Everything You Need to Know About The Barnstormer

You’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World! The only problem? You’re not sure which attractions are right for you and your kiddos and you have questions. Which attractions are too intense for little ones? What rides do I really need a FastPass+ reservation for? What’s the disability access like for certain attractions? We’re answering all those questions and more in our Everything You Need to Know attraction series with today’s focus on The Barnstormer at the Magic Kingdom.

What is The Barnstormer?

The Barnstormer is a short and sweet kiddie coaster found at the Magic Kingdom. Goofy, as the thrill-seeking Great Goofini, has been working on a aerial stunt show in the barnyard. Now guests have the chance to climb aboard Goofy’s stunt plane for their own wild flight!

Where is The Barnstormer?

The Barnstormer is located at the Magic Kingdom in the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland. The coaster can be found next door to Dumbo the Flying Elephant with its entrance across from the Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station.

What is the History of The Barnstormer?

The Barnstormer and Storybook Circus was was originally home to Grandma Duck’s Petting Farm at Mickey’s Birthdayland in 1988 and then Mickey’s Starland in 1990. In 1996, this space was re-imagined into Mickey’s Toontown Fair where the first iteration of the The Barnstormer debuted as The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm.

Mickey’s Toontown Fair closed in 2011 for the park’s New Fantasyland overhaul and expansion. Mickey’s Toontown Fair was converted into today’s Storybook Circus while the rustic Barnstormer coaster received a stunt show overlay. The new version opened to guests in 2012 along with the first phase of New Fantasyland.

What Do You Need to Know About the Queue for The Barnstormer?

Upon entering the queue leading to the loading platform, guests catch glimpses of the coaster “in flight” and posters showcasing The Great Goofini’s daring feats and stunts–and a few of his props too!

Do keep in mind that the queue is located outdoors; and even though it does offer some shade, guests are still exposed to the heat and elements.

What Are the Ride Vehicles Like for The Barnstormer?

The plane-shaped coaster train consists of 8 rows. An average size adult and a medium size child are a typical load per row. Two average size adults are somewhat tight. One adult and two small children would be very tight or impossible. Larger adults may want to ride alone. This set-up can be problematic for an adult with two children both under the age of 7 years old. This is because kids under 7 years must have an adult with them.

The seats are a hard bench with a back, and guests must step over the side of vehicle and then down to be seated. A single pull-down lap bar accommodates all riders in a row.

What Do You Need to Know About the Ride Experience for The Barnstormer?

Okay, so this coaster is VERY short. Of the 53 seconds the ride is in motion, 32 seconds are consumed in leaving the loading area, being ratcheted up the first hill, and braking into the off-loading area. The actual time you spend careering around the track: 21 seconds.

The quick ride experience is a little rough, particularly for adults. If you’re not riding with a child, I wouldn’t recommend it. However, The Barnstormer is a child’s perfect introduction to roller coasters and a way to gauge if they can handle other Disney Park coasters or thrill rides.

What Do You Need to Know About Accessibility for The Barnstormer?

Guests must transfer from a wheelchair/ECV to the ride vehicle to experience The Barnstormer. It’s also important to note that service animals are not permitted on this attraction.

What Do You Need to Know About the Health and Safety Advisories for The Barnstormer?

For safety, guests should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride.

Guests prone to motion sickness should probably sit this one out. Also, I would also warn those with a fear of heights. Even though it’s a kiddie coaster, some may find this elevated ride unsettling.

What are the Height Restrictions for The Barnstormer?

Guests must be at least 35 inches to experience The Barnstormer. This attraction also offers Rider Swap.

What Do You Need to Know About FastPass+ for The Barnstormer?

FastPass+ is available for The Barnstormer. However, unless it’s at the top of your Magic Kingdom to-do list, your FastPass+ reservations are better used on the park’s headliner attractions or on another kid-friendly coaster like The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Does Weather Affect The Barnstormer?

Since The Barnstormer is an outdoor attraction, it will shut down for heavy rain or if there is severe weather or lightning in the area. It’s important to note some portions of the queue are exposed to the elements. There are mounted fans, but they don’t always help in the notorious Florida heat.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Ride The Barnstormer?

The best time of day to ride The Barnstormer with minimal wait is before 10:30 A.M., during parades, or in the evening just before the park closes.

This chart shows you roughly how long you’ll wait for The Barnstormer when you visit on a day with a given Magic Kingdom Crowd Level. The blue bars represent the average “peak” wait time (that is, how long the line will be at its busiest). The bottom and top black lines represent the range of peak wait times to expect (for you fellow nerds out there: it’s the 5th percentile and 95th percentile of peak wait times). Please note that these are estimates, and for a better forecast for your travel dates, see The Barnstormer Wait Times.

Did I answer all of your questions about The Barnstormer? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.