Walt Disney World is an incredible vacation destination for families with young children. Home to iconic rides, exciting entertainment and a slew of Disney characters, the “Most Magical Place on Earth” is a dream for kids of all ages, but especially younger children. From flying elephants to colorful cruises, from spinning teacups to runaway trains, there’s something for every comfort level at the massive Central Florida resort.
But with so many different attractions available, it can be tricky to know which ones are best for the kiddo in your family. That’s why we’ve put together this handy-dandy guide to the best Disney World rides for toddlers and preschoolers, including height restrictions, thrill level, Lightning Lane availability and other helpful information. So, put on your Mickey Ears, grab your MagicBands, and let’s get started!
A ”Family Park Where Parents and Children Could Have Fun Together”
Walt Disney imagined Disneyland as a place for families to share quality time. “I think what I want Disneyland to be most of all is a happy place—a place where adults and children can experience together some of the wonders of life, of adventure, and feel better because of it.” The same can be said of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Thanks to his vision, along with heart-pumping roller coasters and other thrilling attractions, guests can also enjoy an array of milder rides made with kids and their parents in mind. Whether your little one is more comfortable with something slow and gentle or they’re ready for a little bit of a scare, you’ll find plenty of attractions that are right up their alley at each of the Disney World theme parks.
25 Best Walt Disney World Rides for Young Children
However, with over 50 rides spread between Disney World’s four parks, figuring out which ones to add to your vacation to-do list can be daunting, to say the least. Add in the resort’s many stage shows, films and other attractions and entertainment, and it can be even more overwhelming.
What’s more, although a ride’s height requirement (or lack thereof) can be a useful indicator, not every ride without a height minimum at Disney World is actually a good choice for toddlers or preschoolers. Though they may be physically allowed on an attraction, some elements could be too intense for them to actually enjoy it. Two great examples of this are Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. While they don’t have minimum height requirements, cruising through cannon fire or visiting a house crawling with ghosts can be more than a little scary for the youngest of guests.
Luckily, with our list of the best kid rides at Disney World, you can avoid any unpleasantness and unnecessary tears and make sure your vacation stays as magical as possible. For your convenience, we’ve organized our guide into three different age groups: toddlers, preschoolers and elementary schoolers.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should avoid a particular ride altogether. You know your child best. So, if you think it’s something they would be comfortable with, then by all means, go for it. If there’s an attraction you’re iffy about, our best suggestion is to watch a ride-through for it on YouTube. Although it certainly isn’t the same experience as what you’ll get in the park, it’s still a great way to feel things out before you go.
Now, without any further ado, here’s our roundup of the best kids rides Walt Disney world has to offer. For the purposes of this list, we’ve opted to focus only on the actual rides (i.e., attractions with moving ride vehicles). That said, the shows are also something that your kiddo will go crazy for, thanks to all of the music, dancing, colorful costumes and appearances by Disney characters. So, be sure to make some time for them, too, during your family’s vacation.
Best Disney World Toddler Rides
Believe it or not, there’s no shortage of kiddie rides for parents traveling to Disney World with a 2- or 3-year-old in tow. From high-flying spinner rides and classic carousels to slow-moving boat rides and immersive dark rides (and more!), these are the best rides for toddlers at Disney World.
