Top 3, Bottom 3: Attractions at Magic Kingdom

on February 27, 2021

Each week, two members of the Crescent Lake Club tackle the best and worst offerings at Walt Disney World. This week, Keeli and Ryan rank the three best AND worst attractions at Magic Kingdom!

Love it or hate it, it’s really hard to make an argument against Magic Kingdom being the most iconic park at Walt Disney World — if not all of the Disney parks. From the moment you hit the Transportation & Ticket Center (or leave your Magic Kingdom-area resort) and board your transportation to the park, you’re in the bubble and all the magic begins. From seeing the train once you clear the turnstiles, then making the turn on Main Street towards Cinderella’s Castle … you’re just caught up in the magic!

It helps that Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has the most attractions on offer for visitors planning their day at just one park — but, not all attractions are created equal.

This week, we tackle … Top 3, Bottom 3 … attractions at Magic Kingdom!

Up first, Keeli will tell you about her Top 3 Magic Kingdom attractions:

So, I struggled with where to go for this Top 3 — and yes, at one point my list included Swiss Family Treehouse and Tom Sawyer Island — but I finally settled on attractions that are not only unique, but their unique qualities have withstood the test of time. So, with that, here are my Top 3!

Jungle Cruise at Walt Disney World (Disney Parks Blog)

First up is the Jungle Cruise! No two cruises around the rivers of the world are ever the same, so each visit to this attraction is unique thanks to the affable personalities and comedic stylings of the Skippers. And lest we not forget, the Jungle Cruise is home to the Eighth Wonder of the World — the backside of water! Another reason the Jungle Cruise lands in this week’s Top 3 is its adorable holiday overlay — the Jingle Cruise — a festive nod to the holidays where the Skippers decorate scenes throughout the adventure! Also, the Jungle Cruise is the first Walt Disney World attraction to spawn its own restaurant — Skipper’s Canteen — so it is definitely worthy of a spot in the Top 3. Up next is:

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Disney Parks Blog)

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin debuted in Tomorrowland in the fall of 1998, boasting interactive technology that made it a first-of-its-kind theme park attraction. Drawing visual inspiration from classic arcade games like Galaga, this carnival-style shooting game sends riders on a mission to destroy Zurg’s secret weapon by shooting targets with their Astro-Blasters and accruing points along the way. Sure, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin isn’t as fancy as its technologically-superior sibling Toy Story Midway Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but that doesn’t stop riders from returning time after time in pursuit of iconic Galactic Hero status … or spending hours watching YouTube videos on how to hit the big bonus and score 999,999+ points. And don’t forget the on-ride photo — such locked-in, laser focus every time.

And finally, let’s leave Tomorrowland and head to Liberty Square to quite possibly the most iconic Magic Kingdom ride of all time …

The Haunted Mansion. (Disney Parks Blog)

It’s fitting that the Haunted Mansion — a Magic Kingdom opening-day attraction that made its debut nearly 50 years ago — has achieved such cult status. This haunted house-inspired dark ride has aged beautifully and continues to combine various stages of ground-breaking ride technology without feeling, ironically, dated. From the iconic ballroom scene — which has always been a bucket-list target of urban explorers — to the newer presentation of Constance Hatchaway in the Mansion’s attic, the Haunted Mansion continues to wow guests year after year. When you think of a true and complete attraction, Haunted Mansion is the gold standard. From the moment you enter the front doors, you are taken over — the score swells, the temperature changes to resemble a stifling old house (and also allowing you to feel the chill of the wall-to-wall creeps) and you are completely transported. But don’t take my word for it — 999 Happy Haunts would also agree.

Ryan’s Top 3 Magic Kingdom Attractions:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Country Bear Jamboree
Space Mountain

Now it is Ryan’s turn to tackle the Bottom 3 Magic Kingdom attractions …

Magic Kingdom obviously has a big place in my heart, and does for pretty much all Disney fans. That doesn’t mean it is perfect though. As I have gotten older (meaning adulthood), I have enjoyed the Magic Kingdom less and less. So here are my Bottom 3 Magic Kingdom attractions:

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is on top of my Bottom 3. This attraction creates an unnecessary bottleneck within Adventureland. They placed it right in the middle of a walkway, essentially. I couldn’t even tell you the last time I was on it. I would much rather do Dumbo or Astro Orbiter myself. I don’t think many people would actually miss it if they paved it over. Aladdin deserves better.

Next up is Tomorrowland Speedway. Now I did very much enjoy the speedway as a kid. I think it should stay in the park too. However, the ride is old, and outdated. The gas fumes take over Tomorrowland too. With Tron coming next door and the Tomorrowland aesthetic, new updated electric vehicles would be amazing as an attraction.

My final attraction is definitely going to be my most controversial. I very much enjoy the history and the music from this classic too. Though I often find myself just going in for a nap or air conditioning break as of late. The Carousel of Progress is another that needs an update. I definitely do not want to see it removed but Disney should look to update it and keep it fresh. The theme parks aren’t museums after all.

Keeli’s Bottom 3 Magic Kingdom Attractions: