Listly by rfish93
Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! We've ranked all 42 attractions at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom! From splash zones to Splash Mountain, this is the definitive ranking of every single attraction at the Magic Kingdom (based on Wikipedia's current listing). Let this listing be your guide so you know what to skip, what not to miss, and how to Make the Most Out of the Magic Kingdom. Keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside at all times and ride along with us as you become a Magic Kingdom Ride Pro.
The Splash 'N' Soak Station is intended specifically for very young children, which puts it at the bottom of our list. Based on the Casey Jr. Train from Dumbo, this area of Storybook Circus might be a great place for young kids to cool off on a hot day. However, when it comes to fun, that's about where the water runs dry. Don't forget, once you're done with a splash zone, you still have a full day of being wet ahead of you. If you have dining reservations, plan to stay in the park late, or just want to spend your time wisely, we say this one's a skip.
PRO SCORE: 12
At any Disney Park, we're wary of any experience that costs extra money. Many of these "additional fee required" attractions have their pros and cons, but we say the Shootin' Arcade fires blanks. Two quarters will buy you 25 shots, but from there all you really get to do is aim a toy gun at some targets. Not to mention, the attraction takes up a large area of Frontierland. This day and age, we say a gun-focused, money-draining shooting gallery isn't the best use of time or space, so mosey on past and save your change, y'hear?
PRO SCORE: 10
Okay, okay, we admit the Swiss Family Robinson House has its charm, but it's taking up prime real estate in Adventureland. Plus, this treehouse is more like a museum than an actual attraction. Explore the story of the Swiss Family Robinson as you walk through detailed recreations of their arboreal home. On the plus side, it is never too crowded so you can often make it through quickly. Check it out if you're bored, but don't regret it if you decide to grab a Dole Whip instead.
PRO SCORE: 10
Politics aside, the Hall of Presidents is a long-standing tradition, but also a long-lasting show. It features a cinematic history lesson before introducing all 45 American Presidents. If you're tired or hot, it's a large, dark theater where you can take a nap or cool down, while learning a little something too. The animatronics are some of the most impressive in the park, with each one exhibiting unique features and detailed behaviors throughout their time on stage. If this seems like your speed, honor your forefathers and check it out.
PRO SCORE: 10
One of our biggest gripes with the Magic Kingdom is that it features three rides that are essentially the same exact thing. While they may vary in size, speed, and location, these rides all simply spin in a circle and allow you to push yourself up or down. You'll see the other two not much further down this list, but the worst of them all is the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Much like the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, the Magic Carpets take up a large area of Adventureland - and one that causes major congestion. There was a time when this area was open and easily passed through, but now it's riddled with long wait times and annoying spitting camels. Genie, we wish this ride would go away.
PRO SCORE: 10
The Main Street Vehicles get a bump up the list for adding atmosphere as you enter the park. You'll see us favor atmosphere and character more throughout this list, but these vehicles play an important part in setting the scene as soon as you walk in. We also appreciate that they operate seasonally to avoid a crowd - it adds that extra layer of magic when you see them out and know the park is in full, happy swing.
PRO SCORE: 10
Tomorrowland has had it rough lately, and the Laugh Floor is just one of two major misses for the land. While the technology behind it is cool, it's basically a rehash of Turtle Talk with Crush with lame jokes and bad puns. Join Mike Wazowski and some other generic monster for a comedy show aimed at children and funny for no one. As one of two mediocre attractions that welcomes you as you cross the bridge to Tomorrowland, it's time for this area to get a major revamp.
PRO SCORE: 13
Welcome to the second mediocre attraction at the entrance to Tomorrowland - Stitch's Great Escape. The animatronic is amazing, but the show is disgusting (at one point, Stitch burps a chili dog right in your face - and you smell it). Plus, this attraction loses MAJOR points for replacing one of the most unique and genuinely terrifying shows ever at a Disney Park - ExtraTERRORestrial. Stitch's Great Escape is so unpopular that at this point it's taken to operating seasonally, which means it can't be around for much longer.
PRO SCORE: 13
Much like Stitch's Great Escape, Enchanted Tales with Belle has some awesome animatronics, but not much else to offer. Lumiere and the Wardrobe are worth setting eyes on - they look like living cartoons - but the rest of the show is intended for very young children. If you have a young son or daughter who would love to meet Belle and experience the world of Beauty and the Beast, give the story a listen.
PRO SCORE: 13
At Disney Parks Pro, we love the growing implementation of interactive elements in the parks. A Pirate's Adventure turns Adventureland into a game, with achievements, goals and a whole kingdom to explore. We love experiences that encourage you to be adventurous and give a family or group something to work on together as they explore all the hidden details of Disney Parks. However, don't be fooled - these can be time consuming! If you're a first-timer or you're looking to focus on rides and shows, don't get sucked into this pirate's scheme.
PRO SCORE: 14
This one earn's points for it's articulated character faces and for bringing atmosphere to Main Street - but it loses points for happening so many times a day. If you're walking all around the park like we usually are, you'll pass this show over and over, and let's just say it can get on your nerves a bit. You can stop to marvel at the animated faces of Mickey and Friends, but then you'll probably get annoyed by the music from Frozen. Plus, it shuts down the Castle so you can't walk through it, keeping visitors from the experience inside and from easy access to Fantasyland.
PRO SCORE: 16
Tom Sawyer Island is a classic, but it's so damn hard to get to! You have to take a special ferry, and once you're there there really isn't much to do. It feels very much like the town described in Mark Twain's classic novel, but there aren't any major attractions, rides or restaurants to be worth the effort of getting across the river.