Magic Kingdom Park
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Without a doubt, one of the quintessential toddler rides at Disney World is Dumbo the Flying Elephant. One of the original opening-day attractions, this carnival-style ride sends guests soaring over Fantasyland from the back of an adorable elephant. There’s also a huge interactive queue that encourages little ones to play around under the big top. Then, once it’s your turn to ride, simply jump back in line to board.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving, carnival-style spinner
“it’s a small world”
Another iconic Fantasyland ride that toddlers are sure to love is “it’s a small world.” This leisurely boat ride sends guests sailing past hordes of singing and dancing children from across the globe, who are each dressed in clothing from their country. Your little one will enjoy the catchy song (though you might not), as well as the many colorful characters.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving boat ride
Jungle Cruise
Set out on a riverboat adventure through the wilds of Africa, Asia and South America on the Jungle Cruise. Your kiddo will have fun seeing the many Audio-Animatronic animals like elephants and hippos, while you’ll get a kick out of the corny jokes told by the skipper onboard.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving boat ride
Peter Pan’s Flight
Climb in an enchanted pirate ship and fly to Neverland with Peter Pan on this classic ride. The bright colors and classic characters make this ride a great choice for toddlers who are looking for a magical adventure. The queue, which winds through the Darling Family’s London home, is also a ton of fun. See if your little one can spot Tinker Bell as you’re waiting in line.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving dark ride
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
What ride could be more kid-friendly than a classic carousel? Give your toddler a boost on the back of a horse and see them gallop around behind Cinderella Castle. If they’re lucky, they may even get a chance to ride on Cinderella’s loyal steed. Just look for the golden ribbon bedecking its tail.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: None
Thrill Level: Minimal – Carnival-style merry-go-round
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Jump on a magic carpet and take flight above Adventureland on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Like the Dumbo ride, this is also an easy-going spinner ride. So, it’s a great attraction for helping your little one build some confidence. Keep an on the camel, though—he’s been known to spit, and you may get wet.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving, carnival-style spinner
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
What toddler hasn’t dreamed of exploring the Hundred Acre Wood alongside Winnie the Pooh (and Tigger, too)? Well, on The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, now they can. Hop in a gigantic honey pot for an animated journey into the pages of a storybook, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving dark ride
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Has your little one ever wished they could be part of Ariel’s world? Then, take a seat in a giant seashell for a magical, musical trip below the waves on Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid. This vibrant dark ride follows the story of everyone’s favorite mermaid, making it a must-see for fans of the film, both young and old.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving dark ride
Epcot
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Is your toddler a Donald Duck fan? Then you won’t want to miss Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. Located at Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion in World Showcase, this laidback boat ride follows the misadventures of the feisty duck as he cruises through Mexico on a flying serape. Along with chasing down Donald, your child will also enjoy floating past the ride’s colorful scenes, including dancing skeletons, a Mesoamerican pyramid and a fireworks finale.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: None
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving boat ride
Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Set out on a whimsical trip through the imagination alongside a lovable purple dinosaur on Journey Into Imagination with Figment. Complete with silly sounds, sights and smells, this is one Disney World kiddie ride your toddler won’t be able to get enough of.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving dark ride
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
If your kiddo loves watching Finding Nemo, then The Seas with Nemo & Friends is for them. That wayward clownfish is lost again—only this time, your toddler gets to help find him. Best of all, this unique dark ride uses the pavilion’s massive aquarium as a backdrop, meaning you get to see some incredible real-life sea life along the way.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving dark ride
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
You can’t go to Walt Disney World and not spend some time with Mickey Mouse. Located in the Chinese Theatre in the former home of the Great Movie Ride, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway plunges riders into the zany animated world of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto. While your toddler will enjoy the cute characters and vibrant colors, the ride can move pretty quickly at times, and there are a few moments that could be scary for some small children, making this a great attraction if you want to ease your little one into some of Disney’s more thrilling rides.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Mild Thrills – Wacky dark ride with some swift movements
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Is your child an animal lover? Then make your way to Africa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park for Kilimanjaro Safaris. Unlike the Jungle Cruise, this immersive attraction whisks guests away to the savannas of Africa, where you can see real-life wildlife like elephants, giraffes, lions and more roaming nearby. This is one ride at Disney World your toddler won’t soon forget, and neither will you.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving ride with views of African animals from a distance
TriceraTop Spin
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a…flying triceratops? Like Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Magic Kingdom, TriceraTop Spin is a relaxed spinner ride. Only this time, instead of a circus or the streets of Agrabah, you and your little one take to the skies of DinoLand USA.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: None
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving, carnival-style spinner
Best Disney World Preschooler Rides
Can your kiddo handle the previous rides like a champ? Then take your family vacation to the next level with these top Disney World rides for preschoolers. From arcade-style rides to kid-friendly roller coasters, Disney World offers something for all sorts of budding theme park fanatics and aspiring thrill seekers.
