Top 10 Rides for Young Children at Magic Kingdom

Disney World trip planning can become complicated with young travelers in tow. To make the most out of your time at Magic Kingdom we have come up with a list of the top rides for young children at Magic Kingdom. While Magic Kingdom is packed full of rides and attractions that appeal to this age groupthere are several tried and true options that we know you won’t want to miss. When you are planning your vacation to Disney World make sure to prioritize these rides so you get the most out of your time in the most magical place on Earth.

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1. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin:

This popular attraction allows guests to join in the battle against the evil Emperor Zurg. There is a fun interactive queue area, which is a good thing because there is usually a long wait. There is a photo op during the ride so be prepared. This is a good contender for a FastPass+ reservation although we would prioritize getting a FastPass+ reservation to Seven Dwarf’s and/or Peter Pan’s Flight above this one.

Location: Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is located in Tomorrowland. Look for the entrance across from Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover.

2. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

This is a cute, simple flying ride but the real treasure is in the interactive, indoor play areas that your children can use while you wait. I could go on and on about this but I think it’s one of the very best lesser known tips for visiting Disney World with young kids. It’s truly pure Disney gold. Kids need some unstructured playtime and this is the perfect opportunity for them to run around and get a break from the sun, heat and waiting in long lines. The play areas are in a circus-themed tent and are separated by age. Parents can also take a load off at one of the nearby bleachers that while not the most comfortable are still an air-conditioned spot to sit down while your kids run free which is going to sound pretty fabulous after you’ve been up to your ears in magic.

How it works:

Enter the line like you normally would for any other attraction until you reach the interactive play area.
Once at the interactive play area you will then be given a pager just like at a restaurant that will go off once it is your turn to ride. Your little one can enjoy the play areas until it’s your turn to ride.
Once your pager goes off return it to a Cast Member and wait in a final small queue before boarding.

For the ride itself, you can move the joystick to make your elephant move up or down. Because of this amazing setup this isn’t a ride I would recommend using a FastPass+ reservation on.

Location: Dumbo the Flying Elephant is located in Storybook Circus.

3. A Small World Mad Tea Party

Is your tot basic? Then they are going to love this basic spinning tops ride. Your kids will love trying to make you hurl while they control how fast their cup spins by pushing along the turntable at top speed. The ride takes a while to load and unload and that combined with its popularity among the younger set means it can have longer lines at times. Some characters from Alice and Wonderland frequently make surprise appearances here including Alice herself, Tweedle Dum, Tweedle Dee and the Mad Hatter.

Your FastPass+ reservations are generally best used elsewhere. However, this can be a great extra FastPass+ reservation to pickup once you have used the three you’ve booked in advance since there are often same day FastPass+ reservations available.

Location: A Small World Mad Tea Party is located in Fantasyland right by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

4. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

This attraction gives guests the opportunity to ride a honey pot through Hundred Acre Woods as a storybook unfolds featuring Pooh and all his friends. It’s absurdly cute and the interactive queue is a favorite of both young children and adults alike. There is not a height requirement. Kids who are into the characters from Winnie the Pooh may also enjoy the nearby The Thoughtful Spot where they can meet Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too.

Location: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is located in Fantasyland between Storybook Treats and Mad Tea Party.

5. Peter Pan’s Flight

This is one of the more popular rides at Magic Kingdom and for good reason. Modeled after the original Peter Pan ride in California that has been operating at Disneyland since opening day in 1953, it is a low tech but imaginative journey through the story of Peter Pan. It’s a nostalgic classic and “must do” attraction while you are visiting Magic Kingdom. As such, lines are almost always long and we recommend getting a FastPass+ reservation for this ride when available or visiting it first thing in the morning especially if you are able to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours.

It’s important to note that you will be “flying” over the story scenes so that could be a concern children who are afraid of heights. There is not a height requirement for this ride.

Location: Peter Pan’s Flight is located in Fantasyland.

6. Prince Charming Regal Carousel

This classic carousel is tot crowd favorite. It is not FastPass+ reservation eligible and the line can get long though it does move fast. Rumor has it that the horse located in one of the middle rows with the gold ribbon around it’s tail is Cinderella’s own horse. Cinderella’s evil Stepsisters occasionally make appearances here and can be seen pointing out and commenting on people riding the carousel.

Another hot tip, the stroller parking by Prince Charming Regal Carousel that is multiple rows deep can be notoriously difficult to locate your stroller in. Cast members have to move strollers constantly to fill in gaps so your stroller may not be where you originally left it though they are EXTREMELY helpful in helping you locate your stroller. Of course please remember to be nice to cast members, they are there to help!

Location: Prince Charming Regal Carousel is located in Fantasyland right behind Cinderella’s castle.

7. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

Guests ride in clam shells on this “dark-ride” style attraction that uses special effects to make guests feel like they have gone into the movie set. The queue for this attraction is setup to look like Prince Eric’s castle with many similarities to the film. Important to note that although this ride takes place “under the Sea” you will not get wet! There is no height requirement for this ride. Journey of the Little Mermaid is FastPass+ reservation eligible though your FastPass reservations are generally best used elsewhere. Same day FastPass+ reservations often become available here so once you use your first three FastPass+ reservations you may want to see if you can get a FastPass for this attraction.

Location: Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid is located in Fantasyland right behind Cinderella’s castle.

8. Barnstormer Featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini

Barnstormer Featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini is specifically designed for children but is lots of fun for adults as well. At only 1.5 minutes it’s the perfect “warm up” roller coaster. A huge bonus is that the lines are often short throughout the day. Rider share is available at this ride so be sure to take advantage of that benefit if you are traveling with other children who do not meet the height requirement. In full disclosure, my oldest absolutely adores this ride and talks about it obsessively so I had to include it on this list. There is a height requirement of 35 inches to ride.

Location: Barnstormer is located in Storybook Circus.

9. Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train

For kids who are a little bit older this roller coaster can be a quick favorite. While it still can be considered a “warm up” roller coaster it is noticeably more intense than Barnstormer and could be seen as the next step up if they are ready for more after Barnstormer. There is a height requirement of 38 inches. Rider share is available at Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train and is a great option for families traveling with children who do not meet the height requirement to ride.

Location: Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train is located in Fantasyland across from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. You can usually find it by the wrap-around line.

10. Tomorrowland Speedway

Kids will love this miniature roadway where they can race fellow drivers (please note they have to be 32 inches tall to drive with a passenger supervisor). Top speeds are seven miles an hour so they wont be breaking the sound barrier but it’s plenty fast enough for them to have a great time. Word of caution, the track can be loud and although drivers are instructed not to bump into one another it does sometimes happen. There is a height requirement to drive of 32 inches.

Location: Tomorrowland Speedway is located in Tomorrowland (of course) right by Mad Tea Party.