22 Best Disney World Rides for Toddlers, Babies, & Preschoolers (2024)

Are you planning a magical Disney World vacation with toddlers or little ones? This guide will help you locate the most gentle, child-friendly attractions perfect for the youngest visitors.

We highlight the 22 best Disney World rides for toddlers, babies, and preschoolers. For each ride, you’ll find key details including:

• Location
• Height requirements
• Ride descriptions
• Age recommendations

Whether it’s your toddler’s first Disney trip or you’re taking your baby for their first theme park experience, you’ll discover the most delightful rides to enjoy with your littlest ones.

Read on for the top 22 Disney World rides for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers!

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• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Fantasyland
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride, small drops

Description: Peter Pan’s Flight is a charming attraction that takes you on a magical flight over London and into Neverland.

Guests board enchanted pirate ships that dangle from a track on the ceiling, giving the impression of flying. After a Cast Member uses a dash of pixie dust to lower the lap bar, it’s off to Neverland!

The ride’s storyline follows the classic Disney film, allowing guests to soar with Peter Pan and the Darling children. The colorful, glowing scenes below are filled with familiar characters and landmarks.

With gentle movements and captivating scenery, it is a dreamlike experience for little ones, making it one of the best Disney World rides for toddlers. The slower pace is perfect for young ones, as it is not too fast or intense. However, popularity means long lines, with waits easily hitting 30-45 minutes even on the least-crowded days — and two or three hours on major holidays! Consider using any available line management options to cut the wait, even if the park doesn’t feel that crowded.

Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers. Flying over London and Neverland captures the imaginations of young children and adults alike.

• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Fantasyland
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride

Description: This classic boat ride takes you on a leisurely journey past singing animatronic dolls dressed in traditional outfits from cultures around the world. The cheerful dolls dance and sing the iconic song “It’s a Small World” in their native languages throughout the ride.

The ride is perfect for restless toddlers, as it is only 10-15 minutes long and features happy music and colorful visuals that captivate babies and preschoolers. It also has no height restrictions, making it accessible to little ones.

Best for: Babies and toddlers. Its gentle movement and colorful visuals make it a delightful experience for the youngest guests.

• Park: Animal Kingdom
• Location: Africa
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride, Real animals

Description: Kilimanjaro Safaris is an exciting yet family-friendly adventure that takes you on a realistic safari through open grasslands and forests of Africa. You’ll witness real giraffes, elephants, lions, and other animals up close from a rugged safari truck. Every animal you see on this ride is a 100% real, living, breathing creature — and kids will be in awe of seeing these amazing animals in real life. Knowledgeable guides will drive you through expansive habitats where the animals roam about in natural settings.

The realistic and engaging safari adventure is perfect for toddlers and small children who love to see incredible wildlife up close and try to photograph their favorite creatures. Many families, including mine, make Kilimanjaro Safaris a top priority because it’s so unique and one of the best attractions in Animal Kingdom for children of all ages.

Tip: the animals tend to be most active in the morning and on cooler/cloudy days. During the intense afternoon sun, they tend to seek out shade and may be harder to spot. If I arrive early enough, I try to ride once using the relatively short standby line at park opening, and then ride again later using the Lightning Lane — live animals mean it’s never the same ride twice!

Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers. The realistic safari adventure is engaging for children of all ages, providing both entertainment and educational value.

• Park: Epcot
• Location: World Showcase, Norway Pavilion
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride, small drops, dark

Description: Frozen Ever After is a gentle boat ride that takes you on a journey through Arendelle, featuring favorite Frozen characters and music. Guests sail past detailed scenes inspired by the popular film, including audio-animatronic figures of Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and more. This immersive ride brings the kingdom of Arendelle to magical life through advanced imagineering that captivates young Frozen fans.

A word of caution to parents of the most timid toddlers: there are two small drops on this ride — one backwards, one forwards. My little ones haven’t found them to be too intimidating. But if your child is especially apprehensive, you might want to send a grown-up ahead first to scope it out.

Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers. The gentle boat ride with a sprinkle of magic from Arendelle is appealing, especially for young fans of the film.

• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Fantasyland
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride

Description: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a sweet, musical, and dark ride that lets you ride honey pot vehicles through the whimsical Hundred Acre Wood, home to Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and other characters from A.A. Milne’s classic stories. The ride features vibrant storybook scenes, and gentle motion is perfect for preschoolers. Pooh’s playful adventures come to life through simple magic that small children find enchanting.

While waiting to ride, kids can enjoy playing in Rabbit’s garden — a great way to keep “I’M BORED!” at bay.

Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh remains one of the best Magic Kingdom rides for young children because of its gentle motion, sweet music, and appearances by the beloved stuffed bear and his friends.

