The oldest ride at Disney World's Magic Kingdom is Prince Charming Regal Carrousel.
The Enduring Legacy of Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
While numerous attractions opened on October 1, 1971, the Magic Kingdom's inaugural day, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel holds the unique distinction of being the oldest physical ride structure. This classic attraction, a beloved centerpiece in Fantasyland, often appears as the top answer when researching the Magic Kingdom's oldest ride.
The carrousel's history significantly predates Walt Disney World itself. It was originally constructed in 1917 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, a renowned manufacturer of carousels and roller coasters. Before making its way to Florida, it operated for decades at Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey, and later at Detroit's Belle Isle Park.
Upon its acquisition by Disney, the carrousel underwent extensive refurbishment to fit the magical theme of Fantasyland. This included adding intricate details, such as Cinderella's coach atop its canopy, and repainting its 90 unique, hand-carved horses. It debuted as Cinderella's Golden Carrousel on opening day and was later renamed Prince Charming Regal Carrousel in 2010 to better align with the beloved Cinderella story.
Key facts about this historic attraction include:
- Year of Original Construction: 1917
- Original Operating Locations: Olympic Park (New Jersey) and Belle Isle Park (Detroit)
- Magic Kingdom Opening Date: October 1, 1971 (as Cinderella's Golden Carrousel)
- Current Location: Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
- Unique Features: Features 90 individually carved wooden horses, each with distinct details.
Riding the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel offers guests a direct connection to a piece of history that dates back more than a century, embodying a timeless charm that continues to delight generations.
Magic Kingdom Opening Day Attractions
While the Carrousel is the oldest in terms of its construction date, it's important to recognize that many other iconic attractions also opened their gates to guests on Magic Kingdom's very first day, October 1, 1971. These attractions were either purpose-built for the park or relocated from other significant events, such as the 1964 New York World's Fair.
Below is a table highlighting some of the notable attractions that welcomed guests on the park's inaugural day:
| Attraction Name | Opening Date (Magic Kingdom) | Unique Historical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Prince Charming Regal Carrousel | October 1, 1971 | Built in 1917, making it the oldest physical structure within the park. |
| The Haunted Mansion | October 1, 1971 | A signature dark ride designed for the park, inspired by Disneyland's version. |
| "it's a small world" | October 1, 1971 | Relocated and re-imagined from the 1964 New York World's Fair. |
| Jungle Cruise | October 1, 1971 | An original concept from Disneyland, adapted for Magic Kingdom. |
| Mad Tea Party | October 1, 1971 | Classic spinning teacup ride, a popular Fantasyland staple. |
| Peter Pan's Flight | October 1, 1971 | A popular dark ride and an original Magic Kingdom attraction, allowing guests to "fly" over London. |
| Country Bear Jamboree | October 1, 1971 | A groundbreaking Audio-Animatronics show, originally planned for a Disney ski resort. |
| Hall of Presidents | October 1, 1971 | An educational Audio-Animatronics show featuring all U.S. Presidents. |
| Grand Prix Raceway | October 1, 1971 | Renamed Tomorrowland Speedway, offering guests a self-driving car experience. |
The unique distinction of Prince Charming Regal Carrousel as the "oldest ride" stems from its pre-Disney construction, setting it apart from other attractions that debuted concurrently with Magic Kingdom.
