Overview of Magic Kingdom Rides in 2025
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom continues to be a top destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. As of August 12, 2025, the park features 22 active rides out of its usual 24. This makes it the ride capital of the entire resort, surpassing other parks like EPCOT (11 rides), Hollywood Studios (9 rides), and Animal Kingdom (8 rides). Even with some attractions temporarily closed for refurbishments, the park remains a hub of excitement and adventure.
The distinction between “rides” and “attractions” is important. While “rides” typically refer to motorized experiences such as roller coasters and dark rides, “attractions” also include shows, walkthroughs, and character meet-and-greets. This means that while Magic Kingdom may have fewer rides than usual, it still offers a wide range of engaging experiences for guests of all ages.
Current Ride List at Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom’s rides are spread across six themed lands, each offering unique experiences. Here is a breakdown of the 24 typical rides, with inactive ones marked:
Main Street, U.S.A.– Walt Disney World Railroad: A scenic train ride around the park.
Adventureland– Jungle Cruise: A boat tour featuring animatronic wildlife and humor.- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin: An aerial spinner with a magic lamp theme.- Pirates of the Caribbean: A boat ride through pirate encounters.
Frontierland– Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: A runaway mine train coaster (currently inactive until 2026).- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: A log flume ride with a 50-foot drop.
Liberty Square– Haunted Mansion: A spooky dark ride with ghostly illusions.
Fantasyland– The Barnstormer: A short coaster for kids.- Dumbo the Flying Elephant: A spinner where riders control height.- It’s a Small World: A gentle boat ride with singing dolls.- Mad Tea Party: A spinning teacup ride.- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: A trackless dark ride.- Peter Pan’s Flight: A suspended dark ride over London and Neverland.- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: A classic carousel.- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: A family coaster with swinging cars.- Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid: A dark ride retelling Ariel’s story.
Tomorrowland– Astro Orbiter: A spinning rocket ride.- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: A shooting dark ride (currently inactive until 2026).- Space Mountain: An indoor space-themed coaster.- Tomorrowland Speedway: Gas-powered go-karts.- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover: A slow-moving tram ride.- TRON Lightcycle / Run: A high-speed motorcycle coaster.- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress: A rotating theater on innovation.
Retired and Defunct Rides
Over the years, several beloved rides have been retired or replaced. Some notable examples include:- Snow White’s Scary Adventures (replaced by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh)- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (closed in 1994, replaced by Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid)- Original Skyway gondola ride
These changes ensure that the park remains fresh and exciting, though they also evoke nostalgia among longtime fans.
Intensity and Duration of Rides
While thrill-seekers might expect TRON Lightcycle / Run or Space Mountain to be the most intense, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT actually holds that title. At Magic Kingdom, the top contenders for intensity are:- TRON Lightcycle / Run: Launches from 0 to 59 mph in seconds.- Space Mountain: An indoor coaster with sharp turns and drops in near-darkness.- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Currently closed but still a fan-favorite when open.
For those looking for the shortest ride, The Barnstormer takes the title at just 53 seconds long. It’s a great option for younger guests who want a gentle introduction to roller coasters.
Planning Your Visit
It is possible to experience all of Magic Kingdom in one day with the right strategy. Arriving before rope drop, using Disney Genie+ for high-demand rides, and planning meals to avoid peak hours can help maximize your time. Nighttime entertainment like Happily Ever After fireworks is a must-see, so save energy for the end of the day.
Best Days to Visit
Crowd patterns suggest that Tuesday through Thursday typically offer lighter attendance, especially outside of holiday weeks. Avoid weekends when local traffic increases, and steer clear of major event days for a more enjoyable experience.
Fireworks and Food Policies
Happily Ever After runs nightly at Magic Kingdom, although times may shift seasonally. On rare occasions, inclement weather may delay or cancel the show, but fireworks remain a core part of the Magic Kingdom experience.
Guests are allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, provided they are not in glass containers and require no reheating. This can be a cost-effective and time-saving option, especially for families.
Must-Do Experiences
While preferences vary, many guests consider Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to be a top must-do due to its blend of family accessibility, fun thrills, and immersive theming. Pairing it with Happily Ever After makes for a quintessential Magic Kingdom day.
Park Rankings
Magic Kingdom often ranks as the top park at Disney World due to its ride count, iconic Cinderella Castle, and broad appeal. EPCOT is highly regarded for its food and festivals, while Hollywood Studios excels in thrill rides and immersive lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Speed of TRON Lightcycle / Run
TRON Lightcycle / Run reaches a top speed of 59 mph, making it the fastest coaster at Disney World. The outdoor launch and light effects add to the adrenaline rush, making it a standout attraction.
Final Thoughts
With 22 active rides in 2025, Magic Kingdom remains the heart of Walt Disney World. Although a couple of headliners are under refurbishment, new favorites like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and TRON Lightcycle / Run keep the lineup fresh. Whether you’re chasing thrills, nostalgia, or the perfect family day, this guide should help you make the most of your visit.
