The Votes Are In: BEST Disney World Rides for Toddlers

One of the main things you’ll think about when planning your day at a Disney World theme park with little ones is: what are the best Disney World rides for toddlers?

With the huge list of Disney World kid rides, it can be hard to narrow down which ones you really want to go on. But of course, I’m here to help!

I go to Disney World with my 3 boys a couple of times each year, so I know exactly what they like (and don’t like). BUT every family’s priorities are different, so off to Instagram I went.

I polled my Instagram followers (who are mostly fellow parents!) and received hundreds of votes. Yes, my Instagram community is the BEST for showing up and coming through for me!

Let’s take a look at the results first. And then dive in even a little deeper, so you know all of your options for Disney toddler rides. 

_{Disclosure: You may see affiliate links throughout this post, which means these are the things I handpicked! If you purchase something through these links, I will get a small commission at absolutely no extra charge to you. And that sure means a lot to me, so thank you in advance! See the privacy policy for more information.}

Best Toddler Rides at Disney World

Here are the TOP 3 toddler rides at Disney World theme parks, voted on by parents who have visited Disney World with their toddler(s). Drumroll pleeeease…

Best Rides at Magic Kingdom for Toddlers

3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh takes took the third spot in my poll for Magic Kingdom rides. Winnie the Pooh characters aren’t only fan favorites, but the ride is too. 

This fun ride takes you around Hundred Acre-Wood in a huge honey pot. At one point, you do get taken away by a “gust of wind,” which might seem a little intense to toddlers. But it very quickly changes back to the happy go lucky story. 

And I know this sounds crazy, but The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh queue might be even more fun for kiddos than the actual ride. 

It’s good to note, though, that if you book a Lightning Lane for this ride, you won’t be able to enjoy the queue. My advice? Head to this ride first thing in the morning to be able to take advantage of low wait times, so your little one can have fun playing the games in the queue. 

2. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Not going to lie, it made me so happy that Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin made the top 3 because it’s my boys’ favorite ride at Magic Kingdom!

What makes this ride so special is that it’s very interactive.  Instead of sitting back and watching everything around you, you get to shoot lasers at targets and watch your points rack up. 

It’s also full of bright colors and characters to keep little ones’ attention. And there’s a fun PhotoPass shot at the end of the ride. 

1. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Such a classic ride! Dumbo the Flying Elephant has stood the test of time as one of the best Disney rides for toddlers. (I mean, it’s been open since Magic Kingdom opened in 1971!). It’s no wonder it made the top of this list.

(Although I was pretty surprised that Peter Pan’s Flight didn’t make the top 3 with how long the wait time usually is for that ride! Something to think about if you’re debating waiting in that line or not.). 

Toddlers love being able to control how high Dumbo will fly, and there’s a huge perk while waiting in the queue for this ride…the play area!

If you’re in the standby line for this ride, you’ll have the opportunity to let your kiddos enjoy a large indoor playground that’s great for various ages. There’s a small play area in the middle geared towards infants and young toddlers. And there’s a larger play space around the perimeter for bigger kids. 

Check out this post for a full list of Disney World play areas.

Bonus–Best Show for Toddlers at Magic Kingdom Based on the Votes: PhilharMagic

PhilarMagic is a 3D show featuring moments from so many fan-favorite Disney movies. There’s usually a low wait time at this attraction, and it’s a great way to get out of the heat for a bit. 

Best Rides at Hollywood Studios for Toddlers

3. Slinky Dog Dash

The fun part about basing these choices on hundreds of votes? You get a wide variety of opinions. 

To be blunt, if I was making this list myself, Slinky Dog Dash wouldn’t have made the top 3! My oldest son went on it when he was 3, and he was so terrified that he hasn’t ridden it since. 

My middle son, on the other hand, absolutely LOVES this ride. So, it really comes down to your kiddo’s interests, demeanor, and personality. Obviously, there were PLENTY of other toddlers that loved this ride, too, which is why it made the top 3.

It’s important to know that Slinky Dog Dash is an actual rollercoaster…not just a kid coaster. And your little one needs to be at least 38” tall to ride. 

2. Toy Story Mania!

This is SUCH a fun one, easily making it one of the best kids’ rides at Disney World (and that includes us big kids, parents!).

Take the interactive, game-like approach of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, mix it with 3D scenes, and you have a ride the whole family will enjoy. 

We love a little friendly competition in our family, so this is always one of our must-do Disney World rides!

1. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

I mean, how often do you get to become a part of a cartoon? I knew Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway would make this list of best rides for toddlers at Disney World…and it won the Hollywood Studios category by a landslide!

This ride is full of those classic Disney characters you love with a modern-day twist. It’s quite an adventure through this ride, and it can get a bit jerky at times. But your family sits on a long bench seat, so you can easily hold your little one close. 

