Between its four Orlando theme parks, Walt Disney World is home to more than 50 rides and attractions. And while many of these Disney rides have no minimum height requirement, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best Disney rides for young kids and toddlers. Some, like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, have scary elements, darker scenes, and loud noises that may be too intense for little ones, especially toddlers.
To help you have a toddler-friendly vacation and avoid any unnecessary tears, I’ve put together a list of the best Disney World rides that kids of all ages will love. Each of these is suitable for all heights and ages, ensuring your family creates only the happiest Disney memories. Even better, some of these attractions offer Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi Pass (Disney’s extra cost skip-the-line pass), so you won’t find your youngsters having a meltdown because they are waiting for too long.
Best rides at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for kids
Tomorrowland Speedway
I vividly remember my first time getting behind the wheel of the cars on the Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom. This all-ages attraction features colorful cars and a miniature race track to go around. Along the way, little kids will love to spot people whizzing by on Tron Lightcycle/Run, or wave at folks riding on the Walt Disney World Railroad. And for worried adults passing the keys to tiny tots, don’t worry. The cars don’t go too fast, and kids stay in their lane thanks to barriers on the ground.
Walt Disney World Railroad
There’s nothing better than hopping on the Walt Disney World Railroad for a scenic tour around the Magic Kingdom. In fact, it’s one of my favorites not only for little kids, but also for adults. The fully narrated train ride is a great way to see the park, plus it can be used as a mode of transportation to save tired feet.
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For the foreseeable future, the Walt Disney World Railroad is only operating between two stations, the Main Street, U.S.A. stop and the platform in Fantasyland, skipping the stop in Frontierland. This is because Magic Kingdom is getting a villains-themed land just behind Thunder Mountain, so construction on that exciting project is hindering the train from making its full-circle tour around the park.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
This beloved attraction has been flying high over the Magic Kingdom since Disney World’s opening day in 1971. Dumbo gives kids a fantastic view of surrounding attractions, and, with the help of a lever that lets you choose how high you prefer to soar, little ones can learn to fly just like Dumbo (no feather required).
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During Fantasyland’s 2012 refurbishment, a gloriously air-conditioned big top play area was added inside the queue of this Disney ride. This means kids can run around while they wait for their turn. If you loved Dumbo as a kid, the nostalgic vibes will make for some truly special family memories.
“it’s a small world”
Another of the best Disney rides for little kids, and also an opening day attraction at Magic Kingdom, “it’s a small world” is a relaxing 10-minute boat ride with adorable animatronics singing the world’s catchiest song. Little kids and toddlers won’t be able to resist singing along with the dancing figures that represent cultures from across the globe.
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Located in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, “it’s a small world” will have your kids oohing and ahhing as they approach every new scene and get a glimpse at each country’s traditional attire, wildlife, and customs. Near the end of the ride, your family can practice saying “goodbye” in a variety of languages while passing through a room full of colorfully painted signs.
Peter Pan’s Flight
A classic Disney ride, Peter Pan’s Flight takes kids on a high-flying (but not too high) journey to Neverland. In your own personal pirate ship, you’ll soar over London with Wendy, Michael, and John Darling until you reach Neverland, passing through famous scenes from the classic animated film along the way.
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Captain Hook, Smee, and that vile crocodile do make an appearance, but what makes this one of the top Disney rides for little kids at Magic Kingdom is that they’re more playful than scary. Peter Pan’s victory ensures young kids will leave with a triumphant smile on their faces. This Magic Kingdom attraction also has a fun interactive queue that’ll help your time in line pass by in a flash.
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
This “underwater” adventure with Ariel and her seafaring friends is an undeniably catchy musical retelling of the 1989 animated film. The water on this ride is strictly Disney magic, so you won’t have to worry about actually getting wet. You’ll relive all of the popular songs from the film, including a show-stopping rendition of “Under the Sea” in a room filled with almost 200 singing and dancing animatronics.
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A larger-than-life Ursula does make an appearance, something to keep in mind if Ursula happens to be your child’s least favorite Disney villain. But other than the Sea Witch, there are no other scary elements to this ride.
Mad Tea Party
At first glance, this fast-spinning ride may look too dizzying for young kids, but each rider has the option to choose how wild (or mild) they want their go-round to be. Based on Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, each colorful teacup is outfitted with a wheel that you can spin as fast or slow as you wish.
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Located in Fantasyland, Alice and the Mad Hatter often make an appearance near the ride’s exit. Before or after you ride, take a moment to stop by and wish them a happy un-birthday.
The best Disney rides for kids at EPCOT
Frozen Ever After
If your kids still can’t stop singing “Let It Go,” then they will love Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. The adorable ride is a retelling of the first Frozen film, complete with visits to Elsa’s ice palace, where you’ll hear her belt out the iconic song. The ride does have a small drop, and you may get wet, but fearless kids who might be ready for some more action will love it.
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It was also recently announced that the Audio-Animatronics figures in the ride would be getting an update. The new versions of Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff will debut sometime in 2026 and be similar in style to the figures used in Hong Kong Disneyland‘s Frozen attraction.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
I love the slow-moving boat ride inside the Mexico pavilion. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros is a relaxing attraction where you’ll pass by different scenes of life in Mexico, plus be able to spot Donald Duck, José Carioca, and Panchito along the way.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Over at Epcot, The Seas With Nemo & Friends is a fun and educational trip through the deep blue sea. Little kids will love seeing dolphins, sharks, and colorful fish along with their favorite Finding Nemo friends like Dory, Nemo, Marlin, and Squirt.
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When this great Disney ride for little kids ends, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium on foot, and climb inside Bruce the Shark’s mouth for a toothy photo. You can also watch Turtle Talk With Crush, a 15-minute interactive show where the world’s most tubular turtle will answer your child’s questions about the ocean.
The best Disney rides for kids at Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Mania!
On Toy Story Mania (located in Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land), kids get to shrink down to the size of a toy and take part in a series of carnival-inspired, 4D games that feature their favorite Toy Story characters.
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Ride vehicles pause in front of each of the five games, giving you time to rack up points with your spring-action shooter, but there is some giggle-inducing quick movement and partial spinning as you move to your next stop. The games are short and fast-paced, so even younger kids who never successfully toss a ring around a little green alien will still consider this one of the best Disney rides.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Located at the end of Hollywood Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway drops you right in the middle of a Mickey Mouse cartoon short. It’s actually the first Disney World ride to give Mickey and Minnie the starring roles they deserve.
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A relaxing ride through the park alongside Mickey and Minnie quickly turns into a madcap adventure when Goofy decides to “derail” the fun. Kids will crack up at the hilarious gags as they zig and zag through the ride, and after the ride, they can sit back and watch more cartoons inside the Mickey Shorts Theater.
The best Disney rides for kids at Animal Kingdom
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safaris is a rugged safari ride that takes families on a nearly 20-minute trek through the African savanna. While most of the best Disney rides for kids and toddlers focus on their favorite movie and TV characters, this one is all about real-life animals.
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Kids can view more than 30 species of wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and crocodiles. Safari guides are experts at spotting the animals, but try riding in the morning or evening when temperatures are a bit cooler to see the wildlife at its most active.
Na’vi River Journey
Located inside Pandora – The World of Avatar, Na’vi River Journey is a slow-moving boat ride through the lush bioluminescent world of Pandora. Along the way, you’ll see all sorts of exotic critters, with the attraction ending with a visit to the Shaman of Songs (an impressive Audio-Animatronics figure that will dazzle kids and keep adults wondering how Disney makes these things).
