Disney World Magic Kingdom Wait Times (Shortest & Longest Lines)

If you haven’t heard by now, mentally preparing for Magic Kingdom wait times is an important reality to consider when planning your Disney vacation.

Knowing what to expect when it comes to average wait times at Magic Kingdom is ultra essential in order to have a realistic touring plan and to set your expectations accordingly.

After all, Magic Kingdom does not provide a quick hop-on-hop off ride experience as you may have experienced at other, smaller amusement parks.

In this article will fill you in on the average wait times at Magic Kingdom for the 6 rides with the shortest lines at Magic Kingdom and the 6 rides with the longest lines at Magic Kingdom so you know what to expect.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. For more info, see disclosure.

Magic Kingdom Rides Overview

Disney World features four world-class theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios!

Of the 48 rides spread across the 4 Disney World theme parks, 18 of them are at the iconic Magic Kingdom. (In addition, each park features dozens of activities, attractions, stage shows, and fireworks spectaculars.)

Magic Kingdom rides and attractions are spread across 6 distinct areas referred to as ‘lands’.

The six Magic Kingdom lands are arranged in a spoke-like pattern with Cinderella’s Castle being in the middle.

The 6 lands and their corresponding rides include the following:

• Main Street U.S.A.
• Tomorrowland
• Fantasyland
• Liberty Square
• Adventureland
• Frontierland

For the convenience of reviewing Magic Kingdom ride wait times, I will also list what area of the park that the corresponding ride can be found in.

Magic Kingdom Wait Times: Top 6 rides with the shortest lines

Along with using our amazing one day Magic Kingdom itinerary, it is equally important to sprinkle in riding some of the rides at Magic Kingdom that have consistently short wait times.

When your kids are at their breaking point, or you have just finished standing in line for 2 hours to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, these rides will be a welcomed treat!

Here are 6 rides at Magic Kingdom that consistently have the shortest wait times.

1. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Location: Fantasyland

Located in Fantasyland directly behind Cinderella’s Castle sits the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel.

As one of the most elaborate and beautiful merry-go-rounds that you’ll ever see, both kids and adults enjoy the beauty and nostalgia of this ride.

Each of the 90 carousel horses can accommodate 1 rider and 1 adult standing next to it for the 2-minute duration of the ride.

Due to being able to fit so many people at once, the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel consistently boasts short lines at any time during the day.

Expect to wait no more than 15 minutes on most days, including when crowds are at their highest.

2. Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover

Location: Tomorrowland

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom crowds and rest your feet (or take a nap!), on the 10-minute long Tomorrowland Peoplemover!

This ride is essentially an open-air monorail with couch-like seating that follows a 1-mile track over Tomorrowland.

Peoplemover is not thrilling in any way shape or form, however, it’s a great respite from the heat and from the constant walking.

Likewise, you get to see the inside of Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and Space Mountain as well as catch an amazing view of Cinderella’s castle.

With continual loading, there is never a wait for this ride when the park is not busy. Expect up to a 30-minute average wait when crowds are at their highest, however.

3. Mad Tea Party

Location: Fantasyland

Mad Tea Party, another one of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic attractions, also features consistently short wait times.

This ride puts you inside teacups from Alice in Wonderland and gives you the ability to control and spin your own teacup via a wheel in the middle.

Along with the spinning teacup, the ride itself sits on a rotating platform that is constantly in motion. For this reason, those who are prone to motion sickness tend to skip this ride.

Though notoriously slow loading, expect to wait no more than an average of 35 minutes on peak crowd days.

4. Astro Orbitor

Location: Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland’s Astro Orbitor is an aerial carousel in which you first take an elevator up to a platform to then load into individual rocket ships.

A similar ride to both Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Magic Carpets of Aladdin (but much higher!), Astro Orbitor commonly has the shortest wait times of the three.

Between having to first take the elevator to board the ride, and not being able to accommodate a lot of guests per ride, waiting to ride Astro Orbitor does require patience, however.

Plan to spend an average of 48 minutes waiting to ride Astro Orbitor when Magic Kingdom crowds are at their peak.

5. Tom’land Speedway

Location: Tomorrowland

Perhaps due to its underwhelming popularity, Tom’land Speedway has the 5th shortest line in Magic Kingdom.

The Speedway is a traditional go-kart experience where riders get to drive their mini gas-powered sports cars around a 2,000 ft. race track.

Despite there being 4 lanes for traffic, Tom’land Speedway is slow to load and the line-up to get off is even slower.

Similar to Astro Orbitor, expect to wait an average of 48 minutes on peak crowd days at Magic Kingdom.

6. Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Location: Fantasyland

One of my personal favorites at Magic Kingdom, I love that Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, does not have an incredibly long wait time.

