We visit Disney World regularly and have changed the rides that S goes on based on the appropriateness and height requirements. On our last trip to Disney World, S was 4 (less than one month shy of 5). She does not like loud noises (like thunder). She also does not like anything scary. Here are some of her favorite rides/shows:
Fast Rides
S loves fast rides, so she is all about the roller coasters. These rides do have height restrictions:
- Epcot – Test Track (40 inches) and Soarin’ (40 inches)
- Magic Kingdom – Barnstormer (usually the first roller coaster for kids-35 inches), Seven Dwarf Mine Train (38 inches), and Big Thunder Mountain (40 inches)
Interactive Rides
- Hollywood Studios – Toy Story Midway Mania
- Magic Kingdom – Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin and Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Animal Kingdom – Kilimanjaro Safari, Maharajah Jungle Trek and Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Slow Rides
- Epcot – Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros (Mexico), Living with the Land, The Seas with Nemo and Friends (and the aquarium at the end which you can enter without riding the ride) and Spaceship Earth
- Magic Kingdom – it’s a small world, Dumbo, Peter Pan’s Flight, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Mad Tea Party, and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Animal Kingdom – TriceraTops Spin
Shows
- Hollywood Studios – For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing Along, Disney Junior – Live on Stage, and Muppet Vision 3D (this was her first 3D and she enjoyed it so we will start adding in the others next trip) (S does not like The Little Mermaid show because of Ursula-the scene with her seems quite long)
- Magic Kingdom – Mickey’s PhilharMagic (based on S’s enjoyment of Muppet Vision 3D)
- Animal Kingdom – Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo – The Musical (not currently offered)
Beyond the rides, there is so much more to do at Walt Disney World! If your preschooler enjoys the characters (like S does), you will not be short on opportunities to meet them and get their autographs (when character meet & greets return). In addition, some of her favorites include the parades/cavalcades at Magic Kingdom and the nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom and Epcot (returning July 1, 2021).
*This is not a complete list of all rides or even all rides that a preschooler could go on at Walt Disney World, but a list of the best rides based on my daughter’s experience. Your child may enjoy rides or attractions that my daughter does not care for or vice versus.
If you are visiting Disney World from September through December, your family may be interested in attending either the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
You may enjoy my previous post about Taking Young Children to Disney World.
I am counting down the days until NEXT summer so that I can take florence to Disney! I def think she’ll only be old enough for the slow rides and shows – but that’s fine with me!
She will have so much fun! Some of my favorite trips were when S was little.
My three year olds favorite ride is the Dumbo ride. Both my kids love the movie so they were excited about the ride. My seven year old liked playing inside of the big top more than the acutal ride though. But they pretty much enjoyed all the slow ride at the Magic Kingdom.
The new big top play area entices the kids in that’s for sure! It’s a nice way to pass the time if there is a wait.
Love the photos and I must say many of the rides on your list are actually some of my favorite rides…after all aren’t we all kids at Disney!
That’s so true! I’m perfectly content riding only these rides at Disney 🙂
Great advice for the little ones. I’ve never seen the evil queen out at Disney.
That evil queen stayed in character. My daughter loves to give hugs and when she went towards the queen she made an unpleasant face. She also did not want to be referred to as evil 🙂
All such great choices. We moved to Florida 8 months ago and bought an annual pass so we go a lot. The rides you picked are some of our favorites!
Oh how I wished I lived in Florida and could even more often! Maybe some day!
Great tips…we are planning a trip this next winter and will have a 3 year old with us! I am visiting from Turn it Up Tuesday Linky!
Thank you Jamie! Your 3 year old is going to have a blast!
There is nothing but fun at Disney World!! We are so glad you shared with us at Merry Monday. I hope to see you at the new party beginning tonight at 9pm EST.
Thank you Shirley!