off your feet and catch your breath, but legitimately get from one part of the park to the other without expending any energy.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Meet Alice in Wonderland at the Mad Tea Party: If you’re willing to jump down the rabbit hole, you’ll be pleased to not only see Alice on the other side, but have a chance to perhaps meet the Queen of Hearts or the White Rabbit too.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers and kids
Meet Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall: Come meet the two sisters who are each other’s true love. Kids can meet both Anna and Elsa, and ask them to sign autographs and take pictures.
And yes, mom and dad, they’ll sign an autograph for you too.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers and kids
FastPass+ Offered
Meet Ariel at Her Grotto: Come share some time with Ariel under the sea. Kids of all ages can share a warm embrace with The Little Mermaid herself.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers and kids
FastPass+ Offered
Meet Cinderella and Rapunzel at Princess Fairytale Hall: Make sure your cameras are charged before entering this Fairytale Hall, as guests will have the opportunity to meet both Cinderella and Rapunzel under the same roof.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers and kids
FastPass+ Offered
Meet Daring Disney Pals as Circus Stars at Pete’s Silly Sideshow: This is where you go if you want to see and meet some of Mickey’s best friends, like Goofy and Donald. This is a unique meet and greet, however, as guests will see these characters at their most talented and silly due to the circus themed nature of the location.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids
Meet Gaston near His Tavern: Come meet the man who was so in love with himself, Belle opted for a Beast. While he’s willing to pose for pictures and sign autographs, don’t hand him a mirror—you might never get it back.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids
Meet Magnifique Disney Friends as Circus Stars at Pete’s Silly Sideshow: If you’re looking to find the likes of Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse, well, they’re having a blast right alongside Goofy and Donald at Pete’s Silly Sideshow!
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids
Meet Merida at Fairytale Garden: If you loved Pixar’s “Brave,” you’ll likely be exited to meet Merida and see all of her long-flowing, bright red locks in person.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids
Meet Tigger and Friends near the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Tigger and Pooh jump right off the page and into Fantasyland to share hugs and create memories with thousands of guests.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids
The Royal Majesty Makers: In this twenty-five minute show—which occurs all throughout the day—The Royal Majesty Makers (the official consultants of Cinderella’s court) teach young boys and girls proper etiquette that befits a true prince or princess.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, tweens, teens, adults
Meet Peter Pan in Fantasyland: Do you have a little one in your party that wants to meet the famous boy who never wanted to grow up? If so, bring him or her to Fantasyland, where they can share a hug and a photo with Peter Pan himself.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers and kids
- Frontierland Attractions:
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Are you ready to race through an abandoned mine shaft? Are you brave enough to explore a mine town that’s haunted?
That’s the concept behind the gold-rush inspired Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which whips its guests to and fro with reckless abandon (okay, maybe that’s a little extreme).
This ride is a beauty to behold, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Just make sure you hold on when your train car hits those sharp turns!
Height Restriction: 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
Age of Interest: Kids, tweens, teens and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Country Bear Jamboree: Enjoy a cast that includes 18 hillbilly-inspired bears that’s sixteen full minutes of singing, clapping, and light-hearted humor. The kids will certainly enjoy it.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, and adults
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade: Pick up a Hawkins Buffalo rifle, aim down the sights, and shoot up to almost one hundred different targets. Do you think you have what it takes to be the fastest gun in the west?
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids
Splash Mountain: I’m not someone who likes large drops—at all—so I have no idea how I managed to get on this ride. But I did, and I can honestly say that I’m happy to have experienced (and lived through) the ride.
The interesting thing about Splash Mountain is that this attraction, from the outside, appears to be a pretty simplistic log flume water ride (albeit with a big drop). Because of this, you would never know that there’s an entire story-driven attraction under the hood, and what you see from the outside is really just the grand finale of a pretty intricate ride.
Here, you follow Br’er Rabbit on his adventurous journey. You’ll get to visit Br’er Fox’s Lair and Br’er Rabbit’s home in the briar patch. You’ll also hear classic Disney songs, like “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” too.
Due note, however, that the final drop in Splash Mountain is five stories. Trust me, I remember it.
Fun fact about this attraction: There are three—yes 3—drops on Splash Mountain. The final one is, however, the biggest and most notable.
