The Barnstormer, located in the Storybook Circus section of Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, is a fun, family-friendly roller coaster that provides a gentle introduction to thrill rides for younger children. Originally opened in 1996 as The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm, the ride was re-themed in 2012 as part of the Fantasyland expansion and became The Barnstormer featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini. This attraction is a great option for first-time roller coaster riders, combining light thrills, colorful theming, and a whimsical storyline featuring one of Disney’s most beloved characters: Goofy.
Here’s an in-depth review of The Barnstormer and why it continues to be a hit for young families.
The Ride Experience
The Barnstormer is a junior roller coaster that lasts about a minute, making it an ideal introduction to roller coasters for kids who may be too young or hesitant to try bigger thrill rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Space Mountain. The coaster’s gentle hills, quick turns, and mild drops are enough to provide a sense of excitement without being too intense or overwhelming.
Upon boarding, guests sit in a train designed to resemble a stunt plane. Goofy, in his alter-ego as the “Great Goofini,” is the star of the ride, and the theme revolves around his wacky stunts and aviation adventures. Riders are whisked along a curved track, ascending a small lift hill and immediately plummeting down several small drops, banking around turns, and racing past colorful circus tents and banners. The whole ride is set to the backdrop of a lively circus atmosphere, making it a visual and auditory treat.
While the ride is short—just under a minute—its playful theming and gentle thrills make it a memorable experience for young riders.
Theming and Design
The Barnstormer’s charm lies in its vibrant and playful theming. The Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland has a classic circus aesthetic, with colorful tents, banners, and characters that make it feel like you’ve stepped into a nostalgic carnival. As you approach the attraction, you’re greeted by Goofy, who is in full aviator gear, ready to perform daring stunts. The surrounding environment is filled with circus-themed props and posters featuring Goofy, setting the stage for the zany antics you’re about to experience.
The ride itself is designed to feel like a stunt show, with the coaster train shaped like biplanes that Goofy uses for his stunts. The circus tents and aviation gear create a whimsical, story-driven backdrop that is both immersive and fun. For children who are familiar with Goofy’s clumsy but loveable personality, this theme enhances the excitement of the ride.
Queue and Wait Times
The queue for The Barnstormer is fairly simple, weaving through circus props and signage that introduce the theme of Goofy’s stunt show. While the theming isn’t as elaborate as some other Disney attractions, it maintains a playful tone that matches the Storybook Circus area. During busier times, the queue is mostly outdoors, so be prepared for some exposure to the Florida heat.
However, the ride’s short duration and high capacity help keep wait times relatively manageable. It’s not uncommon to find wait times between 15 to 30 minutes, making it a convenient ride to squeeze in during a visit to Fantasyland, particularly if you’re traveling with young children. If the wait time is long, using the Genie+ Lightning Lane option is a great way to bypass the line and get on the ride faster.
Who Will Enjoy The Barnstormer?
The Barnstormer is specifically designed for younger children and families. It’s an excellent option for kids who want to experience their first roller coaster without the intensity of Magic Kingdom’s bigger thrill rides. The minimum height requirement for the ride is 35 inches, making it accessible to most young children, but thrilling enough to give them a sense of excitement.
For parents with small children, it’s a wonderful way to introduce the concept of a roller coaster in a low-pressure, fun environment. The fact that the ride is short and relatively tame makes it a great “starter coaster,” building confidence for kids who may want to move on to bigger attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train later on.
Adults riding with their children will likely find the ride charming, but it may feel too short or mild for thrill-seekers. However, the theming, Goofy’s antics, and the overall joyful atmosphere make it enjoyable for adults to accompany their little ones.
Accessibility
The Barnstormer is wheelchair accessible, and Cast Members are always available to assist guests with mobility issues. Like most attractions in Fantasyland, the ride is designed to be inclusive, allowing children with different needs to experience the fun. The ride vehicles are also comfortable enough to fit a parent and child together, making it easy for adults to supervise their young riders.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Perfect for Young Children: The Barnstormer is the perfect introduction to roller coasters for younger children, providing just enough thrill to be exciting without being too intense.
- Colorful Theming: The vibrant, circus-themed environment and the Goofy storyline make the ride fun and immersive, especially for fans of the Mickey and Friends characters.
- Short Wait Times: Typically, the wait times for The Barnstormer are shorter compared to some of the more popular attractions in Fantasyland, making it a convenient option for families.
- Great Location: Located in Storybook Circus, The Barnstormer is near other great family attractions like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station, making it easy to enjoy several rides in one area.
Cons:
- Very Short Ride: At just under a minute, the ride duration is very short, which may leave some guests feeling like it’s over too quickly, especially after waiting in line.
- Mild Thrills for Older Kids and Adults: While perfect for young children, older kids or adults looking for more of a thrill may find The Barnstormer to be too tame and brief.
- Outdoor Queue: Much of the queue is outdoors, which can be uncomfortable during hot or rainy weather, though the wait is usually short enough that it’s not a major issue.
Tips for Riding The Barnstormer
- Ride Early in the Day: The Barnstormer is a great ride to tackle early in the day when wait times are typically lower. It’s located near the back of Fantasyland, so heading there first can help you beat the mid-day crowds.
- Perfect for Toddlers: If you’re traveling with toddlers, this ride is an excellent introduction to Magic Kingdom’s more adventurous attractions. It’s a great confidence builder before trying bigger rides.
- Watch the Play Areas: After riding The Barnstormer, take advantage of the nearby Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station, where kids can cool off and play in the water after their flight with Goofy.
- Use Genie+ if Necessary: If you’re visiting during a busy time, using Genie+ for The Barnstormer can help you avoid the wait, but typically, the wait times are short enough that it may not be necessary.
Final Thoughts
The Barnstormer is a classic family-friendly attraction that captures the fun, lighthearted spirit of Disney. While it may not be the most intense or technologically advanced ride in Magic Kingdom, it offers the perfect amount of thrills for young children, combined with a delightful circus theme and a beloved Disney character, Goofy. It’s a great introduction to roller coasters for younger guests, and its proximity to other Storybook Circus attractions makes it an ideal stop for families with small children.
Though it might not appeal to older kids or thrill-seeking adults, The Barnstormer’s charm and nostalgic value make it a must-try for families looking for a gentle yet exciting ride. Whether you’re flying high with Goofy for the first time or revisiting a childhood favorite, The Barnstormer is sure to leave you smiling.
