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Many parents worry there are not enough Disneyland rides and attractions for babies and toddlers, but amusements for all ages abound at this California theme park. The best part? The entire family can enjoy most of these activities together. As a Disney enthusiast and former multi-year Annual Passholder, I have visited the Happiest Place on Earth a multitude of times with my two children. Buckle up for the 21 best Disneyland rides for toddlers and young children. (Save your time in the theme parks with my picks for the popular kiddie rides that can be skipped, too!)
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Concerned about height restrictions? Don’t be! Every one of these Disneyland attractions is open to all ages and sizes, except one (noted below).
1. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Fantasyland in Disneyland
Everyone loves Dumbo the Flying Elephant — especially babies, toddlers, and preschoolers! Riders soar through the air on the backs of magical pachyderms on this circular ride. There’s something very sweet and uplifting about experiencing Dumbo with little ones, so I suggest kicking off your day here.
2. It’s a Small World
Fantasyland in Disneyland
It’s worth getting the cutesy Small World song stuck in your head all day for the smiles this slow ride will induce for your child. Plus, you get a big return (an 8-minute ride) for your small investment (typically a brief wait in line). As a travel lover, It’s a Small World’s make-believe journey around the globe holds a special place in my heart.
3. Peter Pan’s Flight
Fantasyland in Disneyland
One of the original rides at Disneyland, Peter Pan’s Flight remains one of the park’s most popular rides, and for good reason. Riders feel like they’re flying over the rooftops of London aboard a pirate ship with The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up along with his fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell.
Many of the dark rides in Fantasyland can be scary to toddlers and babies, so I suggest trying out the less intimidating and more whimsical Peter Pan’s Flight before attempting others. Queue up early in the day for this attraction to minimize long wait times.
4. Minnie’s House and Meet Mickey House
Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland
When your family tires of waiting in lines, these walk-through attractions in Mickey’s Toontown provide an interactive experience for little kids. The side-by-side houses belong to none other than Minnie Mouse and her beau, Mickey Mouse.
These attractions especially appeal to toddlers and preschoolers with their bright colors and plentiful buttons and dials to explore. When the famous residents are home, you might even get to snap a pic with these Disney characters, too.
5. Jungle Cruise
Adventureland in Disneyland
Adults will chuckle (or groan) at the humorous commentary of the adventure guides aboard a Jungle Cruise. As for young kids, I remember believing I had actually been to Africa and back when I set sail on this slow-moving boat ride during my first trip to Walt Disney World at age 4. This classic Disneyland ride is a great choice for the whole family to enjoy together.
6. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Critter Country in Disneyland
This brightly colored attraction is one of my children’s all-time favorite rides! The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is tucked away in Critter Country where you can typically walk right on without waiting in line for long.
Bonus: You can often meet Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and other favorite characters from the Hundred Acre Wood at a meet-and-greet spot near the ride’s exit.
7. Pixar Pal-A-Round
Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure
Formerly the Sun Wheel and then Mickey’s Fun Wheel, this huge Ferris wheel provides a great aerial view of the Disney California Adventure Park.
Every Pixar Pal-A-Round gondola is decorated with an image of a beloved Disney•Pixar movie character. Be on the lookout for Woody, Buzz, Dory, Nemo, Mr. Incredible, Joy, Sadness, Lightning McQueen, and others.
Those who suffer from motion sickness should skip the long lines for the swinging, scarier gondolas and opt for the fixed ones.
8. Disneyland Railroad
Disneyland
I have yet to meet a young child who is not enthralled by choo-choo trains! Climb aboard or disembark the Disneyland Railroad at Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Mickey’s Toontown, or New Orleans Square.
The best part is the “surprise” trip through the Grand Canyon and Primeval World (a scene of Animatronic dinosaurs) between Tomorrowland and Main Street U.S.A.
9. The Enchanted Tiki Room
Adventureland in Disneyland
Birds and flowers serenade the audience in this pleasant indoor show, giving your family time out of the sun (or rain, as the case may be). Rest your tootsies in the Enchanted Tiki Room while the baby nurses or sips a bottle.
Beware of a brief, somewhat scary tropical “thunderstorm” with loud noises and flashing lights at the end of the show.