Under the Sea involves riding in continual-load clam-shaped vehicles throughout colorful sets from the movie The Little Mermaid.

The animatronic characters, special effects, and catchy musical score make this ride hard not to love.

An average wait time of 48-minutes should be expected on peak crowd days, while the wait is much shorter when the park is not busy.

Magic Kingdom Wait Times: Top 6 rides with the longest lines

The following six rides are notoriously known as having the longest lines at Magic Kingdom.

Why? Because they are the most popular, thematic, and thrilling rides, as well as appeal to all ages both young and old.

Due to their long wait times, these rides are definitely the best rides to FastPass at Magic Kingdom.

After all, snagging a FastPass for any of these results in a guaranteed ticket to the front of the line!

Due to Disney’s changes related to COVID, please check to see if Disney’s Fastpass system has been reinstated or not as you continue planning.

1. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Location: Fantasyland

Topping the list of the rides with the longest wait time at Magic Kingdom is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Seven Dwarfs is a roller coaster that takes you through the Seven Dwarves’ mine in a swaying minecart.

The unique swinging ability and variable speeds of this family-friendly roller coaster has made it a crowd favorite since its opening in 2014.

Not only does Seven Dwarfs Mine Train appeal to guests of all ages, but its media enhanced animatronic technology and surprise ending add to its overwhelming popularity.

It is not uncommon for Disney wait times of up to 2 hours and 45 minutes long to accumulate on peak touring days. (Keeping in mind that the ride itself is only 3 minutes long.)

2. Space Mountain

Location: Tomorrowland

Space Mountain is a hugely popular rollercoaster and remains one of the most iconic rides at Magic Kingdom after 40+ years.

It’s popularity, as well as the fact that it is the ‘scariest’, most thrilling ride at Magic Kingdom, yield wait times of 2 hours or more during peak touring times.

The ride involves boarding 3-passenger rocket-shaped vehicles that blast off at high-speed in pure darkness.

The twists and turns of this completely dark rollercoaster ride take place among epic theming that resembles outer space. The star-lit sky and sound of passing asteroids make Space Mountain a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Expect to wait an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes to ride Space Mountain during peak times on high crowd days (for a 3-minute long ride).

3. Peter Pan’s Flight

Location: Fantasyland

This Magic Kingdom classic is also extremely popular, for unlike Space Mountain, it appeals to every age group and demographic and has no height requirement.

These characteristics also make Peter Pan’s flight one of the best rides for toddlers, which is definitely why you should use a FastPass on this ride if you are visiting Magic Kingdom with young children.

Peter Pan’s Flight takes you through scenes from the fairytale Peter Pan. You fly over locations like London and Captain Hook’s ship from the comfort of your own flying ship.

Though the ride’s technology is undemanding and primarily consists of static figures, the nostalgia behind boarding the replica pirate ships and riding above the story of Peter Pan has captivated guests for ages.

Peter Pan’s Flight lasts 2 minutes after waiting in line for an average of 1 hour and 40 minutes on high crowd days.

4. Splash Mountain

Location: Frontierland

Splash Mountain vies with Space Mountain in Tomorrowland and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland as one of the park’s most popular attractions.

Splash Mountain is a coaster boat ride that takes you through a series of scenes depicting Br’er Rabbit and friends from Disney’s 1946 Song of the South film.

A beloved family-friendly ride, it includes more than 100 audio-animatronic characters. Character sightings include Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Bear, and Br’er Fox.

The ride spans over a half-mile climaxes with a five-story plunge into the bayou where riders get playfully splashed. 

Expect to wait in line for an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes for a ride on Splash Mountain when crowds are at their highest.

5. Big Thunder Mountain

Location: Frontierland

Big Thunder Mountain is another fun, easygoing coaster ride that is meant to mimic being on a runaway mine train during the Gold Rush.

The coaster has several tight turns rather than big hills or drops. It does not have any loops or upside-down parts.

Because of its close proximity to Splash Mountain, these two rides are usually done one right after the other.

This means large crowds in Frontierland all day and similarily long waits of 1 hour and 30 minutes for both Big Thunder and Splash Mountain. 

6. Jungle Cruise

Location: Adventureland

Another one of my personal favorite rides, Jungle Cruise accumulates inevitably long wait times.

This is due to its overall wide appeal, uniqueness, and fun factor.

Basically, Jungle Cruise is a ride that is simply hard not to love!

Jungle Cruise involves riding in an outdoor boat that can hold 30 passengers each, and simulates a riverboat cruise.

The boats are piloted by hilarious (human) skippers who narrate the ride.

During the adventure, riders encounter awesome audio-animatronic wildlife, a mysterious temple, and fun jungle scenery.

Waits of up to 1 hour and 15 minutes during busy periods are not unexpected.

