Disney World Rides With Shorter Wait Times

With its four theme parks in Central Florida, Walt Disney World offers many different rides and attractions for all ages. It’s nearly impossible to ride all of these attractions in a single visit, with so many options. Add in the lines and crowds, and you’ll need to pick the ones that are most important to your family during your vacation.

If you are planning a last-minute Disney World vacation, don’t want to purchase a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass, or just don’t want to spend a lot of time in lines, there are plenty of attractions to consider. As a bonus, some of these attractions offer great ways to get some time out of the sun.

Disclosure: We’ve received discounted and complimentary trips to Walt Disney World over the years, but have also paid our own way. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.

Disney World Rides With Shorter Wait Times

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom, although the most well-known of the Walt Disney World theme parks, has many rides that don’t typically have very long lines. If you don’t want to wait in long lines and can only visit one theme park during your vacation, this is the one I would choose.

• it’s a small world – the line for this classic ride moves quickly. Most of the queue is indoors, so it’s a good place to wait even if there is a line.
• Mad Tea Party – while my tendency toward motion sickness limits my experience on this ride, some people love it. The ride is covered, but much of the queue is outdoors.
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – this popular dark ride in Fantasyland doesn’t typically have a very long line (unlike Peter Pan’s Flight, which usually has a very long queue).
• Mickey’s PhilHarmagic – this 3D show doesn’t usually have a long wait – you have to wait for the next show to start, usually.
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor – a fun show that is an excellent option in Tomorrowland – again, you’ll have to wait for the next show to start.
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – this classic carousel doesn’t usually have a long line. But if you do have to wait, it’ll be outdoors.
• Walt Disney World Railroad – I like to ride this when I’m trying to get from one part of the park to another. Occasionally, you will experience a longer line than typical, though.
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority – A relaxing ride through Tomorrowland, and on the rare times there’s a line, it moves quickly.
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – An iconic show that is rarely crowded (located in Adventureland).
• Country Bear Musical Jamboree – this classic show was recently updated. A clock outside shows when the next show will begin.
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – this Adventureland ride, based on Disney’s Aladdin, is very similar to the Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride in Fantasyland, but with a shorter line.
• Carousel of Progress – an iconic rotating theater where you’ll see how American life progressed through the 20th century.

EPCOT

While EPCOT isn’t necessarily known as specifically as a ride for parks (although it does boast some very popular attractions), it does have some great rides with shorter lines. In addition to the rides listed below, the World Showcase has some great attractions, including street shows and movies. Even walking through the World Showcase and visiting the various countries can be so much fun.

• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – this ride, located in the Mexico pavilion, takes you on a boat ride through Mexico searching for Donald Duck. It’s a fun ride and never has a very long line.
• Journey Into Imagination With Figment – this classic EPCOT ride featuring lovable Figment rarely has a long line.
• Living with the Land – I have fond memories from my childhood of this mild boat ride through the greenhouses and other food-growing areas of the Land pavilion.
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends – when my kids were little, they loved this dark ride through the story of Finding Nemo.
• Turtle Talk With Crush – a fun, interactive show featuring the sea turtle from the Finding Nemo movies

Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom theme park is currently going through significant renovations and upgrades, with the entire DinoLand USA area closed in anticipation of a new Tropical Americas land, called Pueblo Esperanza. In addition, the Tree of Life movie, It’s Tough to Be a Bug, closed and will be replaced with Zootopia: Better Zoogether! later in 2025. As a result, there are limited rides with shorter wait times.

However, that doesn’t mean you should skip the park. Animal Kingdom offers some fantastic animal viewings, shows, and encounters. You could spend much of your day exploring the animal areas.

One attraction option with shorter waits is the Wildlife Express Train. This 1.2-mile train ride takes you up to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. There, you can learn about animal care, conservation efforts, and more.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Like Animal Kingdom, areas of Disney’s Hollywood Studios are currently going through a transformation. Muppet’s Courtyard (including the beloved MuppetVision 3D movie) have closed to make room for a new Monsters Inc themed land.

• Alien Swirling Saucers – located in Toy Story Land, this ride has shorter lines than the other attractions in this land.
• Disney Jr. Play and Dance! – young kids who are fans of Disney Jr. shows will love to see their favorite characters on stage in this vibrant show.
• Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular! – learn some behind-the-scenes information about how Hollywood stunts are performed in this interactive show

What is your favorite ride with a shorter wait time?