Exploring Magic Kingdom with a Toddler

Our last Disney day of the trip was spent at the Magic Kingdom, which made it a very bittersweet day for me.  Magic Kingdom is an amazing park to do with toddlers, because there are so many rides that they can go on, in addition to multiple character meet and greets.  Honestly, there’s no shortage of things to do, which makes exploring Magic Kingdom with a toddler so much fun. All the rides on this list have no height requirement. 

Here are our favorite Magic Kingdom rides, in no particular order:

1. Jungle Cruise

Found in Adventureland, this boat ride takes you through the perilous jungle, where you’ll meet various animals who have waylaid a group of explorers.  I highly recommend this one, and it’s even better if you can go after dark.  The boat guides are so witty, which the adults and older kiddos enjoyed.  The animals are funny, which the little ones enjoyed.  Big win all around.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean

Another boat ride found in Adventureland, this one through the high seas where pirates rule.  For those of you who have never ridden this ride, there is a small drop.  I was worried about how Poppy (my toddler) would react, but she took it in stride and was much calmer than some of the adults in our group.  There really was so much for Poppy to see, and she really liked when I would sing along to the song (even though I’m slightly tone deaf).

3. Peter Pan’s Flight

Heading over to Fantasyland, this ride is a must-do.  You actually board a magical ship that takes flight over London and heads into Neverland, where you get to see all of the best moments from “Peter Pan.”  Poppy absolutely loved it and was pointing at all the things.  Not to mention, the line you wait in is interactive, which makes the experience even more exciting.

4. “it’s a small world”

Yet another boat ride in Fantasyland, this one around the world.  There was music, there was dancing, there were bright colors…everything you could need to entertain a toddler.  Will the song get stuck in your head?  Yes.  Will it be worth it to see your toddler light up?  Big yes.

5. Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid

Take a trip through your favorite “The Little Mermaid” movie scenes in this Fantasyland musical adventure.  Let me tell you, this ride was amazing!  No one in our shell transportation could sit still due to all the fun songs.  Those, paired with the intricate scenes, had Poppy pointing her little fingers everywhere. 

6. Dumbo the Flying Elephant

This quintessential Disney ride has you soaring over Fantasyland in everyone’s favorite elephant.  This ride is sure to be suitable for every age group; enough of a thrill for kiddos that are a bit older and tame enough for the littles.  As a mom, I appreciate the photo opp before the ride, where you can go ahead and take pictures inside a stationary Dumbo replica. 

7. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

This Fantasyland ride takes you on a journey straight out of a Winnie the Pooh story.  Riding in an oversized honey pot, you get to explore the Hundred Acre Wood with your favorite characters.

8. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Found in Tomorrowland, this tram ride takes you from the past to the future, allowing you to reminisce on the origins of Disney World and peek into Space Mountain.  This ride is definitely more informational than thrill; however, it’s highly recommended for those kiddos who still take naps.  As a matter of fact, if your child is napping when you come back around to exit the ride, the Cast Members will allow you to continue your ride.

9. Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

The mighty Emperor Zurg is at it again!  This Tomorrowland ride is an engaging laser shooting game with the goal to defeat Zurg.  By the end of the ride, Poppy got into it and tried to shoot as well.

Other Toddler Favorites at Magic Kingdom:

1. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Out of all the shows and rides we experienced, this was hands-down Poppy’s favorite.  Found in Adventureland, the show is a mixture of wonderful songs and witty banter as various birds and flowers come to life.

2. Princess Fairytale Hall

This is the perfect meet and greet opportunity, located in Fantasyland, where each of the two lines allow you to meet two different princesses.  If you have a little princess, or prince, of your own, make sure you don’t miss out.

3. Disney Enchantment

For the first time ever, the fireworks experience extends down Main Street, U.S.A. in a stunning spectacular.  With the music, fireworks, and special effects, this is something to make sure you extend your park day to include.

4. Pinocchio Village Haus

Found in Fantasyland, this eatery has several food options for the family. As with all things Disney World, it’s also beautifully decorated to reflect a cottage in Pinocchio. (A big plus: if you sit near the windows you can see inside “it’s a small world,” which will offer toddler entertainment while waiting for food.) Find out more using this link.

What else can I do while exploring Magic Kingdom with a toddler?

There are several toddler friendly rides that we didn’t prioritize since we had already ridden them at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which you can read more about here.  These include The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Haunted Mansion, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, and Mad Tea Party.  All of them have no height requirement.  Other attractions that we just didn’t have time to do but will hit on our next trip are: Swiss Family Treehouse, Tom Sawyer Island, Country Bear Jamboree, Liberty Square Riverboat, and Astro Orbiter.  There isn’t a shortage of things to do with your toddler at Magic Kingdom.  I’d definitely make it a two-day park, if you have the flexibility to do so. 

Would I Do This Park Again?

I actually wish we would’ve had another day to explore this park!  When you think of all things Disney, Magic Kingdom is the park you think about.  Next time I’d really like to book an early appointment for professional photos in front of the castle.  (Can you imagine Poppy in a princess gown living her best life in front of the castle?  Swoon.)

Thoughts About Genie+ and ILL

If you’ve never heard of Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane, you should head on over and check out that post.

As for the rides mentioned in this post, all of them except for Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover are Genie+ rides, and I never saw that ride at more than a 15 minute wait.

If you don’t want to spend the extra money on Genie+, then I’d suggest rope dropping either Jungle Cruise or Peter Pan’s Flight since those generally have the longest lines.

Is there anything toddler friendly that you like to do at Magic Kingdom?  Make sure to let us know in the comments.