When you think of Magic Kingdom attractions, iconic rides like Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion probably come to mind. But let’s be real—most rides at the park aren’t headliners.
For every major attraction like Pirates of the Caribbean, you’ll find three smaller ones like AstroOrbiter or Mad Tea Party. While these minor rides may not be “e-ticket” experiences, they’re still enjoyable and play a key role in absorbing park crowds.
With that in mind, I thought it’d be fun to rank these smaller Magic Kingdom attractions. Keep reading to discover which ones are underrated gems and which are the literal worst.
Magic Kingdom Attractions NOT Included In This Ranking
This ranking doesn’t include the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions. These are the ones with the longest wait times or virtual queue:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Haunted Mansion
- Jungle Cruise
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Space Mountain
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- TRON Lightcycle/Run
This ranking also doesn’t include:
- Kiddie rides that require you to be a child or have one with you, such as Barnstormer
- Main Street Vehicles, because it’s just a short ride down Main Street USA
A Disclaimer About This Ranking
This post is subjective. I’ve visited Disney many times over the years, and with that comes my own set of preferences and opinions. My rankings reflect that.
You’ve probably got your own preferences, and that’s okay! I doubt any two people would ever agree on everything Disney World has to offer.
This post might get a little snarky, but it’s all in good fun. After all, they’re theme park rides! So let’s dive in.
22. Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Speedway ranks at the bottom of Magic Kingdom attractions. This ride gets a lot of hate online. After riding it for the first time in years, I understand why.
The queue reeks of gasoline like the stench of failure. Then you squeeze into your car, and the real misery begins.
My steering wheel was stiff and hard to turn, so keeping the car straight was a struggle. It kept veering left to right like Tinkerbell hopped up on pixie dust. The wheels hit the guiderail underneath the car again and again.
Halfway through, I wanted to abandon my vehicle.
But I limped toward the finish line, swerving the entire way. At least no one rear-ended the car. That happens on this ride.
Tomorrowland Speedway isn’t futuristic, and it isn’t fun. I think the only people who enjoy this ride are kids who aren’t old enough to drive.
21. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
This might be a hot take, but Under the Sea is underwhelming.
The animatronics look smooth, but the ride feels like a lazy rehash of the movie. It even glosses over the film’s most exciting moment. It feels like more effort went into the queue than the ride itself.
That said, my coworker (a total Disney Adult), likes this ride. So if anyone in your group is a Little Mermaid fan, just ignore my opinion here.
20. Walt Disney World Railroad
I saw a YouTube video on how Disneyland’s railroad is so much better than Disney World’s, and now I can’t unsee it. Our railroad is…kinda boring, y’all.
The railroad loops around the park, stopping at Main Street USA, Frontierland, and Fantasyland. There’s little of interest along the way, unless you like looking at access roads and trees.
19. Enchanted Tales with Belle
Enchanted Tales with Belle is a strange attraction. The premise is that the audience puts on a show for Belle, reenacting the night she met the Beast. Young volunteers from the crowd play different roles in the reenactment.
The show has a really cool special effect at the beginning. The Cast Members worked hard to energize the audience, and our Belle was so sweet with the little kids.
But after the reenactment, you’re just stuck in the room watching strangers’ kids get photos with Belle. And that goes on for a while. Awkward.
18. Tom Sawyer Island
Tom Sawyer Island is one of two Magic Kingdom attractions that’s getting replaced soon, but I wanted to include it here.
I’d describe this attraction as “pleasant.” It’s definitely made for kids, but adults can still have fun exploring the caves and crossing the rope bridge. Taking the raft over can be a hassle, so I can see why people aren’t fans of that aspect.
From what I’ve read online, families enjoy taking their kids here to burn off energy or escape the overstimulation of the park. There isn’t anywhere in the Magic Kingdom where you can run around and connect with nature like this. It’s a shame Disney is bulldozing it instead of repurposing it.
17. Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Mickey’s PhilharMagic is a 3D show in which Donald Duck takes a musical journey through various Disney cartoons. During the show, he bounces through films such as The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Coco.