Magic Kingdom
Astro Orbiter
This spinner-style ride takes kicks things up a notch with its impressive bird’s-eye views. Put your kiddo in the driver’s seat of a high-flying rocket ship, then blast off for an out-of-this-world voyage over Tomorrowland. For a truly unique ride, skip the crowds at the fireworks show and take in the nighttime spectacular from your lofty perch above. Keep in mind that while Astro Orbiter is mild-mannered, this ride may be too much for young children with a fear of heights.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: None
Thrill Level: Mild Thrills – High-flying, carnival-style spinner
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Put your little one’s skills to the test during a ride on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. For this shooting gallery-style attraction, you and your preschooler will take on the evil Emperor Zurg. Just grab onto the gun in front of you, take aim at the many targets and see who comes out on top.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving, shooting gallery-style dark ride
Mad Tea Party
Set out on a topsy-turvy voyage through Wonderland on Mad Tea Party. For this create-your-own-adventure kind of spinning ride, your family will hop in an oversize teacup and rotate the middle to make it twist and turn. For a gentler trip, keep your spinning to a minimum. Otherwise, spin your teacup as fast as you can if you’re looking for a more madcap experience. Just mind your stomach, or you may get sick.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Mild Thrills – Slow- or fast-moving spinning ride with potential for an upset stomach
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Follow Snow White’s seven height-challenged friends as they head off to work in the diamond mines on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Though it can get quite fast, this Disney World kiddie coaster keeps things relatively smooth and easy, with an extra bit of fun from the gentle rocking of the mine cars. Along the way, you’ll also see some impressive Audio-Animatronics of the dwarfs themselves, as well as an appearance by the original Disney Princess herself.
Height Requirement: At least 38 inches 97cm)
Lightning Lane Available: Individual Lightning Lane
Thrill Level: Mild Thrills – Kiddie coaster
The Barnstormer
Looking for a great starter coaster for your preschooler? Give The Barnstormer in Storybook Circus a try! This quick and easy Disney World roller coaster keeps things simple with a few turns and drops. With Goofy in the pilot seat, you know it’s going to be a good time.
Height Requirement: At least 35 inches (89cm)
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Mild Thrills – Kiddie coaster
Tomorrowland Speedway
Cruise through Tomorrowland from behind the wheel of a tiny roadster on Tomorrowland Speedway. While your kiddo can’t drive an actual car just yet, as long as they’re at least 32 inches tall and you’re in the passenger seat, they can jump in the driver’s seat of this go-kart-like attraction. Talk about a memorable first driving experience!
Height Requirement: At least 32 inches (81cm)
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving go-kart-style ride
Epcot
Frozen Ever After
If your preschooler is anything like all the other Frozen-loving little ones out there, then Frozen Ever After is an absolute must. For this boat ride, you’ll set sail in an ancient Nordic vessel for the icy land of Arendelle. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of characters from the films, including Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Sven, Kristoff and the trolls. Just be prepared for a short but fun drop backward.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Mild Thrills – Slow-moving boat ride with a hill and a small backward drop
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Shrink to the size of Ratatouille’s little chef and experience Chef Gusteau’s bustling Parisian restaurant on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. This immersive dark ride uses trackless ride vehicles shaped like mice, oversized sets and massive screens to give guests a taste of Remy’s experience. While your preschooler will love it, we’re positive that you’ll be just as impressed.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Mild Thrills – Slow-moving dark ride with lots of twists and turns
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Slinky Dog Dash
Slide between Slinky Dog’s coils and hold on tight for an exciting journey through Andy’s backyard on Slinky Dog Dash. Boasting two launches and a top speed of 40 miles per hour, this family-friendly coaster in Toy Story Land will thrill kids and adults alike. Then, when you’re finished, make your way over to the next best ride at Disney World preschoolers.
Height Requirement: At least 38 inches (97cm)
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Mild Thrills – Kiddie coaster with two launches
Toy Story Mania!
