Cyndal BenulloYou’re taking your kids on their first Walt Disney World vacation! Yay! Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be overwhelming, but we are here to help. While parents know their kids best, there are some rides that maybe shouldn’t be the first ones to take the littles on, especially if they are nervous!
Between the four Walt Disney World theme parks, there are over one hundred rides to choose from. That can be overwhelming! So, we’re breaking down the best rides for kids at each Disney World theme park to help you prioritize which attractions you visit first.
Best Rides for Kids at Magic Kingdom
Out of the four Disney World theme parks, Magic Kingdom comes out on top with not only the most rides in a theme park…but also the park with the most rides suitable for kids. Many Magic Kingdom rides do not have a height requirement, meaning kids of all ages can ride — even infants! Still, there are some rides that may be better than others for your little one’s first introduction to theme park rides.
Best Rides for Babies and Toddlers
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Height Requirement: None
Who doesn’t want to travel to the Hundred-Acre Woods? This no-height requirement ride offers more than just a simple boat ride, while still being tame enough for the little ones. Dive into the world of Winnie the Pooh and friends, traveling through the story one page at a time. The ride queue is one of the best on property, giving kids opportunities to play games in Rabbit’s Garden and draw on interactive honey walls while waiting to hop on the honey pot.
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
Height Requirement: None
Take little princes and princesses underwater through the Journey of The Little Mermaid. Guests become part of Ariel’s world, traveling through the story in a clamshell ride car. You may even run into Ursula! This indoor, slow ride is full of bright colors, fun music, and familiar faces that everyone will enjoy. It also rarely has a long line, making it a great option for those who don’t do well waiting in line.
Best Kids Rides to Beat the Heat
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Height Requirement: None
This iconic Disney ride may be outside, but the ride queue is the real reason it’s on the list! Nestled inside the queue is an air-conditioned children’s playground. With sections for kids of all ages, there is no limit on how long you stay and play!
Once you are ready to make your way to the ride, step on into the flying elephant and soar high and low around Storybook Circus!
Pirates of the Caribbean
Height Requirement: None
Yo ho, yo ho! Join the pirates and catch a glimpse of Captain Jack Sparrow on this 8-and-a-half-minute boat ride. Catchy songs and different pirate scenes will keep kids engaged the whole ride. Most of the ride queue is inside along with the entire ride. Being one of the longest rides at the park, Pirates of the Caribbean gives families a chance to recharge on a hot summer day.
Note that there is a very small drop at the beginning of the ride. So, if you have kids that like to be prepared, give them a heads up.
Best Rides for Thrill Seekers
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Height Requirement: 48 inches
TRON Lightcycle / Run, the newest attraction at Magic Kingdom, has taken Disney World by storm. Guests will board a Lightcycle (a version of a motorcycle) and launch into The Grid from 0 to 60mph in roughly 3 seconds. While this roller coaster is relatively short, coming in at just over 1 minute long, there are plenty of thrills to be had. TRON is a fantastic option for older kids who may not be thrilled riding slow boat rides all day.
Keep in mind that this ride does not offer a standby line. The only way to ride is to get a spot in the virtual queue or purchase Lightning Lane Entry. Be sure to be on your My Disney Experience App at 7AM on the day of your visit to reserve your space in the virtual queue or buy the Individual Attraction Entry.
Space Mountain
Height Requirement: 44 inches
For a thrilling (but maybe not TRON-level thrilling) experience, check out Space Mountain. One of the three iconic mountains of Magic Kingdom, Space Mountain is a great coaster for adventurous kids and adults alike. Guests board a rocket and twist, turn, and drop in the dark through the stars and meteors of space. This would not be our pick for a kid’s first-ever roller coaster experience, but it is great for those looking to level up.
Best Rides for Families
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Height Requirement: None
Blast into the Gamma Quadrant and help Buzz Lightyear defeat evil Emperor Zurg with your laser cannon on the fun family attraction! Guests of all ages will travel through space, shooting their shot at becoming a Galactic Hero. The more Zurg targets you hit, the better your score!
This is a great ride for the whole family, and you might even get a little competition going! Any kids who love Toy Story will have a blast (no pun intended) on this ride. There is even a giant talking Buzz Lightyear in the ride queue!
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Height Requirement: 38 inches
Join the Seven Dwarfs on a journey through the diamond mine on this family roller coaster. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a great option for a first roller coaster experience, being tame compared to Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Guests will be singing the catchy tune for the rest of the day after leaving the diamond mine.
The ride queue offers interactive play stations where kids can sort jewels, play with water, and hear popular music while they wait in what can sometimes be a long line.
