Best Rides for Toddlers at Magic Kingdom

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Partners statue at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is a great park for families with young children. You can find many rides for small children and other popular attractions there. Photo credit: Sarah Gilliland

Are you taking a little one to Disney World? If you’ll be heading to the Magic Kingdom with a kiddo under 48 inches, we’ve got the list you need. Since opening in 1971, Magic Kingdom has been an iconic family favorite.  We also love EPCOT, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios but Magic Kingdom is filled with nostalgia. From parades to Cinderella Castle to Mickey Mouse and traditional character meet and greets we love MK. Whether you’re one year old or 70 years old, the whole family can enjoy these rides at Magic Kingdom for toddlers, who may not meet the height requirement for bigger rides.

Best Magic Kingdom Rides for Toddlers

Which rides are the best for the whole family? Our approved list of the 12 best rides for toddlers at Magic Kingdom. Even if your child is scared of Disney’s Magic Kingdom rides at the start of the day, we’re sure they’ll love these suggestions.

SheBuysTravel Tip: You can now book Disney vacations up to 500 days in advance! That means you can book now for visits all the way into 2026. All it takes is a $200 down payment. The balance isn’t due until 30 days prior to travel. You can get details on this, as well as help booking, from our partners at Get Away Today. Not only does the company have the lowest prices, but it also offers a best price guarantee. If you ever find park tickets cheaper, Get Away Today won’t just match the price, the company will beat it.

1. Jungle Cruise

This was one of Walt Disney’s original rides. It developed from his desire to have live animals in the parks. The Jungle Cruise, located in Adventureland, is a quick boat ride through the animatronic jungles of Asia, Africa and the Amazon. The corny jokes will fly right over most kids’ heads, but parents and grandparents will get a chuckle out of them. This is a ride the whole family will enjoy together. During the holiday season it gets a “rebrand” to Jingle Cruise!

SheBuysTravel Tip: Start your journey after leaving Main Street USA by traveling around the theme park in a counterclockwise path, or left to right. Since the crowds tend to move right to left, you’ll already be starting your day on the right foot!

2. Pirates of the Caribbean

After disembarking the Jungle Cruise, head next door to the classic favorite Pirates of the Caribbean. You can try to spot Captain Jack Sparrow. This indoor boat ride is calm but does have a few dark moments at the beginning that could cause little ones some anxiety. Wait times for this ride can vary widely depending on the time of day. Check the My Disney Experience app and Disney Genie Service to see current wait times.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If your kiddos did well on Pirates of the Caribbean (especially during the darker parts) they might be ready for the Haunted Mansion. You’ll ride in a “Doom” Buggy through a host of ghostly settings. Most are more silly than scary.

image of sign for it's a small world boat ride at Magic Kingdom
it’s a small world is a nostalgic favorite for kids, parents and grandparents. Photo credit: Sarah Gilliland

3. it’s a small world

Next, you’ll want to head to Fantasyland and check out the nostalgic it’s a small world. One of the top Magic Kingdom rides for toddlers, it’s another classic boat ride families can enjoy together. Disneyland’s version of this favorite ride is both indoors and outdoors, but Disney World’s version is entirely indoors. Enjoy this attraction and sing along. You know you want to!

view of a bedroom in the queue of Peter Pan's flight, 1 of 12 Best Rides at Magic Kingdom for Toddlers
The little ones are drawn into the story of Peter Pan as they walk through the queue, which is the Darling’s home. Photo credit: Dee Dean

4. Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight is one of the most popular rides in the Disney World parks. The queue is fun and interactive, which can make long wait times more bearable. The ride itself is a calm “flight” through the well-known story of Peter, Wendy, John, Michael and the gang from Neverland.

Ariel appears as a ship's masthead figure in front of her themed ride at Magic Kingdom
Guests will sing along with Ariel and friends on her ride. Photo credit: Sarah Gilliland

5. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

Continue walking counterclockwise around the Magic Kingdom and you’ll land at Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid. Similar to Peter Pan’s Flight, this is also a dark, indoor ride. Travel through the story of Ariel’s life as depicted in The Little Mermaid animated film. The music is undoubtedly the best part of the ride, so have fun singing along.

This ride is continuous load which means that wait times are traditionally very low. Perfect for an impromptu afternoon cooling ride. We’ve rarely seen wait times go above 20 minutes.

entrance sign for the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh hangs off of a prop tree at Magic Kingdom
The Winnie the Pooh ride is a slow, easy ride for families. Photo credit: Sarah Gilliland

6. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

A sometimes overlooked ride, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a colorful jaunt through the world of Christopher Robin and his friends. Don’t miss the queue on this one! Even now, I have great difficulty dragging my girls away from all of the fun they have with the games and interactive aspects of the queue.

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Read More: How to Stay Cool at Disney, Even in the Summer

pretty pastel tea cups with riders sitting in them at the spinning tea cup ride in Disney's Magic Kingdom
Ride the teacups on the Mad Tea Party ride at the Magic Kingdom. Photo credit: Sarah Gilliland

7. Mad Tea Party

Add a little more nostalgia to your day with a trip around the teapot in the Mad Tea Party. Sometimes called the “Teacups” or the “Alice in Wonderland Ride,” this attraction is located between the Tomorrowland Speedway and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Typically there are not long lines.

BONUS Ride: Fairy tale favorite Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, located next to Mickey’s Philharmagic, is a classic Magic Kingdom attraction. It does not have a height requirement. However, it didn’t make our list of best rides at Magic Kingdom with toddlers because the lines can sometimes be long.

