Is Magic Kingdom Worth it for Toddlers?
The park has a ton of rides, but little kids aren’t tall enough for all of them. Is Magic Kingdom worth it for toddlers? Without a doubt, it is. There is plenty for them to do.
Is Magic Kingdom Worth it for Toddlers?: Things to Consider
1. Your Kid Might Be Free
2. What Do You Need to Bring?
3. How Do You Get There?
4. How Long Do You Need?
5. Utilize Rider Switch
6. Rides for Toddlers
7. Do You Need Front-of-the-Line Passes?
8. The Shows Are Toddler-Friendly
9. There is a Baby Care Center
10. You Can Rent a Stroller
11. There Are Characters
12. There Are Toddler-Friendly Restaurants
13. Don’t Miss the Splash Pad
14. There Are Places to Explore
15. The Parades Are Perfect for Toddlers
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Is Magic Kingdom Worth it for Toddlers?
1. Your Kid Might Be Free
If your kid is two or under, he or she gets in free. It should be easy to get that amount of value from the visit. The question, however, is whether the rest of the family will be happy with the experience with this short person holding you back. Spoiler alert: They will.
Pro tip: Don’t pay full price. There are ways to save at Disney. Check out Undercover Tourist for discounted tickets and purchase discounted gift cards before your trip to cover your food cost.
2. What Do You Need to Lug Through the Park?
It’s hot at Disney World. It gets even hotter when you’re carrying unnecessary items. Don’t overpack. Be sure to check the weather before your trip so you know what to expect. Don’t forget:
A. A poncho
B. Nausea medication (for adults)
C. Headache medication
D. A hat or sunglasses
G. Sunscreen
H. Snacks (outside food is allowed)
I. Diapers, wipes, and any other baby stuff you need in a typical day
3. Transportation and Parking
Guests of Disney’s on-property resorts can take resort transportation to the park for free. Depending upon your resort, you may access the park by boat, monorail, or bus.
Buses start running about 45 minutes before park opening time. You want to be at the front of the line when the bus arrives, so get to the stop at least an hour before the park opens.
It is less of an issue for the boats and monorail, but you still want to line up an hour ahead of time if being one of the first into the park is important to you.
If you don’t think your toddler will be able to handle a long wait for a bus after a long day at the park, try to pick a resort with access to the monorail (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, or Polynesian).
If you drive to the park, the parking fee is $30 per day for standard parking and between $45 and $55 per day for preferred parking depending upon the day.
4. How Many Days Do You Need for Magic Kingdom with a Toddler?
Can Magic Kingdom be done in a day with a toddler? It can in theory, but it is nearly impossible if you want to do everything at a toddler’s pace. Build in a second day so you don’t have to rush and can ride your favorites more than once.
Pro tip: If you stay at a Disney World hotel, take advantage of early park entry.
Bonus pro tip: Consult a crowd calendar to pick a less crowded day to visit.
5. Utilize Rider Switch
Does Magic Kingdom have child swap? It sure does.
Toddlers can’t ride everything that you can. Fortunately, Disney World has a Rider Switch program that allows multiple adults to ride things that their short companion cannot.
When you arrive at the ride, notify an employee that you want to use the program. You will wait in line one time with your entire party. One adult stays with the child while the other rides, and then the adults switch without having to wait in line a second time.
Pro tip: If you have an older child, he or she can ride with both adults.
6. What Can a Two-Year-Old Ride at Magic Kingdom?
Is Magic Kingdom good for a two-year-old? When it comes to rides, it certainly is.
Rides for Everyone
Astro Orbiter
Astro Orbiter has rockets that spin around in a circle like Dumbo the Flying Elephant. However, they fly much faster and much higher. An elevator is required to reach the cars. This provides for a nice view and a line that moves at a painfully slow pace.
