Best Walt Disney World Rides for Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers

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Many people wonder if bringing a small child to Disney World is worth it. They think that there will be nothing that they can do. They could not be more wrong. Knowing the best Walt Disney World rides for toddlers and preschoolers is the start to a vacation the whole family will enjoy.

What separates Walt Disney World from other theme parks across the country is their wide variety of attractions for all ages. While even Disney’s largest competitors may have an area devoted to their smallest guests, WDW was thoughtfully designed with those under 5 in mind.

Many also believe that it’s not worth bringing a toddler to Disney World because they will never remember. Perhaps not, but you will!

There is something extra magical when your child see’s the colors and characters and hears the music and excitement in Disney. It’s a wonderous time when Mickey Mouse is their best friend, Cinderella lives in that castle, and Tinkerbell flies. And when you get to experience that magic with them, it is a time in life that you will cherish.

In this article, we are going to highlight the best attractions for small children including:

The best Disney rides for 5-year olds
The best Disney rides for 4-year olds
The best Disney rides for 3-year old’s
The best Disney rides for 2-year old’s
And even, the best Disney rides for 1-year old’s

Many believe that only Magic Kingdom has rides and attractions suitable for small children, but that’s not the case. Although it may have the most toddler-friendly attractions, you will find great rides for the whole family, even the littlest members, in every park.

Know your child. While most kids love Mickey Mouse, not all small children are comfortable with the life-sized costumed characters. If you think your little ones might see Mickey as scary, try taking them to the mall to see Santa or the Easter Bunny first and see how they react.

Know Your Chid

Before we get into the list of rides and attractions, it’s important to mention this is just a guide. You as a parent will know your child best.

This article is meant to highlight those rides and attractions that most parents and young kids like best. Some rides have height restrictions but that does not mean just because your child is tall enough, that they are ready for a bigger ride. Every child is different.

Many children are apprehensive of the unknown. When my own son was 4, we wanted to take him on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. Toy Story was his favorite movie and the ride had just recently opened. We were so excited to take him on it, but he wanted no part of it.

It was not until we took him on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover, which has a window into the Buzz Lightyear ride, that he could get a glimpse of what to expect. It put his mind more at ease.

He was still hesitant but went. Then, we could not get him off. We kept going back on line to ride again and again. Needless to say, it was his favorite Disney ride for years to come.

The point of sharing my story is to remind you to know your child. If they are not ready, there are many other attractions that they will enjoy more. Plus, Disney World will be around for a long, long time. If there is a ride they are not ready for now, they probably will be the next time you plan a vacation. That is one reason many guests return year after year.

Test the rides out first with “Rider Switch”

If you are unsure if your child will like a ride, try it out first. The easiest way to do that is with Rider Switch, also called Child Swap.

You all go on the ride’s line together, but one person rides first without the child while with the other waits with the child. After riding, if you feel it’s appropriate for the child, the person who stayed behind can take them on while you wait. If you decide it’s not for them, the second person can still ride, while you wait with the child.

Here is how it works:

Tell the Cast Member at the entrance you’d like to do Rider Switch.
Your group will be given a Rider Switch Pass. Those riding second will wait in a designated area with the non-rider(s) with the pass, while those riding first go on.
After the ride, the Rider Switch Pass is given to the one waiting, while the person who just rode remains in the designated area with the non-rider(s).
The second rider hands gives the Rider Switch Pass to a Cast Member and goes on the ride. They don’t have to wait in the queue again.

Two guests are allowed per Rider Switch Pass. So, if you have an older child and a baby, each adult can bring the child on the ride while the other waits with the baby.

Note: not all rides offer this option.

Magic Kingdom Attractions for Small Children

Starting at the world’s most popular park, it should come as no surprise that the Magic Kingdom is home to enough attractions to keep small kids occupied for as long as they can go – until the inevitable nap in their stroller, anyway.

If you enter the park in the early morning, you’ll have the opportunity to take your first ride down Main Street USA on a specialty vehicle. It could be a double-decker trolley or a horse-drawn wagon. These vehicles will take guests from the entrance all the way to Fantasyland.

