Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World promises a world of enchantment, with iconic rides, cherished characters, and moments that last a lifetime. Yet, with an abundance of options, discerning how to spend your time is crucial. Certain attractions may not offer the thrill or distinctiveness you’re seeking, especially if high-energy fun is your priority.
In an ideal world, there’d be time to enjoy every single attraction Magic Kingdom has to offer. However, if you find yourself short of time – or are simply visited on a busy day – these are rides you may want to bypass in favor of the park’s more superior alternatives.
Adventureland
Skip: Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Credit: Disney
- A simple spinning ride similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant but with an Aladdin theme.
- Wait times can be long, and the ride experience isn’t unique.
- Better Alternative: Jungle Cruise – A classic Disney experience with humor and animatronic animals, offering fun for all ages. The ride features live skippers who make every trip unique with their jokes and commentary, making it a better investment of time.
Skip: Swiss Family Treehouse
- A walk-through attraction based on Swiss Family Robinson (1960).
- Involves a lot of climbing, which may not be ideal in Florida heat.
- Better Alternative: Pirates of the Caribbean – A legendary indoor boat ride with exciting animatronics and a captivating storyline. The ride is immersive, telling a thrilling pirate adventure with stunning set pieces and a catchy theme song.
Credit: Disney
Fantasyland
Skip: Mad Tea Party
- The spinning motion can be overwhelming, especially for guests prone to motion sickness.
- A short ride with long wait times.
- Better Alternative: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – A smooth (or smooth-ish) roller coaster with immersive theming and interactive elements. This ride features innovative ride vehicles and tells the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) in a more exciting (and less terrifying) way than the defunct Snow White’s Scary Adventures.
Skip: Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- A traditional carousel ride that doesn’t offer anything uniquely Disney.
- Similar carousels exist in many other locations.
- Better Alternative: Mickey’s PhilharMagic – A 4D musical journey through Disney’s greatest hits. The show combines animation, 3D effects, and music from Disney classics, making it an engaging experience for all ages. While you can find other versions elsewhere, this is by far the best.
Skip: The Barnstormer
Credit: Disney
- A junior coaster designed for young children, but it’s over in less than a minute.
- Not worth the wait for older kids or adults.
- Better Alternative: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – A thrilling but family-friendly coaster with stunning views. The smooth ride and interactive queue make this coaster a more enjoyable experience for all.
Liberty Square & Frontierland
Skip: Liberty Square Riverboat
- A slow-moving 17-minute boat ride around Tom Sawyer Island.
- Relaxing and aesthetically pleasing, but not a must-do for those looking for excitement. There’s a reason why Disney has decided to axe the attraction in favor of its upcoming Cars Land (even if it’s yet to announce a closure date).
- Better Alternative: The Haunted Mansion – A spooky yet fun adventure with legendary Disney storytelling. The ride’s detailed sets and special effects make it one of the most beloved attractions at Disney.
Skip: Country Bear Musical Jamboree
- While nostalgic, this animatronic show may feel outdated to some guests, despite its reimagining in the summer of 2024.
- Better Alternative: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – Now open in Frontierland, this lively reimagining of Splash Mountain brings vibrant storytelling and music from The Princess and the Frog (2009). The ride features stunning visuals, an engaging story, and a fantastic soundtrack, making it a must-visit attraction.
Tomorrowland
Skip: Tomorrowland Speedway
Credit: Disney
- Slow-moving cars with a strong gasoline smell.
- Long wait times for a short experience that, let’s be real, can basically be had on
- Better Alternative: Space Mountain – An exhilarating indoor coaster with a thrilling dark ride element. The ride offers high-speed turns and an immersive interstellar setting that make it a thrilling experience.
Skip: Astro Orbiter
- Similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant but positioned high above Tomorrowland.
- Long loading times and lack of shade make it less appealing. Also, this ride is deceptively terrifying.
- Better Alternative: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – A fun, interactive ride where you can battle the Evil Emperor Zurg. This ride is great for competitive guests who enjoy shooting-style attractions.
Credit: Disney
Skip: Carousel of Progress
- A rotating theater show that showcases technological advancements over the decades.
- Interesting for history buffs and Disney historians, but may feel slow for younger guests.
- Better Alternative: TRON Lightcycle / Run – A cutting-edge roller coaster with high-speed thrills. This ride offers a unique light-cycle experience and a futuristic setting that makes it one of the most exciting additions to Magic Kingdom.
Final Thoughts
Every ride at Magic Kingdom has its loyal fans, but not all are worth your precious park time, depending on what you’re after. If thrills, interactive experiences, and immersive storytelling are what you’re craving, you’ll want to hit the high-energy attractions and those uniquely Disney moments that really make the park stand out.
By prioritizing the must-see rides, you can ensure your day is packed with excitement and memories. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Disney vet, these picks will help you make the most of your visit.
Which rides do you tend to skip at Magic Kingdom?
