There are so many classic Disney attractions that your family will love! Most of these attractions have been around since Disneyland opened in 1955 and Disney World opened in 1971.

These are all nostalgic attractions that will make everyone feel like a kid again. Better yet, these are all friendly family attractions for the whole family to experience together.  My family and I love all these Disney attractions and make an effort to experience them on every trip. 

These attractions are all located in either the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Park.  In many cases, there are subtle differences between the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. If you’re fortune enough both Disney World and Disneyland, look for the differences in these classic Disney attractions!

Jungle Cruise

“Here’s Trader Sam. He’s our head salesman in the jungle. He’s got a pretty good deal for you guys today…two of his heads for just one of yours. Either way you slice it, you’ll always come out ahead. That’s a killer deal.”

Disney’s Jungle Cruise is notorious for corny jokes and a trip around the jungle. The Jungle Cruise was an opening day attraction at both Disneyland and Disney World and shouldn’t be missed!

Disney is also making The Jungle Cruise Movie with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt that will be released in 2021. 

***Disclaimer***  This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn an affiliate commission if you click on an affiliate link. Full disclosure, I only post products that I have or recommend! 

Pirates of the Caribbean 

While Pirates of the Caribbean wasn’t an opening day attraction at Disney World or Disneyland, Pirates was the last attraction Walt personally supervised! Pirates opened in 1967 in Disneyland and 1973 in Disney World. 

Because this is the last ride Walt supervised, this ride holds a special place in my heart. 

In the 2000’s, this ride received a face lift with the addition of Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean. Do you love the Pirates of the Caribbean movies? If so, you’ll love this attraction.

If you haven’t seen the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, I highly suggest you view them before your Disney vacation! Even if you aren’t a Pirates movie fan, you will love the sentimental feel of this ride!

Also try a fun game on this ride, try to find Jack Sparrow throughout the ride. He’s hidden in some pretty fun places! 

It’s a Small World

It’s a Small World was originally designed by Disney for the 1964 New York World Fair. The attraction was so popular at the 1964 World Fair that Disney added It’s a Small World to Disneyland in 1966 and to Disney World for opening day! 

It’s a Small World shows how the world is really a small place and we’re all interconnected in some way. This ride plays tribute to all cultures, people, and countries around the world. 

Many people remember It’s a Small World because of it’s catchy song. Some love the song and some hate it 🙂 But your sure to come out of It’s a Small World signing the famous song. This ride provides an experience young and old alike will enjoy!

Peter Pan’s Flight 

Peter Pan’s Flight was an opening-day attraction at Disneyland in 1955 and remains one of the most popular attractions at all Disney Parks.  Soar through Neverland with Peter, Wendy and even come across Captain Cook in this family friendly attraction.  

Even though this ride is an original, it has one of the longest wait times at the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. If possible, you will want to get a Fastpass or use MaxPass for this ride!! 

Mad Tea Party

The Mad Tea Party is an attraction for those who love to spin! You get to visit Alice and the Mad Hatter and take a spin in their teacups. Luckily, you can spin as fast or as slow as you want! The Mad Tea Party was an original attraction at both Disneyland and Disney World! 

This is an class Disney attraction with short wait times!  This ride is great to check out in between Fastpasses or when you have a few extra minutes to kill. 

King Arthur and Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel 

Disney’s Carrousel’s are works of art both created in the early 1900’s. King Arthur’s Carrousel is in Disneyland and Prince Charming’s Carrousel is at Disney World. 

Both Carrousel’s are located in Fantasyland near Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty’s Castles.  The Carrousel is a great attraction for little kids and much be experienced on your first Disney World vacation! 

You should check out the Disney Carrousel because it’s loved by kids, has great views of the castle, and always has a short line! 

Dumbo The Flying Elephant 

Dumbo is an icon of the Disney parks and shouldn’t be missed. This ride opened a few months after Disneyland opened in California and has been a Disney icon ever since.

Everyone MUST ride Dumbo at least once in your life, even if you’re an adult! 

The Disneyland and Disney World versions are slightly different because Disney World underwent recently underwent a renovation. Disney World now features two side-by-side Dumbo’s that allow for greater guest capacity. If you have the chance, try out both and see what’s different!

The Enchanted Tiki Room 

The Enchanted Tiki Room is a one of a kind Disney ride. Interestingly enough, the Tiki Room is one the first attractions in the world to ever use audio-animatronics. 

Originally intended to be a Hawaiian themed dinner show, the Tiki Room ended up a show. The Tiki Room opened in Disneyland in 1963 and at Disney World’s opening day. 

Like It’s a Small World, the song will be stuck in your head but it’s a show you need to check out at least once. It’s a great classic Disney attraction!  

The Disney Railroad

Both Disney World and Disneyland have a historic steam railroad that circles the entire Disney park!  The Disney Railroad is a great way to get around the park with three different stops.  The stops are in Fantasyland, Main Street U.S.A, and Frontierland.

This is also a fun ride with no lines and a good way to stay out of the heat. 

Most people overlook the railroad but it’s a fun attraction full of history and fun for the entire family!