Are you ready to conquer ALL of the Magic Kingdom roller coasters on your next Disney trip?
When it comes to classic attractions, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is home to most of them, and many of those classic attractions happen to be roller coasters.
The best part about the roller coasters at Magic Kingdom is that they come in all shapes and sizes and all thrill levels.
If you’re thinking about hopping on and pulling down the lap bar on any of these coasters, but have questions before you get on, I have you covered.
This is the ThemeParkHipster official ranking of the Magic Kingdom roller coasters.
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#5 The Barnstormer
This adorable kids coaster is perfect if you’re traveling with younger kids or if you want to relive your own childhood Disney adventures.
You’ll get the chance to follow Goofy on one of his wacky journeys in Fantasyland.
What to Expect on the Magic Kingdom Barnstormer Roller Coaster
This short roller coaster is a kid-friendly attraction that features a few short drops and is themed to Goofy.
It’s perfect for anyone new to roller coasters who will want to ease into the world of thrill rides!
When Did the Disney Barnstormer Roller Coaster Open?
The Barnstormer opened on October 1, 1996 and was originally themed as a Goofy’s barnyard, but has since changed to be an airplane-themed coaster.
Why We Love This Magic Kingdom Roller Coaster
I love this roller coaster because it brings back fond memories of riding with my dad when I was a kid.
This is usually the first roller coaster that kids can go on at Walt Disney World.
Is the Barnstormer a Must Do Disney Ride?
This is only a must-do if you’re going to Magic Kingdom with younger kids since it’s so short. If there’s no wait in the line, then definitely give it a try!
Should You Use Genie+/Lightning Lane for The Barnstormer Ride at Disney?
Skip booking a Genie+/Lightning Lane for this and use your selection on another Magic Kingdom attraction instead.
Ride Stats for The Barnstormer Roller Coaster at the Magic Kingdom
- The Barnstormer Ride Height Requirements: 35 inches
- Top Speed of The Barnstormer: 25 miles per hour (mph)
- Barnstormer Height: 30 feet
- How Long Does The Barnstormer Lasts: 1 minute
Hipster Power Tip: The Barnstormer ride usually has short wait times at the end of the night, so that’s when it’s best to ride.
#4 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
This ride is another family-friendly attraction on my list at number three that tells the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
While it’s not my personal favorite, many people think a trip to Magic Kingdom isn’t complete without doing this Disney roller coaster.
Is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Scary?
The Seven Dwarfs Mine train ride at Disney is not scary at all. Especially when comparing it to the former Snow White’s Scary Adventures.
You can expect big show scenes with animatronics that look like the Seven Dwarfs, as well as big drops throughout the ride.
When Did the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Open?
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened in 2014 as part of Magic Kingdom’s expansion of Fantasyland.
It is still held in high regard at Walt Disney World with the wait times to prove it!
Why We Love This Magic Kingdom Roller Coaster
This is the only Magic Kingdom coaster to have big show scenes that include audio-animatronics, and we love that guests can often be heard singing along to iconic songs like “Heigh-Ho.”
The ride is also known for its ride cars that can swing independently of one another as riders glide along the track.
Is The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster a Must Do Disney Ride?
This ride isn’t on my list of must-do’s mainly for the excessively long lines it draws and the lack of big thrills compared to some of the other rides at Magic Kingdom.
Should You Use Genie+/Lightning Lane for The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Disney World?
Instead of using Lightning Lane for The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, consider hopping on first thing in the morning when Magic Kingdom opens.
Ride Stats for The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Height Requirements: 38 inches
- Top Speed of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: 34 miles per hour (mph)
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Height: 39 feet
- How Long the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Lasts: 3 minutes
Hipster Power Tip: The seats on this ride are very small, so if you are traveling with a friend or family member you may want to sit as a single rider to have more room.
#3 Space Mountain
You can find Space Mountain at the edge of Tomorrowland. It’s noticeable by its large white building and blue and green sign.
What to Expect on Space Mountain at Disney World
This completely indoor roller coaster blasts guests off on a winding journey into space. You’re seated in a row of six guests aboard a spaceship.
While on the ride you’ll pass by astronauts, space shuttles, and planets making it one of the best Magic Kingdom roller coasters that you MUST do!
When Did Space Mountain Open at Disney World?
Space Mountain opened at Magic Kingdom on January 15, 1975 to much fanfare. Now the attraction is STILL a guest favorite at the park and often has long lines to experience the ride.
Why We Love This Magic Kingdom Roller Coaster
I love this roller coaster because of its big drops that are not seen because of the darkness of the ride.
I also love that the coaster is completely indoors, which offers a chance to cool off while in line.
Space Mountain is often considered the first fully enclosed indoor roller coaster. The complete darkness of the attraction is also a highlight.
Is Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom a Must Do Disney Ride?
Yes, Space Mountain is definitely a must-do Disney attraction for every visit to the Magic Kingdom!
Should You Use Genie+/Lightning Lane for Space Mountain at Disney World?
