If you are planning a vacation with infants – 3 year olds, you’ll be surprised at just how much how much they can ride. Here are my top pics for the best experiences for toddlers at Walt Disney World.
Magic Kingdom
1. Peter Pan’s Flight – This classic attraction is a must do for every age. Little ones will love flying high above the Nursery, London and on to Neverland. Each ship can hold up to 3 adults so there is plenty of room for everyone.
2. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – The bright colors of this attraction and bouncing of your honey pot will thrill little ones. Be sure to jump in surprise every time you see Tigger. My husband did that on our first trip when my son was 2 years old and it is a tradition for us. He’s almost 10 now!
3. Under the Sea – Voyage of the Little Mermaid – Board a clam shell for a smooth ride through the story of The Little Mermaid. The bight colors and music of this attraction will captivate your toddler.
4. Mad Tea Party – Spin around (or don’t) in your tea cup. Be sure to snap a picture of your child and you can watch them grow over the years!
5. Prince Charming’s Regal Carousel – You can’t get more classic than this century old carousel. Ride it anytime of the day as it never has a long time. This ride has a large capacity with over 90 horses (and remember many parents stand and hold their child).
6. Dumbo – Everyone, no matter their age, loves this attraction. There is a fabulous playground (opens in the late morning) for toddlers to enjoy as they wait their turn to ride. Be sure to take pictures of your child at the Dumbo photo spot located in between the 2 Dumbo rides.
7. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin – Even though they are too little to shoot the gun, they will still enjoy the bright lights and colors. Spin the car around to hear a squeal of delight from your toddler.
8. Aladdin’s Magic Carpet – This attraction closely resembles Dumbo however it has two seats giving it double the capacity. Try to fly your carpet in the direction of the camel spit. So fun!
9. Pirates of the Caribbean – This dark ride can go either way. It is one of my 2.5 year old’s favorite attractions. My son at this age didn’t like it. I recommend viewing a ride through video on YouTube so you can judge for yourself.
Epcot
10. Space Base – There is an awesome playground located at the exit to Mission Space (which they are too little to ride). It is a great place for toddlers to wait on their siblings to get off an attraction.
11. Frozen Ever After – If you have a Fastpass+ or feel confident enough to brave the queue, little ones will love this attraction. You board a boat for a ride though the Frozen story. The bright colors and upbeat songs will have toddlers dancing in their seats.
12. The Three Caballeros – Another boat ride that features bright colors and great music. This one never has a long line.
13. The Seas with Nemo – Board your clam shell for a journey through the ocean to find Nemo and his friends. Afterwards your toddler can voyage through the aquarium and even take a picture inside Bruce’s mouth.
Hollywood Studios
14. Toy Story Mania – Little ones love the twisting and turning of this game. While they can’t really make out what is on the big screens if they don’t have on the 3D glasses, they are still captivated by it. You can either hold them or sit them in the seat if they are big enough to sit still (Molly Kate does at 2.5).
15. Disney Junior Dance Party! – Guests can now sing and dance with Vampirina and more at the Disney Junior Dance Party! The new show features special effects, songs to get you dancing and Characters. Everyone is invited to the party by host Finn Fiesta and DJ Deejay!
Animal Kingdom
16. Triceratop Spin – Board a brightly colored dinosaur for a flight in the air. It seats 4 and the back row controls the up and down movement. It is just like Dumbo and Aladdin’s Magic Carpets in the Magic Kingdom.
17. The Boneyard – This playground is so much fun for toddlers! Plan to spend at least an hour here on your visit. There are slides, caves, rocks and even a dig site.
18. Kilimanjaro Safaris – Take a journey across the savanna as you attempt to spot as many animals as you can. Little ones will enjoy the bumpy ride and the animals that they can see.
19. Na’Vi River Journey – Take a calm boat ride through the beautiful and colorful world of Pandora.
The Characters
Meeting characters can be a fun or traumatic experience for toddlers. Start with a character you think they will recognize (like Mickey Mouse) and stay close. Don’t expect your toddler to just walk up to the character without you at first. Hopefully as the vacation goes on, they will feel more confident.
Character meals can be a great choice for toddlers especially since you aren’t charged for their plate until they are 3 years old. The characters will come around to your table while you dine. Sometimes they will even stand behind your oblivious toddler for really cute shots.
Rider Switch
Since your toddler is not tall enough for the thrill rides, you can utilize Rider Switch. This will enable both parents to ride (taking turns through the Fastpass+ line) and 2 additional Guests to ride with each parent. This is great if you have 3 kids! Learn more about Rider Switch here.
Baby Care Centers
Each park has a Baby Care Center that is a great resource for parents. It has ample changing tables, a semi-private bathroom, a toddler room with television and coloring sheets, microwave, hot and cold water and lots more.
Taking toddlers to Disney World can be a great experience. Just pack plenty of patience and you’ll do fine!
Learn more about planning your Walt Disney World vacation. Plus overwhelmed with all the planning? Destinations in Florida can help you plan your perfect trip.