Note: If you are prone to motion sickness, this is not for you.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: No
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Tomorrowland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
The Barnstormer
The Barnstormer is a small roller coaster with a picture of Goofy. There is nothing exceptional about the ride or the queue, but it is enjoyable for kids who can’t get on the bigger rides.
Height requirement: 35″
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Fantasyland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is a Toy Story-themed, laser shooting attraction. It is slow-moving with a lot of neon colors. Competitive kids will inevitably cry when their siblings beat their scores. Toddlers aren’t competitive yet, so it will work out nicely.
Pro tip: The line can get long, but you can usually walk on multiple times in the morning. This ride is generally not a one-and-done for kids who care about winning.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Tomorrowland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Dumbo the Flying Elephant has been at the park since it opened in 1971. You can’t watch a Disney World commercial without seeing an elephant whiz by.
Pro tip: The line loads slowly, but there is a play area in the queue.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Fantasyland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion has also been around since opening day. It is a slow-moving attraction through a dark, haunted house. It has a ton of detail, some of which may be too scary for some young kids. Most toddlers will be fine.
Pro tip: The scariest part is an elevator the stretching room you enter prior to boarding your ride vehicle. A man with a scary voice laughs, the room goes dark, and you see a person hanging from the ceiling. Not great for small kids. You can skip this part. Ask an employee to walk you around if need be.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Liberty Square
Will toddlers like it?: Possibly, if it doesn’t scare them.
“it’s a small world”
“it’s a small world” is a slow-moving boat ride that has been at the park since opening day. Despite the weird lack of capitalization and its subtly racist undertones, it is worth a visit.
This 14-minute boat ride takes you through several air-conditioned rooms representing different cultures (as of 1971 with some updates to incorporate intellectual property). There is a ton to see, the music is catchy to young kids, and there is no shortage of color and dancing dolls.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Fantasyland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Jungle Cruise
Jungle Cruise is another opening day original attraction. Fresh off an update to make it more politically correct, this slow-moving, 10-minute boat ride has animatronic animals throughout. There is a live skipper telling jokes, all of which will fly right over a toddler’s head.
Pro tip: This ride routinely has a long line in the sun. Visit early.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Adventureland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Liberty Square Riverboat
Liberty Square Riverboat is a giant boat that has been at Disney World since 1971. The entire experience takes around 17 minutes. There is never a wait beyond waiting for the next boat to arrive. It is nothing about which to write home, but it is somewhere to sit down and kill time in the afternoon.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: No
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Liberty Square
Will toddlers like it?: Eh. At a minimum, they can walk around if they get bored.
Mad Tea Party
Mad Tea Party is an iconic ride with spinning teacups that have been at the park since opening day. You control how fast the cups spin, so most adults grip the wheel and make it more difficult. Toddlers aren’t strong so you should be able to take them.
Pro tip: The line can get longer than the ride justifies. Try to visit this one early.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Fantasyland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a ride in a circle on carpets. The line gets stupid long in the middle of the day. It is not worth any kind of a substantial wait.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Adventureland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Main Street Vehicles
The Main Street Vehicles drive you up and down the street in front of the castle. Options include a horse-drawn trolley, omnibus, jitney, and fire engine.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: No
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a slow-moving (but kind of jerky) ride through the Hundred-Acre Wood. It is a short, three-minute ride with an acid-trip vibe to it. Little kids who watch the show and haven’t spent time in a dorm will enjoy it.
The line gets long and loads slowly. If this ride is a priority for your family, consider heading there first.
Pro tip: The queue has things with which kids can play while they wait.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Fantasyland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Peter Pan’s Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight is another opening-day attraction. You fly in a slow-moving boat over London and other scenes from Peter Pan. It is a unique experience with a lot to see.
The ride is short, lasting only three minutes. You may find this frustrating after a long wait.
Pro tip: This line gets long. However, the queue is worth a look if you don’t have access to Genie+. You walk through the Darlings’ bedroom.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Fantasyland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean has been at Disney World since the 1970s. This indoor, slow-moving boat ride has a lot to appreciate. It also has crime, guns, loud noises, darkness, and alcohol consumption. Fortunately, a toddler is unlikely to notice.