Let’s start in Fantasyland with Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Sure, Dumbo is a classic that children of all ages will enjoy riding. But it is what’s inside the circus tent that you go through prior to the ride that sets it apart. A pager-based wait system allows children time to play in the indoor playground, which has areas that are designed for toddlers, tweens, and everywhere in between. At the same time, parents can take a load off by relaxing on benches. Oh, we didn’t mention the best part – this is all indoors. Yes, precious air conditioning to recharge those batteries on hot summer days (and don’t forget a dry space to spend some time during Florida’s infamous afternoon downpours).

There is no height requirement to ride Dumbo, and it provides just enough height and movement to send kids squealing with delight.

If your kids like Dumbo, you’ll want to also consider The Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland. For the kids that want a bit more speed, try the Astro Orbiter in Tomorrowland.

Fantasyland is full of rides with no height restrictions, so they’re perfect for toddlers to enjoy with their favorite adults or siblings. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh features Pooh and friends while you bounce along in a “Hunny” pot – and keen observers should keep an eye out early in the ride of a glimpse of this ride location’s former proprietor, Mr. Toad.

Board a clamshell and relive the classic Disney film in Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid. Of course, Peter Pan’s Flight remains one of the most popular rides in the park, and no trip to the Magic Kingdom with a little one is complete without a trip on “it’s a small world,” along with its infamous song.

Finally, see Mickey and his pals on the big screen, as Donald goes on an adventure through Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin in the 3-D movie Mickey’s PhilharMagic. This is another great attraction to enjoy either during the heat of the day or during a rainstorm, as it’s a guaranteed 15 minutes in the air conditioning.

Also in Fantasyland is Enchanted Tales with Belle. This is an intimate live-action show where you join Bell in her library for Storytime. Although she won’t be able to take individual photos or sign autographs, the space is small enough where it feels like you got to meet her.

Before you leave Fantasyland, enjoy carnival classics like the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel and Mad Tea Party, aka the teacup ride, which you can make as intense or as mild as you’d like by spinning your teacup at your speed.

Tomorrowland is filled with wonders for the wee ones, starting with the Tomorrowland Speedway. Kids 32 inches and taller can ride with a grown-up and feel the need for speed in actual cars. There is a safety rail to prevent things from becoming a demolition derby, but a heads up, parents: keep your foot on the brake pedal to avoid rear-end collisions!

Enjoy a comfortable seat and unique surroundings in a round-trip tour on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, then join Buzz Lightyear and fend off the evil emperor Zurg in Buzz Lightyear’s Space Rangers Spin, then try to power Monstropolis with your laughs in the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor show, where you can submit your jokes directly to Mike Wazowski to be told in front of the live audience. Although the little ones probably won’t get the joke, it’s a colorful and laugh-filled show kids really enjoy.

Kids creeping close to that 5-year-old mark may want to embark on what would likely be their first roller coaster journey at The Barnstormer (35-inch height requirement). If they want more, venture to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (38-inch height requirement). The Mine Train has some fun drops but contains enough stopping points throughout where the thrills don’t get too intense.

Finally, head to Adventureland to enjoy two classics that have been thrilling small kids for 40 years now – The Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. Both are slow-moving boat rides that provide traditional Disney entertainment in very different ways. Pirates contains some scenes in the dark that can be frightening, so you can always ride it first to see how your little one might react.

Besides the rides, there are a few shows that the little kids would enjoy. The Country Bear Jamboree and The Enchanted Tiki Room are Disney classics. The kids love the audio-animatronic characters and the songs are fun. Plus they’re also in the air conditioning, which sometimes is the main reason for going.

And last, but not least, don’t forget to take a spin around the park on the Walt Disney World Railroad. It stops on Main Street, in Frontierland, and in Fantasyland.

Here are Top 3 rides in Disney’s Magic Kingdom for each age group:

The best Magic Kingdom rides for babies: It’s a Small World, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Enchanted Tiki Room
The best Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers: Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, Dumbo The Flying Elephant, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The best Magic Kingdom rides for preschoolers: Buzz Lightyear SpaceRanger Spin, Tomorrowland Speedway, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Besides the rides, there are a few shows that the little kids would enjoy. The Country Bear Jamboree and The Enchanted Tiki Room are Disney classics. But the kids love the audio-animatronic characters and the songs are fun. Plus it’s also in the air conditioning, which sometimes is the main reason for going.

And last, but not least, don’t forget to take a spin around the park on the Walt Disney World Railroad. It stops on Main Street, in Frontierland, and in Fantasyland.

