We first visited Walt Disney World with my kids when they were 11 months and 2 years old. It was challenging to travel with them, but Walt Disney World made it so easy.
Of all of the theme parks at Walt Disney World, I feel that the Magic Kingdom is the best theme park for toddlers. It’s the best option for toddler-friendly rides and character meet and greets.
There are plenty of Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers, and in addition to the parades, character opportunities, and scenery, you’ll find plenty of things to do. Here are our favorite Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers.
I am a former Disney Parks Moms Panel member and have been on some complimentary press trips at Walt Disney World, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. A purchase through one of these links may result in a small commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.
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Magic Kingdom Rides for Toddlers
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
This gentle, dark ride is located in Fantasyland. Hop in a honey pot and ride around scenes of Winnie the Pooh and Friends. It’s a good ride to take infants and toddlers on because there’s nothing scary about it. Genie+ is offered for this ride, but the line is generally not too long, especially in the mornings.
Peter Pan’s Flight
One of the most popular rides at the Magic Kingdom for toddlers is Peter Pan’s Flight. On this dark ride, you’ll board a floating boat that will take you through the story of Peter Pan.
There can be long lines for this ride, so I’d recommend getting a Genie+ reservation if you want to experience it. It’s a fun, classic ride that small children will enjoy.
I generally don’t think the long lines are worthwhile, however. If you wait a while for this ride, you may be disappointed.
it’s a small world
It’s a small world is the very first ride I took my children on. It’s always a must-do for us, even though my kids are now older. This “Happiest Cruise That Ever Sailed” takes you through the inhabitants of countries around the world as they sing the catchy song.
It’s a joyful, fun ride that all kids will enjoy. Although Genie+ is offered, the standby queue generally moves pretty quickly. It’s a great ride for the whole family and is also a nice way to cool off and get out of the sun.
The Jungle Cruise
If you are a fan of corny jokes, you’ll want to set sail on the Jungle Cruise. Located in Adventureland, the Jungle Cruise is a ten-minute ride through the “Amazon”. It’s a gentle ride, and adults will appreciate the corny jokes.
This is a popular attraction, so Genie+ is recommended. Wait times can get long otherwise. At Christmastime, the ride changes to the Jungle Cruise Christmas.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
This iconic ride expanded with the new Fantasyland. It always had a long line stretched out across Fantasyland, and the expansion doubled the capacity. My kids always loved this ride, and couldn’t get enough.
Within the big tent is a waiting area where families can spend time out of the sun while waiting for their turn to ride. Genie+ is offered for this ride and may be worth it if you want to save some time. For my kids, it’s always been one of the best Disney rides.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Within Adventureland is the Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride. This Aladdin-themed ride offers magic carpets that you can control up and down. It’s very similar to Dumbo the Flying Elephant, so if your kids enjoy that ride, they’ll love this one.
It’s got a smaller capacity than Dumbo, and the queue is outside. Genie+ is available, although the line never seems to be as long as Dumbo.
Under the Sea: The Journey of the Little Mermaid
One of the newer rides at the Magic Kingdom is Under the Sea: The Journey of the Little Mermaid. It’s a dark ride that will take you through the story of the Little Mermaid.
Although you’ll see Ursula during the journey, it’s not necessarily a scary ride. Keep in mind, however, that your kids may be a little scared during that scene. Genie+ is offered for this ride.
Walt Disney World Railroad
We love taking the Walt Disney World Railroad to get around the park. It has station stops right at the entrance of the park, in Fantasyland, and Frontierland. It’s a good way to get to the front of the park at the end of a long day.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Looking for a more classic ride experience at the Magic Kingdom? The Prince Charming Regal Carrousel fits the bill. It’s located behind Cinderella Castle in Fantasyland.
During busy days at the Magic Kingdom, you’ll probably find the queues for the Carrousel are long. Otherwise, you won’t wait too long to ride. Genie+ is not offered.
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
Located in the new Fantasyland area, this splash area is a great place to cool down. Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station is not a ride – rather, it’s a water play area. Bring along a change of clothes if will want to change your kids after they splash in the water.
Other Magic Kingdom Rides for Toddlers
While they aren’t necessarily something that appeals to toddlers, there are other rides at the Magic Kingdom without a height requirement. Although toddlers can go on these rides, you may find they are a bit scary, so use your discretion. These include Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion.
In addition, there are other attractions that you can bring your toddlers to. While these may be boring for them, they can be a good way to rest your feet and get out of the sun. These include the Hall of Presidents, the Carousel of Progress, and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.
Character Greetings at the Magic Kingdom
As you’d expect, you can find many popular Disney characters throughout the Magic Kingdom. Check the My Disney Experience app to find times and locations.
There are some character greetings at the park that offer Genie+. These can be a great idea if you have characters that you want to see.
Tips for Traveling With Toddlers to the Magic Kingdom
Even if your toddlers do lots of walking at home, you’ll probably want to bring or rent a stroller. We found that the park strollers were a good option when we didn’t need the stroller at the airport or our resort hotel.
While Extra Magic Hours are no longer offered, Disney resort guests can enter the parks 30 minutes before the park opening. This is called early theme park entry. Since young kids are often up early, this can be a great way to get a head start on your theme park day.
Keep in mind that you will need to be staying at a participating hotel to be able to take advantage of the Early Theme Park entry. This includes the Walt Disney World resort hotels, the Swan and Dolphin, Shades of Green, B Resort and Spa Lake Buena Vista, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Holiday Inn Orlando, Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, Wyndham Lake Buena Vista, Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, and Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Visita.
You’ll also have an option when purchasing tickets. Kids under the age of three do not need a ticket, which can make it more of a bargain when traveling with toddlers. However, for your own tickets, you may be wondering whether the park hopper is worth it.
While I typically recommend the park hopper for families, it may not be worthwhile if traveling with toddlers. Switching parks can always be a little taxing, and it’s usually easier to just stay at one park per day with little ones. At this time, you’ll need to wait until 2 pm to hop to a second park.
Finally, if you will be carrying your toddler on a ride, you may consider bringing a baby carrier. It can be easier to carry a child on a ride like it’s a small world and Kilimanjaro Safaris (at Animal Kingdom) if you are hands-free. Don’t rely on the baby carrier exclusively, however, because you’ll get tired and it can be hot.
What are your toddler’s favorite rides at the Magic Kingdom?
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