12 Best Rides at Magic Kingdom for Toddlers Under 48 inches

The Magic Kingdom is the iconic Walt Disney World park. From the day it opened in 1971, it has been “the” theme park to visit, especially with young children. Easily the most popular Disney park, Magic Kingdom is also the busiest park for families. Whether you’re one year old or 70 years old, the whole family can enjoy these picks for the best rides at Magic Kingdom for toddlers.

While Mickey Mouse may be Disney’s most popular character, the Magic Kingdom is certainly its most popular park. From iconic Cinderella Castle to epic roller coasters to nostalgic rides, this park has it all for families.

Not to denigrate the fun at EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, or even Hollywood Studios, but there is just something special about Magic Kingdom Park. This is especially true for families visiting with young children who may not meet the height requirement for the bigger rides.

Which rides are the best for the whole family? Check out our TravelingMom-approved list for the 12 best rides for toddlers at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

TravelingMom Tip: You can now book Disney vacations up to 500 days in advance! That means you can book now for visits in 2022. 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, it 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.

TravelingMom 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!

Read More: Even when you can’t travel to Disney World in person, there are plenty of ways to get your Disney fix while at home!

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.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean

After disembarking the Jungle Cruise, head next door to the classic favorite, Pirates of the Caribbean, to 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 snag a FastPass for this one if you don’t want to wait.

TravelingMom 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.

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!

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.

TravelingMom Tip: Use of one of your FastPass+ reservations here; it is a don’t-miss ride for little ones.

5. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

Continue walking counterclockwise around the Magic Kingdom and you’ll land on 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.

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. If the wait is less than 30 minutes, don’t bother using a FastPass; that time will fly as you all play along the way.

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, so save your FastPasses for another ride.

BONUS Ride: Fairy tale favorite Prince Charming Regal Carousel, 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 and there are no FastPasses available.

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.

Traveling Mom 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.

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 32 inches high 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!

Need help planning your Disney trip? Get all your questions answered from our Disney Planning & Fun Facebook Group!

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 photo of one of your best rides in the Magic Kingdom for toddlers!

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 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.

TravelingMom 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.

Fastpass+: How to Maximize Your Day

We’ve mentioned Fastpass+ several times while discussing the best rides at Magic Kingdom for toddlers. Please check out our full guide to using Fastpass+ before you go.

More Tips for Walt Disney World from Traveling Mom

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:

• Sprinkle Pixie Dust on Your Kids’ Crafting with These Disney Craft Ideas
• How to Make Magical Disney Treats at Home
• Virtual Rides, Imagineer Secrets and More 

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 TravelingMom!

What is your favorite Walt Disney World rides at the Magic Kingdom for toddlers and preschoolers under 48 inches? Please share with us in the comments below.