Height Restriction: 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
Age of Interest: Kids, tweens, teens and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Tom Sawyer Island: Explore the secret hideaway inspired by the stories of Mark Twain. This particular attraction has roots that date back to the 50’s. In fact, Tom Sawyer Island first opened at the Disneyland Resort back in 1956.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids and adults
Walt Disney World Railroad – Frontierland: Whether you want a lift to Fantasyland or Main Street U.S.A., the Walt Disney World Railroad picks and drops guests off from Frontierland. It does not cost any additional fees to board the train, either.
And if you simply want a leisurely ride around the park with no obligation to get off at any point, you’re certainly entitled to do that, too.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids
Meet Toy Story Friends near Splash Mountain: Stop by and say “howdy!” to Woody and Jessie. Engage in a warm hug and a memorable photo—just don’t pull Woody’s string!
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids
The Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob: Lasting twenty-five minutes in length, come listen to this trio of musicians who play a unique mix of classic Americana and Disney songs.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, Kids, tweens, adults
- Liberty Square Attractions:
The Hall of Presidents: This longtime attraction is still immensely impressive to this day. Join every single person who has ever become President of the United States, as state-of-the-art audio animatronic figures bring presidents like Lincoln and Obama to life.
This attraction, in which guests sit in a theater and get to see presidents move and nod and speak as if they are alive and well, is definitely extra special if you’re a history buff.
Fun fact for this ride: This attraction resides inside a building that’s made to resemble Independence Hall of Philadelphia.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Kids and adults
Haunted Mansion: Okay, I’ve said it a bunch of times now, but this is yet another classic Disney ride. What’s nice about the Haunted Mansion is that the emphasis is far more on fun than fright, so you don’t have to worry about little kids being traumatized once the ride is over.
Here, guests board “Doom Buggies,” and are treated to a ride that’s a great mix of practical and visual effects. From floating ghosts that hitchhike to those that sing in unison in the afterlife, the Haunted Mansion is just one of those attractions that cannot be missed.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Kids, tweens, teens, adults
FastPass+ Offered
(Video by iThemePark)
Liberty Square Riverboat: Hop aboard the Riverboat to embark on a half-mile journey that will take you around Tom Sawyer Island. Here, you cruise along the Rivers of America in a seventeen-minute voyage that’s surprisingly serene. The Riverboat itself consists of four decks, although seating can be limited.
When on vacation in late 2009, I got a chance to be an active participant in the Tiana Showboat Jubilee, a show that took place aboard the Riverboat (and also helped build buzz for the animated film “The Princess and the Frog”). Ever since then, I’ve always been a bit partial to the Riverboat.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers and adults
Meet Chip ‘n’ Dale near the Diamond Horseshoe: Near a peaceful river setting is where you will find the rambunctious Chip ‘n’ Dale. Make sure your camera phones are out—you never know what these two comic chipmunk geniuses will do next.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids
Meet Tiana in Liberty Square: Come meet one of the very few Disney princesses that is capable of being self-sufficient and has an upwardly mobile mentality. Sure, she spent a brief portion of her life as an amphibian, but that just gives her a deeper breadth of life experience.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers and kids
- Tomorrowland Attractions:
Astro Orbitor: Attractions at Tomorrowland might be the most varied of all of Magic Kingdom. They can be slow or fast, or even feature lots of spinning.
The Astro Orbitor features two out of these three (slow and spinning).
Here, guests board rocket ships that lift up into the air (similar to the Dumbo ride vehicles) and spin around and around and around. What’s unique about this particular ride, however, is that guests have to take an elevator upstairs just to get to the main platform where you board the ride. So you’re already several feet up in the air, and once you board your two-person rocket, you have the ability to raise and lower the rocket’s level from the platform.
It’s a simple ride overall, sure, but it’s certainly fun and you get a magnificent view of the park and skyline, especially if you can manage to be on the ride around sunset.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers and kids
(Video by WDW News Today)
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: At this ride, guests are able to board vehicles and take control of guns that shoot lasers at targets. While that’s going on, your vehicle may spin 360 degrees, as well. It’s never too disorienting (at least not for me), but if you’re sensitive to even the least bit spinning, you may want to sit this one out.
Which might not be a bad thing, actually. Trust me, kids are really good at racking up points on this Space Ranger Spin ride. Sadly, you don’t stand a chance.
I know I didn’t.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Monsters, Inc Laugh Floor: This is definitely one of the more unique attractions at Disney–for a couple of reasons.
First, it features Mike and Scully from the Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.” And second, while most attractions will feature the same 3D movie shown over and over again to guests, or feature the same ride over and over again, Laugh Floor manages to keep things fresh by having a “live” show.
