If you’re headed to Walt Disney World soon, you’re probably looking forward to all the rides and attractions you’ll get to enjoy while you’re there! With classics like “it’s a small world,” Soarin’ Around The World, and Pirates of the Caribbean, plus brand new rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lightcycle / Run, there’s so much to keep you busy (and thrilled) in the parks. But, there is one major thing that could keep you from riding these attractions…Disney World height requirements.
Most of the rides at Disney World do not have height requirements, so younger children can enjoy them with their families. However, there are a few rides that have minimum height requirements to ensure everyone’s safety. These requirements are strictly enforced, so it’s important to measure your child’s height before you go to avoid any disappointment.
So, what rides have height requirements in Disney World and what are they? We’re breaking down the FULL LIST of rides with (and without) height requirements and letting you know what to do if someone in your party doesn’t meet the minimum and others still want to ride.
Magic Kingdom Height Requirements
Magic Kingdom has the most attractions of all the Disney World theme parks and it’s also considered the most “kid-friendly” park when it comes to height requirements. That’s because only six out of the 34 rides have height requirements, leaving a total of 28 attractions to enjoy no matter how small (or tall) you are!
Rides with No Height Requirements
The following rides at Magic Kingdom DO NOT have any height requirements, so anyone can enjoy them. Keep in mind that some of these attractions are shows, storytimes, or experiences.
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade
- The Hall of Presidents
- Haunted Mansion
- “it’s a small world”
- Jungle Cruise
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Mad Tea Party
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- A Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Swiss Family Treehouse
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Tom Sawyer Island
- Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
- Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
- Walt Disney World Railroad
Rides with Height Requirements
Only six rides in Magic Kingdom have height requirements and these are generally going to be thrilling roller coasters (though, not all of them are!). Here are the height requirements for select rides in the park:
- The Barnstormer – Guests must be 35 inches (89 centimeters) or taller
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Guests must be 38 inches (97 centimeters) or taller
- Space Mountain – Guests must be 44 inches (113 centimeters) or taller
- Tomorrowland Speedway – Guests must be 32 inches (82 centimeters) or taller
- TRON Lightcycle / Run – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
It is important to note that these height requirements are strictly enforced for the safety of all guests. If a child does not meet the minimum height requirement, they will not be allowed to ride.
EPCOT Height Requirements
At EPCOT you can enjoy 18 different attractions including a variety of thrill rides, rides themed after fan-favorite Disney movies like Frozen, and shows. There are only four rides with height requirements, so you’ll be able to take on most of the park with your littlest travelers.
Rides With No Height Requirement
The following rides at EPCOT DO NOT have any height requirements, so anyone can enjoy them. Note that some of these attractions are theater-style shows or experiences.
- Advanced Training Lab
- The American Adventure
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival
- Frozen Ever After
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
- Impressions de France
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Living with the Land
- O Canada!
- Reflections of China
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Spaceship Earth
- Turtle Talk With Crush
Rides With Height Requirements
The following rides at EPCOT do have a height requirement with most requiring that guests are 40 inches or taller to ride.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Guests must be 42 inches (107 centimeters) or taller
- Mission: SPACE – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
- Soarin’ Around the World – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
- Test Track – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
If you have young children who do not meet the height requirements for some of the rides, don’t forget that there are still plenty of attractions and experiences throughout EPCOT that they can enjoy. The park offers a variety of shows, character meet-and-greets, and interactive exhibits that are fun for guests of all ages.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Height Requirements
Unlike Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, most of the attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have height requirements. Currently, only three out of ten rides are available to guests of all ages (and sizes).
Keep in mind that this park also has multiple live stage shows including Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, and Fantasmic! so there’s still plenty to keep you and your family busy throughout the day without hitting the bigger rides with height requirements.
Rides With No Height Requirements
The following rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios DO NOT have any height requirements, so anyone can enjoy them.
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Muppet*Vision 3D
- Toy Story Mania!