The ride is seven minutes of air-conditioned bliss. It is definitely worth a try.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Adventureland
Will toddlers like it?: Probably. Some may find it a little scary.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (not a typo) is like any other merry-go-round. It is not special, but its location next to the castle makes it more appealing than the one offered at your local county fair. It has been around since the park opened in 1971.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: No
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Fantasyland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Speedway lets your kids drive cars through a long race track. Smaller kids won’t be able to reach the pedal, so you will need to participate.
It is not a smooth ride. The area is accompanied by a distinct odor. The queue is set in the blazing hot sun. This ride isn’t for everyone, but it is perfect for a kid who wants to drive.
Height requirement: 32″
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Tomorrowland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is a ride on a track above Tomorrowland. The cars ride through buildings with views of the Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear rides.
The ride lasts about 10 minutes and rarely has a substantial wait. It is a great place to relax for a few minutes. Little kids will love it.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: No
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Tomorrowland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Under the Sea~Journey of the Little Mermaid
Under the Sea~Journey of the Little Mermaid is a slow-moving, air-conditioned ride through scenes from the movie in a clamshell. The colors are bright and fun. It also reminds middle-aged women who grew up with the movie of childhood, sans the priest wood and box cover with a phallic symbol.
The ride is a decent length, seven minutes, and almost never has a wait.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Fantasyland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Walt Disney World Railroad
Walt Disney World Railroad is a train that takes you around the park. This is largely a mode of transportation, but it is a nice break from walking.
Height requirement: None
Genie+ accepted: No
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Fantasyland, Frontierland, Main Street, U.S.A.
Will toddlers like it?: Possibly, if they don’t get bored.
Rides for Tall Toddlers
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is an outdoor roller coaster ride on a train. It is mild enough for younger kids but is not a kiddie coaster.
Pro tip: This line can get long, and it is not in air conditioning. Try it at night for a cooler wait and views of the park lit up.
Height requirement: 40″
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Lightning Lane attraction: No
Location: Frontierland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes, if they can tolerate speed.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is a roller coaster in which some animatronics are sprinkled. It is short, lasting less than three minutes in total.
The line is always long. Like two hours long. Crowds of people run to this ride at rope drop faster than people in Pamplona move to try to avoid that bull. You won’t win the foot race with young kids.
Height requirement: 38″
Genie+ accepted: No
Lightning Lane attraction: Yes
Location: Fantasyland
Will toddlers like it?: Yes, if they can tolerate speed.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (Not Yet Open)
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, formerly Splash Mountain, is a Princess and the Frog-themed water ride in a flume. This is great in the summer, and miserable when it’s cold outside. You will get wet. Bring a poncho.
Assuming the ride is similar to its predecessors, it will be slow-moving for the most part with substantial drops that may be too much for younger children.
Height requirement: 40″
Genie+ accepted: TBD
Lightning Lane attraction: TBD
Location: Frontierland
Will toddlers like it?: TBD, but expect a substantial drop at the end of the ride that may be scary for young kids.
7. Do You Need Front-of-the-Line Passes?
Genie+
Genie+ allows you to reserve spots to skip the line on certain attractions throughout the day. The cost varies by the day.
Is Genie+ worth it with a toddler? God. Yes. I wouldn’t visit without it.
Individual Lightning Lanes
Individual Lightning Lanes require guests to pay a fee to ride a specific attraction one time. As of the time of this writing, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and TRON Lightcycle/Run are the only two rides that require this purchase.
Toddlers are too short for TRON. If you want to pay to skip the always very long line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, I fully support your decision.
8. There Are Shows
Country Bear Jamboree
Country Bear Jamboree has been around for a long, long time, opening in 1971. It’s obvious. Animatronic bears sing and tell jokes that are inappropriate for young children. Fortunately, they likely won’t be able to understand what they are saying anyway.