While not especially memorable, the show is cute and most importantly air-conditioned. It usually doesn’t have long lines, making it a decent option when you need a break from the Florida heat.
16. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is a shooter ride similar to Toy Story Mania over at Hollywood Studios. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite measure up to that one.
There’s nothing really wrong with this ride. But unless you’re super into shooter rides, this one is just okay.
15. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is an interactive comedy show where you might become part of the punchline.
It’s a lot like Turtle Talk with Crush over at EPCOT, with an actor voicing a digital projection of Mike Wazowski. The show leans heavily on improv and engagement with the audience.
While not life-changing, it’s funnier than you’d expect—almost enough to make you forget that it doesn’t fit with the theme of Tomorrowland. How did this attraction end up here? Your guess is as good as mine.
14. Swiss Family Treehouse
During my visit, most of the Swiss Family Treehouse was under refurbishment. But even with the refurbishment, it has lots of stairs.
The idea is that you’re exploring the treehouse of a family stranded on a deserted island. You’ll walk past furnished rooms filled with personal items. This attraction feels like the Castaway version of an IKEA showroom, minus the price tags.
The rooms are impressively detailed, and this attraction offers a peaceful break. Just don’t visit when you’re tired.
13. Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Magic Carpets of Aladdin is one of three spinner rides in the Magic Kingdom. The other two are Dumbo the Flying Elephant and AstroOrbiter.
I actually enjoyed this one more than Dumbo, because the height control was more responsive. But I’m still ranking this third among the spinners. It feels like it was just dropped in the middle of Adventureland like an afterthought.
The line is also longer than necessary. Waiting half an hour doesn’t seem worth it when there are better rides to enjoy in the park.
12. AstroOrbiter
(Full disclosure: This ride was down for refurbishment during my recent visit, so I’m going off memory.)
AstroOrbiter sits high up, requiring an elevator ride to reach it. Its retro-futuristic theming makes it stand out from the other two spinners in the park. With its orbiting globes, rocket ships, and colorful lighting, AstroOrbiter looks especially cool at night.
On the downside, it always has absurdly long lines. Seriously, don’t wait 45 minutes for this ride.
11. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
This is the park’s original spinner ride. While the height control on my elephant felt a bit sluggish, I’m ranking Dumbo above the other two spinners because it’s a true Disney classic. With colorful theming and cute vehicles, this ride is a must-do for families visiting the park.
Plus, Disney had the smarts to build a second Dumbo to cut the wait time in half. For a simple ride like this, that’s a win.
10. Mad Tea Party
Mad Tea Party is a basic flat ride, but a fun one. You climb into a giant teacup and spin it as fast as you can by turning the wheel. The ride can be as wild as you want, and families seem to enjoy it.
Plus, the theming is adorable for a simple ride. The pastel teacups are playful and charming, and the mouse popping out of the teapot adds a cute detail.
9. “it’s a small world”
Yes, it’s creepy and the theme song sticks in your head for days. But once you get past the unsettling vibe, “it’s a small world” is a must-do at the Magic Kingdom.
Hear me out here. The ride has an uplifting message, and you can’t deny the artistry behind the dolls and sets. Disney packs a ton of detail into this 10-minute boat ride. It’s a classic that everyone should ride at least once.
Just be ready for that song to haunt you. It’s as insidious as you imagine.
8. The Hall of Presidents
Like Living with the Land, the Hall of Presidents is one of those Disney attractions I found boring as a kid but now appreciate as an adult.
The opening film is decent. But the real highlight is the presidential roll call, which introduces animatronic figures of each president.
The presidents are incredibly lifelike. They even make small movements, such as turning their head or shifting in place. It’s fascinating to watch.
The Hall of Presidents has some of the best animatronics in the park. While this attraction doesn’t quite match The American Adventure over at EPCOT, it’s still worth checking out. (Just prepare for some fidgeting if you have kids.)
7. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
I’ve heard mixed opinions about The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. But I actually enjoy it.
The ride takes you through the pages of a Winnie the Pooh storybook. The storyline gets a bit muddled as you zip through the busy scenes and past the giant pages.