Rides With Height Requirements
The following rides do have a minimum height requirement at Disney’s Hollywood Studios ranging from 32 inches up to 48 inches depending on the attraction.
- Alien Swirling Saucers – Guests must be 32 inches (81 centimeters) or taller
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Guests must be 38″ (97 cm) or taller
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
- Slinky Dog Dash – Guests must be 38 inches (97 centimeters) or taller
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Guests must be 40″ (102 cm) or taller
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
For guests who do meet the height requirements, these attractions offer a thrilling and exciting experience. From the high-speed thrills of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to the immersive and interactive experience of the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, there is something for everyone at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Height Requirements
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has nine different rides throughout the park along with several walking trails. Disney does list height requirements for the trails and attractions, so we’ve noted those below. And, don’t forget to also make time to see the two energetic shows Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! during your park day!
Rides With No Height Requirements
The following rides at Animal Kingdom DO NOT have any height requirements, so anyone can enjoy them. Keep in mind that some of these attractions are theater shows, walking trails, and petting zoos.
- Affection Section
- The Boneyard
- Conservation Station
- Discovery Island Trails
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- It’s Tough to be a Bug
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Maharajah Jungle Trek
- Na’vi River Journey
- Tree of Life
- TriceraTop Spin
- Wildlife Express Train
Rides With Height Requirements
Four of the most popular rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom do have height requirements including:
- Avatar Flight of Passage – Guests must be 44 inches (112 centimeters) or taller
- DINOSAUR – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – Guests must be 44 inches (113 centimeters) or taller
- Kali River Rapids – Guests must be 38 inches (97 centimeters) or taller
Overall, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a great selection of rides and attractions for guests of all ages and heights, especially with its focus on animal observation areas and trails. So, even if you can’t enjoy the “big rides,” there’s still plenty to fill your day with!
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Height Requirements
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is one of two water parks in Walt Disney World. The theming of this park focuses on – you guessed it – snow, so the rides all have a fun winter spin. Blizzard Beach is also home to the third-tallest and fastest free-fall slide in the world, so this park is a must-do for thrill seekers!
Rides With No Height Requirements
The following water rides and experiences DO NOT have a minimum height requirement at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.
- Cross Country Creek
- Melt-Away Bay
- Runoff Rapids
- Ski Patrol Training Camp
- Snow Stormers
- Teamboat Springs
- Toboggan Racers
Rides With Height Requirements
Five of the attractions at Blizzard Beach Water Park do have height requirements including:
- Chairlift – Guests must be 32 inches (82 centimeters) or taller
- Downhill Double Dipper – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
- Slush Gusher – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
- Summit Plummet – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
- Tike’s Peak – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or shorter
Keep in mind that some attractions may have additional requirements, such as weight restrictions or health restrictions. Be sure to check with a Cast Member if you have any questions or concerns.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Height Requirements
Another water park in Disney World is Typhoon Lagoon. This is a great park to visit if you love wave pools because it’s got one that creates waves up to 6 feet tall every 90 seconds (and it doesn’t have any height requirements!). A few water rides do have a minimum height requirement, so be sure to do your research and be prepared if you have any smaller surfers with you.
Rides With No Height Requirements
The following water rides and experiences DO NOT have a minimum height requirement at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.
- Castaway Creek
- Gangplank Falls
- Keelhaul Falls
- Mayday Falls
- Miss Adventure Falls
- Storm Slides
- Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool
Rides With Height Requirements
Five of the attractions at Typhoon Lagoon do have height requirements including:
- Bay Slides – Guests must be 60 inches (152 centimeters) or shorter
- Crush ‘n’ Gusher – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
- Humunga Kowabunga – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
- Ketchakiddee Creek – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or shorter
Disney Springs Height Requirements
Disney Springs is a popular shopping and dining destination at Walt Disney World Resort. While it does not have any big rides or attractions, there are a few experiences that have height requirements including the Aerophile balloon, the Marketplace Carousel, and the Marketplace Train Express. Each of these is an additional cost.
