The Barnstormer
Magic Kingdom · Fantasyland
Overview
The Barnstormer is a junior roller coaster tucked inside Storybook Circus in Fantasyland, themed around Goofy's career as a daredevil stunt pilot. Guests board a small open-air biplane and zip through a series of dips, curves, and turns along an outdoor track. The coaster stays low to the ground and reaches modest speeds, making it an ideal first coaster experience for young children. The theming carries throughout: the queue winds through a colorful circus tent where Goofy's barnstorming posters hang alongside evidence of his aerial mishaps. While brief, the ride delivers genuine excitement for its target audience.
ParksLog Verdict
The ideal first coaster for a child who has ridden nothing but carousels. Goofy's stunt pilot premise is well realized, and the open-air biplane seating feels just exciting enough without overwhelming young riders. Adults traveling without children have no reason to queue here, but anyone introducing a child to their first coaster will find this the most thoughtful, well-paced entry point in the park.
About this experience
Take flight above Storybook Circus with Goofy in a homemade stunt airplane for a thrilling junior roller coaster ride.
Best For
- Young children riding their first coaster
- Families with toddlers
- Fans of classic Disney characters
Tips
- Its accessible height requirement makes it approachable for most toddlers — ideal as a first coaster introduction
- Go early in the day as waits tend to build through mid-morning
- Pair with Dumbo the Flying Elephant and the Storybook Circus play area for a full themed experience
Details
History
Originally opened in 1996 as The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm, the attraction was reimagined and rethemed as part of the broader Storybook Circus expansion completed in 2012.
Fun Facts
- The Barnstormer is one of only a handful of roller coasters in the world themed around Goofy
- The attraction originally featured farm theming before being converted to its current circus aesthetic in 2012
- At just over one minute in duration, it is one of the shortest rides in Magic Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does The Barnstormer take?
- The experience runs about 1 minutes. Budget extra time for the queue, any pre-show, and boarding — on busy days the full process can take considerably longer.
- Is The Barnstormer good for young children?
- Yes — The Barnstormer is listed as kid-friendly on ParksLog. The experience is gentle enough for most young guests, though always consider a child's individual comfort with the ride type before queuing.
- How intense is The Barnstormer?
- ParksLog rates this as moderate intensity — some speed, movement, or simulated effects. May not suit guests with strong motion sensitivity. Use your own judgement based on personal comfort and any health advisories posted at the entrance.
- Does The Barnstormer cause motion sickness?
- Motion sickness risk is low. The motion is mild — most guests, including those with slight sensitivity, ride comfortably.
- Does The Barnstormer operate in the rain?
- The Barnstormer operates outdoors. It may be affected by weather conditions — check with the park on the day of your visit during rain or storms.
- Should I prioritize The Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom?
- The Barnstormer is optional on a typical visit. It's a pleasant addition if lines are short, but most guests won't feel they missed out if they skip it.
- Does The Barnstormer have Lightning Lane?
- Yes — The Barnstormer is available through Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass to book a return time for this and other eligible attractions through the My Disney Experience app.
- When did The Barnstormer open?
- The Barnstormer opened at Magic Kingdom in 1996.
- Does The Barnstormer have a single rider line?
- The Barnstormer does not have a single rider line. All guests join the standby queue or use Lightning Lane.