Although some families wait to take their children to Disney World until they are “old enough to remember,” we think you can make some pretty magical memories with little ones. Even if your toddler may not remember the trip, your photos and memories will be priceless. We hear a lot of concerns about what little ones can actually do and enjoy in the parks. So, we have compiled a list of the best Disney World rides for toddlers that we hope will help ease any concerns about traveling with a little one.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom truly has something for visitors of all ages. Many rides don’t have a minimum height restriction which means you can all ride together. There are, by far, the most attractions for toddlers to enjoy in the Magic Kingdom.
In Tomorrowland, your toddlers will love Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Astro Orbiter, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover, and the Tomorrowland Speedway, where they can actually drive mom and dad around!
Back in Fantasyland, you can’t miss Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan’s Flight, Enchanted Tales with Belle, “it’s a small world,” Mad Tea Party, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, and Mickey’s PhilharMagic. The Barnstormer is a great “first roller coaster” and has a height requirement of just 35 inches. Your kids can also cool off at Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station.
Back in Adventureland, the whole family can see the eighth wonder of the world, the back side of water, on The Jungle Cruise. You can also spin around Adventureland on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin- just watch out for the spitting camel! If you’re all comfortable with heights, you can explore the Swiss Family Treehouse. Take a boat ride over to climb around and explore Tom Sawyer Island, too.
There are still even more attractions that your toddler may enjoy at Magic Kingdom that we haven’t mentioned!
Epcot
Although Epcot isn’t often thought of for families traveling with little ones, I’d argue that there is still plenty for little ones to enjoy. Your “Frozen” fans can’t miss Frozen Ever After in the Norway pavilion, starring Anna and Elsa. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet Anna and Elsa in the Norway pavilion. Enjoy a quiet boat ride through Mexico on the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, which often has very short wait times.
Your family can ride in a “clamobile” on The Seas with Nemo and Friends where you help find Nemo (again) under the sea. At the end of The Seas with Nemo and Friends, you can explore the incredible aquariums or stop by Turtle Talk with Crush. Spaceship Earth can be a quiet and slow-moving educational journey through human communication.
Living with the Land takes you inside some of the greenhouses where Disney grows fruits and vegetables they serve throughout the parks and resorts. You can “Journey into Imagination with Figment” to learn about the five senses. At the end of the ride, your kids can explore ImageWorks- the “What If” Labs, full of sensory activities and games that spark creativity.
The annual festivals often bring play grounds which are a great way to let them explore and burn some energy in a confined space. Kids of all ages are encouraged to participate in the Kidcot Fun Stops where they can draw, color and collect activity cards at every country throughout World Showcase.
Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is so much fun for toddlers! My family’s favorite Disney World attraction is Toy Story Mania. No matter how young or young at heart, you can compete against your family on five carnival style games. Hollywood Studios’ newest attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, is a fun adventure through a cartoon with Mickey and Minnie. Little ones at least 32 inches tall can spin around with the aliens from Toy Story on Alien Swirling Saucers. Slinky Dog Dash is a family friendly coaster with a height requirement of just 38 inches.
Your family can meet Disney Junior characters like Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, and Doc McStuffins in the Animation Courtyard or at Hollywood & Vine. There is also a Disney Junior Live on Stage show where your kids can dance and sing along with their Disney Junior friends. We also recommend Muppet*Vision 3D, the Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage show and Frozen Sing Along show. Little races won’t want to miss Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy.
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is Disney World’s largest theme park. Their attraction Kilimanjaro Safaris is big enough to fit the Magic Kingdom inside of it! On Kilimanjaro Safaris, you will feel like you have traveled to Africa where you can get within just feet of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, lions, and more. The Na’vi River Journey in Pandora is a calm boat ride through the Pandora rainforest, similar to Magic Kingdom’s “it’s a small world.” TriceraTop Spin in Dinoland allows guests of all ages to ride in a dinosaur, similar to Magic Kingdom’s “Dumbo.” Your little one can even control your up and down motion in addition to your forward and backward motion. Don’t forget to ride the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and check out the Affection Section petting zoo, too.
Aside from rides, there are two incredible Broadway style shows at Animal Kingdom that the whole family can enjoy together. You may also want to check out the Maharajah Jungle Trek where you and your family can see some incredible animals like the Sumatran tigers. Little ones can burn some energy exploring The Boneyard, a dinosaur dig site.
If you’re traveling to Disney World with a little one, don’t forget to take advantage of the rider switch service for any rides that your little one either isn’t big enough for or ins’t comfortable trying.
What do you think are the best Disney World rides for toddlers?
PS- Don’t forget these 10 items you need when traveling with a toddler!
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