Here are Top 3 rides in Disney’s Magic Kingdom for each age group:

The best Magic Kingdom rides for babies: It’s a Small World, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Enchanted Tiki Room
The best Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers: Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid, Dumbo The Flying Elephant, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The best Magic Kingdom rides for preschoolers: Buzz Lightyear SpaceRanger Spin, Tomorrowland Speedway, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Magic Kingdom Rides For Young Children

The following may help you decide which rides are suitable to bring young children on.

Ride/Attraction	Height Requirement	Infants	Toddlers	Preschoolers
Astro Orbiter				X
Big Thunder Mountain	40”
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin			X	X
Carousel of Progress		X	X	X
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station		X	X	X
Country Bear Jamboree		X	X	X
Dumbo The Flying Elephant		X	X	X
Enchanted Tales with Belle		X	X	X
Hall Of Presidents		X	X	X
Haunted Mansion
It’s A Small World		X	X	X
Jungle Cruise		X	X	X
Liberty Square Riverboat		X	X	X
Mickey’s PhilharMagic		X	X	X
Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor		X	X	X
Peter Pan’s Flight		X	X	X
Pirates of the Caribbean				X
Prince Charming Regal Carousel		X	X	X
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train	38”			X
Space Mountain	44”
Splash Mountain	40”
Swiss Family Treehouse			X	X
Tea Party			X	X
The Barnstormer	35”			X
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin		X	X	X
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh		X	X	X
Tom Sawyer Island		X	X	X
Tomorrowland Speedway	32”		X	X
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover		X	X	X
Under The Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid		X	X	X
Walt Disney World Railroad		X	X	X

Don’t forget about character meet and greets, parades, and shows. These provide great entertainment for young children.

Epcot Attractions for Small Children

Many people think of Epcot and an adult-oriented theme park due in part to the cultural dining experiences around World Showcase. But there is still plenty of things that younger kids can enjoy.

Epcot is in the middle of a transformation that will liken it more to a traditional theme park, along with some enhancements for the kids such as Green Landing Family Play Zone. It’s a great place for kids to just get out some energy in the playground and for parents to relax for a bit in the benches in the zone.

Scheduled to open October 1, 2021, Remy’s Ratatouile Adventure will take guests of all ages through Chef Gusteau’s kitchen and other scenes from the perspective of Remy, the star of the Pixar movie Ratatouille. This ride will be the first ride for children on the west side of World Showcase, as it will be a part of the France pavilion.

On the other side of World Showcase Lagoon, join Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and more on a boat ride through the Kingdom of Arendelle in Frozen Ever After in Norway. But be aware that there is one moderate drop during the ride that might be unexpected. If you think that might be too much, right next door in the Mexico pavilion is Gran Fiesta Tour— a gentle boat ride featuring the Donald Duck and the Three Caballeros giving a tour of the sights and sounds of Mexico.

What’s currently known as Future World hosts some prime attractions for small children and toddlers alike. Inside the Land is another boat ride that goes through several scenic areas before touring a vibrant greenhouse filled with plants and fish that are farmed for some of the Disney restaurants.

If your kids like seeing the fish, you’ll want to spend plenty of time at The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Take a trip into a live aquarium as Nemo, Dory, and friends re-tell their adventure from the hit movie Finding Nemo.

Once off the ride, be sure to explore the aquariums to get an up-close look at sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and much more. Kids can spend hours watching the 8,500 sea creatures in the 5,700,000-gallon aquarium, including 2 manatees that have been Disney residents for years.

Speaking of sea turtles, Turtle Talk with Crush is an interactive show where your kids can converse with Crush as he takes a break from chillin’ in the EAC to get to know little dudes and dudettes. This is another place to keep on your lists of attractions to check out during the heat of the day or when the weather may be rainy.

Finally, venture to the Imagination pavilion to see what Figment is up to in Journey Into Imagination with Figment. The lovable character gives his own tour of the Imagination Institute, and then lets your child’s imagination run wild with plenty of interactive exhibits at ImageWorks at the end of the attraction.

For a more relaxing attraction, check out the Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival. This 4D theater is a great place to relax and which a few short movies that will make you laugh, and maybe even cry (in the way only Pixar can).

