The Magic Kingdom is the place I consider to be the king of all Disney Parks. It's the most visited theme park in the entire world, in 2016 it saw over 20 million visitors and that number increases every year! With that being said, it can be a little overwhelming planning for a day at the most popular Disney park in the World.
With so much to do in the Magic Kingdom, it’s a lot to take in and navigate. Never fear! WDW Vacation Tips is here to ensure that you have the Best Day Ever, and see and do all the best things that the Magic Kingdom has to offer!
Best Rides at Magic Kingdom
Did you know that there are 41 attractions in the Magic Kingdom? It’s virtually impossible to do all of them in a day, so let’s focus on the absolute must-do attractions for your Best Day Ever and everything else will be gravy.
TRON Light Cycle Run
TRON Lightcycle Run is a highly anticipated new attraction that is currently under construction in Magic Kingdom at Disney World. It has an opening date of April 4, 2023 and will utilize the Virtual Queue system that Disney has been so fond of in the last few years.
Here are some things you should know about TRON Lightcycle Run:
- The ride will be located in Tomorrowland, next to Space Mountain.
- Riders will board a Light Cycle vehicle and race through a digital world, reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
- The ride will be for guests 48" or taller.
- TRON Lightcycle Run will use a unique ride system with a coaster track that allows the vehicles to move independently, giving riders a thrilling, immersive experience.
- The ride will also feature special lighting effects, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a specially-designed queue area that will transport guests into the world of TRON.
Space Mountain
Space Mountain is a classic Disney attraction located in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. Here are some things you should know about this iconic ride:
- Height requirement: Guests must be at least 44" tall to ride.
- Ride experience: Space Mountain is an indoor roller coaster that takes guests on a thrilling journey through the darkness of outer space. The ride features sharp turns, sudden drops, and special effects that simulate a space adventure.
- Genie+ Lightning Lanes are available for Space Mountain, and they can help you skip the long lines and save time.
- Rider switch: If you're traveling with young children who cannot or do not want to ride, you can take advantage of the Rider Switch program, which allows one adult to wait with the non-riding child while the other adult rides. Then, the adults can switch places without waiting in line again.
- Wait times: Space Mountain is one of the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom, so be prepared for long wait times. Consider riding early in the morning or using FastPass+ to minimize your wait.
- Age recommendation: Space Mountain is appropriate for all ages, but keep in mind that it is a roller coaster, so it may not be suitable for very young or sensitive children.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a popular roller coaster attraction located in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. Here are some things you should know about this ride:
- Height requirement: Guests must be at least 38" tall to ride.
- Ride experience: This roller coaster takes guests through the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The ride features a unique train design that sways back and forth as it travels through the mine, adding an extra element of excitement.
- FastPass+ reservations: FastPass+ reservations are available for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and they can help you skip the long lines and save time.
- Rider switch: If you're traveling with young children who cannot or do not want to ride, you can take advantage of the Rider Switch program, which allows one adult to wait with the non-riding child while the other adult rides. Then, the adults can switch places without waiting in line again.
- Wait times: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one of the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom, so be prepared for long wait times. Consider riding early in the morning or using Genie+ Lightning Lanes to minimize your wait.
- Age recommendation: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is appropriate for all ages, but keep in mind that it is a roller coaster, so it may not be suitable for very young or sensitive children.
BONUS: Magic Kingdom Cult Rides
Die hard Disney fans love classic quintessential Disney attractions. Some Disney attractions have even developed a cult-like following prompting attraction-based merchandise, snacks, and more. Magic Kingdom is home to 2 major Disney cult attractions, Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom has a rich and detailed backstory that adds to the attraction's immersive experience. Here is a brief summary of the Haunted Mansion's backstory:
The Haunted Mansion was built in the early 1700s by the Gracey family, who made their fortune in the shipping industry. The mansion was designed to be a lavish home for the family, but after several unfortunate incidents, it became known as a haunted house.
The story goes that the patriarch of the Gracey family, Master Gracey, was driven to madness after his beloved fiancée died suddenly. He hung himself in the mansion's rafters, and his ghost is said to still haunt the house to this day.
After the Gracey family abandoned the mansion, it was purchased by the government and converted into a retirement home for ghosts. The home was overseen by Madame Leota, a powerful medium who communicated with the spirits residing in the mansion.
Today, the Haunted Mansion is open for visitors to take a tour of the mansion's spooky and supernatural rooms. Guests are greeted by the ghost host, a disembodied voice who leads them through the mansion's eerie hallways, introducing them to the various ghosts and spirits who reside there.
The Haunted Mansion's backstory adds to the attraction's immersive experience and provides a rich history for guests to explore as they make their way through the spooky mansion.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is a classic Disney attraction located in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom in Disney World. Here is a brief summary of the ride's backstory:
The ride takes place in the Caribbean during the golden age of piracy. The attraction's story follows a group of pirates, led by the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow, as they pillage and plunder their way through the Caribbean.
The ride begins with guests boarding a boat and passing through a dark tunnel, where they are transported back in time to the days of piracy. The boats then enter a large, immersive scene featuring a Caribbean town under siege by pirates. Guests see animatronic figures of pirates, including Captain Jack Sparrow, as they loot and plunder the town.
The ride then takes guests on a journey through a series of immersive scenes, including a prison break, a pirate auction, and a battle between two ships. Guests also encounter various animatronic figures of pirates, including Captain Barbossa, as they make their way through the attraction.
The backstory of Pirates of the Caribbean is an integral part of the ride's immersive experience, with detailed scenes and animatronic figures that bring the story to life. The ride is one of the most popular attractions at Magic Kingdom, and it has inspired a successful movie franchise starring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Must Have Lightning Lanes for Magic Kingdom
Most of the attractions in the Magic Kingdom have Lightning Lanes available to skip the lines, but what attractions are worth the use of a Lightning Lane? Here are some of the best uses of the Lightning Lanes with Genie+:
- Space Mountain
- Jungle Cruise
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Haunted Mansion
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Individual Lightning Lane
Currently, the only attraction that participates with the Individual Lightning Lane, the pay-to-play skip the ride system, is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It is expected that TRON Light Cycle Run will participate as well if Guardian’s of the Galaxy: Cosmis Rewind in EPCOT is any indication.
Do you need an Individual Lightning Lane (ILL) in the Magic Kingdom?
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train maintains at least a 45 minute wait during the day, and as much as 90 minutes. If Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is on your must do list then purchasing an ILL is absolutely worth it. Pricing is based on demand and varies between $7 - $15 per person.
Best Shows at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom offers a variety of shows and entertainment opt