Top Rides at Magic Kingdom 4

Magic Kingdom has been my favorite park ever since I was a little kid, between riding the monorail, the view of the Castle, the walk down Main St. and most importantly the rides. Now my tolerance for certain rides has diminished a little as I have grown older, they still bring out that inner child in me every time. This list in no particular order because it can change from trip to trip, but these are the rides that I HAVE to get on before I leave the most magical place on earth.

Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain has a favorite of mine ever since it opened in 1992. We have a flume ride in upstate New York that I always loved going on when I was younger, so when Disney World opened this ride I could’t have been more excited. Disney managed to exceed my expectations by a long shot, it kept the essence of a great flume ride, but made it bigger, incorporated a great story and made it feel like an experience. Now this ride can help you cool off during those hot summer months in Florida, but i will ride it at any temperature (I have regretted it a few times in winter months).

Haunted Mansion

Haunted Mansion has always impressed me by pulling off some truly amazing visuals, not just for an older ride, but I think a lot of them still feel fresh now. This is also a ride that I enjoy because of the Cast Members who do a great job of enhancing that creepy vibe of haunted theme. Some rides get high ratings from me because of the nostalgia factor, this one stands on its own, a true testament to the Imagineers from years ago.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

This is the newest of the rides that I picked and it did not open until 2014, it was one of the reasons they had to remove Snow White’s Scary Adventure, so it had big shoes to fill for me. We went opening week and could not have loved this ride more, it took a simple family rollercoaster and changed it into something special. Between the rocking carts, the dark ride element, animatronics, music and incorporating some of the old Snow White props this was an instant classic for me, I also enjoy the photo pass Picture/video you get.

Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean is a lot like Haunted Mansion for me, it has that huge nostalgia factor, but I think it still remains to be fresh and feel outdated. The animatronics still look solid and when the incorporated aspects from the newer movies it didn’t seem forced, although I believe they should have left Redd alone. This ride is also great to introduce little ones to thrill rides without overwhelming them, the drop is just enough to entertain and get you a little wet. If you get a chance, do this ride during the MNSSHP nights, the live actors really add to the experience.

Big Thunder Mountain

This one is more of a moderate coaster, not mellow enough for the real little ones, but not too scary for people who shy away from real thrill rides. The que has some great interactive elements and the ride itself looks amazing as you ride around the old mining area at top speeds. This is also one of my favorite rides to go on during the fireworks, so if you get a chance and can tim it out correctly, you will not be disappointed.

People Mover

If you had asked me what my top 10 rides were 20 years ago, I would not even have thought about People Mover, but as the picture shows I can appreciate a ride that gives you a little rest at the parks. Now I don’t just sleep on this ride, it offers some great people watching from above and some interesting views inside Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear along with some extending time off of your feet. One of my favorite things to do is ride this during fireworks because you get a great view of them and that area clears out, so cast members will let you go around multiple times without getting off.

Honorable Mentions

There were a few that I had to leave off, but it was not easy to do, rides like Space Mountain, Buzz lightyear and Little Mermaid are also quality rides for me and we try to squeeze them in. Comment below and let us know what some of your favorites are in Magic Kingdom and what makes them so special for you. Also be sure to follow us over at The Behind the Ears Podcast for some great Disney talk and news.

Crazy for Disney Magic Kingdom Quest

Looking for a little challenge? We created a little ride/attraction challenge for our readers. Try and do the 42 rides/attractions listed above and let us know how your Crazy for Disney Magic Kingdom Quest went.