Magic Kingdom Wait Times: Attractions with the shortest lines

Though not classified as a typical ride, these three attractions at Magic Kingdom can always be counted on to have short Disney wait times.

They are all fun and unique in their own way.

Each may be the perfect experience for you and your family if you’re into exploring, trains, and/or history.

1. Tom Sawyer’s Island

Location: Frontierland

An attraction that rarely has a wait time of greater than 5 minutes, Tom Sawyer’s Island is a very much less talked-about Magic Kingdom attraction.

Tucked away in Frontierland and accessible only by piloted log raft, Tom Sawyer Island is easy for guests to totally miss which is why there is rarely a wait.

It’s a rustic hideaway of passageways and locations inspired by the stories of Mark Twain.

The self-guided tours of this secret island uncover fun surprises around every corner.

2. Walt Disney World Railroad

The Walt Disney World Railroad train has boarding stations at the Main Entrance, Frontierland and Storybook Circus.

This is a great, laid back attraction in Magic Kingdom. It allows you to travel to different parts of the park without having to walk through the crowds.

The longest you’ll have to wait is potentially 5 minutes until the next train arrives. There is almost always a seat for everyone once it arrives.

3. Carousel of Progress

Location: Tomorrowland

The Carousel of Progress is a rotating theater whose seating area moves around a stationary central stage for each act.

The acts consist of audio-animatronic characters representing an American family who depict how technology transforms their lives across 4 generations.

If anything, this 20-minute attraction in Tomorrowland provides a great opportunity to rest your feet and cool off.

At most, you’d have to wait for 5 minutes until the next rotation comes around to go in and be seated.

Disney Wait Times Apps

Now that you’ve read this article, you can probably guess why Disney wait time apps have become increasingly popular over the past few years.

Not only is Disney World becoming more and more busy, but visitors are constantly looking for the best ways to maximize their time in the parks while still being able to ride their favorite rides.

Being able to have real-time information on Disney ride wait times has been a lifesaver for many.

The following are some of the Disney wait time apps that can be used straight from your Smartphone.

• My Disney Experience (free)
• Touring Plans Lines (requires a paid Touring Plans subscription)
• Magic Guide for Disney World (free)
• Wait Times for Disney World (free)
• Line.Time (free)

Disney Wait Times: Fun facts

Notice that the wait times mentioned in this article are listed as ‘average wait times’, meaning that on some days the wait times will be a bit less, or even a bit more.

I also made a point to mention Disney rides wait times on days when Magic Kingdom crowds are at their peak, as this is when people are typically most concerned about the lines.

Disney World wait times vary daily based on several factors including the time of day, weather, park hours, and month of the year.

Here are some fun facts regarding Disney World wait times:

• The shortest lines at Magic Kingdom are always during the first 1 hour upon park opening, and then again during the last hour before the park closes.

• The busiest times of year are during holiday periods, school breaks, (including summer vacation), and weekends all year-round.

• The least-crowded times to visit Disney World are during January and early February and just after school starts in September through mid-November. 

• According to the Disney Parks Mom Panel, Tuesday tends to be one of the slowest days at the Disney parks. This is followed by Wednesday, then Thursday.

• Generally, most theme park visitors start with the rides closest to the entrance. Consider walking all the way to the back of the park to begin your day and then work your way forward.

• Many people naturally turn right upon entering Magic Kingdom. For shorter lines, you may want to start on the left. In other words, while everyone else is heading to Tomorrowland, head to Frontierland instead.

• Avoid a particular park when it is having special events like marathons or seasonal celebrations. Added events equal additional crowds, which naturally leads to longer lines.

What has been the longest time that you have waited in line for a theme park ride? Was it wort it? 🙂

Jen

Now that you’ve learned about the wait times at Magic Kingdom, continue planning your Disney World Vacation here!

Disney World Touring Plans:

• 1-Day Magic Kingdom Itinerary: A Perfect Day At Disney
• 1-Day At Animal Kingdom Itinerary: The Perfect Family Touring Plan
• One Day Itinerary for Epcot: Family Touring Plan

Disney World Ride & FastPass+ Tips:

• ‘How-to’ Secrets and Tips for Booking Disney FastPasses+
• Top 5 Rides to FastPass+ at Magic Kingdom
• Disney World Magic Kingdom Wait Times (Longest and Shortest Lines)
• Top 5 Rides for Toddlers at Magic Kingdom

Disney World Planning Tips:

• The 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Our First Disney Vacation
• Disney Packing List: 9 Things You Can’t Forget
• 7 Things to do on a Disney World Non-Park Day
• Best Off-Site Hotel Near Disney World, Orlando
• Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue: Our Complete Guide

Disney World Cost:

• Disney World Cost Calculator: How Much Will it Cost?
• How to Save Money At Disney World: 15 Ways We Saved Big

*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*