10. Alice in Wonderland
Fantasyland in Disneyland
If your youngster fared well on Peter Pan’s Flight, then give the second most cheerful Fantasyland dark ride a go. Board an oversized caterpillar for a journey through White Rabbit’s House, Tulgey Wood, and the Queen’s Garden.
Portions of this great ride travel through the outdoors, giving a reprieve from the scary dark factor. Some small children may find the Queen yelling “Off with their heads!” a bit intimidating. But a merry unbirthday party, silly characters, and bright colors lighten the mood.
11. Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure
A Bug’s Land in Disney California Adventure Park used to be one of the best places for babies and toddlers at Disneyland, with four sweet rides that catered to young guests. This area shut down to make room for Avengers Campus. It opened in 2021, with attractions that appeal to older kids and teens at Disneyland.
Families, however, can still enjoy a reimagining of one of the old Bug’s Land rides. Similar to Flik’s Flyers, Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is a ring-shaped flying ride. Opened in 2019, this attraction spins riders in gentle circles in baskets hanging from “Core Memory” balls from Inside Out. It’s definitely a joy-filled Disneyland ride for toddlers and babies.
12. King Arthur Carrousel
Fantasyland in Disneyland
Most tots love a carousel. Youngsters can saddle up on King Arthur’s classic hand-carved horses in Fantasyland. It may seem like a boring choice to grown-ups, but not so for kiddos!
13. Jessie’s Critter Carousel
Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure
Meanwhile, in Disney California Adventure Park, Jessie’s Critter Carousel replaced King Triton’s Little Mermaid-themed carousel. Opened in 2019, this yodeling ride features wilderness friends from the make-believe Woody’s Roundup television show featured in Toy Story 2.
13. The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Paradise Garden in Disney California Adventure
Little girls and boys alike will adore embarking on this “under the sea” adventure. Board a clamshell to view The Little Mermaid and a dancing chorus of her marine animal friends in this dark but darling ride.
14. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island
Frontierland in Disneyland
Young children need space to let loose and PLAY. Forget standing around in lines for a while and let those little legs run free at Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island!
Traveling aboard a log raft to and from the isle adds to the adventure. Once there, search for lost pirate treasure while exploring mysterious caves, paths, and suspension bridges. This was my brother’s and my favorite Disneyland attraction when we were young kids!
15. Main Street Vehicles
Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland
Why walk when you could take an entertaining journey down Main Street, U.S.A. aboard one of the charming Main Street Vehicles? Choices include a Jitney old-fashioned automobile without a roof, an old school Fire Engine, and an open-air two-story Omnibus. Of course, most children will want to climb aboard the Horse-Drawn Street Car.
16. Storybook Land Canal Boats
Fantasyland in Disneyland
If the weather is pleasant, Storybook Land Canal Boats are delightful. Cruise through the mouth of El Monstro the whale on a mellow boat on this outdoor ride. View miniaturized versions of Disney fairytales like Frozen, Aladdin, and Cinderella while a cast member tells the accompanying stories.
17. Snow White’s Enchanted Wish
Fantasyland in Disneyland
Formerly named Snow White’s Scary Adventures, this ride used to be renowned as one of the most terrifying attractions at Disneyland. I mean, scary is right in the name!
In 2020, the ride was revamped and given its new name, Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. It’s less intimidating to younger guests now. There is still a scene where the Evil Queen looks in a magic mirror, then turns around to reveal a frightening old witch instead. However, Disney eliminated the ride’s jump scares and added LED lighting to make the ride less ominous. Still, I advise checking out more lighthearted dark rides to find out if it’s a good idea to board with your toddler or preschooler.
18. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster
Mickey’s Toontown in Disneyland
Adventurous older toddlers and preschoolers will want to give Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster a try. Formerly known as Gadget’s Go Coaster, this mild roller coaster was refurbished and reopened in 2023 with “nutty” touches.
This a great way to let young children experience their very first time on a coaster! (With a 35″ height requirement and duo seating, this attraction was designed for one adult and one child to ride together.)
19. Pirates of the Caribbean
New Orleans Square in Disneyland
Babies and toddlers tend to be too young to feel scared aboard Pirates of the Caribbean. So go ahead and embark on a swashbuckling voyage with Captain Jack Sparrow and other marauding pirates. It’s a long (nearly 16-minute) gentle boat ride that gives everyone a chance to rest their feet and get out of the elements.
