Magic Kingdom has so much to do for the entire family. Here's our top 20 Can't Miss Attractions. What are yours?

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - December 7th, 2014 - Visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is like coming home for some people. For others, it can seem overwhelming with all that is available. There are some absolute can’t-miss attractions for everyone, and then there are some that only apply to those with young children, or those without young children.  How to sort it out?  Check out the list below, we’ve come up with 20 attractions that you just can’t miss.

Adventureland

• Jungle Cruise – A tongue-in-cheek favorite, the Jungle Cruise simply must be experienced at least once. While there are no live jungle animals on this journey, children will enjoy the scenes along the way, and adults might enjoy the campy humor. During the holiday season, this ride transforms to the “Jingle Cruise” with Christmas decorations, festive names for the watercraft, and a change in the jokes told by the captains.

• Pirates of the Caribbean – This slow water ride does have one small drop. The attraction is fun for all ages, though very small ones may be frightened of the darkness or the drop.  No scary elements, and usually a favorite for everyone.

• Pirate’s League – This is an opportunity to get a pirate makeover, learn your pirate name, and then learn what it really means to be a pirate. There is an additional cost for this experience, which ranges from $29.95 to $74.95, though the majority of packages is between $29.95 and $39.95. This makeover is available for anyone, male or female, aged 3 or older. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the experience.  Mermaid packages are available.

Frontierland

• Splash Mountain – A sure-to-get-you-wet ride, this is appealing to a wide variety of ages. Prior to the big drop near the end of the ride is a lot of entertaining scenes regarding mischievous Br’er Rabbit and his friends. There is a medium drop and then the very big drop. While all ages will likely enjoy this ride, children must be 40 inches tall to ride.

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – A runaway mine train roller coaster, this ride can be fun for all ages, though there are some things to keep in mind: If a member of your party does not care for thrill rides, this is not the ride for them. If you or someone with you is uncomfortable with bumpy rides or rides with drops, it would be best to avoid this ride. Parts of the ride can be dark (mine shaft, or in the evening hours), so if darkness is an issue, Big Thunder Mountain will not be a great experience.  For those who love coasters and thrill rides, this is a fast, fun ride, for those 40 inches and taller.

Liberty Square

• Haunted Mansion – While this ride through a ghost-filled estate may sound scary, it’s not like your average haunted house. The spectres are mostly friendly with just a hint of otherworldliness. Only the most timid will be frightened. I have heard parents reminding children that nothing will hurt them, and that it will be fun to look around.  The “doom buggy” ride vehicles also make it easy for a parent or other adult to easily cuddle and comfort a child. There are some somewhat menacing doors along one corridor, but nothing jumps out anywhere.  No drops, no getting wet, a fair amount of darkness, but never completely dark. This ride is appropriate for almost everyone.

• Hall of Presidents – Anyone can attend this show, but it may not be something that’s of interest to everyone.  Guests enter a theater, and on stage will be revealed animatronic sculptures of all 43 Presidents of the United States. Various presidential figures speak, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Barack Obama. History buffs – either U.S or Walt Disney – will enjoy this. Not only is there a piece of history one might otherwise never see playing out before the audience, the Abraham Lincoln figure was the first audio animatronic figure Walt Disney displayed.  Young children may find this experience tedious, as may those who don’t enjoy American History.

Fantasyland

• Peter Pan’s Flight – You can fly!  In a pirate ship over the streets of London to Neverland in this “dark ride.” A new, engaging line queue opened in November, 2014, for this favorite of young and not-so-young alike.  It is suitable for all ages, with no drops, no getting wet, and while it is considered a “dark ride” there are no scary elements or complete darkness.  No height restrictions.

• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid – The queue line for this ride is interactive and almost as entertaining as the ride itself. Interactive games make the wait time not so dreary. Last time we visited, we didn’t have to wait at all, and were almost a little disappointed to miss out on the fun throughout the line. Pass through scenes and music from the familiar tale on the ride. Nothing scary, no drops, fun for all ages and all heights.