Bonus–Best Show for Toddlers at Hollywood Studios Based on the Votes: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

There are so many great shows for toddlers at Hollywood Studios, so it’s definitely an honor for the Frozen Sing-Along to take the top spot. In this show, you get to belt out all of your favorite songs with your favorite characters from the movie Frozen.

Best Rides at Epcot for Toddlers

3. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure wasted no time topping the list of popular rides at Epcot. 

This is a 4D attraction that turns you into a mouse scurrying around. It can be a bit much for some little ones (and it can trigger my motion sickness a tad…ha!). But overall, most people enjoy this one!

In fact, it’s enjoyed by so many that it often has the longest wait time at Epcot. So, if this ride is a priority for you, you might want to consider purchasing Genie+ and snagging a Lightning Lane. 

2. The Seas with Nemo and Friends

Such a simple ride, but also such a great one for littles! The Seas with Nemo and Friends rarely sees long wait times, which means we usually ride it a couple of times during our time in Epcot. 

It’s a slow-moving ride with nothing super scary (other than it can be a bit dark in there). And as you exit the ride, you’re put right into The Seas pavilion, which is full of underwater habitats to explore and a little play area. 

You can enjoy The Seas pavilion even if you don’t ride on The Seas with Nemo and Friends, but it’s worth the ride!

1. Frozen Ever After

I’d say this ride is one of the main reasons parents of toddlers end up wanting to come to Epcot! So, it didn’t surprise me that this landed in the first place spot for this park.

This boat ride will take you through different scenes of Frozen, and you’ll get to see all of your little one’s favorite Frozen characters. 

Word of warning, though. After the boat goes backwards, you’ll go down a small drop that tends to scare toddlers. But it’s very short-lived, then it’s back to the cute Frozen stuff!

Bonus–Best Show for Toddlers at Epcot Based on the Votes: Turtle Talk with Crush

You can find this show in The Seas pavilion–the same spot you’ll be in after The Seas with Nemo and Friends ride. And it’s hilarious! 

There’s a live actor who voices Crush, the turtle from Finding Nemo. So, come prepared with some fun questions for him (or just sit back and listen in on others’ questions!). 

Best Rides at Animal Kingdom for Toddlers

3. TriceraTop Spin

Think Dumbo the Flying Elephant, but in dino form. TriceraTop Spin has the same premise as the classic Dumbo ride. 

The main difference between the two? There are two rows of seats in one “vehicle.” The front row controls how high up in the air the dino flies. And the back row controls if you tip slightly forward or backward. 

2. Na’Vi River Journey

I think this might be the prettiest, most peaceful ride in Disney World.  Na’Vi River Journey is a slow-moving boat ride. There aren’t any drops or super dark areas, making it perfect for little ones. 

My boys are always enamored by the colors. And the large animatronic at the end of the ride is seriously amazing. 

1. Kilimanjaro Safaris

Kilimanjaro Safaris was voted the best ride for toddlers in Animal Kingdom by FAR. You can’t beat riding around in a large jeep and seeing REAL LIFE animals out and about in their huge habitats. 

Not only will you get an up-close look at a bunch of animals, but sometimes the animals will even cross your path! 

After the ride, you’re in the perfect spot to enjoy the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail or hop on the Wildlife Train to Conservation Station. 

Bonus–Best Show for Toddlers at Animal Kingdom Based on the Votes: Festival of the Lion King

The Festival of the Lion King has it all – amazing performers, incredible costumes, and songs everyone loves. I know my family can’t watch this show without singing along, dancing, smiling, and just being in awe. 

What Rides Can Toddlers Ride at Disney World?

Now that we’ve talked about the best Disney World rides for toddlers, let’s take a look at all of your options. That way you’re really able to hone in on your family’s favorites. 

Given the fact that we’re talking about toddler rides at Disney World, the majority of the rides listed below will not have a height requirement. But I’ll make sure to specify if it does have a height requirement, so you know exactly what you’re in for.

The max height requirement I included in this guide is 38”. It’s good to note that just because it made the list doesn’t mean it will be appropriate for your toddler! Every little one is different when it comes to what rides they can handle.

I also organized the rides by location within the park. The last thing anyone wants to do is zig-zag around the park…especially with kids in tow. 

