Hey Thrill Seekers,
Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most famous theme park rides in the world.
- You can race through a digital universe on a Lightcycle.
- Escape from 999 happy haunts.
- Sail alongside pirates.
- Blast through space in complete darkness.
- Or fly over London on your way to Neverland.
But with so many classic attractions competing for your attention, there’s one question every visitor eventually asks:
🏰What are the best rides at Magic Kingdom?
That’s exactly what we’re here to answer.
We’ve ranked the 10 best Magic Kingdom rides, taking into account thrills, storytelling, theming, originality, nostalgia and, most importantly…
How badly we want to ride them again.
Some of your favourites might be missing.
Some of our choices might be controversial. (they’re not)
But that’s what makes a good theme park ranking.
So, without changing our minds halfway through…
Here are the 10 best rides at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, ranked.
10. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
The most competitive ride at Magic Kingdom.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin isn’t a roller coaster.
It doesn’t have massive drops.
But it does have something capable of making almost any family attraction incredibly competitive.
A scoreboard.
Grab your laser cannon and fire at targets throughout the attraction as you attempt to defeat Emperor Zurg.
The problem?
Everyone thinks they’re better than everyone else.
And suddenly your relaxing family holiday becomes a highly competitive tournament.
Why it’s number 10:
- Brilliant interactive gameplay
- Great for families
- Highly re-rideable
- Surprisingly competitive
Our advice?
Don’t tell your family your score.
Especially if it’s embarrassing.
9. Peter Pan’s Flight
Short, sweet and completely magical.
Peter Pan’s Flight might not be the newest or most technologically advanced ride at Magic Kingdom.
But there is still nothing quite like it.
Climb aboard a magical pirate ship and take to the skies above London before flying towards Neverland.
The moment you look down and see the city glowing beneath you is pure Disney.
It’s one of those attractions that proves a ride doesn’t need massive drops or huge special effects to be memorable.
Why it’s number 9:
- A genuinely magical experience
- Unique flying ride system
- Perfect for all ages
- One of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic attractions
Our tip:
The queue can get surprisingly long for such a short ride, so keep an eye on the wait time.
8. Jungle Cruise
The jokes are terrible.
That’s exactly why it’s brilliant.
On paper, Jungle Cruise sounds fairly straightforward.
You board a boat and travel through some of the world’s most famous rivers.
In reality?
It’s a comedy show disguised as a theme park attraction.
Your skipper will guide you past elephants, crocodiles, hippos and plenty of other jungle wildlife while delivering an endless stream of jokes.
Most are awful.
Some are even worse.
And somehow…
You’ll still laugh.
One of the best things about Jungle Cruise is that the experience can feel different depending on your skipper.
Their personality, timing and delivery can completely change your journey.
Why it’s number 8:
- Different every time
- Brilliant Cast Member performances
- A genuine Disney classic
- Funny for adults and children
And yes…
You will hear about the backside of water.
7. Space Mountain
The darkness makes everything more exciting.
Space Mountain has been thrilling Magic Kingdom visitors for decades.
And while it might not be the fastest or most extreme roller coaster in Orlando, it still has something many modern coasters don’t.
You genuinely don’t know what’s coming next.
The ride takes place almost entirely in darkness.
You can see stars.
You can see flashes of light.
But you can’t always see the track.
One moment you’re turning.
The next you’re dropping.
Then suddenly you’re wondering why the person who convinced you to sit in the front is laughing so much.
Why it’s number 7:
- A completely unique atmosphere
- Darkness makes the ride feel more intense
- One of Disney’s most famous thrill rides
- A genuine Magic Kingdom icon
One thing to know:
Space Mountain can feel a little rougher than newer roller coasters.
But for many Disney fans…
That’s part of its charm.
6. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Music, magic and one very big drop.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure takes guests into a colourful Louisiana adventure inspired by The Princess and the Frog.
The attraction combines music, colourful environments, impressive characters and classic Disney storytelling.
And then there’s the moment everyone is waiting for.
The big drop.
At approximately 15 metres, it’s one of the biggest thrills at Magic Kingdom.
And yes…
You can get wet.
Very wet.
That makes it a particularly good choice on a hot Florida afternoon.
