Traveling with Baby to Disney World...What Attractions Can We All Do at Magic Kingdom?

Wishdrawals Agent Aubrey and her
girls meeting Mickey Mouse

We hear this question frequently. "I want to plan a trip to Disney World, but I have a baby. Will we just have to skip all the big rides? What attractions can the baby do?"

Walt Disney, in his infinite wisdom, wanted to create a park where parents and children could explore and ride rides together--not parents on the bench while children ride and not children unable to ride most of the rides that big kids and adults may want to do. He created parks where most of the rides are appropriate for all ages--babies, adults, expectant mothers, and even seniors! The short answer is that any ride without a height restriction is fine for a baby, but let's explore a little more!

At Walt Disney World, you'll find the greatest number of attractions in Magic Kingdom.

In Magic Kingdom, only a few rides have height restrictions so little ones cannot ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Barnstormer, and Space Mountain. Tomorrowland Indy Speedway also has a height restriction of 32", so that only excludes really young children. Most children reach that height by 2 or 3 years of age.

I would use caution in exploring Swiss Family Treehouse with its many ladders; you really need both hands to climb, so consider skipping this one unless your little one is in a sling or baby carrier or old enough to climb unassisted. I'd also use caution with Mad Tea Party unless you opt not to spin the tea cup! I'd also skip Astro Orbiters; this ride spins really fast!

Note: Hall of Presidents, Carousel of Progress, and the Walt Disney Railroad are great locations for taking a break or a nap!

Wishdrawals Agent Emily's husband and daughters
enjoy Prince Charming Carousel

So, what rides are good for your little ones? These are our favorites:

• it's a small world
• Dumbo
• Peter Pan
• Under the Sea
• Enchanted Tales with Belle
• Peter Pan
• Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Mad Tea Party (without the spin)
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel
• People Mover
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• Jungle Cruise
• Shows: Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, Enchanted Tiki Room, Carousel of Progress
• Meeting any of the princesses or costumed characters
• Exploring Tom Sawyer Island (no strollers allowed!)
• Festival of Fantasy parade, Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party, and Happily Ever After fireworks show
  

  

  Wishdrawals Agent Nicole's daughter gets kisses from Cinderella!

Attractions that may be good for your little ones. Any of these are fine for little ones to ride but you might choose to skip:

• Enchanted Tales with Belle: It does have a cute story line that the littlest visitors may not understand, but definitely visit if you have a toddler or a preschooler!
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin: It can be a little jerky and have quick spins depending on who is working the stick that spins the car!
• Pirates of the Caribbean: It's a dark ride and does have one small drop in it. Babies may not like the cold damp feeling, the small drop, or the loud "canonfire."
• Shows: Mickey's Philharmagic (a little loud and requires 3D glasses)
• Happily Ever After fireworks show: Beautiful to see but use caution if your little one startles easily or doesn't like loud noises!

Remember that if others in your party want to ride any of those attractions with a height restriction and your little ones are too young and/or small to ride, simply ask a Cast Member working the ride entrance how to use Rider Swap! That allows you to take turns experiencing the attraction while at least one adult waits with the little one.

Next week we'll take a look at Epcot's attractions.

Susan Burks is a military wife and a homeschooling mom to a chess playing space-loving 12 year old! In addition to many Disney World trips, Susan has done nine Disney cruises and one Disneyland trip! Her next venture will be Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Hawaii!