If you would like to spend more time touring World Showcase, be sure to have the kids visit the Kidcot Fun Stop stations in each country. There, kids can draw, color, and collect activity cards at every country throughout World Showcase.

Hollywood Studios Attractions for Small Children

Several new options for small kids and toddlers are now available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, starting with the brand-new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This is the first Disney attraction ever to feature the duo. You’re pulled into the pages of a comic book in this zany attraction that sits in the centerpiece Chinese Theater in the heart of the park and employs some very advanced technology. Although it seems to be geared to kids, it’s a ride that everyone from toddlers to adults will enjoy.

Venture to Toy Story Land where preschoolers and kids (and parents, or course) can enjoy Alien Swirling Saucers (32-inch height requirement) is a fun, spinning carnival ride featuring the little green Toy Story aliens. Don’t miss Toy Story Mania – a virtual version of carnival games like ring toss and dart balloons. The ride is designed to be wearing 3D glasses so just be sure you child will wear them.

Another attraction that requires 3D glasses is MuppetVision 3D. Although young children may not understand the jokes, the 3D gags by Fozzie Bear and friends will make them giggle.

Aspiring racers will enjoy Lighting McQueen’s Racing Academy show featuring Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez, and the gang from Radiator Springs.

Other shows little ones would enjoy include Disney Junior Live On Stage, Beauty And The Beast Live On Stage, and For The First Time In Forever: A “Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. Plus, the new Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie. After the show, step into life-sized recreations of Mickey’s world and pose for a vacation photo with family and friends.

Since children under 3 do not need a ticket, they also do not need a Lightning Lane.

Animal Kingdom Attractions for Small Children

If live animals are your thing, set off for the Kilimanjaro Safari and let your child see giraffes, elephants, lions, hippos, and more up close and personal through Disney’s very own savannah. The ride is very bumpy so may not be a good idea for babies, but preschoolers will enjoy the ride. For smaller children, there are plenty of animals to see on Gorilla Falls and Maharajah Jungle Trek walking trails. There are many species you can get a closeup view of.

For and even closer look, take the Wildlife Express Train ride to Conservation Station. There is a veterinary treatment room where you might be lucky enough to see a real animal examination. Besides watching, there are other animal related activities and experiences and even a petting zoo.

Although some adults are don’t like bugs, little kids often do. Inside the The Tree of Life, is A Bugs Life ride. It’s a 4-D movie with special effects that you can see, hear, and (yes) feel that some kids may love.

The Pandora section is full of interesting landscape designs, especially at night. To enjoy it, you do not have to have seen the movie Avatar. The unique landscape colorful and engaging. The Na’vi River Journey is a gentle scenic boat ride that is magical and beautiful.

If your child thinks Dumbo would be even better if dinosaurs were involved, give TriceraTop Spin a – well – spin. That ride is located in Dinoland along with The Boneyard, a giant sandbox featuring dinosaur bones. Created especially for kids 10 and under, this dig site lets kids dig up and explore fossils and other dino-sized surprises while parents can enjoy a shady area with large fans to cool things off.

Two of Walt Disney World’s best shows are at Animal Kingdom, and they delight guests of all ages; Finding Nemo: The Musical is a 40-minute stage show that features live puppets and all the songs from the movie that you love, and Festival of the Lion King is a theater-in-the-round style of show that features characters, singers, dancers, and acrobats, all leading to a stirring rendition of “Circle of Life” as the show’s finale. If you’re sensing a theme, these two shows are great options when you (and the kids) need a break from the weather.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many rides and attractions for preschoolers in all the Disney Parks. But the most popular of all is going to be a stroller ride. There is a lot of walking so be sure you have a comfortable and easy-to-maneuver stroller for your children. Many older children who don’t normally sit in a stroller at home will want (and need) a stroller in Disney.

You can rent them or you can bring your own. Just be sure it meets Disney’s maximum size requirement. Strollers must be 31” (79cm) wide and 52” (132cm) long or smaller. Wagons or stroller wagons are not permitted.

Again, the biggest recommendation is to know your child. Not every ride is right for every child. Some are children are more restraint and others adventurous. Take their cues. If you are still unsure, use Rider Switch to check it out before they ride. This way everyone will have a great time and great memories of Disney World.

Plus, if there are rides you didn’t get to do on this vacation, it gives you something new to do on your next visit.

For more helpful planning tips, check out these articles:

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