Why it’s number 6:
- Fantastic Disney storytelling
- Brilliant music
- Impressive environments
- One of Magic Kingdom’s biggest thrills
Our tip:
If you’re sitting near the front…
Maybe don’t make dinner reservations immediately afterwards.
5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
The perfect family roller coaster.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one of Magic Kingdom’s most popular attractions for a reason.
It manages to find the sweet spot between:
Family-friendly fun…
and…
Genuine thrills.
The coaster takes guests through the Seven Dwarfs’ diamond mine in uniquely designed mine carts that swing from side to side as you travel around the track.
It’s smooth.
It’s fun.
And it’s beautifully themed.
You’ll also encounter Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs during the journey.
Why it’s number 5:
- Perfect for families
- Unique swinging mine carts
- Fun without being too intimidating
- Fantastic Disney theming
The downside?
The queues can be huge.
Everyone knows it’s good.
4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The wildest ride in the wilderness!
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad doesn’t have enormous drops.
It doesn’t turn you upside down.
And it isn’t the fastest coaster in Orlando.
But it is ridiculously fun.
You’re climbing aboard a runaway mine train and racing through the Wild West, past mountains, canyons and spectacular scenery.
The ride feels fast.
It feels chaotic.
And it’s one of those attractions where everyone gets off smiling.
Why it’s number 4:
- Brilliant family coaster
- Fantastic scenery
- Pure fun from beginning to end
- Even better at night
Our top tip?
Ride it after dark.
The atmosphere around Frontierland changes completely at night, and Big Thunder becomes even more enjoyable.
🥉 3. TRON Lightcycle / Run
Magic Kingdom’s biggest adrenaline rush.
If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom looking for speed and thrills…
This is the ride for you.
TRON Lightcycle / Run puts you onto a futuristic Lightcycle before launching you into a race through the Grid.
And the ride vehicle is a huge part of what makes the attraction special.
You’re not sitting in a traditional roller coaster car.
You’re leaning forward as if you’re actually riding a futuristic motorcycle.
It immediately makes the experience feel faster and more intense.
Why it’s number 3:
- One of Magic Kingdom’s biggest thrills
- Incredible Lightcycle ride vehicles
- Amazing futuristic theming
- Looks spectacular at night
TRON is undoubtedly one of the most exciting attractions at Magic Kingdom.
🥈 2. Haunted Mansion
999 happy haunts.
And room for one more.
Haunted Mansion isn’t the fastest ride.
It isn’t the biggest.
And technically…
It’s not even particularly scary.
But it might be one of the best examples of Disney storytelling anywhere in the world.
The experience begins before you even board the ride.
The mansion.
The queue.
The eerie atmosphere.
Then comes the famous stretching room.
After that, you’re transported through a haunted world filled with ghosts, graveyards, dancing spirits and some of Disney’s most impressive illusions.
Why it’s number 2:
- Incredible storytelling
- Some of Disney’s best practical effects
- Brilliant atmosphere
- A ride you’ll want to experience again and again
The Haunted Mansion is funny.
It’s creepy.
It’s theatrical.
And it somehow manages to appeal to children, adults and Disney fans alike.
That’s a difficult combination to beat.
🏆 1. Pirates of the Caribbean
The greatest ride at Magic Kingdom?
We think so.
Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the greatest theme park attractions Disney has ever created.
From the moment you board your boat, you’re transported into another world.
You’ll encounter:
- Pirates
- Treasure
- Skeletons
- Cannons
- Burning towns
- Captain Jack Sparrow
And everywhere you look…
There’s something happening.
That’s what makes Pirates so special.
The attraction is packed with detail.
You could ride it repeatedly and still notice something new.
Why it’s number 1:
- Incredible attention to detail
- Timeless storytelling
- Fantastic atmosphere
- A genuine Disney masterpiece
- Brilliant for almost every age group
And here’s a fun fact:
The Pirates of the Caribbean ride came before the films.
The hugely successful movie franchise was inspired by Disney’s original attraction.
Not the other way around.
Now that’s a pretty impressive legacy.
