Toddlers present a unique challenge for families visiting Walt Disney World. While they’re old enough to have an opinion about what’s going on around them, they can’t yet distinguish what’s imaginary from what’s terrifyingly real.
The following attractions are all free of height restrictions so you’re welcome to take children of any age. However, as you’ll quickly find, not all experiences that are open to small children will be enjoyable for them.
The Best Attractions for Toddlers…
1. Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Magic Kingdom
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a classic attraction that guests of all ages are welcome to fly on. Dumbo was so popular that it spawned a twin in the New Fantasyland. Walt Disney World visitors today will find two identical Dumbo attractions spinning side-by-side.
The best part of this attraction is hidden from sight, though. Inside the circus tent you’ll find an interactive indoor playground for children to enjoy midway through the queue. Even if your little ones don’t want to take to the skies, they can still pop in here and play to their heart’s content.
2. Tom Sawyer Island, Magic Kingdom
Tom Sawyer Island isn’t a ride, but it still qualifies as an attraction because you’ll find plenty to do and explore. It’s an ideal spot for little ones to explore, run, and burn off energy. You can’t walk to Tom Sawyer Island. Look for the small raft dock in Frontierland near Big Thunder Mountain.
3. Conservation Station, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Conservation Station is another open area where children can stretch their legs and explore. At first glance, this spot looks a little dry for the younger set. There are a lot of science exhibits that will go over their heads. However, with the right adult, this becomes a thrilling place to see wildlife up close. Many of the habitats have windows that are low to the ground so toddlers can peer right in. Rafiki is here for a meet and greet as well.
Don’t miss the Song of the Rainforest rooms at the back where you relax on soft benches, put on headphones, and listen to a presentation from Grandma Willow. Even if your children don’t listen, this is a great place to quietly breastfeed or give your child a bottle while you enjoy the peace and quiet.
4. Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, Epcot
Image: Disney
The Gran Fiesta Tour is inside the Mexico pyramid in Epcot’s World Showcase. The line is rarely long, so your impatient preschoolers won’t have to wait long for the adventure. The slow-moving boat ride is bright and colorful so there’s lots to see. Even the smallest visitors can stay engaged from beginning to end.
5. Disney Junior – Live on Stage, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Image: Disney
Disney Junior – Live on Stage is a puppet show starring popular characters from Disney Junior cartoons. If your child is familiar with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Sophia the First, Doc McStuffins, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates, they’ll find lots of familiar faces here. The only drawback is that everyone – including parents – has to sit on the floor, so longer legs can easily fall asleep before the end of the show.
The Worst Attractions for Toddlers…
1. It’s Tough to Be a Bug, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The premise behind It’s Tough to Be a Bug seems kid-friendly, so plenty of parents take small ones into this 3-D show. The maps include plenty of warnings, but even these don’t properly underscore how terrifying this attraction can be. The seats sting you in the back, spiders descend from the ceiling, bursts of air simulate flying objects coming toward you, and Hopper makes an impressive, yet very frightening appearance.
It’s not at all uncommon to hear several children crying before the show is over, and the bugs that crawl under you before you exit can be the last straw that leads to a full on melt down by the time you get out.
2. Pirates of the Caribbean, Magic Kingdom
Pirates of the Caribbean is another slow-moving boat ride, so it’s tempting to think that if you can manage It’s a Small World, you’ll do just fine on this. The problem with Pirates is that there’s a pitch-black drop at the beginning, cannons that can get you soaking wet if you’re in the wrong spot, and plenty of chaos to make small ones nervous.
3. The Great Movie Ride, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Great Movie Ride is a slow-moving ride through the movies with wide bench seating so anyone is welcome aboard. It’s generally less intimidating if you’re further back in the vehicle, but there are several elements to this ride that can frighten small children. Your car gets hijacked by a live actor halfway through in a hail of gunfire (and possible real fire, depending which scene you’re in). Aliens pop out of the ceiling and walls in the Alien scene, and there are plenty of snakes to accompany Indiana Jones.
Editor’s note: This one may not apply to everyone. My little boy smiled cheerfully up at the “terrifying” alien as if he had stumbled across Mickey Mouse himself.
4. Ellen’s Energy Adventure, Epcot
Image: Disney
Ellen’s Energy Adventure takes a full 45 minutes. If you have a high-energy toddler, this is not the attraction for you. It also has dinosaurs which can be frightening for some. The educational storyline will go right over the head of a toddler. If you’re gearing up for nap time, however, this isn’t a bad place to relax and let little ones rest. Just make sure you’re ready to commit to the entire experience.
As with anything related to children, there are exceptions to everything. Some toddlers may love our worsts while others despise the bests. However, these guidelines should give you a good idea of which attractions are really best or worst for your toddlers based on their interests and personalities. The most important thing is to know what you’re headed for long before you reserve a FastPass or wait through a long line.
