What Are The Best Rides at Walt Disney World For Toddlers?

Mad Tea Party 

Probably the iconic and well known ride at Disney World, the Mad Tea Party, also known as “the teacups” is perfect for the whole family. The teacups spin themselves but guests can spin them faster if they like by using the wheel in the center. Guests with a dizzy loving toddler like Lincoln will love seeing how fast they can go on this attraction, while those with small toddlers will enjoy just letting it spin on its own. Either way this ride is perfect for children.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Dumbo the Flying Elephant is one of Disney World’s most classic and family friendly rides. This spinning ride does not go too fast or too high. In fact guests can control how high they go on this ride. Those daring older toddlers may wish to fly higher than the younger ones. This ride is also suitable for lap babies to ride as well. 

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 

One of the most classic and gentle characters is a part of the most classic and gentle rides. In a honey pot, even the smallest guests can enjoy this literary and musical fun ride. There are even little games throughout the area that are perfect for toddlers to engage with and make the line pass quicker.

Under The Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

Toddlers will love this musical journey under the sea with the Little Mermaid. It is slow and mild, while very engaging visually with bright colors and dancing animatronics. This is a must do for children under 4. 

Jungle Cruise

The Jungle Cruise is a great choice for children under the age of 4 and even babies because it is simply an easy boat ride. There are no major turns, drops, or anything too scary that may frighten young children. Jungle Cruise is also very exciting for small children because of all the animal animatronics that are placed throughout the ride. Since they are stationary, kids have a much better chance of seeing them than at a zoo or on a safari.

This attraction is even a great ride for babies, because they can just be held the whole time. On our last day in Magic Kingdom, I witnessed a mother with a newborn baby, just two weeks old climbing into the boat. This classic attraction is truly perfect for all ages.

Peter Pan’s Flight 

Another easy flying type ride that is great for toddlers is Peter Pan’s Flight. It has a little more storyline and substance to it that older toddlers will really enjoy, while maintaining a mild yet fun ride. The queue for this attraction is also very magical for little ones, and toddlers are bound to have a blast. 

Magic Carpets of Aladdin 

Magic Carpets of Aladdin is another spinning ride that is located inside of Magic Kingdom. Similar in style to Dumbo it is relatively slow and how high guests go can be controlled from inside the magic carpet itself. This ride actually has two levers. The first controls the height of the carpet, while the second makes the carpet dip forward and backwards. Rides like this are great for toddlers because it helps them feel in control of their experience.

“It’s a small world”

Another Magic Kingdom classic, “it’s a small world” is perfect for toddlers. An easy boat ride with no drops, that is not too dark is just what kids love. The audio animatronics and the music and vibrant colors is incredibly engaging for toddlers.

Astro Orbiter

Astro Orbiter is the last airborne spinning ride. This attraction may be better for older toddlers as it is much higher than the Magic Carpets and Dumbo. Personally, my son Lincoln did not care for this one, as he was afraid of the height of the ride itself. Guests must take an elevator up to the attraction, and it also spins at a faster speed than the other two rides. Guests can still make it go higher than the starting height if they want by pulling on a lever in the rocket. 

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

For older toddlers, the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin is a lot of fun. It is like being transported into a video game, and kids will love using the little blasters to score points. There are lots of engaging and colorful pictures throughout the ride that little ones will really love.

TriceraTop Spin

This ride is perfect for dinosaur loving toddlers. It is a spinning ride that goes nice and slow, giving little ones a fun and thrilling dino experience.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

The Kilimanjaro Safaris are an incredible experience, especially for children. The trucks take people through the different areas where animals are housed in Animal Kingdom and kids love seeing the different species. There is no height requirement and kids can even sit on parent’s laps if they need a better view. 

Na’vi River Journey

This is another easy boat ride that toddlers will love. It has beautiful plant and animal life featured along the water and contains no surprises. This ride is quite dark though, so if your toddler is afraid of the dark, they may feel a little nervous at first. 

It’s Tough To Be A Bug

This attraction is a show opposed to a ride. Although there are a couple of surprises that pop up and can be a little loud, it is still very kid friendly and fun for the whole family.

Frozen Ever After

Everyone loves Frozen, especially little ones. This attraction is another breezy boat ride with a mild drop. It is filled with favorite Frozen characters and fun music that toddlers will be enamored with.

Gran Fiesta Tour

This boat ride is another musical adventure that kids will have a blast in. Full of silly cartoons, toddlers are guaranteed to have a blast, because all toddlers love a little Disney screen time.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

A definite toddler favorite in Epcot is The Seas with Nemo & Friends. Riding slow on a clamshell going through various scenes from the movie is a great time for a toddler. For the adults though, be prepared to have the ending song stuck in your head. 

Living with the Land

A classic Epcot ride, Living with the Land is a perfect toddler ride. It is slow, mild, and educational. Maybe it’ll even inspire your picky toddler to try a new vegetable with the greenhouse portion of the ride.

Journey Into Imagination With Figment

Catchy songs, bright colors, and a singing dragon. If that doesn’t scream toddler magic nothing else will. This is a fun filled ride with a little hint of science that may inspire your kid’s imagination.

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along

This is another film based attraction that is perfect when your toddler needs a break. It plays off the Beauty and the Beast movie, with a lot of music. It’s a great attraction to plan out for the middle of the day when your toddler may be getting tired.

Alien Swirling Saucers

This ride is perfect for toddlers who like to spin and get a little crazy. It moves pretty fast so it’d be best for older toddlers, but the upbeat music and alien references all over the place make it a fun and immersive experience for little ones.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

This show includes a fun character appearance by an animatronic Lightning McQueen that toddlers will love. It includes portions of racing video that young kids will find exciting.

Muppet*Vision 3D

Another film in Hollywood Studios, Muppet*Vision 3D is avcomedic experience that kids of all ages but especially toddlers will love. The scene with the bubbles is absolute genius at giving little ones the most magical time.

Toy Story Mania!

Toy Story Mania is perfect for older toddlers, walking through the queue is an experience in itself, and kids around 3 – 4 years old will adore the pop guns that are used in this carnival themed attraction.

Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie

This short film is another great attraction for toddlers. It gives them a break while still enjoying characters and a fun story line. 

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

This attraction is great for older toddlers. Although it is for all ages, and younger toddlers and babies will enjoy it too, it does have some jarring movements to look out for. All in all it is a ton of wacky fun for toddlers.