The Definitive Top 10 Best Magic Kingdom Rides
| Rank | Magic Kingdom Ride |
|---|---|
| 🏆 1 | Pirates of the Caribbean |
| 🥈 2 | Haunted Mansion |
| 🥉 3 | TRON Lightcycle / Run |
| 4 | Big Thunder Mountain Railroad |
| 5 | Seven Dwarfs Mine Train |
| 6 | Tiana’s Bayou Adventure |
| 7 | Space Mountain |
| 8 | Jungle Cruise |
| 9 | Peter Pan’s Flight |
| 10 | Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin |
The Best Magic Kingdom Ride for Every Type of Visitor
Still deciding which attractions should be at the top of your list?
Here’s our quick guide.
🚀 Best for Thrill Seekers
TRON Lightcycle / Run
The obvious choice for speed and adrenaline.
👻 Best for Disney Storytelling
Haunted Mansion
Few rides tell a story quite as brilliantly.
🏴☠️ Best Overall Ride
Pirates of the Caribbean
Our number one.
And we’re standing by it.
⛏️ Best Family Roller Coaster
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Perfect for families looking for thrills without anything too extreme.
🤠 Best Ride at Night
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
The Wild West is even better after dark.
😂 Funniest Ride
Jungle Cruise
The jokes are terrible.
Which is exactly the point.
👨👩👧 Best for Families
Pirates of the Caribbean
A brilliant combination of adventure, storytelling and accessibility.
Which Magic Kingdom Rides Should You Prioritise?
If you’re visiting Magic Kingdom for just one day, we’d make these your priorities:
🔥 Pirates of the Caribbean
🔥 Haunted Mansion
🔥 TRON Lightcycle / Run
🔥 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
🔥 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
That gives you the perfect mixture of:
- Thrills
- Classic Disney attractions
- Storytelling
- Family fun
And importantly…
Every ride offers something completely different.
The Magic Kingdom Rides That Just Missed Out
Choosing only 10 rides wasn’t easy.
These attractions were all very close to making the list:
🌍 “it’s a small world”
🐘 Dumbo the Flying Elephant
🐻 The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
🧜 Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
🚝 Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
And we need to give a special mention to the PeopleMover.
It isn’t thrilling.
It doesn’t have a massive storyline.
But after walking around Magic Kingdom for eight hours?
Sitting down and gently travelling around Tomorrowland can feel like the greatest ride ever invented.
❓Frequently Asked Questions About Magic Kingdom Rides
What is the best ride at Magic Kingdom?
Our number one choice is Pirates of the Caribbean thanks to its timeless storytelling, incredible detail and appeal across all age groups.
What is the fastest ride at Magic Kingdom?
TRON Lightcycle / Run is Magic Kingdom’s biggest thrill attraction and the best choice for visitors looking for speed.
What is the scariest ride at Magic Kingdom?
For younger visitors, Space Mountain can feel intimidating because the roller coaster takes place largely in darkness. Haunted Mansion is spooky rather than genuinely frightening.
What is the best Magic Kingdom ride for adults?
Adults will particularly enjoy TRON Lightcycle / Run, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
What are the best Magic Kingdom rides for children?
Popular choices for younger children include Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, “it’s a small world” and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
Can you ride all the rides at Magic Kingdom in one day?
You can experience many of the major attractions in one day, but trying to do absolutely everything can be difficult. Prioritising your favourite rides and planning your route around the park will give you the best chance of fitting more into your day.
🥇Our Final Verdict
Magic Kingdom doesn’t have Orlando’s tallest roller coasters.
It doesn’t have the biggest thrills.
And it doesn’t have the newest theme park technology on every attraction.
But what it does have is something almost impossible to replicate.
Timeless rides.
From sailing alongside pirates…
To travelling through a haunted mansion…
To racing through the Grid…
Magic Kingdom is home to attractions that generations of families have experienced together.
And that’s why choosing a number one is so difficult.
But if we had to pick just one?
🏴☠️ Pirates of the Caribbean.
It’s the complete package.
Adventure.
Humour.
Storytelling.
Detail.
And that unmistakable Disney ability to make you forget you’re sitting on a boat inside a theme park.
And that’s why it’s our number one Magic Kingdom ride.
Planning Your Magic Kingdom Day?
Before you go, make sure you also read our Complete Guide to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, covering everything from the different lands and best restaurants to fireworks, planning tips and how to make the most of your day. Disney offer a range of ticket options, you can check Disney Tickets here.
Then come back here…
And tell us why our ranking is completely wrong.
We can take it.
Smiles included…
Jamie
