Walt Disney World is truly a multi-generational destination. From grandparents to parents of toddlers, you’ll find attractions for everyone in the family.  We’ve been on these rides with our own children and now we want to share our park-tested tips with you. In between rides, your toddlers will be fascinated with the shows, parades, characters, snacks, and play areas. Magic Kingdom is a full 1 or more days of family fun!

We realize that kids, especially toddlers, may like something one day and very much dislike it the next. If your toddler is currently fearful of the dark, things that spin or go up and down, or even loud noises, we’re going to clue you in as to which rides, they may enjoy on your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth.

Since many families begin their Disney World vacations in the Magic Kingdom, let’s look at the best rides for toddlers when visiting this iconic park.

Astro Orbiter

The Astro Orbiter rockets fly high above Tomorrowland requiring an elevator up to the ride’s platform. If your toddler isn’t afraid of heights (try Dumbo first), they may enjoy the great views of the Magic Kingdom.

There is no height requirement for this ride, and many toddlers seem to love this ride that moves in circles. It does go around much faster than Dumbo, so try this one after your visit to Storybook Circus.

The Barnstormer

If you are looking for an introduction to roller coasters for your toddler, The Barnstormer is a great choice. It’s a peppy ride that lasts less than a minute! 

While a fairly tame ride, there is a height requirement of 35 inches. This one takes some time to load and unload so the line can get long.

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

After a ride on Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, your toddler will be saying “to infinity and beyond” for the rest of the day. Guests of all ages love this interactive ride — toddlers can turn the ride vehicle with an easy to control joystick and/or concentrate on shooting targets with their laser cannon to defeat Zurg. Each time that you press the trigger, your cannon shoots out a red laser beam.

Want to impress the family? Check out our tips for getting a high score here!

Dumbo The Flying Elephant

A classic Disney attraction, Dumbo, is much loved by many toddlers! Located in Storybook Circus, fly with the adorable Dumbo elephants as you watch your child’s joy as they control how high or low their Dumbo soars throughout the ride.

Kids also love the area where they can play while waiting for their turn with Dumbo. Since there is no height requirement and it’s on the milder side, parents, grandparents, and toddlers can take a spin together!

“it’s a small world”

With a very catchy theme song, “it’s a small world” is a very gentle boat ride (with no height requirement) that all ages can enjoy in Fantasyland.

Many parents and grandparents appreciate that they can sit back and relax in the air conditioning while the kids are entertained with dancing and singing dolls from around the world. The vibrant colors will hold your toddler’s attention, too!

Jungle Cruise

Another crowd-favorite, the Jungle Cruise slowly winds its way through an outdoor, tropical waterway in Adventureland. Best known for hilarious skippers telling jokes that delight guests of all ages, your toddlers will love the silliness, even when the jokes go over the head. During the holiday season, this attraction becomes the “Jingle Cruise” adding a festive, holiday overlay.

Toddlers will enjoy seeing animatronic animals as well as the famous backside of water! No height requirement is enforced at the Jungle Cruise. We suggest taking your first voyage during daylight as young sailors may find it more intimidating at night.

Liberty Square Riverboat

A slow-moving ride with no height requirement, the Liberty Square Riverboat gently sails around the Rivers of America. You’ll see beautiful areas of the park, including Tom Sawyer Island, while riding on this gorgeous paddle-wheel riverboat.

When the Florida heat is intense, stick to a shaded area on one of the lower decks. All aboard, the Liberty Belle!

Mad Tea Party

Another ride with no height requirement, the Mad Tea Party can be a lot of fun if you don’t mind SPINNING. Themed to Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Hatter, this Fantasyland attraction is visually appealing. However, don’t let the prettiness fool you, this ride can induce motion sickness.

And since your kiddo can control how fast it spins by turning the wheel in the middle of the teacup, we suggest riding this one at your own risk and prior to your next meal or Disney snack.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Here’s another colorful ride that goes round and round! Toddlers love the interactive controls. Yes, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, has a switch that moves the carpet up and down (controls are in the front seat) and a switch that rocks the carpet back and forth (controls are in the back seat). Tip: work out with your toddler which controls they prefer before climbing aboard. 

