Ride: The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Magic Kingdom, Adventureland
Fly high over Adventureland in a flying "rug" on an enchanted carpet ride. Beware of camel spit!
Ride Information
| Park | Magic Kingdom, Adventureland |
| Ride Type | Spinning magic carpet |
| Thrill Type | Slow ride, Spinning |
| Height Requirement | Any height |
Composite Review (4.3 / 5)
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a beloved, low-thrill attraction in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland, offering a spin on the classic carnival-style ride. Here is a composite review based on numerous public reviews.
Overall Verdict
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a charming, family-friendly spinning attraction that shines brightest for young children and Aladdin fans. It's often referred to as the Adventureland version of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, but its interactive controls and unique "spitting camel" gag give it a distinct, whimsical edge. While not a must-do "headliner" for adults with limited time, its relatively shorter lines and location make it an excellent time-filler and a sure-fire hit for little ones.
The Experience
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a classic "hub-and-spoke" aerial carousel ride set in the colorful Agrabah Bazaar. Guests board one of 16 vibrant, four-passenger magic carpet vehicles and take to the skies for a 90-second flight that circles a giant, ornate genie bottle.
The ride offers two different controls for the passengers:
- Front Row: A lever allows you to direct your carpet's altitude, moving it high or low in the air.
- Back Row: A magic scarab button controls the carpet's pitch, tilting it forward and backward.
The main objective for many riders is to either dodge or deliberately aim for the spray of water from the two massive, golden camels positioned around the attraction. One camel aims at riders as they fly past, while the other spits water at unsuspecting pedestrians below the ride.
The Good: What People Love
- Family-Friendly Fun: With no height requirement, this ride is accessible to even the smallest children, making it a perfect multi-generational family attraction.
- Interactive Controls: Reviewers appreciate that the ride offers more control than similar spinners (like Dumbo). The ability to personally manage the height and tilt of your carpet is a big plus for kids.
- The Spitting Camels: This unique feature is consistently called out as a hilarious and memorable gag. Trying to get hit—or avoid the splash—adds a fun element of challenge to the short ride.
- Great Views: When you fly high, you get a beautiful, "new fantastic point of view" of the surrounding Adventureland area, including the Jungle Cruise and the Swiss Family Treehouse.
- Low Wait Times: Compared to major attractions, the wait for the Magic Carpets is often relatively short, making it a great option to hop on when other lines are too long.
The Bad: Common Complaints
- A "Dumbo" Clone: The most frequent criticism is that the ride is essentially a re-themed version of Dumbo the Flying Elephant. For guests with limited time, many feel they can skip it if they ride Dumbo.
- Short Duration: At approximately 90 seconds, many feel the ride is too short for the potential wait time, especially on busy days.
- Basic Theming: While the Agrabah Bazaar setting is colorful, some reviewers feel the ride itself lacks the immersive storytelling or iconic musical score (like "A Whole New World") they'd expect from an Aladdin attraction.
- Hot Queue: The outdoor queue, though mostly shaded with a canopy and fans, can still be hot and uncomfortable during the midday sun in the summer months.
Top Tips from Reviewers
- Control the Camel Spray: To ensure you get hit by the camel's water jet, stay at a medium height. If you want to avoid getting wet, push the lever all the way up and fly as high as you can.
- Ride Timing: The best times to ride are early in the morning, during a parade/show, or at night. Riding after sundown is recommended for a more magical experience with Adventureland's lights.
- Spot a Hidden Mickey: Keep an eye out for a classic Hidden Mickey shape embedded in the pavement in the Agrabah Bazaar area near the ride.
Summary
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a classic piece of Magic Kingdom filler that achieves its goal: providing a fun, accessible, and high-capacity attraction for families. It may not offer the thrills of a mountain ride or the complex storytelling of a dark ride, but it delivers simple, pure Disney fun with a nostalgic Aladdin twist. It's a wonderful attraction to introduce very young children to theme park rides and is a quick, happy stop when passing through Adventureland.
Reference
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/magic-carpets-of-aladdin/