23 of the Best Rides at Disney World for Toddlers
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This article highlights the best rides at Disney World for toddlers.
Disney World is truly the most magical place on the planet for children of all ages, but it offers something even more special for toddlers. As parents we want them to experience all the magic that seems to linger in the air at Disney. That includes making it on all the best rides at Disney World for toddlers to fuel their imagination and excitement.
The good news is we have you covered! Here is our list of rides at Disney World for toddlers!
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Magic Kingdom Rides for Toddlers
Magic Kingdom at Disney World is often considered the most toddler-friendly park at Disney World. It offers around 26 attractions for children of any height and is the main place to find rides at Disney World for toddlers.
In addition to all the great Disney rides for toddlers, Magic Kingdom is also where your little prince or princess will be able to do the most meet & greets with Disney characters. Right at the entrance of Magic Kingdom is Cinderella’s iconic castle where there is a short performance right before the park opens. This is the heart of Magic Kingdom for toddlers.
But there are plenty of great rides too! Here is the list of the best Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park
Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the most popular Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers. The line for this ride features many interactive options that toddlers love. For example, while waiting in Wendy’s room, your toddler can keep an eye out for Tinker Bell sprinkling pixie dust and causing mischief. They can also find their shadow on an interactive wall where they can see butterflies, become Captain Hook, or be joined by Peter Pan’s shadow.
Because this ride is so popular at Magic Kingdom for toddlers, be sure to be mindful of long wait times.
It’s a Small World
Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park
Located right across from Peter Pan, it’s a small world is a classic and one of the great Disney rides for toddlers. Colorful, dancing dolls serenade you and your toddler while you cruise through different destinations in the world. Out of all the Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers, this one is guaranteed to make your toddler smile from ear to ear.
Visit this one early in the park hours to have wait times as low as 15 minutes.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park
We had to include a carousel in this list of rides at Disney World for toddlers. But Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is no ordinary carousel! This ride is one of the most fun Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers, older kids, and adults alike! It plays the most loved of Disney songs where your little one can enjoy music and a fun ride on any of the colorful horses.
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid is an evergreen favorite among the Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers. Ride in a seashell down to the land of the mermaids. There you’ll follow Ariel on her journey to meet her prince! As a special treat, you can pop over to another favorite attraction at Magic Kingdom for toddlers: Ariel’s Grotto. Her undersea home is right next to the Under the Sea ride.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a fun ride in Magic Kingdom for toddlers. Guests ride in a Honey Pot that follows Tigger and Winnie the Pooh through a wild adventure. The great part about this ride is your toddler has entertainment throughout your wait.
Dumbo The Flying Elephant
Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a hit at Magic Kingdom for toddlers. This lovable elephant will take you soaring through the sky while circling the ride. Your toddler can control how high or low their Dumbo goes with the touch of a button. This Magic Kingdom ride for toddlers has a perk for parents too! While waiting inside the big top, you can hold your spot in line with a pager while your children play at the indoor playground.
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak
Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom Park
While technically this is not an official ride, Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak is still one of the best Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers. This whimsical splash pad allows toddlers to cool off [and get completely soaked] with the circus animals from Dumbo. Bonus for the parents: there’s no line to wait in!
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Adventureland in Magic Kingdom Park
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is one of the favorite Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers. That’s because the kids can control the carpet during their ride by going up and down in the air. Be on the lookout for the camel that will “spit” on unsuspecting parents if you get your carpet positioning just right!
Jungle Cruise
Adventureland in Magic Kingdom Park
Jungle Cruise is one of the rides at Disney World for toddlers that aren’t related to a Disney movie. Toddlers will love sailing their boat through the jungle with their very own boat captain! Look out for playful elephants, humongous hippos, and maybe even a crocodile.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom Park
Toddlers can go “To Infinity and Beyond” on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. This ride is an interactive ride where toddlers can test their alien-fighting skills by using a zapper to defeat Zurg and save the universe. It is one of the top rides at Magic Kingdom for toddlers if they love Toy Story.
Please note that this ride uses black lights to illuminate the ride. Some younger toddlers might find it a teensy bit scary.
Animal Kingdom Rides for Toddlers
Animal Kingdom is another park to find some of the best rides at Disney World for toddlers. More of the rides here have height requirements, but there are still plenty of Animal Kingdom rides for toddlers.
Fossil Fun Games
DinoLand USA in Animal Kingdom Park
While technically not a Disney ride for toddlers, there is plenty of fun to be had at Fossil Fun Games. This carnival-style boardwalk has games, prizes, and a playground perfect for those who might need a break from rides at Disney World for toddlers.
