Ranking Magic Kingdom’s Walk-On Attractions
When you’re at Magic Kingdom, you’ll spend plenty of time standing in line.
That’s the nature of the beast at theme parks, especially the most popular ones in the world. It’s the cost of doing business.
Sometimes, you just want to ride something, though. At Magic Kingdom, nine attractions consistently require waits of 20 minutes or less.
So, you can save yourself the aggravation at these spots…but which one is best? Here’s how I would rank Magic Kingdom’s Walk-on attractions.
Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel
Let me start by saying that all these rides are brimming with Disney magic.
Many families have performed the time-honored tradition of a Sword in the Stone grab followed by a carousel ride.
I would never diminish those experiences by indicating that the Prince Charming ride isn’t up to snuff. It’s more that carousels are kind of a mood thing.
Sometimes, they’re the perfect escape as a centuries-old form of entertainment.
Magic Kingdom works as a repository for some classic attractions like this one, but it’s still just a carousel. We can do better.
Mad Tea Party
Are you familiar with the terms Code V or Protein Spill? That’s cast member language to indicate someone has emptied their belly after a ride.
Mad Tea Party claims the title of Code V capital of Magic Kingdom. It’s a living, breathing reason for the existence of Dramamine.
So, while I know that Mad Tea Party provides guests with plenty of entertainment, I don’t focus on its iconic status.
Instead, I think about my stomach and how I know I’ll give into my demons and spin the ride cart continuously.
My lack of self-restraint causes me to skip this one often. It’s a better choice for more disciplined people.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
While all the rides share stylistic differences, I view TriceraTop Spin, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant as eerily similar in nature.
Sometimes, I throw Astro Orbiter into the mix as well, although that one’s height causes it to play out somewhat differently.
With Dumbo, you hop on an elephant and spin in place for a few minutes. It’s a glorified carnival ride, albeit one infused with Disney magic.
So, I like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and ride it often. I still don’t think it deserves higher placement on this list, though. It’s just too threadbare.
The Barnstormer
You’ll only find one roller coaster at Magic Kingdom that you can ride quickly.
Personally, I rarely mind the wait at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but it typically requires a longer wait than 30 minutes. During peak season, line time expands significantly.
Meanwhile, The Barnstormer serves as a junior roller coaster that works exceptionally well as an introductory ride experience.
Children enter a themed biplane and zoom around gentle tracks. It’s perfectly age-appropriate with its thrill level.
Now, older people who are not visiting with children probably rank it much lower.
As a tall man, I rarely choose The Barnstormer because I look like Andre the Giant trying to sit in coach. But it’s terrific for kids!
Country Bear Jamboree
I wanted to slot this one much higher, as I’m a huge fan. Realistically, Country Bear Jamboree isn’t for everyone, though.
The sense of humor I’d describe as timeless feels dated to many. Also, the old-school Audio-Animatronics (AAs) date back 60 years.
Disney had developed the design for a ski resort it never built, which is a story I’ll retell one day soon.
So, these AAs aren’t fresh by any means, and much of the music stems from the 1960s or before as well.
Somehow, Walt Disney World didn’t open until 1971, yet much of Country Bear Jamboree dates back even more.
I think this show provides comfort and consistent entertainment. So, I strongly recommend it, especially to people who haven’t experienced it
.
As you’re about to see, I’m all about the Disney classics.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Even so, I couldn’t rank Country Bear Jamboree above this “newer” attraction.
Fifteen years ago, Disney introduced this improvisational comedy experience at Tomorrowland.
Since then, the basics of Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor have remained the same. Roz and her team use laughter to refuel the giant batteries.
Somehow every show works differently, though. That’s the nature of improvisational comedy.
Cast members employ a script for Laugh Floor, with callbacks to ridiculous moments like the selection of “That Guy.”
Still, audience responses factor heavily into each performance. I’m in awe of the Disney workers who can (mostly) stay on script amidst the chaos.
A good time will be had by all here.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Two of my top three walk-on attractions date back to the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
Walt’s Disney Carousel of Progress at Magic Kingdom consists of the actual structure from that event! Disney persuaded a sponsor to pay for the shipping.
Once the World’s Fair ended, the Carousel of Progress transferred to Disneyland but has since made its way to Orlando.
So, you’re reliving Disney history each time you watch this century-spanning story. In addition, it demonstrates how much technology has evolved since Walt Disney’s childhood.
Carousel of Progress and Country Bear Jamboree are almost always the best bets when you want to do something quickly.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
I love classic Disney movies, particularly ones from the Renaissance era of the 1980s and 1990s.
So, Mickey’s PhilharMagic speaks to me with each performance. It’s like Disney’s Greatest Hits, showing musical outtakes from beloved films.
You can fly on Aladdin’s carpet and sing A Whole New World, or you can watch Ariel recount her fondest wish in Part of Your World.
Even better, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck appear, with Donald messing up everything as usual. When will that duck ever learn?
I consider PhilharMagic one of the top attractions overall at Magic Kingdom…or Walt Disney World, for that matter.
So, the short wait times for this show strike me as kismet. I’ve waited far longer for theme park attractions that are nowhere near as good.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Oh, come on. You knew what had to be on top. The PeopleMover embodies everything great about a park visit for Magic Kingdom enthusiasts.
You ride an escalator up to a ride cart that Walt Disney himself had a hand in designing.
Then, you take a leisurely drive through the high points of Tomorrowland, including a new feature!
Tron Lightcycle Power Run is nearly ready to open. But, even now, it provides a gentle glow to the skyline. Then, when you time it right, you can watch the new lighting effects!
Somehow, Disney has made a classic attraction that much better. And you still get to stare at Progress City during the ride, a thrill for Disney fanatics like me.
The PeopleMover is the one true ride at Tomorrowland. Of course, it shouldn’t be a walk-on due to its remarkable quality, but we’re fortunate that it often is.