Photo by Disney Parks

Toddlers often travel to  Walt Disney World with older siblings.  Unfortunately, height restrictions for some rides at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park can leave them feeling “too little” or left out of the fun. Here are my tips for three amazing rides and attractions that toddlers can experience right along with the rest of their family.

Number 3: it’s a small world

Height restrictions: None

Ok parent, hear me out. I know the tune may stay in your head all day long, but this is one beloved ride for your toddler. My three-year-old niece just returned from her first ever Disney vacation and my sister reports that this was a huge hit with her.  The boat ride winds through worlds where children of all nations and races play and sing together happily.  It is a party for the senses with so many colors, details, costumes, animals and of course, that famous tune.  The message of tolerance and unity is pretty powerful too…even for toddlers. Because the boats are fairly large, the wait times are usually pretty manageable as well.

goodbye from it’s a small world

Number 2: The Barnstormer featuring Goofy as the Great Goofini

Height restrictions: 35 inches or taller

Located in New Fantasyland, this is a thrill-ride designed specifically for the younger set who may not meet the height requirements to ride some of the larger coasters.  Hop into an open-air biplane and follow the course that Goofy himself—also known as The Great Goofini—has charted. Running just over a minute long, there are a few small drops on this coaster. This is just enough that your thrill-seeking youngster feels included…but not scared.

DIStracted Tip: You can absolutely ride this coaster with your child; however, the biplane vehicles are designed for kids.  Larger adults may be a bit uncomfortable.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Number 1: Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Height restrictions: None

This 3D movie is a must-do for Guests of all ages, but especially toddlers. The theater is located in Fantasyland and shows on a 150-foot-wide screen run continuously all day and evening.  In the waiting area, each Guest selects a pair of “opera glasses.”  Once seated and Minnie Mouse gives the ok to put on the glasses, the fun begins. The movie is Disney at its best, starring the lovable but wacky Donald Duck on his quest to retrieve Mickey’s missing sorcerer hat. On his journey he encounters many of your toddler’s most beloved Disney movie characters: Ariel, Simba, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Aladdin and Jasmine…and many more.

There is nothing more adorable than watching toddlers and kids of all ages trying to reach out and touch the characters on the screen. They are so close in 3D, they seem real! One amazing scene takes place in Beast’s Dining Hall. Disney enhances the reality of the experience by pumping some favorite cooking smells into the theater as well for a truly immersive experience. And the best part about Mickey’s PhilharMagic? This is equally entertaining for all age groups, the perfect family attraction.

My nieces having a blast together-photo by Kelly Romisher

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