Space Mountain does offer Genie+/Lightning Lane service, but it’s better to use your booking on other big attractions like BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad and ride this first thing in the morning or later in the evening.
Ride Stats for Space Mountain at the Magic Kingdom
- Space Mountain Height Requirements: 44 inches
- Top Speed of Space Mountain: 27 mph
- Space Mountain Height: 65 feet
- How Long Does Space Mountain Lasts: 3 minutes
Hipster Power Tip: Those with long legs will want to sit in seats 2, 3, 5, or 6. Seats one and four are at the front of each car and offer less legroom.
#2 BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad
You can take on the wildest roller coaster in all the land at Walt Disney World! This thrill ride is found in the Frontierland section of Magic Kingdom.
What to Expect on BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom
BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad is easily one of the best roller coaster at the park. It’s all outdoors, with a fun wild west theme.
Although it can be considered a “classic” Disney ride, there’s always a wait for this fun attraction.
When Did BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad Open at Disney World?
BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad opened at Magic Kingdom on November 15, 1980, and has been taking guests on a thrilling ride through the fictional mining town ever since.
Why We Love This Magic Kingdom Roller Coaster
I love this ride at Magic Kingdom because its fast, has a great story, and offers a slightly different experience whether you ride it during the day or at night.
The attraction’s claim to fame is the fact that there’s one at four of the Disney parks around the world, and each one is slightly different.
Is BIG Thunder Mountain Roller Coaster a Must Do Disney Ride?
Yes, this is my number one must-do roller coaster at Magic Kingdom because of how fun the ride is.
It still holds your attention from start to finish will high-speed thrills to keep you laughing or screaming!
Should You Use Genie+/Lightning Lane for BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad?
BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad does offer Genie+/Lightning Lanes, but they do fill up quickly, so if this is a priority at Magic Kingdom be sure to book this first.
Ride Stats for BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disney World:
- BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad Height Requirements: 40 inches
- Top Speed for BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad: 35 mph
- BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad Height: 104 feet
- How Long Does BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad Lasts: 7 minutes
Hipster Power Tip: Always ask to sit in the back for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This will give you the best views of the park and it’s just more fun.
#1 Tron Lightcycle Run
This ride is a twin of the Tron Lightcycle coaster that’s currently open at Shanghai Disneyland.
The coaster sits next to Space Mountain in Tomorrowland and can be seen from the Peoplemover and the Tomorrowland Speedway.
TRON is tailored as a motorbike styled vehicle, enhancing the individual riders experience.
To match the TRON theme, the motorbikes are designed to look similar to the vehicles from the film. However, the ride doesn’t really have a storyline.
6 Beginner Tips for Riding TRON Lightcycle/Run
- You are required to use the lockers for the attraction to store your belongings.
- Have your Magicband or app ready as this will get you in your locker.
- The attraction used the Virtual Queue System which does boarding group drops at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- Lightning Lane and Disability Access Service is available for the ride.
- Once your boarding group is called, you have a certain amount of time to make it or you may be denied.
- You cannot enter the area without a boarding group or lightning lane.
Brief Construction and Concept History
The Tron coaster for Magic Kingdom was announced in 2017 and since then has moved forward with construction.
In March of 2022, the ride started testing vehicles on the track, which was a huge milestone on the way to opening day.
When did Tron Lightcycle Run Open at Disney World?
Disney’s Tron Lightcycle Run opened on April 4, 2023 to much excitement and anticipation from fans.
Ride Stats for TRON Lightcycle/Run at the Magic Kingdom
- Lift/Launch System: LIM Launch
- TRON Ride Height: 78 ft
- Speed of TRON Ride: 59 MPH
- 4 G Forces
- TRON Length: 3,169 FT
- Time: 2 Minutes
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What to Know Before You Go to the Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Now that you know what the best Magic Kingdom roller coasters are, let’s go through a few of the top tips for you trip!
How Many Roller Coasters are at Magic Kingdom?
You’ll be surprised to know that there are currently five rollers coasters at Magic Kingdom.
The roller coasters can be found across the park and each one has a different theme and backstory for you to experience.
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Do any of the rides go upside down at the Magic Kingdom?
No, none of the roller coasters at Magic Kingdom go upside down. If you’re looking for inversions, head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and get on Rock’n’Roller Coaster.
What’s the fastest roller coaster at Magic Kingdom?
Big Thunder Mountain was the fastest roller coaster in the Magic Kingdom at 35 miles per hour that’s until Tron Lightcyle opened which is 59 miles per hour!
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My Final Thoughts on the Magic Kingdom Roller Coasters
You are officially ready to conquer each of the Magic Kingdom roller coasters at Walt Disney World.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Megan is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She covers all things Disney and Universal and runs marathons for fun.
She thinks you can tell a lot about someone by the name of their signature lipstick, and hers is NARS Dragon Girl.
For more theme park tips and tricks, follow ThemeParkHipster on YouTube.
(Original Article Date: May 23, 2022/Updated by Editor on April 23, 2024)