Guide To Introducing Your Children to Magic Kingdom’s Thrill Rides



Tron Lightcycle / Run

Walt Disney World is home to so many different types of incredible attractions. From slow moving dark rides like Peter Pan’s Flight to the immersive action packed ones like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. There’s something for the whole family, young and old! Some rides, however, might lead to some apprehensive potential riders. The thrill rides of Walt Disney World are exciting experiences for anybody building up the courage to ride them. Younger guests might be scared, but fear not, we are here to help! We have put together a guide to the thrill rides at Magic Kingdom, in an attempt to introduce these exhilarating attractions to those who might be intrigued by them.

The Barnstormer

Magic Kingdom has the most family friendly thrill rides in the resort. This is the perfect park to introduce your little one’s to these types of rides. The Barnstormer should be your first stop. A compact kiddie coaster that takes you along for a stunt with The Great Goofini! This coaster has small drops, but nothing scary at all! The height requirement for this attraction is 35 inches, a great starting point for any preschool aged children!

The Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom Height Restriction
The Barnstormer at Disney’s Magic Kingdom has a minimum height requirement of 35 inches (89cm).

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Just a short walk away in Fantasyland is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Those who are 38 inches and above can ride this extremely smooth ride through the Seven Dwarfs’ Diamond mine. This coaster is very short, but is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. I’d recommend this experience for all ages, those young and old will find pure joy out of the only coaster in Magic Kingdom with a musical show scene!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train entrance sign at Disney's Magic Kingdom
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Entrance.

Big Thunder Mountain

If you’re looking to up the thrill level a bit, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad should be your next stop. Yet another mine train style attraction in the same park, this one is just a tad faster. Staying on theme with coasters featuring small drops, Big Thunder Mountain is a blast for anybody 40 inches or taller! These are the best ways to introduce thrill rides to your little ones. If they have rode these attractions and are still craving more, the rest of this rides on this list are sure to satisfy the new thrill seeker in your life

Big Thunder Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain. Photo: Emily Murray

Space Mountain

Magic Kingdom has two big coasters that are more intense than its neighbors. Starting with Space Mountain, you can board a rocket that zips through space in the dark. This ride features sudden big drops and stops. It can be a little scary to newcomers, so be sure to inform your child what they are in for. Those seeking to travel through space must be 44 inches or taller. When I first rode Space Mountain, I was very scared in line. The anticipation was killing me. Once the ride ended, I was begging to do it again. It’s a classic attraction that should be a top priority on any trip to Magic Kingdom. If your kids like this one, and they meet the height requirement, they might be ready for the park’s newest attraction.

Disney World Space Mountain
Space Mountain. Photo: Emily Murray

TRON Lightcycle / Run

Step into The Grid on TRON Lightcycle / Run, Magic Kingdom’s extremely popular thrill ride. If you’ve managed to secure a Boarding Group or have purchased an Individual Lighting Lane through the My Disney Experience app, this roller coaster is not to be missed. The height requirement for TRON is 48 inches, indicating a more intense experience ahead. Once you board a Lightcycle, which will have you positioned as if you were riding a motorcycle, you will be launched at nearly 60 miles an hour. Once on the coaster you will go down drops and quick turns, but it’s all over in under a minute! 

Tron Lightcycle / Run. Photo: Emily Murray.
Tron Lightcycle / Run. Photo: Emily Murray.

The rides at the Walt Disney World resort are all thrilling in their own way. Excitement and joy is sprinkled throughout the entire resort. Whether you’re on a slow moving tour of a Haunted Mansion or your elevator dropping 13 floors at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, there really is something for everybody. I hope this guide brings out the potential thrill seekers in your family and that the smiles on everyone’s faces after the rides is a thrill in and of itself!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.

Written by

Mateo Osorio


Mateo has been in love with the Disney Parks for as long as he can remember. During his childhood he spent any free second talking about Walt Disney World and Disneyland to anybody who would listen. Not much has changed! During his free time you can find him either at Hollywood Studios or trying to convince his friends to go on another trip to Disneyland.

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