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• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Fantasyland
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride

Description: Join Ariel and other characters from The Little Mermaid on a musical adventure “under the sea.” This magical dark ride takes guests through vibrant scenes from the beloved film, featuring delightful audio-animatronics and iconic songs. Even the ride’s encounters with Ursula are well-tempered with playful music. It’s a fun and non-threatening ride experience perfect for young guests.

Best For: Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. The colorful visuals and familiar songs provide a captivating ride experience for the youngest visitors. It’s one of my daughter Ava’s favorites on every visit!

• Park: Hollywood Studios
• Location: Chinese Theatre
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride, dark

Description: Get ready for a zany adventure with Mickey and Minnie Mouse on a runaway train through a cartoon world. This ride uses innovative trackless vehicles and projection mapping to create an immersive experience with surprises at every turn. The smooth, gentle ride allows tiny travelers to delight in the vibrant colors, catchy tunes, and silly antics.

Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers. This is one of the best rides at Hollywood Studios for little kids. The bright colors and fun tunes keep them entertained, while the smooth and gentle ride makes it comfortable for even the smallest guests.

• Park: Epcot
• Location: World Nature
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride

Description: Join Marlin, Nemo, Dory, and friends on an undersea adventure in this Finding Nemo-themed attraction. Board a clamshell ride vehicle and journey through screens with animated characters blended with physical sets for a fully immersive experience. After the ride, explore the massive aquarium and view thousands of aquatic creatures, intriguing toddlers and preschoolers alike.

Best For: Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. The soothing underwater scenes and playful characters are enjoyable for all young children. It’s a perfect introduction to Disney magic and one of the best Epcot rides for younger children.

• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Fantasyland
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride, spinning

Description: Take to the skies in one of Dumbo’s flying elephants on this classic spinning ride. Little ones can control the up and down movement of their vehicle via a joystick, creating their own thrilling adventure. Capturing photos of children mid-flight is a must for creating magical memories.

As an added bonus, this ride has one of the best “in line” experiences for little ones. Rather than simply waiting in a traditional line, there’s a giant playground inside an air-conditioned circus tent. Parents receive a pager (similar to waiting for a table at a restaurant) and can relax on bleachers while the kids can play and await their turn to ride.

Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers. The ability to control the height makes it a thrilling yet manageable ride for youngsters. Dumbo is the quintessential Disney ride for toddlers and preschoolers.

• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Adventureland
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride

Description: Cruise along tropical rivers in search of animated wildlife, accompanied by a humorous skipper. You may spot (animatronic) elephants, chimps, lions, or even angry rhinos chasing their guides! While designed for laughs, toddlers enjoy spotting familiar animals during this engaging boat tour.

Best For: Preschoolers. The animatronic animals and light-hearted jungle exploration are entertaining for kids who appreciate a bit of adventure.

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• Park: Epcot
• Location: The Seas Pavilion, World Nature
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Interactive talk show

Description: OK, so this one isn’t a ride — but it’s still a great attraction for the little ones. Talk directly with Crush, the sea turtle from Finding Nemo, in this incredible live show. Through advanced digital animation, Crush interacts with kids in real-time, taking questions and responding with natural dialogue. Children love conversing with their favorite Disney-Pixar characters – a uniquely interactive experience for preschoolers.

Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers. Interactive and educational, this attraction allows children to converse with the Crush, making it a unique experience.

• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Adventureland
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride, small drops, dark

Description: Set sail on a swashbuckling voyage through the age of pirates, featuring life-like animatronics engaged in humorous pirate antics, classic musical refrains, and breathtakingly detailed sets. Despite its “scarier” pirate theme, this boat ride remains engaging for most children, offering adventure and fun.

Like Frozen Ever After, there’s a small drop to contend with, but it’s not too scary for most little kids. The first few minutes prior to the drop also feature thunder and lightning, and there’s a cannon battle just after the drop.

Best For: Preschoolers. Pirates of the Caribbean is great for children who are drawn to adventurous tales and can handle a bit of pirate mischief without getting scared. However, it may be too intense for some younger children due to the darkness, action scenes, and loud noises. My young daughter does get scared on this ride, but her older brother absolutely loves it!

• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Tomorrowland
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride, spinning

Description: Pilot your own rocket ship through space on an interactive mission to defeat the evil Emperor Zurg. Spin and rotate your cruiser while firing laser beams at targets to rack up points. This ride combines the excitement of space travel with the fun of a shooting video game for young space rangers.

Don’t worry if your kid isn’t that steady of a shot — somehow it seems like they always manage to get a decent score as long as they put in a little effort to pull the trigger. There must be some Disney magic in the mix…

Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers. The vibrant Toy Story theming is a big hit with young children. My son Ben has been a fan of this ride since he was a toddler.

• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Fantasyland
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride, spinning

Description: Take a spin on this classic vintage carousel (and the oldest ride at Disney World), featuring horses and chariots that circle to the tune of classic Disney music played on the calliope. This family-friendly ride is perfect for even the youngest riders (who can sit with their parents on a carousel-mounted bench if needed), while toddlers and preschoolers can pick their favorite horse and bob up and down. A gentle Disney World ride for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (and their parents, too!).

Best For: Babies with supervision and toddlers. The smooth ride and traditional carousel music are ideal for a baby’s first theme park experience.

• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Fantasyland
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Spinning

Description: The Mad Tea Party ride is a whimsical spinning ride inspired by Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. It features 18 vibrant teacups that can spin wildly or slowly, depending on your preference. You can even control the rotating speed by turning the wheel in the center (though you still might not want to ride right after lunch or snack time). The ride provides playful, interactive fun for both young and old.

Best For: Adventurous toddlers and preschoolers. The Mad Tea Party is a perfect Disney ride for small children who don’t mind spinning around. It offers a fun and playful experience, with the option to control the intensity of the spin.

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• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Adventureland
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride, spinning

Description: The Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride is a gentle spinner ride that allows riders to soar up and down on vibrant magic carpets inspired by the classic Disney film. Each carpet can accommodate up to four riders, who can control their vehicle’s height using a joystick. The ride provides an interactive and magical experience for toddlers and young children. With relatively short wait times compared to Dumbo the Flying Elephant, families can enjoy this classic spinner ride repeatedly.

Best For: Toddlers and small children. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a gentle ride with interactive elements that allow kids to feel like they are flying their own carpet.

• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Fantasyland
• Height Requirement: 35 inches
• Experience: Small drops, “beginner” roller coaster

Description: Experience thrilling dips, quick turns, and speeds of up to 28 miles per hour on this pint-sized roller coaster. Riders follow along as Goofy pilots a stunt plane high above Fantasyland. Even some preschoolers can enjoy the smallest roller coaster at Disney World, as it has a height requirement of only 35 inches.

Best For: Small kids ready for a mild thrill. This mini coaster serves as a great introduction to thrill rides for the braver little ones.

• Park: Magic Kingdom
• Location: Tomorrowland
• Height Requirement: 32 inches / 54 inches*
• Experience: Driving

Description: For a taste of independence, young children can take the wheel of their own miniature gas car and drive through the twisting roads of Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. The ride is designed to keep speeds slow for safety, but young drivers will still feel independent as they steer their vehicles (while guided by an on-track rail). Parents can also ride along to help navigate the futuristic roads during this exciting opportunity for kids to be in the driver’s seat.

A note about the height requirement: Kids must be at least 32″ to board a vehicle. If the child is under 54″ tall, they cannot ride solo and must be accompanied by someone who is 54″ or taller. Either way, the younger child may still “drive” the vehicle.

Best For: Small children who want to experience the thrill of “driving” their own car.

• Park: Animal Kingdom
• Location: DinoLand U.S.A.
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow ride, spinning

Description: At Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand U.S.A., toddlers can enjoy TriceraTop Spin – a simple yet lively prehistoric-themed spinner. The ride’s brightly colored dinosaur vehicles provide gentle spinning fun, gliding up and down as you control the height via a joystick. Short wait times make it easy to ride again and again.

Best For: Toddlers who are fascinated by dinosaurs and enjoy the gentle up-and-down motion.

• Park: Hollywood Studios
• Location: Toy Story Land
• Height Requirement: 32 inches
• Experience: Spinning

Description: Whirl through space with Toy Story’s adorable aliens in their rocket ship ride vehicles at Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land, Hollywood Studios. The ride’s saucer motions, upbeat music, and appearances by Pixar characters create intergalactic fun. This well-themed attraction adds fresh spins to Hollywood Studios and is perfect for preschoolers and young Toy Story fans ready for spinning fun.

The ride system is somewhat similar to Magic Kingdom’s teacups, but adds a swaying “trailer” to the spinning element that offers to a bit more unpredictability.

Best For: Toddlers and small kids who love Toy Story and are ready for a playful spinning adventure.

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• Park: Animal Kingdom
• Location: Pandora
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: Slow boat ride

Description: Float down a sacred river through Pandora’s bioluminescent rainforest, alive with exotic glowing plants, fascinating creatures, and floating mountains. This visually stunning boat ride concludes with an enchanting encounter with a Na’vi shaman, bringing the world of Avatar to magical life. Preschoolers find the bioluminescent scenery mesmerizing, and the combination of dark surroundings, cool air, and lush music might just trigger naptime.

Best For: Toddlers and preschoolers. The gentle journey through a visually stunning environment is a delight for small children who enjoy a more relaxed and enchanting ride experience.

