Short on Time? Skip These Magic Kingdom Attractions

With so much to see and do at Disney Parks, it can feel overwhelming to squeeze everything into just one visit, especially at the Magic Kingdom, the busiest of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks.

With over 30 attractions, including some that draw massive crowds and long wait times, it can be difficult to narrow down which rides and shows are must-do’s, and which ones can be saved for if you happen to find yourself with some extra time.

If the crowds are getting to you and you find yourself looking for insight on which attractions to skip, we’ve got some tips to help you decide.

Barnstormer Starring the Great Goofini

The Barnstormer, located in Storybook Circus, is an excellent choice for a first roller coaster for your little ones however, with only older kids and adults in tow or a family that is not interested in “thrill” rides this one might not be worth the wait.

At only 53 seconds in length, the Barnstormer is the shortest attraction at Walt Disney World (meaning it may not be worth the wait in line) and while the theming is adorable, you can see the entire ride without riding it so you know exactly what you would be missing.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Magic Kingdom’s two classic spinner attractions might be must-do’s for Guests visiting with kids, but if you are short on time, you may want to skip these two (or at least skip one and ride the other.) We love riding these attractions even as adults, but if you are short on time and just looking to remove something from your to-do list, these rides are another instance where you will at least know what you’re missing since the whole ride is outdoors.

Dumbo is arguably more iconic, and the queue contains an interior (read: air-conditioned) play area for kids, so if you only have time for one kid-friendly spinner in the Magic Kingdom, you may want to be sure to include some time exploring Storybook Circus.

Astro Orbiter

The Astro Orbiter, located above the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover in Tomorrowland is a similar concept to Dumbo or Magic Carpets of Aladdin, but it is much more thrilling. The Astro Orbiter is actually one of my personal favorite attractions, where the style of the rockets and speed at which the ride spins offers a more exciting experience compared to the Park’s other spinners, and it comes with incredible views of everything from Space Mountain to Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The downside to the Astro Orbiter? It often has a long line that is largely uncovered, so it could mean waiting outside in hot Florida temps, followed by a cramped elevator ride both up and down to access the attraction.

Tomorrowland Speedway

Another Tomorrowland attraction is making our list with the Tomorrowland Speedway. During peak weeks in Walt Disney World, and depending on how quickly you move along the track, this attraction can be quite time-consuming. The ride is not necessarily a favorite among most Disney Guests, but it is popular with kids who cannot yet drive their own cars.

Still, if you are on a time budget, your visit to Tomorrowland may be better spent with a quick trip aboard the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover or with a show like Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor or the Carousel of Progress that tends to have short wait times.

Mad Tea Party

Back in Fantasyland, the Mad Tea Party is Disney World’s take on the classic tea-cup ride. It comes complete with larger-than-life tea cups and a fun Alice in Wonderland theme; however, the ride itself is not all that unique.

If the line is short and fitting it into your day in the Park works out, we do not suggest skipping it, but if the wait time is long, this is one we might pass up where similar attractions like it run in other Parks.

We hope this list helps you narrow down your next Disney theme park rides and helps you save some time in the Magic Kingdom. You can always check wait times for attractions ride in the My Disney Experience app, where you are also able to purchase Genie+ for another way to save time in line at Walt Disney World. Happy planning!