Tricera Top Spin
DinoLand USA in Animal Kingdom Park
The Tricera Top Spin is a delightful mix of a carousel and a flying ride. Toddlers ride a triceratops gondola, swinging up and down while circling toy top. If you sit in the first or last triceratop, your toddler will be able to control its movements. Also, be sure to keep your eye on the spinning top in the center. It contains a surprise that toddlers love!
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
Africa in Animal Kingdom Park
Walk the African Serengeti with your toddler at the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail. This attraction is one of the best options in Animal Kingdom for toddlers because they are able to move at their own pace. There are gorillas, hippos, birds, and other wildlife for them to see up close.
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Africa in Animal Kingdom Park
Did you know there is an open-air truck “safari” at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom? Explore the African savanna with your toddler at Kilimanjaro Safaris where animals roam free. There are plenty of animals for your toddler to spot like giraffes, lions, elephants, and even cheetahs! Different groups of animals are active in the day than at night so visit at both times.
Wildlife Express Train
Africa in Animal Kingdom Park
The Wildlife Express Train is another one of the best Animal Kingdom rides for toddlers. A real-life locomotive will transport you and your toddler around the park for a behind-the-scenes look at the animals in Animal Kingdom. The train also stops at the Affection Station – an interactive petting zoo where kids can pet and feed the goats and sheep. It also visits the Habitat Habit [an outdoor discovery trail] and the Conservation Station [an animal care facility].
Na’vi River Journey
Pandora – The World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom Park
The Na’vi River Journey is a toddler-friendly boat ride through the Na’vi Forest from the movie Pandora. This colorful world with never seen before animals will keep toddlers curious. This ride is even better at night. All the decorations are lit up and toddlers are sure to love the glowing ground.
Other helpful links related to rides at Disney World for toddlers:
6 Essential Disney World Tips for First Timers; Planning Guide
Hollywood Studios Rides for Toddlers
Hollywood Studios is the busiest of all the Disney World parks. But if you come armed with patience [and some good FastPasses], there are some worthy Hollywood Studios rides for toddlers.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood Studios Park
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is one of Disney’s newer rides but is already one of the favorite Hollywood Studios rides for toddlers. With Goofy at the helm, this leisurely ride with Mickey and Minnie turns into a crazy runaway train.
Toy Story Mania
Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios Park
Toy Story Mania
is a fan favorite among the list of Hollywood Studios rides for toddlers. It is an interactive game of good aim using a virtual slingshot. Blast your way through different challenges like breaking plates, popping balloons, and tossing rings at aliens.
Alien Swirling Saucers
Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios Park
This ride is more appropriate for the taller toddlers; there is a height minimum of 32″. But if your toddler makes the cut, then they will find Alien Swirling Saucers is one of the best Hollywood Studios rides for toddlers. Let the little green men take you and your toddler in their spaceship for a crazy trip through space. This is another ride that if you go first thing in the morning you can ride multiple times with little to no wait.
Epcot Rides for Toddlers
Traditionally, Epcot has not been considered very toddler-friendly But Disney has done a great job creating Epcot rides for toddlers.
Frozen Ever After
World Showcase in Epcot
This is one of the top rides at Epcot for toddlers. Who doesn’t like the Disney movie Frozen? On Frozen Ever After, you’ll ride on a slow rocking boat through the lands of Arendelle with several of the Frozen friends on display. [Please note that you might get a little wet on this water ride.] Make sure to stop by next door and meet Princesses Anna and Elsa!
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Future World in Epcot
Climb aboard a clamshell on The Seas with Nemo & Friends and help Marlin and Dori find Nemo. After exiting the ride, toddlers are treated to a small aquarium complete with dolphins and other sea life. There’s also an aquatic-themed indoor playground that is very toddler friendly.
Journey to Imagination with Figment
Future World in Epcot
Treat your toddler to a bit of STEM during this Epcot ride for toddlers. Journey to the Imagination with Figment features a dragon [aptly named Figment] that takes you through the labs at the Imagination Institute. Toddlers will learn about all 5 senses all to the tune of cheerful music.
Epcot Rides for Toddlers Coming Soon
Even more exciting Epcot rides for toddlers are coming soon like Journey of Water, based on the movie Moana and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in France.
While there are so many other attractions to enjoy at any age, your toddler will be living the best life hitting the ones on this list. At the end of the day, a tuckered out, happy kiddo means mom and dad will be living their best life too.
Have you ridden any of these rides at Disney for toddlers?