PRO SCORE: 13
If you're going to experience what the river has to offer, the Liberty Square Riverboat is the way to go. We say skip Tom Sawyer's Island and take a relaxing ride on this authentic paddle steam boat. There are special sights to see along the way, and you can explore all areas of the large boat. It can fit enough people that it never has a wait, and can be something fun to do that breaks up the pace of a long day.
PRO SCORE: 13
The Speedway is fun, particularly if you have small kids who can't drive yet. With that said, it's also HOT. The line is long and not shaded well, and once you get out on the track it doesn't get any better. It's also loud, and if you get stuck behind a bad driver - or in front of a "bumper" - you won't have the best experience. It can be hit or miss, but if the Speedway seems like your thing then get set and GO (at a safe top speed of 6 mph).
PRO SCORE: 14
ALLLLL ABOOOARRDD!!! The railroad is another winner for adding atmosphere - and because it offers transportation around the park. If you're looking to get from Main Street to Frontierland or Storybook Circus, it can be fun to take the train and see what pops up along the ride. Plus, who doesn't love hearing the train announcer's voice ring through Main Street at the Entrance of Magic Kingdom?
PRO SCORE: 15
The Astro Orbiter is the second offender in the "these three rides are the same" category. This one earns some points for being the fastest, and for being up high so you get a great view. That height, however, comes with a price, as the only way to access the ride is through an elevator, which can really gum up the line. The Astro Orbiter adds a nice dynamic element to Tomorrowland and the overall view of the park, but it's just not worth the wait.
PRO SCORE: 14
Yes, that's right, we rank the PeopleMover over the Astro Orbiter and Stitch's Great Escape. While it might seem hokey, the TTA offers up a unique perspective of Tomorrowland in an easy to access moving ride. You get a bird's eye view of the shops and restaurants, and even go inside both Space Ranger Spin and Space Mountain. When Space Mountain is undergoing maintenance or experiencing technical difficulty, you can even get a look at the ride with the lights on! With interesting stops and displays on the way, hop aboard the TTA!
PRO SCORE: 15
We love a parade, and this one's a good one! Sing and dance along with characters from Brave, Frozen, Tangled and more in this fun day time spectacle. The parade features an awesome Maleficent float that actually breathes fire so strong you can feel the heat. The only down side is that the parade weaves through a good chunk of the park, which means traffic gets backed up and some areas are impossible to pass through. If this happens, Hakuna Matata, friend, there's a dazzling show right in front of you and you'll be on your way soon enough!
PRO SCORE: 16
This one gets points for being a Walt Disney classic. Originally designed for the World's Fair by the man himself, Carousel of Progress offers a unique look back in time - both through the show and through the outdated animatronics and storyline. The show ends with a future segment that's supposed to feel futuristic and new, but basically seems stuck in the 80's. Marvel at the creativity behind the rotating theater and lighting effects and sing-along: There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow!
PRO SCORE: 16
That's right, two carousels back to back. We know it's just a carousel, but this ride adds so much character to Fantasyland and it's basically a rite of passage. There's always a short wait, and everyone needs an obligatory carousel picture when they go to Disney World. Put on your mouse ears, hold up that ice cream bar and smile! Just make sure you pick the exact right horse.
PRO SCORE: 16
It's the icon of the entire park - the symbol of all Walt Disney World. Cinderella Castle is a beautiful thing to behold, and we love how it's been put to use over the years. It houses a restaurant, beautiful mosaic art, serves as a stage, and for decades people have ended their evening by watching the magic of a Disney fireworks show with the Castle as a backdrop. Through precise lighting and architecture, the Castle embodies so much, and the introduction of projection-mapping has made it cooler than ever. Cue the music and gather for a photo, for this is where the Magic happens.
PRO SCORE: 15
As we said earlier, we love anything that gives the park an extra element of fun and encourages adventure. Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom is an epic game that takes you through every major land at the Magic Kingdom, fighting villains with exclusive collectible trading cards. There are many unique stories, and cards based on every Disney property from Mr. Toad to Lightning McQueen. If you're a true Disney Parks Pro, it's hard to resist trying to get your hands on all of these unique, detailed cards. And the best part is, the whole experience is free! You can get 5 cards a day every day, just stop by the Firehouse to become an honorary Sorcerer and join the fight!
PRO SCORE: 16
The Enchanted Tiki Room is, honestly, kind of a bizarre little show. There's not much of a story besides singing birds on the ceiling, but it's got all the classic charm of a Walt Disney original attraction. The music is timeless and the characters are ever-quotable - even if they don't do too much beyond chat and sing. It's a short show and it's in a comfortable dark theater, making it an altogether pleasant experience.
PRO SCORE: 17
The Mad Tea Party is a staple and another iconically Disney attraction. But be warned - this one's not for those with a faint stomach! The floor and your teacup spin independently, and with the wrong person in the driver's seat you can get dizzy quickly. Be a Pro by knowing your limits, this attraction is as fun to watch as it is to ride.
PRO SCORE: 16
It's a kiddie coaster, sure, but it's a fun one! We like the fact that the good ol' Goof gets his own ride, and this one has been around for years. While it's been made over to fit the theme of Storybook Circus, this was once the cornerstone of Toontown and it's managed to maintain that charm. Don't expect jaw-dropping thrills, but we still think you'll have a high-flying time on this one.
PRO SCORE: 16