Best Rides for Kids at EPCOT
EPCOT is known for its now year-round festivals and the World Showcase, but if that’s all you know about EPCOT, you’re missing out! The social media “Drinking Around the World” craze has put a title on EPCOT as a theme park that is geared more towards adults, but we beg to differ! There are plenty of rides, as well as ample amounts of learning opportunities for kids at EPCOT. Here are a few of them!
Best Rides for Babies and Toddlers
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros
Height Requirement: None
Join Donald Duck and his Caballeros on a slow boat ride down the Rio Grande taking in sights of Mexico. Located within the Mexico Pavilion of the World Showcase, the Gran Fiesta Tour rarely has any wait times at all. Catchy music, bright colors, and familiar faces will keep littles engaged in the air conditioning! This boat ride is fun for all ages, but a slam dunk for keeping young kids occupied while older kids or other party members may be riding other rides.
Frozen Ever After
Height Requirement: None
What Disney kid doesn’t know and love Anna and Elsa? This slow-moving boat ride is located in the Norway Pavilion of the World Showcase. Follow along with scenes from the movie that took the world by storm, saying hi to your favorite characters along the way! There are a few small waterfall drops within this ride, so it’s best to prepare the little ones ahead of time if you think that’s necessary. You know your kids best!
Frozen Ever After is notorious for having one of the longest wait times at EPCOT. So, if you are staying on Disney property, we suggest taking advantage of the Early Theme Park Entry on your EPCOT day to beat the line.
Best Kids Ride to Beat the Heat
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Height Requirement: None
Hop in a clam shell and enjoy this slow-moving indoor ride following Nemo along on his journey back home. Featuring all your favorite Finding Nemo characters, this ride will keep even the little kids entertained with its songs, displays, and even real-life fish!
Not only is the Nemo & Friends ride great, but the exit of the ride also brings you to a full-size aquarium! This 5.7-million-gallon tank is one of the largest man-made ocean environments on the planet, homing thousands of sea animals. Get close-ups of sharks, manatees, stingrays, clownfish, and more. And, be sure to grab a complimentary scavenger hunt booklet at the entrance of the aquarium to help Dory find her friends throughout the building!
Best Ride for Thrill Seekers
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Height Requirement: 42 inches
The newest ride at EPCOT has gotten a lot of attention on it — and, for a good reason! This thrilling roller coaster features the first-ever reverse launch and is the first roller coaster with a car that spins 360 degrees. For kids with no fear or any Guardians of the Galaxy enthusiasts, this ride is a must!
During your ride, you’ll hear one of six different songs that are themed to enhance your ride experience. So, your ride on Cosmic Rewind will always be a little different each time!
Keep in mind that this ride does not offer a standby line. The only way to ride is to get a spot in the virtual queue or purchase Lightning Lane Entry. Be sure to be on your My Disney Experience App at 7AM on the day of your visit to reserve your space in the virtual queue or buy the Individual Attraction Entry.
Best Ride for Families
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Height Requirement: None
The France Pavilion expansion was a great addition to the World Showcase, bringing not only a new space and new restaurants but also a new attraction! Guests hop into their rat vehicle, shrink down to Chef Remy’s size, and follow along his adventure through Gusteau’s restaurant on this 4D ride.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is fun for the whole family, incorporating sights, sounds, and smells that are guaranteed to make guests of any age smile.
If you are staying on Disney property, we suggest taking advantage of the Early Theme Park Entry on your EPCOT day to ride Remy, as the wait times can be long for the kiddos.
Best Rides for Kids at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios offers something for everyone. Star Wars? Yes! Toy Story? You got it, friend. Incorporating popular Disney characters into various lands and attractions has been the buildup of Hollywood Studios in recent years, with no signs of stopping! While Hollywood Studios doesn’t have as many rides for little ones as Magic Kingdom, there is plenty to see to keep kids of all ages occupied.
Best Rides for Babies and Toddlers
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Height Requirement: None
Based on the newly adapted character cartoon shorts, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the first ride at any Disney park to feature the Mouse himself!
Hop on the trackless train led by Engineer Goofy and take a wild ride through a whirlwind of unexpected events. Guests will be chased through a tornado, enjoy a picnic with Mickey and Minnie, catch some fireworks, dance with Daisy, and more!
Alien Swirling Saucers
Height Requirement: 32 inches
Calling all Toy Story lovers! Board a flying saucer with your toddler and gently spin and whirl around with your favorite green aliens! This swirling ride isn’t going to get you spinning like the Mad Hatter Teacups will, but it is a level up from a simple boat ride. This is a great first ride for toddlers who are looking to ease their way into bigger rides.