Preschoolers, however, are another thing. With more awareness, comes fear. This boat ride takes place in the dark and there are pirates howling, “Dead men tell no tales.” Overhead faux gunfights can be scary, too. Plus, some kids might be frightened by a couple of mellow drops at the beginning of the ride.
20. Mark Twain Riverboat
Frontierland in Disneyland
Board an authentic recreation of a real Mississippi River paddleboat in the heart of Disneyland. Since the ride boards up to 400 passengers all at once, the wait tends to be manageable, too.
Take in the scenery of the Rivers of America and set a spell on the 14-minute roundtrip journey. Since children aren’t buckled in, they can get a bit of their wiggles out as you cruise.
21. Sailing Ship Columbia
Frontierland in Disneyland
Kids may be more excited to set sail on the same waters aboard Sailing Ship Columbia. Swiveling mounted guns and a below-deck maritime museum add to the allure.
The 110-foot-long, full-rigged vessel is a replica of the Columbia Rediviva, an 18th Century sailing ship. This ship sails less often than its riverboat sister and can accommodate up to 300 parkgoers at a time.
Rides to Skip in Fantasyland with Young Children
Lots of families seem to barely leave Fantasyland. That’s a shame because, as you can see, there’s plenty to explore beyond that one albeit magical land.
Your time at Disneyland with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers is limited. In my opinion, there are a few attractions you can skip in Fantasyland to make room for other amusements.
Mad Tea Party
Although there are no height restrictions for Mad Tea Party, you might to give this one a pass unless you go gaga for getting dizzy. Children’s sense of equilibrium tends to readjust faster than that of adults, so your little ones might want to give this classic ride a whirl but parents might want to give it a pass.
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride typically has a shorter queue than the rest of the rides in Fantasyland. And for good reason. It’s scary.
Why? First of all, it’s a super dark ride. Second, the storyline is freaky and unknown to most kids and adults. It’s based on the 1949 Disney movie, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad. Lastly, there are jerky movements, loud noises, and a heated room filled with devils.
When my son was a baby, I strapped him into his Baby Bjorn and brought him onto this Disneyland attraction. Bad idea! He clawed at my face in fear with his little baby nails the whole time.
Casey Jr. Circus Train
It looks adorable, I will give you that. This whimsical train chugs over hills, through green valleys, and past some of the same tiny fairytale scenes as the Story Land Canal Boats. But the seats are terribly small for grown-ups. And heaven forbid you get stuck crouched in one of the caged cars.
Pinocchio’s Daring Journey
Frankly, I didn’t know if I should Pinocchio’s Daring Journey on the must-ride or must-skip list. It really depends on your baby, toddler, or preschooler.
If the line isn’t too long and your child enjoyed other dark rides like Peter Pan’s Flight, Alice in Wonderland, and Snow White’s Enchanted Wish — then queue up! But I wouldn’t spent too long waiting. Like the movie for which it was made, this ride tends to seem a bit scarier than other Disney offerings.
Why Visit Disneyland with Babies and Toddlers
Before I brought my daughter to Disneyland to celebrate her first birthday, some well-meaning friends warned, “It’s better to wait until she’s 5 or 6 to go. What’s the point in taking her now? She won’t even remember it.”
But when I held my birthday girl in my arms as we soared through the air on Dumbo’s back and she clapped her hands, grinning and baring her two teeth, I knew that moment mattered. Even if she doesn’t remember it, for that slice of time she and I were soaring through joy.
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Learn More Disneyland Tips
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Read these tips for visiting Disneyland with kids, including tips for nap time and Baby Care Centers for younger kids and rider switch options for parents and older siblings.
Traveling with older children, too? Be sure to take a peek at the scariest rides at Disneyland like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Haunted Mansion, and Splash Mountain.
Keep these Disneyland Tips for Future Reference
Headed to Disneyland with a baby or toddler? Be sure to keep these 10 best Disneyland tips for toddlers and babies. Just pin the image above to Pinterest for safekeeping. Follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!
What do you think are the best rides at Disneyland for toddlers and babies? Let us know in the comments below!
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