I was three years old when my parents first took me to Disneyland and that magical day is one of my most vivid childhood memories. My husband and I started taking our own toddler to the park at 20 months and have gone almost weekly ever since. Navigating the park with a little one can be a little difficult, and one of the top questions we get is “Where is the best place to start on your toddler’s first trip?” We’ve tested it all with our now three-year-old. Here are our top ten favorite rides for toddlers at Disneyland!
1. King Arthur Carrousel
The perfect place to start your toddler’s first Disneyland adventure is the centerpiece of Fantasyland: King Arthur Carrousel. This gentle but whimsical ride is a great way to introduce your child to the sensation of being on an attraction.
Parents can ride with or next to their child, making it accessible for all ages and even the most skeptical kid. In the early morning hours, you just might experience a little extra magic and get to ride alongside Mary Poppins, Bert, or even Peter Pan.
2. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Fly high and enjoy the view from the top of Fantasyland and Sleeping Beauty Castle. Calm enough for babies, but exciting enough for toddlers with the hands-on element of controlling how high or low your elephant flies.
This is a low-capacity ride, so the line can get pretty long as the day goes on. Our advice is to make sure to ride early in the morning if you plan on enjoying Dumbo.
3. Jungle Cruise
What toddler doesn’t love animals? This ride is packed full of jungle creatures, humor, and thrilling visuals just perfect for little ones. (My little one still hasn’t figured out the animals aren’t real!)
The boat takes you for a mellow ride down the river without any drops, sudden turns, or too much speed. Your child can sit right on the edge and peer into the water where they might spot a sneaky hippo or a tricky piranha. Parents will enjoy the witty (albeit incredibly dry) humor from the Jungle Cruise Tour Guide.
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4. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
I’ve found that dark rides can be a bit of a hit-or-miss situation for young kids. That’s why my suggestion for the best dark ride to begin with is in the Hundred Acre Wood with Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too! The gentle rolling motion of the vehicle creates just the right amount of movement for a little adventure as you follow Pooh through the classic story of the “Blustery Day.”
Don’t forget to check out the Character Meet and Greet as you exit the ride where you’ll find Winnie the Pooh and his friends waiting to shower you with hugs. Snap your photo with Tigger and then head over to Pooh Corner to pick up a tasty treat to enjoy on a shady bench in this quiet corner of the park.
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5. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Ready to turn it up a notch? Your toddler will love the hands-on adventure of blasting alien robots in space in this Buzz Lightyear-themed ride.
Each rider gets their own laser gun and, while our three-year-old son hasn’t quite figured out how to achieve the high score, he loves the sound effects and interactive experience this attraction creates.
6. Disneyland Railroad
Toddler meltdown? No problem. Head on over to any of the four stations for the Disneyland Railroad and hop on the train. This roughly 20-minute tour around the park is a great way to take a break and have a quiet moment after all the Disney overstimulation.
Some parents recommend this as the perfect spot for a cat nap, but our toddler loves to watch the sites pass by, especially the dinosaurs between Tomorrowland and Main Street Station.
7. Mark Twain River Boat
Another great attraction for a quiet moment is the Mark Twain River Boat. This relaxing ride along Rivers of America has chairs and benches where you can sit and rest.
The boat also has multiple levels to explore. You’re free to roam around during the trip which also makes it the perfect place for a wiggly toddler who’s always on the go.
8. Mickey & Minnie’s Runway Railway
The newest ride at Disneyland is a hit for families with littles because there’s no height requirement. This ride is best for toddlers who can tolerate sudden movement and the stimulation of constantly changing lights and projections.
As with all new rides, the line can be long, but you can opt to purchase an individual Lightening Lane if your crew is too little to wait well in lines. Just realize that you’ll miss out on the majority of the incredibly detailed queue if you go this route!
9. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Gadget Coaster
If your toddler is ready for a thrill, but not yet 40 inches, check out this kid-size roller coaster located in ToonTown. With only a 35-inch height limit, most littles who are ready to ride are tall enough.
It’s the perfect way to test your child’s interest in roller coasters if they are soon nearing the height requirement for the bigger rides.
10. it’s a small world
It’s not a trip to Disneyland without riding “it’s a small world.” Yes, you’ll walk out humming that repetitive song, but your toddler will walk out with a true taste of authentic Walt Disney magic.
And, let’s be honest, this is the best place to beat the heat when you’re looking for an air-conditioned break. Perfect for kids and kids at heart to take a nice, roughly 20-minute rest.
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Let’s Hear From You
What do you think of my ultimate top ten rides for toddlers at Disneyland? Did your toddler’s favorite ride make the list? Let us know what you enjoy riding with your toddler when visiting Disneyland in the comments below!
Editor’s note: Please welcome Rebekah Kellaway of @multiplythemagic on Instagram to the MiceChat team! She has lots of great thoughts and insights to share about Disney for young families.