Dumbo elephant car at Magic Kingdom in the play area
Dumbo the Flying Elephant has a play area for families before you get on the ride. Photo credit: Nasreen Stump

8. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Slow your spinning down a bit and enjoy Dumbo the Flying Elephant in Storybook Circus. This attraction is another example of “waiting is half the fun” because of the indoor play area in the queue. It might be difficult to tear the kids away from all the fun to actually ride the ride, so take those moments to recharge those parent batteries!

Do you have a daredevil toddler who is a little peeved that they’re missing out on Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? Next to Dumbo the Flying Elephant is the Barnstormer. This junior roller coaster is a good “thrill ride” for brave toddlers who are 35″ or taller.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, located near Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, is a similar style ride. Dumbo made our list as the better option because of its indoor play area.

image of the tomorrowland speedway entrance sign against a blue sky with white clouds at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
Racers get ready to drive on the Tomorrowland Speedway! Photo credit: Sarah Gilliland

9. Tomorrowland Speedway

The first time my girls rode the Tomorrowland Speedway, they were hooked. Although there is a height requirement to drive solo, little ones who are at least 32 inches tall can drive with a passenger who is at least 54 inches tall. The thrill on your little one’s face will be priceless as she races her fellow competitors around the track. Don’t worry, though; the speed limit of seven miles per hour won’t put anyone in harm’s way!

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evil emperor Zurg glows in neon at Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin one of the best rides at Magic Kingdom for toddlers
Defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin! Photo credit: Sarah Gilliland

10. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Whether little ones understand the “game” of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is irrelevant. If they are Toy Story fans, the fun of battling the evil Emperor Zurg with the help of Buzz Lightyear will thoroughly entertain. Don’t forget to smile for the camera at the end to get a Memory Maker PhotoPass picture of one of the best rides in the Magic Kingdom for toddlers!

Read More: Here’s Where All of the Disney PhotoPass Cameras are Hidden on Rides!

view of the PeopleMover ride at Magic Kingdom Disney World
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover rides high in the sky. Photo credit: Sarah Gilliland

11. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Finally, when everyone needs a moment to rest and recover together, hop on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. This ride takes you high in the sky over Tomorrowland and includes great views of the Cinderella Castle, TRON Lightcycle / Run as well as inside views of Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

The ride is very calm, and the slight breeze is often a welcome respite from the hot Florida sun.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Looking for more ways to escape the Orlando heat? We have two shows that while not exciting for toddlers offer blessed air conditioning:

  • In Frontierland’s Liberty Square, the Hall of Presidents is a show using audio-animatronics. It runs continuously all day and will give you 25 minutes for a quick cool down. 
  • On the other side of the park is Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Located near the Astro Orbiter, it will buy you 21 minutes of air conditioning.

12. Astro Orbiter

Looking up at this attraction, you may think that it is for older kids. But it has no height requirement. Soar over Tomorrowland in your own two-passenger spacecraft. Kids will love “blasting off” and controlling the spacecraft with a lever that moves it up and down.

More Tips for Walt Disney World with Toddlers (and Everyone Else)

  • Everything You Need to Plan the Best Disney World Vacation Ever!
  • Tips on How to Plan Your Multigenerational Family Vacation at Disney World
  • Learn How to Enjoy EPCOT with Preschoolers
  • The Best Age to Visit Disney World
  • Best Parks at Walt Disney World for Toddlers
  • Best Disney World Rides for Preschoolers and Grandparents
  • Bring the Disney magic home with these Disney recipes, Disney crafts and Disney at-home activities.

Where to Buy Discounted Disney Tickets

We recommend purchasing your Disney tickets through Get Away Today. Not only does the company have the lowest prices, but it also offers a best price guarantee. If you ever find park tickets cheaper, Get Away Today won’t just match the price, the company will beat it. If you call to make your purchase be sure to mention SheBuysTravel!

What are your favorite Walt Disney World rides at the Magic Kingdom for toddlers and preschoolers under 48 inches? 

Sarah Gilliland is a mom to fraternal twin girls and a baby boy, lover of road trips big and small, and a passionate SEC football fan (War Eagle!). Although her father’s military service took her all over the world as a child, Sarah’s family now calls Birmingham, Alabama home. Sarah happily shares the ups and downs of her parenting journey at On the Road with Sarah. When she’s not writing or traveling, Sarah is digging deep into a good book, binging on Netflix, or planning other people’s vacations.
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6 responses


  1. What are the recommended rides/attractions to use fast pass on at epcot, mk, and animal kingdom if we are traveling with a 9 month old?

  2. Such a nice article!

  3. We plan to do a 1 Day Park Hopper between for parks. We have a 4 year old daughter and 10 and 13 boys. Any suggestions

  4. Hi. I have a 3.5 year old and a little one of 16 months. Will these be suitable for the Baby also? As we don’t get tickets for the baby, do they just let them on with parents?

    Also which of these are worth using fast passes for?

    1. Hi Andrew! Thanks for your comment! I hope your family’s trip is a blast! A child without tickets may go on any ride accompanied by a parent, even if the child doesn’t have a FastPass (no tickets=no way to get a FastPass). I would highly recommend a baby wearing device if you have one! Secondly, the most popular ride out of the ones listed is Peter Pan’s Flight. DEFINITELY get a FastPass for it. The other most popular rides are Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Tomorrowland Speedway. Because you are limited to 3, it will be a personal preference which other two you choose to get FastPasses for. Hope this answer is helpful to you!

  5. Thank you for this! We’re going in February with our 5 & 2 year old & I’ve been worried about what the youngest could ride because it’s been awhile since I’ve been (2000). Very helpful and looking forward to our trip.

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