Therefore, every time you go to this attraction, you’re likely to hear new jokes and have a relatively new experience each and every time. This is particularly ideal if you have kids in your party that want to visit the attraction again and again.
And what’s fun here is that, the show’s concept or overall “gag” is that the more the audience laughs, the more power is generated to Monstropolis. So, it’s in the best interest for Mike Wazowski to keep you laughing and laughing, which means more and more unique jokes being told.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Space Mountain: Perhaps the most famous of all the rides at Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain is not for the faint of heart. Sure, there are no wild monsters popping out at you, but this is a roller coaster that takes place almost in complete darkness. Aside from moments when you can see other ride cars on the attraction glowing in the dark, you really won’t be seeing a whole lot of anything—and that can be quite scary.
But it can also be thrilling to some. Just be prepared to blast off into a universe of almost perpetual darkness! I don’t recall any massive drops on this ride, but there are some dips and sharp turns to be aware of.
Height Restriction: 44 inches (112 cm) or taller
Age of Interest: Kids, tweens, teens, and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Stitch’s Great Escape!: This is an attraction that truly plays on multiple senses—namely sight, sound, and smell. In “Stitch’s Great Escape,” Stitch has broken loose in a theater full of guests.
There’s also a lot of darkness in this theater. And while this attraction is based on the kid-friendly “Lilo and Stitch,” it should be noted that this current attraction took over for an alien-centered attraction in the same exact theater.
I only say that to say that this attraction was originally built to be a bit intense, and although they’ve given it a true Stitch-like makeover, it still might be intense for those that dislike being in the dark and having to hear loud noises surround them.
Height Restriction: 40 inches (102 cm) or taller
Age of Interest: Kids and adults
Tomorrowland Speedway: Jump on board and control a gas-powered car and see how you stack up against others on the speedway. Sure, it sounds a bit unsafe and reckless, but remember, this is Disney World, so safety will be paramount.
That doesn’t dampen the fun here at all though, and I used to truly enjoy driving these cars on the speedway as a kid. Going around turns and under a bridge was a blast, and parents never have to worry about the safety of their children because there’s a guard rail that’s embedded in the track and under the car, so cars can never veer off the track on the speedway. You’ll also find front and rear bumpers on the cars here, as well.
Height Restriction: 32 inches (81 cm) or taller
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, teens and adults
FastPass+ Offered
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover: It’s strange—this is one of my most favorite “rides” in all of Disney World, and it’s not even a real “ride” in the truest theme park sense of the word.
Here, guests hop aboard blue “People Movers”—essentially vehicles that move magnetically. Once inside (you ascend up a conveyor belt to get to your vehicle), you basically sit back, relax, and enjoy the ten-minute guided tour.
What I like about this particular ride is the ease of it all. There’s rarely a wait, and if there is, it’s never more than a couple of minutes. Because there’s rarely a wait, you’re not crammed into your vehicle with other people you don’t know.
On top of that, you get a fantastic behind the scenes look of things like “Space Mountain” and “Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin,” while also getting a look at an architectural model of “Progress City” (ultimately what would become the predecessor of Epcot).
I also really love the narration here, which is fun, informative, and features one of my favorite things to hear in all of Disney World:
“Paging Mr. Morrow…Mr. Tom Morrow…”
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, teens, and adults
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress: The Carousel of Progress is an oldie but a goodie. Here, you sit in a circular theater that rotates through various decades. And at each decade, you’re treated to your de facto “host” John, an audio animatronic figure that talks to you about how technology in the particular decade he’s living in has advanced from the previous decade.
What’s interesting about this attraction is John and his family, and how they specifically react to technology. John is never desiring of anything better tech-wise—in fact, he’s always surprised at how the innovations that he’s currently enjoying at the time—be it gas lamps at the turn of the 20th century, the automatic dishwasher of the 1940s or high definition TV’s in present day—are all so utterly miraculous.
John is always excited about what tomorrow will bring, but never overly obsessed about the future that he cannot appreciate his present. It’s not only a fantastic attraction for its unique quality and history (the Carousel of Progress was created by Walt himself in 1964), but it’s overall message about technology, innovation, being hopeful for the future and being appreciative of the present is quite impressive.
While this is no doubt a good attraction to help guests beat the heat, I personally think it’s one of the great attractions in all of Disney World and something you should see at least once.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers and adults
#INCREDIBLESSuperDanceParty: Why not drop by the ultimate party and rock out with Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, as well as Frozone himself too?
