Disney World in Orlando, Florida is home to an enchanting selection of resorts and theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Though all of these are fun to visit, there's a reason why the Magic Kingdom is so very popular. This incredible park features six themed lands, including Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Tomorrowland, and the magical Fantasyland. We'll be focusing on the last of these now.
Fantasyland is known for containing a string of attractions based on Disney's animated characters, spread out over three different sections. The Castle Courtyard, which is decorated like a carnival or medieval fair, is home to many of the lands' original or iconic attractions. Storybook Circus is themed after the Dumbo and Mickey Mouse franchises, while the Enchanted Forest is based on princess films, containing Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid areas. We'll be looking at the rides and shows in all of these areas to see how they stack up. It's time to head through Cinderella's Castle and into a world of enchantment.
10 The Barnstormer
This junior roller-coaster, located in the Storybook Circus, takes guests on a minute-long whirl through the sky.
Guests first board the small trains, which each seat a total of 16 riders. They are then taken up a 30-ft. chain life hill and dropped through a series of twists and turns before crawling to a finish. Though the ride is over quickly and definitely not as immersive as other Fantasyland attractions, it's still cheery and fun.
9 Mad Tea Party
This spinning teacup ride takes guests on one twirly Alice in Wonderland-themed adventure.
Each pair of guests sits in a ride vehicle that circles under a brightly-colored canopy. Though the teacups spin naturally, guests can make their vehicles spin even faster by moving a wheel in the middle of each car. Though you might want to skip out on this attraction if you're prone to dizziness or motion sickness, the design is beautiful and the ride is iconic.
8 Enchanted Tales with Belle
This Fantasyland experience lets guests step into the Beast’s library, where Belle is ready to share a tale as old as time. With a little help from Lumière, the Enchanted Wardrobe, and guests of all ages, the princess retells the story of how she and the Beast met.
The movie rooms are gorgeously decorated and Belle is both charming and sweet. The clever interactivity allows visitors of all ages to leave feel as if they've stepped inside a narrative that's come to life.
7 Under the Sea: Journey Of The Little Mermaid
This dark ride takes guests under the sea and through the story of The Little Mermaid. Lasting over 6 minutes, the colorful attraction contains scenes including Ariel's transformation to a human, the "Kiss The Girl" boat ride, and Ariel and Eric's wedding.
Each room the clamshell ride vehicles cycle through contains animatronics, special effects, and one of the boppin' hits from the movie. This attraction is both relaxing, fun, and nostalgia-filled, so you'll definitely want to splash into it.
6 It’s A Small World
Speaking of nostalgia, It's A Small World (located in The Castle Courtyard) is known for offering a healthy dose of feels.
This attraction takes guests on a relaxing boat ride around the world. Every scene contains beautifully painted dolls that sing the Sherman Brothers' iconic "It's A Small World" song in unison. The ride lasts around 12 to 15 minutes and has been operating since the park's opening. It's a classic for good reason.
5 Dumbo The Flying Elephant
This aerial carousel-style ride takes guests for a spin on the back of a flying elephant. Up to two guests can sit in each ride vehicle and can make Dumbo go up or down using a lever. This interactivity simply adds to the fun, and with circus music playing in the background, the theme work is on-point.
If you come back at night, you'll notice that the water fountains in the middle of the ride light up in different colors. Though the attraction is fun at all hours of the day, this is when it is particularly pretty.
4 Mickey’s PhilharMagic
This 4D short film has Donald Duck chasing after Mickey's Sorcerer Hat, which gets lost in a series of classic Disney movies. Featuring computer-animated scenes from The Little Mermaid, Fantasia, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, and Aladdin, this film will take you through all the best moments in Disney film history.
If that's not enough, there are a ton of special effects that transport you further into the 12-minute journey. Enjoy the smell of apple pie during "Be Our Guest," feel the water spray your face during "Part of Your World," and let the wind rush through your hair during "A Whole New World."
3 The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
Join Pooh and friends for a journey through the Hundred Acre Woods during this 3-minute dark ride.
Guests board a honeypot to begin their adventure and are then whisked through various locations including Owl's house, Pooh's Heffalumps and Woozle-filled dreams, and a blustery day in the woods. The ride vehicles are specially made to simulate certain experiences, like bouncing alongside Tigger or floating through a rainstorm. It all ends with Pooh enjoying some sweet, golden honey.
2 Peter Pan’s Flight
This rail-suspended dark ride sends guests on a trip out of London and into Neverland, via a fleet of flying pirate ships. Riders are treated to beautiful, classic locations from the 1953 animated film, including the Darlings' bedroom, the Mermaid Lagoon, and Hook's 48-foot long pirate ship.
The ride ends with Peter challenging Hook to a swordfight and then, after winning, sailing away with The Lost Boys and Darling children. Though the wait for this attraction is usually long, it's definitely worth it. The enchantment is real.
1 Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Topping off the list is this exciting roller-coaster based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This ride sends guests on a brisk journey down the hills, through the mines, and finally by the cottage at which Snow White and Dopey are dancing.
Each train features a special rocking car that tips in the way a mine cart would. Combined with the cheery music, beautiful scenes, stunning animatronics, and charming theme work, this one is too exciting to miss.