Best Kids Rides to Beat the Heat
Disney Junior Play and Dance!
Height Requirement: None
A good attraction doesn’t always mean you will board a ride vehicle and take off. For young children, Disney Junior Play and Dance is a great example of this! During this show, kids will be joined by Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Timon, and Mickey Mouse himself for 10 minutes of dance-filled fun. Characters will teach kids dance moves that will have all the little ones on their feet catching bubbles and smiles.
Typically, 10 shows are offered each day with all the times listed on the My Disney Experience app. Don’t miss this show if you need an inside break while still letting the kids get out some energy.
Best Rides for Thrill Seekers
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Height Requirement: 40 inches
The famous Tower of Terror is not for the faint of heart, so enter if you dare. Entering the haunted hotel brings guests back to a 1939 night, struck by bad weather. Boarding the elevator meets guests with unpredictable rises and falls, leaving you unknown as to what comes next!
This ride is geared toward teens and adults, but that doesn’t mean thrill-seeking kids should miss out as long as they meet the height requirement. Just be sure to give your kids a heads-up on the details of the ride!
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Height Requirement: 40 inches
For those with kids looking for some adventure but maybe they are quite ready for all that The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has to offer, head over to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for the most immersive ride at Disney World — Rise of the Resistance. Join the Resistance on a secret mission to escape the First Order, gaining help from friends along the way.
Incorporating face-to-face live interactions with Stormtroopers and the First Order, trackless ride vehicles, drop simulations, and unexpected twists and turns, even the most devoted Star Wars fans will be wondering what comes next. May the Force Be With You.
Best Rides for Families
Toy Story Mania
Height Requirement: None
Play with your favorite toys in Andy’s Room on this 4D carnival-style shooting game. Join forces with Hamm, Rex, Trixie, Buzz, the Aliens, Woody, and more while trying to shoot their moving targets and get the highest score in your vehicle!
Slinky Dog Dash
Height Requirement: 38 inches
Join Slinky Dog through Andy’s backyard mega-coaster! Stretch and spin with Slinky as you make your way through Andy’s newly built roller coaster, joined by your favorite Toy Story pals!
This mild roller coaster is tame enough for the young and the old, but thrilling enough to make you want to hop on board again! Take advantage of the Early Theme Park Entry on your Hollywood Studios day if you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel since wait times for this ride can rise quickly. And, with the queue being completely outside, the earlier you ride, the better!
Best Rides for Kids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is basically a zoo, with lots of wildlife calling it home! And, while the animals may be the main focus here, don’t sleep on the attractions! This underrated park is often classified as a “half-day park,” but we’re here to tell you that’s not true! Here are just a few of the ways to spend your day at Animal Kingdom.
Best Kids Ride to Beat the Heat
It’s Tough to Be a Bug
Height Requirement: None
Inspired by the Disney Pixar movie, A Bug’s Life, this 3D show is located within the heart of the park, the Tree of Life. Hosted by Flik himself, grab your bug glasses and immerse yourself into the world of bugs, learning fun facts about insects along the way.
Be aware this is a dark show with sudden lights and noises. Prepare the kids accordingly if they may be afraid of the dark.
*NOTE: The characters from Zootopia are taking over this attraction in 2025! Learn more about the changes here!
Best Ride for Thrill Seekers
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Height Requirement: 44 inches
Hop on the train and climb Mount Everest as you escape the Forbidden Yeti through the Himalayas! This roller coaster features sudden drops and high speeds of up to 50mph, but no inversions. Being the only coaster at Animal Kingdom, any older kids who want some action will want to head straight here.
If your children love the ride, consider the single-rider line for second and third trips through the mountain!
Best Ride for Families
Kilimanjaro Safari
Height Requirement: None
The Harambe Wildlife Reserve is home to over 30 different species, sprawled over 110 acres. This 18-minute safari ride will take your family on a journey like no other. Highly informational tour guides will drive you past the likes of animals such as hippos, lions, giraffes, elephants, and more. While the ride can get a little bumpy, all ages are welcome on this journey through the Savanna!
Since this reserve is their home, the animals wander freely and no two rides are ever the same. Kilimanjaro Safari does close 30 minutes prior to sunset, so don’t wait until the end of the day to make your way to Harambe.
Comments
Do you agree with our list of best rides for kids at Disney World? What rides are your kids most excited to ride on their next trip? Comment below to share your kids’ favorite rides at Disney World!
