The Magic Kingdom is Walt Disney World’s most iconic park. From opening day in 1971 to the present, it has become “the” park to visit, especially with young children. Easily the most popular park, Magic Kingdom is also the busiest park for families looking to add a little pixie dust to their vacation. These are our picks for the best rides at Magic Kingdom for toddler and preschoolers.
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11 Best Rides at Magic Kingdom for Toddlers and Preschoolers
TravelingMom Tip: Start your journey by traveling around the Magic Kingdom left to right. Avoid the crowds that tend to move right to left, and you’ll already be starting your day on the right foot!
1. Jungle Cruise
The Jungle Cruise, located in Adventureland, is a fun, nostalgic ride through the animatronic jungles of Asia, Africa, and the Amazon.
Toddlers and preschoolers will especially enjoy “the 8th wonder of the world,” the backside of water!
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
After disembarking the Jungle Cruise, head next door to the classic favorite, Pirates of the Caribbean. This indoor boat ride is calm but does have a few dark moments at the beginning that could cause little ones some anxiety.
Soon enough, you’ll hear that familiar refrain and all fears will be forgotten as you sail away with Jack Sparrow and his crew.
Read More: Which Disney Nighttime Shows are Best for Little Ones?
3. It’s a Small World
Next, you’ll want to head to Fantasyland and check out It’s a Small World.
Another classic ride that families can enjoy together. Yes, the song can get old, but the bright colors and teachable moments never do.
4. Peter Pan’s Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight is popular for many reasons. The relatively new queue is fun and interactive, and the ride itself is a calm “flight” through the well-known story of Peter, Wendy, John, Michael, and the gang from Neverland.
TravelingMom Tip: This ride would be a great utilization of one of your FastPass+ reservations, and for sure, one you want to put on your list as best rides at Magic Kingdom for toddlers.
5. Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid
Continue you on your counterclockwise path around the Magic Kingdom and you’ll land on Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid.
This ride is similar to Peter Pan’s Flight as it is a dark, indoor ride through the story of Ariel’s life depicted in The Little Mermaid animated film. The music is undoubtedly the best part of the ride, so have fun singing along (you know you want to!).
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 aspect of the queue. If the wait is less than 30 minutes, don’t bother using a Fast Pass.
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 situated between the Tomorrowland Speedway and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Waits are usually not long, so save your Fast Passes for another ride.
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 playground in the queue.
It might be difficult to tear the kids away from all the fun to actually ride the ride, so take those moment to recharge those parent batteries!
9. Tomorrowland Speedway
My girls have always loved the Tomorrowland Speedway. Although a height requirement to drive solo, little ones who are 32 inches high can drive with someone over 54 inches high in the passenger seat.
The thrill on your little one’s face will be priceless as they race their fellow competitors around the track. Don’t worry, though, as the speed limit of seven miles per hour won’t put anyone in harm’s way!
10. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Whether or not little ones understand the “game” of this ride is irrelevant.
If they are a Toy Story fan, 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, and include a photo of one of your best rides in 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 Magic Kingdom 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.
More tips for Walt Disney World from Traveling Mom
Looking for more great information on taking preschoolers to the Magic Kingdom? Check out this video on how to save money at Disney, and more great tips from my fellow Traveling Moms!
Tips on How to Plan Your Multigenerational Family Vacation at Disney WorldBest Disney World Rides for Kids Under 5
Learn How to Enjoy Epcot with Preschoolers
The Best Age to Visit Disney World
Best Parks at Walt Disney World for Toddlers, In Order
The following Traveling Mom’s assigned to “Team Dumbo” collaborated on this article (left to right), Front Row: Denedriane (Dee) Dean, Serendipity TravelingMom; Kristi Mehes, Multidimensional TravelingMom; Diana Rowe, Traveling Grandmom; Sarah Gilliland, Twins TravelingMom; Meagan Wristen, Single TravelingMom; Tim Jones, Traveling Dad. Back Row: Dana Zucker, Luxe TravelingMoms, Amy Albers, Inquisitive TravelingMom; and Sue Rodman, TravelingMom with Teens.
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.
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?
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!
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
Such a nice article!