The Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom

Barnstormer – A Perfect First Roller Coaster for Young Thrill Seekers

Located in Storybook Circus in Magic Kingdom, The Barnstormer is a whimsical, family-friendly roller coaster that provides the perfect introduction to thrill rides for younger guests. Themed after Goofy’s stunt plane show, this attraction combines gentle twists, turns, and dips with fun storytelling, making it a great first coaster for little ones who are just getting their feet wet in the world of Disney thrills.


1. Theming and Storyline – Goofy’s Great Stunt Show

The Barnstormer is designed around Goofy, who plays a daring stunt pilot performing wild tricks in the air. As guests board his rickety stunt plane, they are taken on a fun and brief roller coaster ride that captures the zany spirit of Goofy’s antics.

  • Storybook Circus: Located in the vibrant and colourful Storybook Circus area, the attraction fits perfectly alongside the Dumbo ride and the other circus-themed attractions, creating an immersive environment for younger children.
  • Ride Experience: Though it’s a short ride at just under a minute long, The Barnstormer still delivers thrills with a series of gentle hills and turns, making it an exciting but not overwhelming experience for small children.

2. A Great First Coaster for Kids

For families with young children who might be a bit nervous about trying a roller coaster, The Barnstormer is often the perfect introduction to Disney’s more thrilling attractions. The ride’s speed is fast enough to be exciting but not too intense for younger guests.

  • Height Requirement: The ride has a height requirement of 35 inches (89 cm), which allows younger guests to ride, but it’s still exciting enough for older kids to enjoy as well.

Key Tip: It’s a fantastic way to test the waters before moving on to bigger coasters like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.


3. Queue and Wait Times

The queue is usually very manageable, with wait times typically around 10-20 minutes on an average day. Due to its short duration, the ride has a high turnover rate, keeping the lines moving steadily.

Key Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid longer waits, especially during peak times like holidays or school breaks.


4. Accessibility and Fun for the Whole Family

With its fun and accessible design, The Barnstormer is perfect for families looking to enjoy a first roller coaster together. It’s short, sweet, and offers just the right amount of excitement for young thrill-seekers.

Key Tip: Pair a ride on The Barnstormer with a spin on Dumbo the Flying Elephant for a delightful and easy-going experience in Storybook Circus.


Final Thoughts: The Barnstormer – A Must-Do for Little Thrill Seekers

While The Barnstormer may be short and geared toward younger riders, its charm and accessibility make it a great stop for families with small children. The fun theming, coupled with just enough excitement, ensures that it’s a delightful way to introduce kids to the world of Disney coasters. With low wait times and its proximity to other family-friendly attractions, The Barnstormer is a must-do for little ones just dipping their toes into the world of thrill rides.

Leave a comment