Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 as Disney World’s first park. This Disney park is full of classic Disney spirit, magic, and wonder. Dark rides are attractions that utilize darkness, sights, sounds, and other effects to tell a story as guests travel through the ride at a leisurely pace. These dark ride attractions that everyone can ride are what Disney World is known for, and part of what makes Disney World such a great place for families to visit. Magic Kingdom has several dark ride attractions, some new and some original to the park’s opening. Continue reading to learn all about the best dark rides at Magic Kingdom.
it’s a small world
If you are interested in classic attractions then It’s a Small World should be your top priority. This attraction was designed and imagined by Walt Disney himself and originally appeared in the 1964 World’s Fair. The attraction was so popular that it was moved to Disneyland, and then eventually constructed in Magic Kingdom as an opening day attraction. This attraction takes guests on a slow-moving boat tour through the world as they witness different cultures coming together to celebrate our world. Hundreds of audio-animatronic dolls sing the iconic tune that might end up happily stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Fans of the beloved Winnie the Pooh series will love The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh dark ride. Guests board a honeypot as they explore The Hundred Acre Wood and witness Pooh and friends’ adventures as seen in the classic 1977 film. You might even run into some heffalumps and woozles!
Peter Pan’s Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight is another classic Disney attraction. This dark ride first opened in Disneyland and was one of the original opening day attractions. It’s popularity sent it to Magic Kingdom after the park’s opening in 1971. Guests will board a flying pirate ship as they experience the story of Peter Pan from a bird’s eye perspective. Beautiful figures adorn the attraction, and forced perspective will make you feel like you are truly flying!
Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid
One of Disney’s newest dark ride attractions resides within Fantasyland. Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid is a dark ride that takes everything people love about classic Disney attractions and presents them in a modern way. Stunning advanced audio-animatronics of Ariel, Ursula, Eric, Sebastian, and more tell the story of Ariel and her journey to becoming human. Iconic music from the 1989 film plays as guests travel through the attraction in their clam-mobile.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Toy Story fans have a little something special at Magic Kingdom. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is a dark ride that takes guest participation to a new level. Guests fire a laser and hit targets and enemies, and they use a joystick to turn their ride vehicle 360 degrees! Start a friendly competition with your family to see who can earn the most points during this fun and exiting dark ride attraction.
What is your favorite dark ride at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her two toddlers. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
