Disney World is a place where we can all be kids again. During a day at the park, a bustling mix of activities and attractions are at your fingertips. Most rides are designed to be experienced as a family, focusing on classic characters and iconic stories. If you’re traveling with children, though, you’ll want to hone in on the best Disney World rides for kids. Appealing in their giant dose of fun, relatively short wait times, and intrinsic design, these are the rides you don’t want to miss.
Dumbo The Flying Elephant
Location: Magic Kingdom
FastPass+: Yes
Height Requirement: None
If you can take a spin on Dumbo The Flying Elephant and not be instantly transported to a happy place, you’re not doing it right. Yes, it’s a simple spinning ride you can find at most amusement parks. But, the ride at Disney ups the ante a bit both in baroque details and high-flying spins with views of Fantasyland. With Dumbo as its central character, it invokes nostalgia for many and new fans out of others.
Turtle Talk with Crush
Location: Epcot
FastPass+: Yes
Height Requirement: None
Who didn’t watch Finding Nemo and fall in love with Crush? The likeable turtle surfer dude comes alive via real-time animation at this attraction, allowing children to interact and chat with him. Take a seat in front of the window to Crush’s ocean world, then watch as he looks at you, calls you by name and lets you ask him any question you may have. Kids are engrossed by the technology, and since each show is improvised, it provides a laugh-out-loud experience because kids really do ask the darndest things.
Kilimanjaro Safari
Location: Animal Kingdom
FastPass+: Yes
Height Requirement: None
Kids can have a short attention span. You can guarantee that won’t be a problem at Kilimanjaro Safari, where a new animal is on the move at every turn. The open-air adventure traverses through a lush African savanna, home to exotic animals like lions and elephants. You’ll be able to see the excitement spread across your kids face as they get unobstructed views of magnificent wildlife. The 20-minute tour will be on your vacation’s highlight reel, especially if your kids is an animal lover.
Walt Disney World attractions lifestyle shoot. April 2013. Photographer: Cynthia Perez
Toy Story Mania
Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
FastPass+: Yes
Height Requirement: None
One word: FastPass. You’re going to need one for this ride, unless waiting in hour(s)-long lines sounds appealing. As one of Disney World’s most popular rides, it attracts endless crowds. Meet your favorite Toy Story pals, Buzz and Woody, across from Mania’s entrance, then climb aboard and step inside Andy’s room for a frenetic, 4D shooting gallery of carnival games. The dizzying display is enhanced with 3D glasses, and as you glide through five unique, virtual games you’ll rack up points as you come face-to-face with your favorite characters from Andy’s toy chest.
Walt Disney World attractions lifestyle shoot. April 2013. Photographer: Chris Sista
Peter Pan’s Flight
Location: Magic Kingdom
FastPass+: Yes
Height Requirement: None
For little ones and big kids alike, the endearing charm of Peter Pan looms large. As one of the original Disney World rides, Peter Pan’s Flight has the perfect appeal of pixie-dusted magic. Transporting riders above London, to the Darling children’s nursery, and off to Never Land, where a battle between Pan and Captain Hook ensures, the ride is a sweet nod to this children’s story of yore.
Walt Disney World attractions lifestyle shoot. April 2013. Photographer: Chris Sista
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Location: Epcot
FastPass+: Yes
Height Requirement: None
Board a clam-mobile, and join the journey to find the once-again missing Nemo. Helping you along the way are Marlin and Dory, as well as schools of other live fish they in the interactive marine-filled aquariums. Brilliant underwater scenes, vibrant colors and real, live fish will keep your kids staring in fasciation and absorbed in a cute story of finding your way back home. Favorite characters like Bruce the Shark and Crush the Sea Turtle join in the fun, too.
Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid
Location: Magic Kingdom
FastPass+: Yes
Height Requirement: None
Every little girl loves Ariel. At this new Fantasyland attraction, you can journey the sea with the famous mermaid and even meet her in a gadget-filled grotto. Cutting edge animatronics, elaborate sets and cherished songs recreate some of your favorite scenes from the animated movie. Watch as Ariel falls in love, frolics with friends like Sebastian, battles with Ursula, and finds love with charming Prince Eric. It’s a feel-good attraction promising that good wins, and wishes do come true. It’s pure Disney and perfect for kiddos.
Ashley Dickey is Reserve Orlando‘s travel expert, visiting Orlando to find the best travel tips, money-saving deals and insider information. With over 10 years of experience in first-hand-travel adventures, she shares her stories, advice, and current events to help you stay in the know.