Ages of interest: Preschoolers and kids
Meet an Out of This World Friend in Tomorrowland: If you’re curious to know where Buzz Lightyear is, you can find him at Tomorrowland—not very far from his own namesake attraction.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers and kids
- Multiple Locations:
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom: A Disney World scavenger hunt of sorts, the Socrerers of the Magic Kingdom allows you to step into the role of an apprentice sorcerer in an effort to defeat Disney villains.
Here, you’ll be sent on missions all throughout the park to find four shards that will enable Merlin to reassemble the Crystal of the Magic Kingdom. You can complete as many or as little missions as you wish, but do know that some Disney characters will be popping up along the way to either help or thwart you. This attraction is included in the park admission price.
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Kids, tweens, teens and adults
Pirate and Princess Adventures: All throughout the Magic Kingdom park, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and grab a photo with Disney princesses, and even some pirates, too. We’ve discussed the places where you can specifically meet Disney princesses earlier, but it’s also important to know that, just like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, the Magic Kingdom has a Pirates League that allows kids to transform themselves into a miniature version of Jack Sparrow (or whatever kind of pirate you most want to resemble).
Height Restriction: None
Age of Interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens and adults
Made With Magic: If you purchase a Made With Magic Mickey Ear Hat, you’ll have an engaging piece of merchandise that can, quite literally, interact with multiple night shows. At the Magic Kingdom, for instance, the ears will glow in sync with the Wishes, Holiday Wishes, and Celebrate the Magic shows, while those that adorn the ears at the Hollywood Studios get to enjoy their ears lighting up in sync to the beat and colors of Fantasmic.
If you want the same effect but within a different looking accessory, Disney also offers a Minnie Mouse Ear Hat, a Mickey Mouse Glove, and a Sorcerer Mickey Wand that all glow with the shows they’re synced with.
Each accessory costs $25.00. You can purchase them at the following locations inside the Magic Kingdom:
-The Chapeau on Main Street U.S.A.
-The Emporium on Main Street U.S.A.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade: This twelve-minute parade, which marches through multiple “lands” of the Magic Kingdom every afternoon, features vibrant floats and fun music.
Of course, it’s the characters that make the parades so much fun, so be on the lookout for a float carrying Cinderella, Tiana, Belle, and Anna and Elsa, as well as one carrying Merida from “Brave,” and of course one housing Mickey and Minnie.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, adults
FastPass+ Offered
Electrical Water Pageant: Think of the Electrical Water Pageant as, essentially, a nighttime parade on water. Here, you’ll see a variety of monsters float along the lagoon while lit up by an enormous amount of lights. What’s unique about this particular event is that some of the best viewing locations are actually at Disney resorts, like the Polynesian, the Contemporary, the Grand Floridian, and the Wilderness Lodge.
This pageant lasts fifteen minutes.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, adults
Main Street Electrical Parade: This fun parade features a whole host of rolling floats that spin and are adorned with thousands and thousands and thousands of colorful lights. On top of that, you’ll see all your favorite Disney characters, but this time, their actual clothes will be decorated with lights that change color. It’s a unique parade to see, and despite only lasting twenty minutes, is well worth the wait.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults
FastPass+ Offered
Main Street Philharmonic at Main Street, U.S.A.: This twenty minute show features a marching band using horns and other instruments to play enjoyable Disney tunes, as well as other songs as well.
Main Street Philharmonic at Storybook Circus: Hear this marching band perform some of your favorite songs from classic Disney films. This performance lasts twenty minutes.
Ages of interest: Adults, All Ages
Main Street Trolley Show: Who doesn’t want to be welcomed to the Magic Kingdom via an enthusiastic song and dance performance? Here, in a twenty-minute show, citizens jump out of the Main Street Trolley to sing and dance as a way to welcome you to Disney World.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids, adults
Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party: In this show, which actually lasts 35 minutes, guests get an opportunity to dance alongside Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, Chip ‘n’ Dale and Phineas and Ferb as everyone lets their hair down and gets a bit loose and wild.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens
Wishes nighttime spectacular: The amazing fireworks show, Wishes, may only last twelve minutes, but it’s a pretty incredible twelve minutes.
I won’t spoil how the actual show begins, but I’ll simply say it’s an impressive moment that involves Tinker Bell. That’s all I’m willing to say!
Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy help tell a story about the concept of believing. Then, fireworks begin to erupt in the sky to the music of Disney classics. Trust me–it’s well worth the wait.
Ages of interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens, adults
FastPass+ Offered
(Video by Theme Park Worldwide)
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