Disneyland and Disney World are popular vacation destinations for kids of all ages, but not all rides and attractions are appropriate for younger kids. If you are planning a trip to Disneyland with little kids, you may wonder what rides and attractions are best. Here’s our list of Disney’s California Adventure Rides for little kids.
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Disney’s California Adventure Rides for Little Kids at Disneyland California
Before leaving on your vacation, check the Disneyland website to see the current height requirements and ride changes/closures. It’s always a good idea to be prepared in advance so there’s no disappointment with your kids when you arrive.
Disney Jr Dance Party
When my kids were little, the previous iteration of this attraction was among their favorites. The Disney Jr Dance Party is a must-do for any kids who love the most popular shows on Disney Junior.
This is a show, not a ride. It runs for about 30 minutes, so you’ll want to check the schedule in the Disneyland app. Characters at the attraction are always subject to change, but currently, they include Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Mickey, and Minnie.
Golden Zephyr
The Golden Zephyr is a retro outer space-themed spinning ride, located in Paradise Gardens Park. Because of its location, it closes early when the Worlds of Color show is playing.
The ride vehicles of the Golden Zephyr are old-fashioned space gondolas, where multiple people sit in one vehicle. There’s no height restriction.
While it spins and goes up in the air a bit, it’s a mild ride. Lines are generally not too long.
Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
The Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is a new-ish ride at Disney’s California Adventure. It’s located on Pixar Pier, and there is no height restriction. It also generally doesn’t have too long of a line.
You’ll board a “Memory Mover” vehicle, accommodating up to about four passengers. It spins and goes up in the air but is very mild. It’s a cute ride and is fun for kids who are fans of Inside Out.
Jessie’s Critter Carousel
Located on Pixar Pier is Jessie’s Critter Carousel, which was previously King Triton’s Carousel of the Sea. It’s a traditional carousel themed for Toy Story.
There are no ride height requirements, which is great for younger kids. Jessie’s Critter Carousel does close to accommodate World of Color, so be sure to ride this attraction early before it closes.
The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Board a clamshell ride vehicle (accommodating 2-4 passengers) and travel through Ariel’s adventure under the sea. As you ride through the scenes, you’ll see all of your favorite parts of The Little Mermaid and hear your favorite songs (including Under the Sea).
This is a fun ride for kids of all ages, with no height restriction. There are scenes with Ursula that may be a little frightening, but they aren’t overly scary.
The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is located in Paradise Gardens Park and has a covered queue. Lightning Lane is offered here.
Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
Based on the original Monsters, Inc. movie, this dark ride is located in the Hollywood Land section of Disney’s California Adventure. It’s tucked away in a corner, so you’ll want to check the map to ensure you know exactly where it is.
The ride itself takes you through the story of Monsters Inc. as Mike and Sulley travel to return Boo back home. This ride has no height restriction, and a Lightning Lane is available.
Pixar Pal-A-Round – Non-Swinging
One of the centerpieces of Pixar Pier at Disney’s California Adventure is the Pixar Pal-A-Round. This Ferris wheel features both swinging and non-swinging gondolas. There are separate lines to choose which experience works best for you.
The non-swinging gondola is probably your better option if traveling with little ones. While both types have no height restriction, the swinging cars is more of a thrill experience.
Toy Story Midway Mania!
Toy Story Midway Mania, located on Pixar Pier in Disney’s California Adventure, is one of the most popular rides at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. As you travel around in this 4D game, you’ll see various midway-style games in which to compete. There’s some strategy involved, but it’s a mild ride experience for little ones.
Toy Story Midway Mania is very popular, so expect long lines. Lightning Lane is available and is highly recommended. There’s no height restriction on this attraction.
Turtle Talk with Crush
Turtle Talk with Crush is a live show in Hollywood Land’s Disney Animation Building. Show times can be found in the Disneyland app – it’s best to check before you head in that direction so you don’t have to wait too long.
The show features Crush, the large sea turtle from the Finding Nemo movies. Kids can sit in the front of this theater and directly communicate with Crush through the sea window (a video screen). Crush interacts with audience members, and the show is a really fun experience for kids.
Animation Academy
Animation Academy is next to Turtle Talk with Crush in the Hollywood Land’s Disney Animation Building. In this experience, you’ll get the opportunity to learn how to draw one of Disney’s iconic characters from one of Disney’s animators.
The drawing process is broken down into easy-to-learn steps, and everyone leaves with their very own drawing as a souvenir. This experience runs every 30 minutes.
WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure
Located in the park’s Avengers Campus section, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure is an interactive dark ride. After a brief pre-show, you’ll be loaded into a ride vehicle where you’ll battle rapidly replicating Spider-Bots.
This is a popular ride, and Lightning Lane is available. I recommend riding it first thing in the morning or utilizing Lightning Lane.
What is your favorite Disney’s California Adventure ride for young kids?