Watch out for the camel that spits water on unsuspecting carpet riders! If you ride with your kids, they will quickly figure out how to steer the carpet so that their grown-up gets wet.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Your toddler will be delighted when they spot the interactive play area in the queue — it’ll keep your kiddo busy while waiting! If they adore Winnie the Pooh, they will love riding in a hunny pot. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh takes you on an adventure with Pooh. On this blustery day in the Hundred Acre Wood, you’ll encounter many beloved characters. Bouncing with Tigger will elicit precious giggles!

While there is no height requirement, note that some areas are darkly lit with loud noises that some kids may find frightening. Watch out for those Heffalumps and Woozles from Pooh’s nightmares!

Peter Pan’s Flight

One of the most popular rides in Magic Kingdom, you’ll see guests of all ages waiting in the inevitably long line at Peter Pan’s Flight. This fan-favorite attraction in Fantasyland is a wonderful ride for toddlers and has no height requirement. The updated queue that takes guests through the Darlings’ home, adds to the magic of this experience.

Flying above London and on to Never Land, kids will love spotting Tinker Bell throughout the flight. Your vehicle is a pirate ship which captivates guests of all ages. This is a dark ride, so take note if your toddler isn’t fond of dimly lit areas. A small glow in the dark bracelet, may be all they need to keep up their courage!

Pirates of the Caribbean

A classic Disney attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean is an action-packed ride with one small hill that ends in a splash! We’re throwing in this suggestion because it’s an iconic ride at the Magic Kingdom that is loved by the young and young-at-heart. With elaborate scenes and a catchy theme song, your child might be willing to brave this one.

The dark queue area can intimidate little ones before they even get on the ride. While Pirates of the Caribbean has no height requirement, it may be too intense for some younger kids because of the dark, loud noises, and action scenes. That being said, some toddlers absolutely love this ride.

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Merry-Go-Rounds are a rite of passage for kids, and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is absolutely stunning! This classic carrousel plays instrumental Disney songs as it spins near the back of Cinderella Castle.

While riding, have fun pointing out fun, character details to your toddler. There is no height requirement. This is a very slow loading and unloading attraction so plan accordingly.

Tomorrowland Speedway

Not quite ready to hand over the wheel to your toddler? Well, buckle up — Tomorrowland Speedway puts your kid in the driver’s seat for a simulated race along a scenic motorway. Toddlers must be 32 inches or taller may drive as long as they are with someone 54 inches or taller. The taller rider may need to reach over and press the foot pedal, while the toddler excitedly steers the racecar!

No worries as the cars don’t go fast (7MPH, tops) and there is a guide rail so your toddler can’t run you both off the road. We will caution that these gas-powered cars can be quite loud. Ready, set, go!

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Adults love the time spent on this ride as they travel throughout Tomorrowland. Yes, it’s a great break off your feet! But toddlers enjoy this gentle ride as well.

While there is no height requirement, note that there are some dark tunnels, and it does pass through Space Mountain.

Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid

Does your toddler want to be part of Ariel’s world? Then step into a moving seashell on Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid. It’s family-friendly with no height requirement. The queue has some interactive games to keep the little ones entertained.

The one spot that might frighten your toddler is near the giant Ursula animatronic — she can be quite intimidating!

Walt Disney World Railroad

While some Magic Kingdom guests see the Walt Disney World Railroad as just a mode of transportation, train fans and toddlers will start eyeing up a ride on this beautiful locomotive (with an all-new route) as soon as it pulls into the Main Street Station.

Avoid riding at parade times or you might get stuck waiting for longer than anticipated. If you use this as a way to get from one area of the park to another, keep in mind that only foldable strollers are allowed. The busiest station to board is usually in Frontierland.

If you’re planning to bring a toddler to Magic Kingdom, we hope this guide will help you to decide what rides to experience! Ultimately, you know your child best and if you aren’t sure, try the ride out yourself first. We’ll continue to provide you with our best planning tips for Magic Kingdom, so keep following DFB!

Best Tips for Walt Disney World with Toddlers

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Have you taken your toddler to Magic Kingdom? What is their favorite thing to do in the park? Let us know in the comments!

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