What is the best time to ride The Barnstormer?

At Magic Kingdom, The Barnstormer typically has its shortest waits around 8 AM and its longest around 7 PM. Riding right at rope drop is your best bet.

How long is the wait for The Barnstormer?

The standby wait for The Barnstormer runs about 12 minutes on a typical day and climbs near 50 minutes at its busiest.

Does The Barnstormer break down a lot?

The Barnstormer is currently graded Spotty for reliability. Running about 91 percent of the day over the last 90 days, with most outages lasting about 57 minutes.

Is there a height requirement for The Barnstormer?

Yes. Riders must be at least 35 in (89 cm) tall to ride The Barnstormer.

Does The Barnstormer have Lightning Lane?

Yes. The Barnstormer offers Lightning Lane, so you can pay to skip the standby line if you would rather not wait.

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The Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom — Photo: bea & txema from Dublin, Ireland · CC BY 2.0

Magic Kingdom · Fantasyland

The Barnstormer Wait Time & Best Time to Ride

At Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, The Barnstormer is a ride worth planning around. This guide shows the current wait, typical wait, best time to ride, ride length, drop and intensity, Lightning Lane, and whether it is worth rope dropping.

Updated September 13, 2026. Live waits refresh throughout the day.

Right now 5 min

Typical wait 12 min

Peak seen 50 min

Quietest hour 8 AM

Quick facts

Land: Fantasyland
Height: 35 in (89 cm)
Lightning Lane: Yes
Opened: 2012
Ride length: About 1 minute
Thrill: Family coaster

Best Time to Ride The Barnstormer

Typical standby wait by hour. The quietest hour is marked in gold (8 AM); the wait usually peaks around 7 PM.

5 8AM

6 9AM

8 10AM

11 11AM

13 12PM

13 1PM

11 2PM

11 3PM

13 4PM

15 5PM

19 6PM

21 7PM

17 8PM

7 9PM

5 10PM

5 11PM

Pro tip: ride The Barnstormer in the first hour after rope drop or in the last hour before Magic Kingdom closes. If you would rather not wait at all, Lightning Lane lets you skip the standby line.

Is The Barnstormer Reliable?

Spotty Running about 91 percent of the day over the last 90 days, with most outages lasting about 57 minutes.

Should You Rope Drop The Barnstormer?

The shortest waits for The Barnstormer are right at rope drop and in the final hour before Magic Kingdom closes, so arriving for park open is usually worth it. If the line is already long, ride later in the evening or use Lightning Lane.

The Magic Kingdom rope drop plan Best times at Magic Kingdom Plan your Disney day

The Barnstormer FAQ

What is the best time to ride The Barnstormer?: At Magic Kingdom, The Barnstormer typically has its shortest waits around 8 AM and its longest around 7 PM. Riding right at rope drop is your best bet.
How long is the wait for The Barnstormer?: The standby wait for The Barnstormer runs about 12 minutes on a typical day and climbs near 50 minutes at its busiest.
Does The Barnstormer break down a lot?: The Barnstormer is currently graded Spotty for reliability. Running about 91 percent of the day over the last 90 days, with most outages lasting about 57 minutes.
Is there a height requirement for The Barnstormer?: Yes. Riders must be at least 35 in (89 cm) tall to ride The Barnstormer.
Does The Barnstormer have Lightning Lane?: Yes. The Barnstormer offers Lightning Lane, so you can pay to skip the standby line if you would rather not wait.

More at Magic Kingdom

Live wait board All rides ranked Best times to ride Crowd calendar Rope drop plan Ride reliability Lightning Lane prices Ride height guide Plan your day

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