This is a good attraction for people who appreciate the history and want to get out of the sun. You will never have to wait beyond waiting for the next show to start. Save this for the afternoon.
Location: Frontierland
Genie+ accepted: No
Will toddlers like it?: Maybe. The animatronics are cute, but hard to understand.
Enchanted Tales with Belle
Enchanted Tales with Belle is a Beauty and the Beast-themed live show. Select children are invited to participate. If your kid is not selected, this could be a real downer. It is very popular, so prepare accordingly if it is a priority for you.
Location: Fantasyland
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
The Hall of Presidents
The Hall of Presidents is a show with a crazy long video followed by every president together onstage (in animatronic form, not like a bunch of corpses). The current president gives a speech. Toddlers won’t understand any of it, but, air conditioning.
The attraction never has a wait beyond waiting for the next show to start, so it is a great option for the afternoon. The indoor queue has some interesting stuff to see as well, so a minor delay is tolerable.
Location: Liberty Square
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Will toddlers like it?: Probably not. It’s too slow.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Mickey’s PhilharMagic is a 3-D movie during which Mickey conducts an orchestra. Instruments fly and Donald Duck gets mad. There is never any wait beyond waiting for the next show. Visit this one in the afternoon.
Pro tip: Do not waste a Genie+ selection on this attraction.
Location: Fantasyland
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is a show wherein the audience helps Mike Wazowski collect laughter. Cameras zoom in on audience members to mock them. The line usually isn’t much longer than waiting for a show or two. This is a great afternoon attraction.
Pro tip: Do not waste a Genie+ selection on this attraction.
Location: Tomorrowland
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Will toddlers like it?: Possibly. The jokes will go over their heads.
Nighttime Fireworks
Disney fireworks put your hometown’s display to shame. They are long, filled with intellectual property, and blast your child’s favorite songs throughout. The shows change periodically, but all are impressive. Check the offerings at the time of your visit.
Pro tip: In addition to the fireworks in the sky, there are typically projections on the castle. If you care about seeing these, camp out early or consider a dessert party.
Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
Genie+ accepted: No
Will toddlers like it?: Yes, but bring noise-canceling headphones.
Streetmosphere Entertainment
Throughout the day, there are short, outdoor shows starring characters and barbershop quartets. Check the offerings at the time of your visit.
Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
Genie+ accepted: No
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
The Carousel of Progress is even older than Disney World itself. It opened at the World’s Fair and has bounced between Disney World and Disneyland since.
The attraction has a moving theater with an animatronic family talking about different periods in history. The story is slow, to say the least, but I’m sure it wasn’t in 1964. The last scene features a futuristic family if the future were the 1990s.
The attraction has air conditioning and there is never a wait, so it is a good option for the afternoon.
Location: Tomorrowland
Genie+ accepted: No
Will toddlers like it?: I don’t see it holding their attention.
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room is an air-conditioned show wherein animatronic birds squawk at you. There is never any wait beyond waiting for the next show to start. It is a great place to sit down and cool off in the afternoon.
This attraction was originally developed in the 1960s for Disneyland. It shows, but not necessarily in a bad way. There is an I Love Lucy vibe if Lucy and Ricky were birds.
At one point during the show, the lights are turned down and there is loud thunder. My toddler super hated that part.
Pro tip: Dole Whips are sold outside the theater. You’re allowed to bring them into the show.
Location: Adventureland
Genie+ accepted: No
Will toddlers like it?: Possibly. It might make them nervous.
9. There is a Baby Care Center
There is a baby care center near the entrance between Casey’s and The Crystal Palace. It includes rocking chairs for nursing, changing tables, high chairs, a microwave, a sink, and a store that sells baby items.
10. You Can Rent a Stroller
Disney World offers stroller rentals with both single-day and length-of-stay options. You can pick them up near the entrance.