But the visuals are trippy and colorful, with some fun surprises. The ride vehicles even bounce like Tigger at one point. The sequence where Pooh falls asleep and floats upward is one of the best special effects in the Magic Kingdom.
Every theme park needs a dark ride that resembles an acid trip. Winnie the Pooh fits the bill.
6. Liberty Square Riverboat
Like Tom Sawyer Island, the Liberty Square Riverboat will soon be gone because Disney decided to replace the river with…a bunch of cars.
It’s a shame. The Liberty Square Riverboat is one of the most underrated Magic Kingdom attractions.
This elegant riverboat takes you on a scenic journey around the Rivers of America. The folksy narration provides entertainment, with show scenes along the way such as a Native American camp.
The Liberty Square Riverboat offers a relaxing break from the park chaos. The ride is also highly accessible for seniors and people with health conditions. It’s disappointing to see Disney get rid of this classic experience.
5. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is one of those quirky Magic Kingdom attractions that’s been around forever. Filled with animatronic birds, plants, and tiki columns that put on a musical show, it has a wild vintage vibe.
Fair warning, the theme song was written by the same brothers who wrote “It’s a Small World.” The Tiki Room theme song may get stuck in your head too.
But the animatronics have old-school charm, and the show provides a truly unique experience. It’s a weird throwback to ‘60s tiki culture. I dig it, man.
4. Country Bear Musical Jamboree
I’d never been a huge fan of the original Country Bear Musical Jamboree and hadn’t seen it in years. So when I heard Disney was updating the show to have the bears covering Disney hits, I didn’t expect much.
But the updated show is unexpectedly fun. The animatronics still have plenty of character, the countrified Disney songs fit surprisingly well, and the jokes are just the right amount of ridiculous.
When the show was over, I actually found myself wanting a bit more. This show shouldn’t work as well as it does, but it’s an effective refresh of one of the silliest Magic Kingdom attractions.
3. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is an elevated tram that takes you on a scenic tour of Tomorrowland.
Partially air-conditioned, the PeopleMover lets you cool off and take a break from walking. It’s the perfect low-key attraction for when you want to go on a ride but avoid long lines.
What I like about this ride is how much ground it covers. You get fantastic views of Tomorrowland and even go inside Space Mountain. Bonus: If you ride at night, you get stunning views of Cinderella Castle, Tron, and Space Mountain all lit up.
2. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Total bias here: I find this ride super relaxing.
Yes, it’s just a carousel. But it nails its one job perfectly.
From the beautifully painted horses to the cheerful music, there’s something wonderfully nostalgic about circling around on this antique carousel. The ride also offers nice views of Fantasyland and Cinderella Castle.
Everything about this ride just works. It’s simple but magical.
1. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Some see Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress as a 20-minute nap opportunity. But like Living with the Land, this rotating theater show has a huge cult following. It’s one of my favorites, which is why it tops this ranking of smaller Magic Kingdom attractions.
The show follows a family as they enjoy technological advances from the 1900s to today. Its themes of progress and optimism fit well in Tomorrowland. And Walt Disney himself designed this show, so it feels like a glimpse into his mind.
The charming animatronics and the hokey theme song (from the “It’s a Small World” guys again) give it a nostalgic vibe. While the ending could use an update, the show remains a classic.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is the kind of attraction that wouldn’t be made today. Whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on your taste. But either way, there’s nothing like it.
Conclusion: Ranking the Smaller Magic Kingdom Attractions
Popular rides such as Tron may steal the spotlight, but the smaller Magic Kingdom attractions make up most of the park experience. I hope this article shed more light on some of the park’s hidden gems.
Worth noting: Even on the lesser-known attractions, Disney still goes all out with theming. Whether it’s the animatronics at The Hall of Presidents or the rooms of the Swiss Family Treehouse, the smaller Magic Kingdom attractions have a ton of detail.
I had fun ranking the smaller Magic Kingdom attractions. Even if your favorites are very different from mine, one thing’s for sure—the park has something for everyone to enjoy.