The Barnstormer
Take flight above Storybook Circus with Goofy and his homemade stunt airplanes for a thrilling, junior roller coaster ride.
Updated: 2026-01-16
Composite Review (4.4 / 5)
Verdict
The Barnstormer is an essential rite of passage for every child attempting their first major coaster. It is perfectly engineered to be fast and thrilling enough for a “big kid” feeling, yet short and mild enough to prevent fear or boredom. For families with children who meet the 35-inch height requirement, it is a Must-Do. For adults without young children, it is easily a Skip-It unless the wait time is extremely short.
The Experience
The attraction places you in the middle of Goofy’s chaotic aerial stunt show as “The Great Goofini.” Located in the brightly colored, whimsical Storybook Circus area, the experience begins in an outdoor queue filled with funny vignettes of Goofy’s barnstorming antics.
Once seated in your colorful stunt-plane vehicle, the ride gently climbs a 30-foot lift hill. The short track then delivers a series of quick twists, turns, and a single, mild drop that provides a satisfying bit of air time. Reaching a top speed of 25 miles per hour, the journey is over almost as quickly as it begins, culminating in the plane “crashing” through a billboard—a signature Goofy-style finale. The entire track portion lasts just over a minute.
The Good: What People Love
- The Quintessential Starter Coaster: Reviewers overwhelmingly praise this as the perfect first roller coaster. It provides an exciting “thrill factor” without any intense elements, making it ideal for building a child’s confidence for future, bigger rides.
- Low Wait Times: Unlike many other Fantasyland attractions, The Barnstormer’s wait time is often manageable (typically 15-30 minutes). Many families utilize it as a great “filler ride” to enjoy while waiting for Lightning Lane times or when checking off major attractions.
- Family Bonding: Since the small stature is an intentional design, many adult riders find the charming, silly theming and the joy on their child’s face to be the primary highlight of the experience.
The Bad: Common Complaints
- It’s Too Short: This is the most universal complaint. At under 90 seconds from start to finish (and less than a minute on the track itself), many adults feel the ride is far too brief, especially if they endured a long line.
- Uncomfortable for Adults: The small bench-style cars and single lap bar restraint can be very snug for taller or plus-size adults. Some reviewers found the ride unexpectedly “jerky” and “rough” on the back and neck, with a few even reporting mild motion sickness.
- Exposed Queue: Most of the queue is outdoors, offering little shade or protection from the Florida sun or rain, which can make a longer wait uncomfortable during peak heat.
Top Tips from Reviewers
- Skip the Lightning Lane: Reviewers advise against using one of your main Genie+ selections for this ride. The standby line is rarely long enough to warrant it, and your Genie+ can be better used on higher-demand attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.
- Aim for Early Morning: If you want multiple rides, head to Storybook Circus right when the park opens or during Early Theme Park Entry, as the wait time is usually near zero.
- Secure Loose Items: A common warning is that the 25 mph speed and open-air track are enough to make hats, Minnie ears, and sunglasses fly off. Secure them before you launch!
- Adult Seating: If you are a larger adult, try to ride with only one small child or ride alone to ensure you fit comfortably and minimize the chance of a “rough” ride.
Summary
The Barnstormer is an attraction with a clear purpose: to delight small children and ignite a love for roller coasters. It fulfills this purpose perfectly with its cheerful Goofy theming and just-right thrill level. If you are a family with a child who is 35-45 inches tall, this ride is a cherished memory in the making. If you are an adult without a child, it is a fun but fleeting experience you can easily pass on unless the standby line is under 15 minutes.
Reference
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/barnstormer-starring-great-goofini/