Wonderful Walk-On Magic Kingdom Attractions
As the most famous Walt Disney World Park, the Magic Kingdom gets crowded. If you hate waiting in lines or paying for Genie+, you could get frustrated. Luckily, Magic Kingdom is also a hub of options.
Compared to every other park, it has the most rides. And unless you’re visiting on Christmas Eve, the Fourth of July, or another holiday weekend – plenty of great attractions will have little to no wait. Seriously!
Don’t be fooled and assume only the best rides have long queues. Some of Walt Disney’s best original attractions are walk-ons. (And some of these are my favorites.)
Let me share a list of wonderful rides with the shortest waits. I promise this list will come in handy.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Let’s start with a home run. Originally designed for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair, the Carousel of Progress is currently a Tomorrowland icon.
Take a seat in its comfortable, revolving indoor theater. As you watch the show, see through the eyes of one animatronic family how changing technologies impact their everyday lives.
Jean Shepherd (from A Christmas Story 1983) narrates the father who delights in inventions from the 1800s to the present day. Walt’s love for innovation and growth is evident.
If that wasn’t endearing enough, the Sherman Brother’s earworm song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” plays throughout each scene.
And did I mention the theater is air-conditioned and the show lasts over twenty minutes? Even if you just need a chance to rest, this attraction is a winner.
The theater’s ample seating makes it a low-wait attraction, but the timeless entertainment value is a testament to Walt’s brilliance. Don’t skip it.
It’s a Small World
Speaking of World’s Fair attractions, this one also makes the list. It’s a Small World opened officially at Disney World in 1971 and remains a fan favorite.
Guests embark on a calm boat ride through various, glittering scenes around the world. From the streets of Paris to the Polynesian Islands, the ride traverses the globe.
Oo and ahh at the colorful design and the 300+ Mary Blair dolls. (Yes, this is the same Mary Blair who worked on Alice in Wonderland, 1951, and Peter Pan, 1953).
Some groan about the theme song, but who can deny the catchiness of a Sherman tune? It’s a Disney anthem.
Plus, this ride is high capacity with minimal wait times. What’s not to love?
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Do you feel nostalgic for Renaissance Disney films? Look no further! Smack dab in the middle of Fantasyland is Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
This plush, air-conditioned, and (most importantly) huge theater treats guests to a twelve-minute 3D spectacular. During it, Donald Duck has lost Mickey’s magical sorcerer hat and chases it through classic movie scenes.
Credit: Disney
I’ve seen it dozens of times and it remains funny, whimsical, and charming as ever.
The shorter run time, in addition to the venue size, makes this attraction a walk-on. So, grab your opera glasses and enjoy the musical stylings of Maestro Mickey!
Credit: Disney
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Tucked in New Fantasyland, I’m puzzled this ride doesn’t get more hype. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid captures the best of Disney dark rides.
With classic animatronics, gorgeous music, and larger-than-life scenes, this ride is a must-do for The Little Mermaid (1989) fans. Plus, it gives guests the chance to walk inside Prince Eric’s seaside castle. (The queue is gorgeous.)
Credit: Disney
Thanks to the omnimover ride system, this attraction is constantly seating guests, despite the 2-3 person per car limit. So even if the line’s long, your wait will be nothing compared to most rides.
Take it from me. Take the hike to New Fantasyland and take this journey. No Lightning Lane required.
Monster’s, Inc. Laugh Floor
Monster’s Inc. may have “scared to care” before, but now comedy is their specialty. Check out the best upcoming monster comedians at Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor!
This spacious theater features a live comedy show with constant audience participation. (Yes, the animated monsters onscreen talk to guests.)
Photo: Disney
The show has a general outline, but the interactive elements keep it fresh time after time. It’s very repeatable and never fails to make me chuckle.
Like other attractions on this list, the theater is big. Very big. So, if you’re looking for a low-stress, high-return investment, the Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor fires on all cylinders.
Photo: Disney
With so many great attractions, Genie+ isn’t even required. Take a breath and just stroll down Main Street U.S.A. A magical day is still ahead.
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Feature Image: Disney