The Aerophile balloon ride takes guests up in a tethered helium balloon for a panoramic view of the resort. The minimum height requirement for this experience is 48 inches. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult.
And, over in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs, you’ll find the Marketplace Carousel and Marketplace Train Express. Both rides are available to guests of all ages, though children must be 42 inches to ride the carousel with an adult and 48 inches to ride the train without an adult.
Disney World Height Requirements — Special Considerations
Now that you know what rides your family can (and can’t) ride during your visit to Disney World, it’s also important to make sure you are dressed appropriately when visiting the theme parks. Comfort is key!
Other special considerations include disabilities, pregnancy, and various health issues including motion sickness, high blood pressure, and back or neck injuries.
Disabilities and Special Needs
If you or someone in your group has a disability or special needs, Disney World offers a variety of resources to help make your visit as enjoyable as possible. Everything is designed to be accessible to everyone, with wheelchair and ECV rentals available for those who need them. Plus, many attractions have special entrances, seating, and other accommodations to make the experience enjoyable for guests with disabilities.
We recommend visiting Guest Relations when you arrive at the park to discuss any specific needs and get information on Disability Access Service (DAS), which allows guests to schedule return times for attractions to avoid long waits in line. Some arrangements can also be made in advance, so be sure to visit Disney’s website for more information.
Pregnancy
Most rides at Walt Disney World Resort are safe for expectant mothers, but there are a few that are not recommended. It is important to check the height requirements and any posted warnings before riding, as most rides with a minimum height requirement are not suitable for guests who are pregnant either. We also recommend consulting with your doctor before visiting the parks.
Health Conditions
If you have any health conditions that may be affected by the attractions or shows in Disney World, it is important to check with your doctor before visiting. Some attractions may have warnings for those with heart conditions, motion sickness, or other health concerns. Be sure to speak with a Cast Member if you have any questions or concerns.
Disney World Rider Swap Service
If you’re traveling to Disney World with young children, you may find that some of the attractions have height requirements that your child doesn’t meet. Luckily, that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on those rides too! Disney World offers a Rider Switch (or “Rider Swap”) service that allows adults to take turns riding the attractions while someone waits with the child. Here’s how it works.
How To Use Rider Switch Service
To use Rider Switch, simply approach the Cast Member at the entrance of the attraction and let them know you’d like to use the service. The Cast Member will scan the MagicBand or Key To The World Card of the adult who will be riding first and give them what’s known as a “Rider Switch entitlement.”
The adult who rides first will board the attraction, while the other adult waits with the child in a designated waiting area outside of the ride. Once the first adult has finished riding, they will take the Rider Switch entitlement to the Cast Member at the attraction’s exit. Then, the second adult and up to one additional guest can use the Rider Switch pass to board the attraction without waiting in the regular line.
Using Rider Switch With Lightning Lanes
If you’ve purchased Lightning Lane entry to an attraction, you can still use Rider Switch. It’s important to note that all guests who plan to ride the attraction will need to have purchased the service and selected the same Lightning Lane return window.
The first adult who rides will need to have a valid Lightning Lane return time and be within that hour window (be sure you let the Cast Member know you’re using Rider Switch!). After the first adult rides, the second adult and up to one additional guest can use the Rider Switch pass to board the attraction through the Lightning Lane entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take babies on rides in Disney World?
Yes, any ride that does not have a height requirement is suitable for babies.
What if your child isn’t tall enough to ride an attraction?
If your child is not tall enough to ride an attraction, they will not be allowed to ride. If other guests in your party still want to ride, you can utilize Disney’s Rider Switch program, allowing a few guests to ride while others wait with the child (or children) who do not meet the minimum height requirements and then switch places.
Is there a maximum height requirement for rides in Disney World?
Yes, some rides in Disney World have a maximum height requirement. This is usually because the ride is designed for children or smaller adults, and larger individuals may not fit comfortably or safely. However, most rides do not have a maximum height requirement, so you should be able to enjoy them regardless of your height. Check the signage outside of the attraction or speak with a Cast Member if you have any concerns.
Comments
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