Splash Mountain Is Permanently Closed Due To Racist Ties; Here’s What To Ride In Magic Kingdom Instead
Sunday, January 22, 2023, marked the last day of Splash Mountain. A fan-favorite ride for decades will be closed for two years and transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This permanent closure comes after many decades of complaints of racist stereotypes and Jim Crow-era songs and imagery.
What Will The New Ride Be Like?
Disney describes the upcoming attraction as “In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you’ll join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans. This new scene is the thrilling moment you first drop into the bayou and encounter some friends both new and familiar.”
So if you’re visiting Magic Kingdom soon, here’s what to ride instead.
The Best Magic Kingdom Rides and Attractions
Because there are so many Magic Kingdom rides and attractions at this one theme park, you might not have enough time to squeeze all of them into one visit, especially if you are park hopping and trying to explore two parks in one day. That means tough decisions about what rides and attractions you plan to do.
These Magic Kingdom rides and attractions will have you smiling from ear to ear, and some may even have you screaming, but in a good way! Many have been around for over 50 years and have stood the test of time!
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fun, family-friendly roller coaster located next to Splash Mountain in Frontierland. This amazingly themed coaster will take you over mountains and through the caverns of the Old West.
Even though it’s technically family-friendly, it’s bumpy, very bumpy. It will also take you through a dark cavern. However, there are no big drops; it’s mainly fast and jerky. The bumpiness of this ride, along with the scenery, will make you feel like you are off-roading through the southwest.
You know your family best; some kids will love it, while it will be too much for others.
- Type of Ride: thrill ride, small drops
- Height Requirement: 40 inches or taller
2. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a family-friendly roller coaster in Fantasyland, themed after the classic fairytale Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This is an amazing roller coaster for the whole family!
It’s the perfect coaster for kids that want more thrills than the kiddie coaster, The Barnstormer, but something milder than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Whereas Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is bumpy and jerky, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is smooth.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one of the newest Magic Kingdom rides, and it’s very modern with its use of animatronics. You’ll happily sing the song “Heigh-Ho” along with the seven dwarfs on this fun adventure!
- Type of Ride: thrill ride, small drops
- Height Requirement: 38 inches or taller
3. It’s a Small World
It’s a small world located in Fantasyland, and is one of those classic, must-do Magic Kingdom rides. It might not be one of the most exciting rides at Walt Disney World, but it’s a classic, original opening-day ride, so it is a must.
This 10-minute gentle, whimsical boat ride will fill you with nostalgia. You’ll cruise along the Seven Seaways Waterway as you listen to the audio-animatronics children from all over the world singing, “it’s a small world.” It’s fun to see the scenes from all the different countries and what makes their culture unique.
- Type of Ride: slow boat ride
- Height Requirement: any height; all ages
4. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Dumbo, the Flying Elephant, is a classic Magic Kingdom attraction that’s a must-do for not only younger kids but adults at Disney too. Enjoy soaring high over Fantasyland on your elephant as you go round and round in a circle. You can choose whether you want to fly high or low by a shift of the lever.
Since this ride was recently redone, the wait has been dramatically reduced because two rides are now operating simultaneously. There’s also a great indoor playground where kids can play while waiting in line.
- Type of Ride: slow ride, spinning
- Height Requirement: any height; all ages
5. Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion is another classic Disney ride that’s a must-do at Magic Kingdom. This Liberty Square attraction is one of the original attractions that has been around since the opening day of the Magic Kingdom in 1971. All the details in this ride are just amazing!
You’ll ride on a doom buggy at Haunted Mansion through a dark, spooky haunted mansion. Even though it is dark and has ghosts, it’s family-friendly and might not be too scary, even for the youngest children.
- Type of Ride: slow ride, dark
- Height Requirement: any height; all ages
6. Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean is a classic must-do Disney attraction in Adventureland that will have you singing “Yo-ho, yo- ho, a pirate’s life for me.” This 9-minute slow, dark boat ride takes you through different scenes featuring audio-animatronics figures including the famous Captain Jack Sparrow, and many other pirates and animals.
One small drop at the beginning of the ride provides a slight thrill for those thrill seekers.
- Type of Ride: slow ride, small drops, dark
- Height Requirement: any height; all ages
7. Jungle Cruise
You might be in Florida with some of the most beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water in the world, but head to Jungle Cruise in Adventureland to get a taste of something a little different. Jungle Cruise will take you on a 10-minute riverboat cruise through the murky jungle waters of Asia, Africa, and South America.
This riverboat cruise travels along the water on a concealed track. As you cruise down the river, your “skipper” will entertain you with jokes as you encounter various mechanical animals, including elephants, lions, and hippos.
- Type of Ride: slow ride
- Height Requirement: any height; all ages
8. Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover, commonly referred to as the “People Mover,” is a must on any trip to the Magic Kingdom. This elevated tram ride takes you on a scenic tour through Tomorrowland. You’ll travel through parts of rides in Tomorrowland, including Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Space Mountain.
This is a good opportunity to get a glimpse into Space Mountain if you are a little scared to ride it.
- Type of Ride: slow ride
- Height Requirement: any height; all ages
9. Space Mountain
Last but not least is Space Mountain. It’s one of the most popular and best rides and attractions at Magic Kingdom. This thrilling indoor rollercoaster in Tomorrowland will make you feel like you are in space with its amazing theming, music, and sounds.
This ride is completely in the dark and has lots of twists and turns. Similar to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain is also a very jerky rollercoaster.
- Type of Ride: thrill ride, big drops, dark
- Height Requirement: 44 inches or taller
These Rides Are Popular: Tips to Avoid the Crowds
Since these Magic Kingdom rides and attractions are the best, they are the most popular. Therefore, the wait for these rides can get very long! Here are some tips to make your time at the Magic Kingdom much more enjoyable.
Stay on Property To Gain Access to Extra Hours
If possible, stay at a Disney resort because this will allow you Early Theme Park Entry or to stay late once the park has closed to others. These extra 30 minutes or 2-3 nighttime hours will enable you to get ahead of the thousands of people staying off-property. Saving the Magic Kingdom rides for these times allow you to experience a lot more in the parks.
Consider Purchasing a Spot in Line
Purchase Disney Genie + for Magic Kingdom. Genie + is worth it at the Magic Kingdom because there are many rides. Genie + enables you to return for a much shorter wait at a specific time.
Be at The Park Early
Whether you are staying off-property or on-property, arrive early in the morning. Be there and in line before the park opens. Once the park opens, head to one of these Magic Kingdom rides and attractions. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is an excellent first-ride choice because you can’t get a Genie + for this particular ride.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is the only ride at Magic Kingdom that is an Individual Lightening Lane purchase, which means you pay extra to skip the standby line just for this ride.
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Want to experience your best day ever in Animal Kingdom? The key is creating a balance. Enjoy all the best Animal Kingdom rides and shows. But also make time to take a break from the hustle and bustle and soak in the beauty of nature on the trails and at the animal viewing locations.
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This article was produced by Planner at Heart