• Park: Hollywood Studios
• Location: Toy Story Land
• Height Requirement: Any height
• Experience: 3D gaming, some spinning

Description: Enjoy the exciting 3D experience of playing carnival games with Toy Story! While wearing 3D glasses, riders can shoot virtual toy darts, rings, and balls at screens to score points. The vibrant visuals and familiar characters create an immersive environment that makes guests feel like they’re at a real carnival playground. This interactive game is perfect for imaginative preschoolers who love friendly competition.

Best For: Small kids. The interactive elements and 3D effects are exciting for kids who like to play games and compete in a friendly way.

While it’s certainly not the most thrilling Disney World attraction, we can’t help but love the Walt Disney World Railroad at Magic Kingdom.

Its slow speed, fresh air, and gentle rocking motion make it a great option for younger kids who may need a bit of an escape from the sensory overload that a day at Disney World can bring. (Their parents’ tired feet won’t argue with the break, either!)

It’s one of a rare breed of rides at Disney World (along with the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover and the Liberty Square Riverboat) that offers what I like to call “productive downtime.” In other words, it’s a great way to do something without really doing anything. Sit down and relax, but unlike a park bench the railroad brings new scenery past you at every turn. That’s perfect for parent who need to take a break without the kids becoming too bored during the downtime.

There’s usually very little wait to board, thanks to frequent trains and high capacity. And because there are multiple stops along the way, you can ride as little or as much as you like. Hop off at the next stop, or keep riding for the “grand circle tour” (or two, or three). With a little planning, it can even save you some walking between attractions — though it might actually take longer than hoofing it.

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FAQs About Disney World Rides for Young Kids

What is the best age to take kids to Disney World?

There’s truly no “bad” age to take kids to Disney World. Babies 6 months old and up, toddlers, and preschoolers can all find rides and activities perfectly suited for their needs. As kids grow, they can appreciate new rides and experiences. Many adult Disney fans first visited as toddlers. Starting the Disney tradition early creates lifelong magical memories.

What rides can toddlers go on at Disney World?

Toddlers can ride any attractions without height requirements, plus some with lower height minimums of 32-35 inches if they are tall enough.

What are the best Disney World rides for toddlers?

Toddlers at Disney World will be enchanted by the whimsical flight with Peter Pan on Peter Pan’s Flight, delighted by the global journey of “it’s a small world,” and thrilled by the realistic safari experience on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Each of these attractions offers gentle motions and captivating visuals ideal for young visitors.

Which Disney World rides are suitable for babies?

Babies can enjoy the soothing melodies and colorful scenery of “it’s a small world,” be mesmerized by the undersea adventure of Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid, and be gently entertained by the calm visuals of The Seas with Nemo & Friends. These rides offer a serene environment perfect for the youngest Disney fans.

What are the top Disney World rides for preschoolers?

Preschoolers will have a magical time on Frozen Ever After, relive classic tales on The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and embark on a playful journey on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Each of these delightful Disney World rides for preschoolers features engaging stories and familiar characters.

Are there rides babies and toddlers can’t go on at Disney World?

Yes, rides with height requirements of 35 inches or taller do not allow babies or most toddlers. These include thrill rides like Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, and Tower of Terror. Some dark rides like Haunted Mansion may also frighten small children.

Is Disney World fun for babies and toddlers?

Absolutely! From engaging shows and play areas to rides made for little ones, Disney World offers plenty to delight even the youngest guests. Simple pleasures like meeting Mickey, watching parades, and experiencing attractions with loved ones create lasting memories.

What’s the best Disney World park for babies and toddlers?

Magic Kingdom is the ideal Disney theme park for babies and toddlers, with nearly 30 kid-friendly rides, shows, and interactive elements. After that, Epcot and Animal Kingdom have the most to offer small children, with Hollywood Studios having fewer options for babies and toddlers.

Are strollers allowed on Disney rides?

No, strollers are not permitted on Disney attractions or ride queues. However, there are stroller parking areas located throughout the parks where you can leave your stroller before entering a ride line.

Is Disney World worth it for young families with little kids?

Disney World is undoubtedly worth the money, especially for families. The priceless joy on their faces as they experience the magic of Disney is a sight to behold. It can be expensive and exhausting to keep up with them, but the unique family bonding experience at Disney is well worth it. Starting their Disney journey at a young age will create memories they will cherish forever. We are convinced that Disney World is worth it!

What are the best Disney resorts for kids?

Disney’s Art of Animation, a Disney Value Resort, offers suites that are perfect for families who need more space, such as those taking their grandkids to Disney World. Disney’s Caribbean Beach is an excellent Disney Moderate Resort, and we love Disney’s Beach Club in the Disney Deluxe Resort category. The All-Star Resorts are the most affordable Disney Resorts, although they are not fancy. Disney’s Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resort are among the most expensive Disney resorts that children love.

Are there nannies or babysitting at Disney World?

Yes. Disney World does offer nanny and babysitting services (through third-party companies), which can be booked in advance for an additional fee.

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