If you and your kiddo loved Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin as much as we do, then challenge them to a rematch on Toy Story Mania. Featuring an updated shooting mechanism and several scenes projected on screens, this high-tech take on a shooting gallery-style attraction will have you wanting to ride again and again.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving, shooting gallery-style dark ride
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Na’vi River Journey
For an out-of-this-world attraction unlike anything else at Disney World, don’t miss Na’vi River Journey. This dazzling boat ride through the bioluminescent jungles of Pandora is filled with glowing plants and creatures, as well as the most advanced Audio-Animatronic Disney Imagineers have ever made, for a trip that will leave both you and your preschooler in awe.
Height Requirement: Any Height
Lightning Lane Available: Disney Genie+
Thrill Level: Minimal – Slow-moving boat ride with strange creatures
Tips for Visiting Disney World with Young Children
Given all that there is to do and see, visiting Disney World with toddlers or preschool-aged kids can be an intimidating task. Luckily, with a bit of pre-planning, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to make your trip to Disney World with young children a little easier:
- Plan Ahead – Before you arrive at Walt Disney World, make sure you know what rides and other attractions you and your kiddos will want to check out. This will help you plan a more efficient trip and save you time in the parks.
- Consider Upgrading Your Visit with Disney Genie+ & Individual Lightning Lane Entry – Lightning Lanes are the new, paid version of FastPass+, which allow you to reserve ride times in advance and save you time precious time. Though this can be expensive, especially for larger families, it can be worth it if many of the attractions you want to experience tend to have long wait times. Refer to our Lightning Lane guides to see where your must-do rides rank for booking priorities to assess if they might be a good investment.
- Packs Snacks – Disney World can be a long day for kids (and adults!). So, if you don’t want a cranky kiddo on your hands, make sure you bring snacks and drinks to keep them (and you) fueled throughout the day.
- Bring a Backpack – Bringing a backpack with you can help you keep all of your belongings safe and organized. Make sure to stock it with sunscreen, hats, ponchos and extra clothing in case of unexpected weather changes.
- Take Breaks – All the excitement of the theme parks and time spent in the hot Florida sun can take a lot out of guests of all ages, but especially young children. Taking breaks during the day will help keep your kids refreshed and ready to explore more of the park. If you’re staying at one of the hotels at Disney World, take an extended break and go back to your room for a nap or some time by the pool.
- Think About Renting a Stroller Instead of Bringing Your Own – Whether you’re flying into the Orlando airport or driving to Disney World, taking your stroller with you can be a pain. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with the hassle if you don’t want to. Not only can you rent a stroller directly from the theme parks, but several third-party companies also provide brand-name strollers for rental as well. You can even have them delivered directly to your hotel. If you do bring or rent a stroller, be sure to mark it in some way (a balloon or sign works great) so it’s easy to find once you get off a ride.
- Utilize Rider Switch as Needed – Is there a ride you’d like to go on, but your child isn’t tall enough yet? Just use Rider Switch (AKA Child Swap or Parent Swap)! Available on any attraction with a height requirement, this free service lets parents or guardians switch places so each of them can ride while one of them waits back with the little one. Just let a cast member know when you get to the ride.
Keeping Your Kids Safe While at Disney World
Walt Disney World is generally a very safe place for kids, but it’s still important to keep an eye on your little ones at all times, as well as to prepare them for what to do in the unlikely event that they become separated. Here are some tips for keeping your children safe while at Disney World:
- Teach Them the Basics – Make sure your child knows basic safety rules, such as not talking to strangers and staying near you at all times. Let them know that cast members (the people with the nametags) are there to help them if anything were to happen.
- Have a Plan for Emergencies – Come up with a plan in case of an emergency. Have a designated meeting spot, and make sure your child knows how to contact you if they get lost.
- Know the Layout of the Parks – Make sure you and your child are familiar with the layout of the park. This will help them know where to go if they get lost.
- Consider Downloading a Family Tracking App – Walt Disney World is a big place, and with so many people milling around, it is possible to be separated from members of your party. Think about downloading a locator app on your family’s cell phones. This will give you the location of each person in your party, making it easy to find them if necessary.
Well, that brings our guide to the best Disney World rides for toddlers and preschoolers to a close. What ride does your little one love to go on? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how to make your family trip to Disney World a little more affordable with our discount Disney tickets.