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic – A 3-D fantasy concert starring Donald Duck, who while warming up the orchestra finds and puts on Mickey’s sorcerer’s hat, and then everything goes wrong! Beautiful, familiar tunes and scenes, and the fun of 3-D animation. Little princesses will love it if adults prepare for the portion of the show where jewels appear before the guests by secretly bringing along plastic jewels that adults can “catch” and present to the young ladies. Appropriate and fun for all ages.

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – This family coaster is new to Fantasyland. The new design of roller coaster cars sway gently back and forth as you ride through the mine. This ride does have hairpin turns and some small drops, as well as a minimum height requirement of 38 inches. Some guests have found that the design of the seats means this ride is not completely comfortable for all shapes and sizes, but it is designed to be for most family members.

• Dumbo, the Flying Elephant – A popular, classic ride, this attraction has expanded to allow more guests to enjoy in a shorter amount of time. Two sets of flying elephants now spin and soar. A circus-themed play area allows children to have fun instead of standing in line. Parents will receive a pager which will let them know when it’s their turn in line. Parents should carefully supervise children in the play tent.

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Little princesses will love this makeover by their own Fairy Godmothers in Cinderella’s Castle. Choose different princesses to be transformed into, as well as choosing a variety of services from hair, to nail polish, to complete outfit. Boys are not left out of this, either. They can be magically transformed into a knight, complete with sword and shield. Reservations are required and services range in price from $18.95 for the Knight package to $194.95 for the castle package.

• It’s a Small World – Hop aboard a boat and sail through countries of the world as children sing about how we are far more alike than different. While the song may be forever stuck in your head, the beauty of this ride also cannot be forgotten. This ride is another piece of Disney history, having been designed for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair.  Appropriate for all ages.

Tomorrowland

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Travel on your Star Cruiser through neon lit space to fire your laser and stop evil Emperor Zurg from stealing batteries from toys. Along the way, you’ll earn points, and see who wins in the end. This is a fun, arcade style ride for all ages.  No height restrictions, so let the little ones have a blast!

• Tomorrowland Speedway – Buckle up and get ready to drive! Cars move around a track designed to resemble the Indiana Motor Speedway.  This attraction is great fun for the young and the young at heart. While top speeds only reach 7 mph, you can race friends or family members to see who made the best time. This is the time to leave the driving to the kids. But, remember, they must be at least 32 inches tall to ride.

• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover  – During the course of your day, you may need a little down time. The PeopleMover is a 10 minute ride above and behind the scenes of some Tomorrowland attractions. This is a restful ride, but you do have the opportunity to see some attractions in ways you never have before. Because this ride is constantly moving, there is rarely a wait, and it is suitable for all ages with no height requirements.

• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – “There’s a great, big, beautiful tomorrow…” as you travel through the last century, in this unique combination of show and ride. Audio-animatronic characters share the progress made throughout the 20th century, as guests sit in theater seats. The entire theater revolves to move from scene to scene. Not everyone will find this a favorite, and young children may yearn for more excitement, but this, too, is an opportunity for 21 minutes of relaxation in what might otherwise be a packed day.

• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – Mike Wazowski and friends need your laughter to power the city of Monstropolis, so they’ve organized a comedy show to help collect your laughs. Audience participation is a must in this attraction, and you can contribute while you’re waiting to enter the theater. Signs and announcements will instruct you as to how you can text your jokes in and they may become a part of the show!  Great fun for everyone!

• Space Mountain – Take off into the stars in this dark roller coaster. The only lights you’ll see are the stars and other constellations in the night sky. This ride is fast, with some big drops, and it is definitely dark. If any of those components is a deal breaker for members of your party, they can see some of the action of the roller coaster from the PeopleMover. This is a favorite of those who love thrill rides, but guests must be 44 inches or taller to ride.

So, there’s our top twenty, with that many options, I hope you can find some that will become your own personal can’t-miss attractions. If this list has you excited about making a trip to visit the Magic Kingdom, I’d love to help you with that. Contact me today, and I’ll do everything I can to make your trip more magical!

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