Pro tip: You can almost definitely find cheaper prices with an independent company that will deliver to your hotel. Do a little research if you don’t want to bring yours from home.
11. There Are Characters
In addition to the facilities listed below, you can often meet several other characters in scheduled places.
Pete’s Silly Side Show
At this location, you can meet the Fab Five characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto) dressed in circus gear.
Location: Fantasyland
Genie+ accepted: No
Princess Fairytale Hall
You can meet various princesses throughout the day at Fairytale Hall. The lines get long. If this is really important to you, consider heading there early.
Location: Fantasyland
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Town Square Theater
Town Square Theater is a place to meet Mickey Mouse. There is nothing special about the room itself. If your kid is not dying to meet Mickey Mouse, you can skip it.
Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
Genie+ accepted: Yes
12. There Are Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Is it worth taking a two-year-old to Disney World? If they like characters, the dining cannot be beaten.
Aloha Isle
Aloha Isle is a quick service that serves ice cream and Dole Whips. Use mobile order.
Location: Adventureland
Be Our Guest
Be Our Guest is a table service restaurant in the Beast’s Castle. The Beast peaks his head in and waves occasionally. Belle is nowhere to be found. The atmosphere is awesome, but the food is crazy expensive. We personally didn’t think it was worth it, but you might.
Pro tip: These reservations go extremely fast. Make yours early if you want to visit.
Location: Fantasyland
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Cinderella’s Royal Table is a princess character meal in the castle. It is incredibly expensive, but it might be worth a visit if you have a princess fan in your house. Make reservations as soon as you are able. They go fast.
Pro tip: Breakfast is cheaper than the other meals.
Location: Fantasyland
The Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace is a character buffet featuring Winnie the Pooh characters. It has meat and potatoes-type cuisine and only serves lunch and dinner.
Location: Main Street, USA
13. Don’t Miss the Splash Pad
Casey Jr. Splash ‘n Soak is a Dumbo-themed splash pad with circus trains and animals shooting water. It is one of the best attractions for toddlers who don’t like rides. They will most certainly get wet.
Location: Fantasyland
Genie+ accepted: No
14. Places to Explore
Is Magic Kingdom worth it for toddlers? When it comes to places to run around, it is.
Cinderella Castle
You enter Magic Kingdom onto Main Street, U.S.A. facing Cinderella Castle. It is something to see. There is no question about that. Family photos will be had.
Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
Firehouse
There is an antique firehouse on Main Street. It won’t take you long to walk through, but it will be interesting for transportation-loving kids.
Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
Swiss Family Treehouse
Swiss Family Treehouse is a walk up and around a tree house with some decorations. There are a lot of stairs, so be prepared if you will need to carry children.
Location: Adventureland
Tom Sawyer Island
Tom Sawyer Island is an outdoor section with structures to explore and places to climb. You access it via raft, which involves a line, but it is rarely long.
Location: Frontierland
15. The Parades Are Perfect for Toddlers
Cavalcades
When Disney World reopened, in the interest of not getting shut down again, it tried to limit crowds by discontinuing big parades and fireworks shows. Instead, a couple of characters randomly drove down the street in a cavalcade. Parades are back, but cavalcades are still around.
The cavalcades are much smaller than the big parades, but the floats are still intricate, characters wave, the music is loud, and you don’t have to fight crowds to watch. Wins all around.
Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
Genie+ accepted: No
Festival of Fantasy Parade
If your kids care about characters, this parade should not be missed. The floats are amazingly detailed. Festival of Fantasy show times vary, but you can count on it being hot while you watch. Be ready for the heat.
Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
Genie+ accepted: Yes
Final Thoughts – Is Magic Kingdom Worth it for Toddlers?
Is Magic Kingdom worth it for toddlers? It absolutely is. The rides, shows, characters, play areas, parades, and dining options are all amazing for little kids.
Visit Disney World with toddlers. You won’t regret it.
