Not exactly a Whole New World up there, but it’s still a fun ride for the kids
It’s not exactly easy to review something like The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. You honestly just need to take a quick look at it to know exactly what this ride is about. Much like Dumbo, this is an aerial carousel that slowly spins you around for a minute and a half, in vehicles made to resemble the same magic carpet that Aladdin and Jasmin use while singing one of Disney’s most iconic songs. This is a fun ride for those with small children, and not much more than that.
What we like about The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
For starters, this ride is based on Aladdin, one of my all-time favorite Disney movies. Am I biased? Yeahhh, but can you blame me? I absolutely love the characters, the music, and the magical atmosphere of Agrabah. Sorry, Dumbo, but Aladdin wins this round for me.
The ride itself is pretty straightforward. You board a flying carpet that seats up to four guests and spin around for 90 seconds. There’s a lever that lets you control the carpet’s height, so you can soar up or glide closer to the ground as you wish. The ride moves at a gentle pace, making it perfect for small kids considering there’s no height requirement. Yep, you can bring your toddlers along and that old uncle that is afraid of roller coasters. And since it’s in Magic Kingdom, which is home to so many wonderful rides with no height restrictions, this one’s another great addition to the list.
Since we’re talking about Magic Kingdom, don’t expect to find 5-minute wait times every time you visit. During busy months, it’s not uncommon to see a 30-minute line here. That said, this is typically one of the attractions with shorter wait times, so you can usually hop on and enjoy the experience of flying on one of Jasmine’s magic carpets without too much hassle.
What we don’t like about The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
It feels a bit unfair to criticize this ride too harshly since it’s designed to be a simple, family-friendly experience perfect for young children, much like a classic carnival attraction. For what it is, it does its job well. The atmosphere is vibrant and colorful, with charming ride vehicles and surrounding architecture that immerse you in the feel of Agrabah.
I do wish, though, that there was at least one surprise for The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. I don’t think that the original songs play during the rides, which is a missed opportunity. How about a playlist including songs like Arabian Nights, A Whole New World or Friend Like Me playing during your time up there, Disney? It’s cool that you can use your lever to pull your vehicle up and down, but I also wish there were more props and animatronics surrounding you as you fly. For now, there are a few camels and that’s it.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin FAQ
Does The Magic Carpets of Aladdin have a height requirement?
No, there is no height requirement for The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, making it a great choice for families with young children.
Where is The Magic Carpets of Aladdin located?
The ride is located in Adventureland inside Magic Kingdom.
Is The Magic Carpets of Aladdin scary for children?
Not at all! The ride moves at a slow pace, spins gently, and doesn’t go very high off the ground, making it perfect for even the youngest riders.
Which is better: Dumbo the Flying Elephant or The Magic Carpets of Aladdin?
Both rides are quite similar in concept. However, Dumbo has an indoor playground in the queue, which can be a big plus for families with small kids who need a break from standing in line.