Alright, let’s jump in…

Full List of Toddler Rides at Magic Kingdom

Adventureland 

• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin 
• Jungle Cruise 
• Pirates of the Caribbean

Frontierland

• Walt Disney World Railroad

Liberty Square

• Liberty Square Riverboat
• Haunted Mansion

Fantasyland

• Peter Pan’s Flight 
• It’s a Small World
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – must be 38” or taller
• Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid
• Mad Tea Party 
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant 
• The Barnstormer – must be 35” or taller
• Walt Disney World Railroad

Tomorrowland

• Astro Orbiter 
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover 
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress 
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin 
• Tomorrowland Speedway – must be 32” or taller

Toddler-Friendly Shows at Disney World in Magic Kingdom

• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room in Adventureland
• Country Bear Jamboree in Frontierland (closed for refurbishment at the time of writing this article)
• Enchanted Tales with Belle in Fantasyland
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic in Fantasyland
• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland

Full List of Toddler Rides at Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Boulevard

• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Toy Story Land

• Toy Story Mania!
• Alien Swirling Saucers – must be 32” or taller
• Slinky Dog Dash – must be 38” or taller

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

• Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run – must be 38” or taller

Toddler-Friendly Shows at Disney World in Hollywood Studios

• Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy on Sunset Boulevard
• Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage on Sunset Boulevard
• Disney Junior Play and Dance in Animation Courtyard
• Muppet Vision 3D on Grand Avenue
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! in Echo Lake
• For the First Time in Forever – A “Frozen” Sing-Along* in Echo Lake

Full List of Toddler Rides at Epcot

World Celebration

• Spaceship Earth
• Journey into Imagination with Figment

World Nature

• Living with the Land 
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends 

World Showcase

• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros 
• Frozen Ever After 
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

Toddler-Friendly Shows at Disney World in Epcot

• Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival in World Celebration
• Turtle Talk with Crush in World Nature
• Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along in World Showcase

Full List of Toddler Rides at Animal Kingdom

Pandora – The World of Avatar

• Na’Vi River Journey

Africa

• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Wildlife Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch

DinoLand U.S.A.

• TriceraTop Spin

Toddler-Friendly Shows at Disney World in Animal Kingdom

• Festival of the Lion King in Africa
• Feathered Friends in Flight in Asia
• Finding Nemo – The Big Blue…and Beyond! in DinoLand U.S.A.

Using Rider Switch at Disney World

Here’s the thing about a Disney vacation: it’s a vacation for the entire family–not just the kids. 

So, if you want to ride something that your kiddo can’t or doesn’t want to (because yes, there are plenty of other rides at Disney World than what’s listed above), go for it!

Walt Disney World offers a service called Rider Switch for that exact scenario. Rider Switch allows everyone that can (or wants to) ride an attraction to do so…even if there are some people in your party that can’t (or don’t want to) but also can’t wait by themselves.

How to Use Rider Switch at Disney World

To use Rider Switch, your entire party will go up to the Cast Member at the entrance to the queue of the attraction and let them know you want to use Rider Switch. 

You will break up into two groups. Group 1 will ride first and anyone in group 2 who will be riding next will have their MagicBands or park tickets scanned to add a Lightning Lane for that attraction to their account. 

Group 1 will wait in the standby line to ride the attraction while group 2 waits outside the attraction. We personally like to eat a snack we brought along, take a bathroom break, or head to a play area in the park while we wait. 

When group 1 is done, it will be group 2’s turn to ride. But instead of waiting in the standby line, they’ll be able to go through the Lightning Lane. 

Bonus: if group 2 only has one person riding, they’ll be able to take one other person with them, so they don’t have to ride alone! 

Can Rider Switch be used with Genie+ at Disney World?

It sure can! But here’s the thing…if you want to use Rider Switch for an attraction in which you have a Lightning Lane (which was booked through Genie+), everyone riding must have a Lightning Lane booked. 

In that case, you will still follow the exact steps above. But instead of Group 1 waiting in the standby line, they’ll also get to go through the Lightning Lane. 

Rides that have Rider Switch at Disney World

And finally, here’s a list of all the rides that offer the Rider Switch service.

Rides Included in Rider Switch at Magic Kingdom

• The Barnstormer
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• TRON Lightcycle / Run (in order to use Rider Switch for TRON, everyone who will be riding will need a Virtual Queue boarding group or must have purchased an Individual Lightning Lane)

Rides Included in Rider Switch at Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours
• Tower of Terror

Rides Included in Rider Switch at Epcot

• Frozen Ever After
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (in order to use Rider Switch for Guardians, everyone who will be riding will need a Virtual Queue boarding group or must have purchased an Individual Lightning Lane)
• Mission: SPACE
• Soarin’
• Test Track

Rides Included in Rider Switch at Animal Kingdom

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• DINOSAUR 
• Expedition Everest
• Kali River Rapids
• Na’vi River Journey

Final Thoughts: Best Disney World Rides for Toddlers

I’m not going to lie…this was a fun article to put together! The fact that this list of best rides for toddlers at Disney World was voted on by toddler parents really gives you a good starting point on what your toddler might like. 

So what now? Well, if you want weekly Disney World tips sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter here.  Or go binge all of my Disney content here if you’re in the midst of Disney World planning.