Almost 53 years after its opening day on October 1, 1971, Magic Kingdom remains Walt Disney World’s most popular park, holding 41 rides featuring iconic themes, characters, and songs. But on its opening day, the park had a mere 12 rides, and an impressive eight of those remain there today.
53 years have brought some name changes, character developments, and definitely some paint jobs, but these eight rides outlasted the rest and still sit in Magic Kingdom after creating millions of magical memories for guests for over five decades.
8. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
One of two rideable carousels in Walt Disney World, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel sits directly behind Cinderella Castle, and has had quite a journey over the last century. Originally built in 1917 and named The Liberty Carousel, it was purchased by The Walt Disney Company 50 years later and named Cinderella’s Golden Carousel for Magic Kingdom’s 1971 grand opening.
Renamed Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in 2010, this carousel features 18 horses, including what’s rumored to be Cinderella’s horse. But as gorgeous and magical as this ride is, it sits in last place due to its generality of simply being like any other carousel.
7. Walt Disney World Railroad
Walt Disney World Railroad has been on quite the adventure in its almost 53 years in the park, from riding guests across Magic Kingdom on its opening day to taking a four-year hiatus while TRON Lightcycle Run was making its way to Tomorrowland.
I’ll admit, I only rode this ride for the first time in 2023, so I have no memories or nostalgia blinding my ranking. I place it in 7th because as fun of a ride as it was (I took it from Main Street, U.S.A., all the way around back to the same station) there are plenty of moments on the journey that are outdated, and even verge on boring as all you pass is forest and trees.
6. Mad Tea Party
Alice in Wonderland fans get quite the immersive experience as the fantasy ends and the futuristic land of tomorrow begins. Not only can you grab a sneaky snack at Cheshire Cafe and see topiaries in the shape of some beloved characters, but you can go a little mad and take a spin on the Mad Tea Party.
A classic spinning teacup ride, Mad Tea Party originally opened without a roof, but due to Orlando’s unpredictable weather, was given a roof in 1973. It took nearly another 20 years for the colorful lanterns to be added, and it’s only during spooky season at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party that neon lights change up the ambiance of the ride.
5. Tomorrowland Speedway
Another opening day ride to experience some name changes, what’s currently known as Tomorrowland Speedway was first introduced to guests as Grand Prix Raceway, Magic Kingdom’s version of Disneyland’s Autopia. In 1994, they dropped the Grand Prix theme and renamed the ride Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, and by 2008, it was shortened to simply Tomorrowland Speedway.
Space Mountain’s 1974 construction saw the ride’s track cut from 3,118 feet to 2,760 feet, and later cut down to 2,191 due to the addition of Mickey’s Toontown Fair (now Storybook Circus). But no matter how long the track is, this race car ride remains one of the most popular in the kingdom.
4. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Despite its typically short wait, Dumbo the Flying Elephant is by far one of Magic Kingdom’s most well-known rides. In fact, it’s so iconic, it was made an opening day attraction at all five Disney Parks that followed Disneyland, and is the only ride that you’ll find at all six parks worldwide.
It may be a fairly simple ride idea, similar to The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland or TriceraTop Spin in Animal Kingdom, but there’s something so nostalgic and magical about seeing Dumbo fly around Magic Kingdom, whether you’re on the ride or passing through Fantasyland.
3. “it’s a small world”
Who else has the song stuck in their head after reading this third-place ride? “it’s a small world” may be on the outdated side of Fantasyland, but it’s remained a staple of the park since opening day as it takes guests on a joyful journey around the world with the help of over 300 animated dolls.
Although there’s conflicting information about whether Kodak once sponsored the ride, the 90s saw Mattel sponsor it until 1998 when the toy company understandably switched to sponsoring the park’s brand new ride, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.
2. Jungle Cruise
If you’re looking for a boat ride featuring comedy and some (fake) animal sightings, Jungle Cruise is the ride for you. The glory of this ride isn’t the boat or the animatronic animals you’ll see in the distance, but the comedic genius that’s delivered by the skippers who guide your way.
Not only is Jungle Cruise an opening day ride for Magic Kingdom, but holds an easter egg for another opening day ride that was once in Hollywood Studios. Keep your eyes peeled as you pass by the Hippo Pool where you might spot a piece of a downed airplane, which was featured on The Great Movie Ride during the Casablanca scene.
1. Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion is, without a doubt, one of the best rides at Magic Kingdom. Sitting on the edge of Liberty Square just before you enter Corona, the entire atmosphere of the park changes to spooky sounds and creepy cast members who guide your way to the mansion.
The ride features memorable songs, iconic characters, and of course, 999 happy haunts. One of those iconic characters is Madame Leota, who was originally voiced by Eleanor Audley – the voice behind Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty and Lady Tremaine in Cinderella – for the ride in both WDW and Disneyland.
Ashley Amber is a former Disney cast member who rediscovered her love of writing when the 2020 pandemic ended her time making magic. When she's not bringing the magic to The DIS articles, Ashley works as a writer for Happy Productions and a live-blogger at MJ's Big Blog, and previously published over 300 articles with Collider. Ashley also authored a self-published fantasy/romance series of novelettes, and made her poetry debut in 2021's LGBTQIA+ anthology Deviant: Chronicles of Pride by InkFeathers Publishing. As a former pro ballroom dancer, when she's not writing, you can find Ashley on Youtube and TikTok where she posts dance videos featuring her own choreography and tutorials.