Magic Kingdom

Image: Disney

We saved Walt Disney World’s flagship park for last. For parents with small kids, a no-thrills visit to Magic Kingdom may not be so difficult thanks to the park’s insane range of kid-friendly rides. Like Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom is surprisingly well balanced when it comes to the types of rides and experiences offered. Offhand, here are some attractions you’ll definitely want to skip if you can’t do thrill rides:

• Space Mountain (indoor coaster)
• Splash Mountain (flume ride with multiple drops)
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (jostling mine car coaster-- if it says “mountain” in the name at a Disney park, just proceed with caution)
• The Seven Dwarves Mine Train (a surprisingly gentle coaster thanks to its car design)
• The Barnstormer (kiddie coaster)
• TRON Lightcycle PowerRun (expected to open in 2021)
• The Mad Tea Party (oh the spinning)

Magic Kingdom also includes several other attractions we would consider gray area rides:

• Pirates of the Caribbean – this dark boat ride is pretty peaceful but does include one small drop
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Not a thrill ride at all but it does include some spinning.
• The Haunted Mansion – The ride is completely smooth, but the ghostly content can definitely creep out some guests and scare small kids
• The Astro Orbiter – Pretty gentle but does include heights

Image: Disney

The good news is there is something for everyone at the Magic Kingdom. Some of the safe non-thrill ride choices will include the Jungle Cruise, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Journey of the Little Mermaid, Peter Pan’s Flight, the Swiss Family Treehouse (a walking attraction), the PeopleMover, Tom Sawyer Island (for those who love exploring), the Enchanted Tiki Room, and It’s a Small World (if your mind can take the song). The park also ends the night with the excellent and absolutely mind-bending Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular.

If you enjoy character encounters, Magic Kingdom is definitely going to be a happy place for you. Our favorite remains Gaston at his tavern (no one trolls like Gaston), but you can also meet Mickey and the gang, Disney princesses, Pixar characters like the Incredibles, and more throughout the park.

Finally, as far as dining goes, Magic Kingdom has a few real gems. Everyone tends to flock to Be Our Guest and Cinderella’s Royal Table—both excellent choices—but if you have a good sense of humor, consider stopping at the Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen. We can’t gush enough about this place with its creative menu and hilarious staff. Magic Kingdom is also home to some of Disney’s most iconic treats including Dole Whip floats and citrus swirls in Adventureland, the fresh fruit waffle ice cream sandwich at Sleepy Hollow, turkey legs in Frontierland, and of course, literally EVERYTHING at the Main Street Bakery.

There is so much more to do at Walt Disney World from exploring the resorts, to sports and recreation, to mini golf, to getting lost in Disney Springs… The point is that thrills are great, but they aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Whether you prefer to avoid thrills rides overall or you temporarily have to skip them, don’t worry. There is plenty of magic to be enjoyed at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Do you like thrill rides? What’s your favorite non-thrill ride experience at Walt Disney World?