Top Rides for Toddlers at Walt Disney World

Bringing a tiny human to the Most Magical Queue System on Earth? Make sure you have plenty of things to keep them amused and entertained while in line. The good news is Walt Disney World is fantastic for children of all ages. However, not all rides are suitable for toddlers. Plus, not every young child is the same, and while some will be thrilled by coasters, others will be scared of the darkness in Peter Pan’s Flight. Here are our Top Rides for Toddlers at Walt Disney World, and a few helpful tips.

Partners is a 1993 copper statue by Blaine Gibson at the Magic Kingdom -Top Rides for Toddlers at Walt Disney World
Top Rides for Toddlers at Walt Disney World

What counts as a toddler?

The definition of a toddler is a bit fluid. So we are really talking about all pre-school children. Yes, I know that a four-year-old isn’t usually considered a toddler, but all children are different. You know your child best, and if they are not scared of darkness, noises, drops, and meet the minimum height requirements, nothing is stopping them from riding TRON Lightcycle / Run.

An average four-year-old measures 40 inches (102 cm), so our guidance is based on children smaller than this. Most of our picks have no height requirement, but we indicate when one is in place. Incidentally, the minimum height for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is 38 inches, but I would use discretion and maybe try the Barnstormer (35 inches) first.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Magic Kingdom
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, even if big enough, might be too intense for small children

Top Rides for Toddlers: Top Picks by Park

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is probably the best park at Walt Disney World for young children. However, many of the rides are in the dark, and some small children may find them a bit frightening. Here are our Top 5 Picks for Toddlers at the Magic Kingdom:

  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Gentle, iconic, and the indoor play queue is gold. Let your child take control if they are brave enough.
  • Peter Pan’s Flight – Storybook dark ride that toddlers inhale with their eyes. If you don’t have a Lightning Lane, the wait can be pretty long, and the queue isn’t the most interesting. The most timid children might find it a bit dark and noisy, but for most toddlers, it is a winner.
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Bouncy, bright, just the right length. A few sensory moments, but nothing too intense.
  • “it’s a small world” – “The Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed,” for most small children, is the clear favorite. Yes, the song can be a bit irritating, but for young children, it is mesmerising. When our kids were young, it was their favorite; now they are “too cool” to ride.
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – Classic, which young kids love. Nothing beats a carousel, and there are benches for the most timid toddlers.

It’s a bit challenging to compile a list of just five rides at the Magic Kingdom, as it is filled with suitable options for toddlers. I suspect if you have a list, it might be different. Yes, they won’t be riding Space Mountain, but there are plenty of other choices. Special mention to Barnstormer, if they reach the minimum height, it is an excellent introduction to coasters.

"it's a small world" - Toddlers love it. Top Rides for Toddlers at Walt Disney World
“it’s a small world” – Toddlers love it

EPCOT

EPCOT has a reputation for being primarily for adults, and while this isn’t strictly true, many of the attractions are more geared towards teens and adults. However, it has improved in recent years, and several playgrounds are located around the park. While not rides, be sure to visit Kidcot when touring World Showcase or the Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Journey of Water is arguably the best attraction at EPCOT for little ones. Yes, it depicts the water cycle, but it is fun and interactive.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana. Nighttime shot when it is at its best
Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana

Here are our Top 5 Picks for Toddlers at EPCOT:

  • Frozen Ever After – Gentle boat ride; small backward slide and forward drop. Most kids will love it, but a few will find the backwards bit and the drop a bit intense.
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – Trackless and cute as you ride a rat. Large screens and noises, but not really scary
  • The Seas with Nemo & Friends – Omnimover with cartoon segments straight into a real aquarium. After the ride, there are plenty of things for kids to explore. Not a ride, but don’t miss Turtle Talk With Crush, which is perfect family fun for all ages.
  • Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – On a mission to find Donald Duck. A zero-stress boat ride, with colorful chaos. Overall, it’s a bit like a “B-list” Small World.
  • Journey Into Imagination with Figment – Silly, musical, and occasionally slightly noisy. Toddlers usually love the purple dragon, but my daughter was petrified of Figment when younger.
Frozen Ever After - Top Rides for Toddlers at Walt Disney World some young children may find the drop a little intense
Frozen Ever After – Top Rides for Toddlers at Walt Disney World

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

I can’t manage five rides at Hollywood Studios, so we have added a couple of great shows. At the time of writing, the Disney Junior show has closed, with a new show promised for 2026.

  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Cartoon chaos in the best way; smooth, trackless. Great fun for the whole family.
  • Toy Story Mania! – Shooting fun 3D ride inspired by Toy Story. The games are too complex for small children, but they will still enjoy them.
  • Alien Swirling Saucers – Need to be 32 inches, but good fun, and just a little bumpy.
  • Vacation Fun – Mickey Shorts Theater – Great cartoon with plenty of giggles.
  • The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure – A new stage show. Great music and plenty of color, but the scenes with Ursula might be a bit scary for some.
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway is a great ride for toddlers at Walt Disney World
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom doesn’t have many rides suitable for either small children or adults. Plus, most of the best rides are not ideal for toddlers. Again, we have had to pick a few shows. However, the real stars for small children are the various animal treks and encounters around the park; you shouldn’t miss them. Despite the lack of rides, Animal Kingdom is possibly the best park for toddlers after Magic Kingdom.

  • Kilimanjaro Safaris – Real animals; so a winner. Seat them by the aisle (inside the seat!) for the best views.
  • Na’vi River Journey – A bioluminescent boat ride, mesmerizing. “it’s a small world” on acid.
  • Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch – Gentle train ride arrives at a petting area.
  • Festival of the Lion King (show) – Music and acrobatics. A great hit with toddlers
  • Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! (show) – Colorful and calm, but possibly not as appealing as The Lion King.

Final mention is to the new 4D show Zootopia: Better Zoogether! Opening in November in The Tree of Life. Its predecessor, It’s Tough to Be a Bug!, was found by many small children to be very scary; hopefully, Zootopia will not repeat this mistake.

Elephants on Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safaris

Final mention about characters and toddlers

If you are visiting Walt Disney World with toddlers, you’ll likely plan to meet their favorite characters. Many small children do find the characters quite scary, especially the costumed characters. When introducing them, always accompany them up to the character and be prepared to interact with them first. After a few meetings, they will likely gain more confidence.

Ohana at the Polynesian Village Resort
Small children can find characters scary at first

Read More Family-Friendly Disney World Tips

Our Guide to Walt Disney World is a great starting point for planning your vacation.

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