Top Walt Disney World Rides for Babies
Bringing a baby to Walt Disney World can be a challenge but also an amazing experience filled with magic! The smile the first time they see Mickey come to life, or their eyes sparkling when they see the castle on Main Street. I will never forget the look on my son’s face when he got to meet Buzz Lightyear when he was a baby, or when he quickly hid his Mickey Waffles from Goofy at breakfast (he was very protective of those waffles, and for good reason - I’m drooling just thinking of them!).
With all of that magic it can also be overwhelming to figure out what exactly is available for your baby in Disney World. Much more than you can ever imagine! Disney World was built with kids in mind and babies (even though they are free - a great perk!) can still find plenty to do in the world of magic.
Tips for selecting Walt Disney World attractions with babies
Look for rides that are “Any Height” and avoid others (unless you are planning to utilize rider swap - which you should 100% use!). Pro-Tip: Magic Kingdom is going to have the most options and Hollywood Studios is going to have the least.
Avoid shows, unless your baby has no issues sitting still for 10-15 minutes (sometimes longer). Younger babies (under 6 months) may have an easier time during these than older babies. But, as every parent knows, once they become mobile by any means, keeping them still (and quiet) is near impossible.
4D Rides may be a challenge. In most cases, your baby is not going to keep these glasses on and may struggle with the blurred screens. However, the colors and motions may keep their attention! (depending on the attraction).
Avoid dark rides (such as Haunted Mansion) if you’re worried that your baby might have a fear of the dark or even if you aren’t sure your baby has a fear.
Avoid long lines and use lightning lanes when possible. You cannot bring a stroller while standing in line for an attraction, which means you will need to hold your baby the entire time. If your child is under 6 months and you can put them in a sling that might be best. But when they are over 6 months, it’s horrible waiting in long lines. My rule of thumb, if the line will take longer than 10 minutes, it’s not worth it when I have to constantly fight an antsy baby trying desperately to get down.
Top 10 Rides for Babies in Walt Disney World
#10 - Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (Magic Kingdom). A classic attraction that can fit more people than you think at one time. While the line may look long, it typically moves quickly. Choose a bench seat so you can sit with your baby and enjoy the motion of the ride.
#9 - Mad Tea Party (Magic Kingdom). Another classic that wins over the carrousel because the line is typically shorter. Avoid spinning your teacup (or do so slowly) as it could be a bit much for your baby.
#8 - Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros (EPCOT). An indoor slow ride featuring Donald Duck, Panchito, and José. While not the most exciting ride, it should hold your baby’s attention while escaping the heat.
#7 - The Seas with Nemo & Friends (EPCOT). While not the most fascinating ride as an adult, it is a light-hearted opportunity with familiar friends. Plus, when you leave the attraction you enter The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion. Meet clown fish, sharks and so much more in the massive aquarium.
#6 - Walking around World Showcase (EPCOT). I know that this is not actually a standard attraction, but it should be. If the weather isn’t bad, take your stroller and do a leisurely lap around the World Showcase. There is always something to see and you might even spot some characters. Plus, it’s an incredible napping opportunity for your baby. Seriously, to this day my son still naps when we walk around the world. And while he naps, we enjoy the sights, food, and beverages that welcome us around the showcase.
#5 - Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover (Magic Kingdom). Typically, the wait for this ride isn’t terrible (if it is longer than 10 minutes, find another attraction). This is a great way to rest your own feet (as the ride is about 10 minutes long) and gives you an aerial view of Tomorrowland. Since you’re constantly moving, it keeps your baby’s attention longer than a show may. Note that there are a few dark parts of this ride that may be scary for young children. We did keep the flashlight on our phone handy for when we enter those brief dark scenes.
#4 - It’s a Small World (Magic Kingdom). I’m going to lay out a somewhat unpopular opinion: It’s a Small World is my least favorite ride - ever. I know! It is iconic Disney and if you have not been, you should give it a try. BUT, it’s never on the top of my list. That being said, it’s a 10 minute indoor ride that gives you the opportunity to rest your feet inside. The bright colors and melody can keep your baby’s attention easily. OR, if your child is anything like mine, it’s an incredible ride to take a nap on. Seriously, it put him to sleep and he took a two hour nap following this ride.
#3 - Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom). If your child has ever seen Toy Story, this is a must-do. While your baby won’t be able to operate the shooting mechanism, they can still be immersed into the story and follow along with their favorite Space Ranger. You may not get the highest score, so if you’re competitive, you may be disappointed.
#2 - Journey Into Imagination With Figment (EPCOT). Figment provides a wonderful amount of color and whimsy to keep your baby’s attention. Plus, this is such a fun ride as an adult as well. While there are dark portions of this ride, they are brief. The wait is typically short - especially early in the day when most guests are running to Test Track
#1 - Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Magic Kingdom). Dumbo is a fun family attraction plus even if there is a wait, your baby will have entertainment. When you enter the circus tent, you’ll be given a beeper (similar to when waiting for a table at a busy restaurant) and then welcome you to the inside play area. And, in the very center, is the perfect place for crawling babies. And on those hot days, it’s a great way to cool down and take a break from the crowds. While The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Astro Orbiter have very similar mechanisms, the lines are typically longer for both of those and neither offer the indoor play area.
There’s our family’s choice for top 10 rides. Of course, your top 10 may differ. I encourage you to try out rides not listed here and see if your list differs. Perhaps your baby loves laughing along to Monster Inc.’s Laugh Floor or are feel that the repetitive music at It’s a Small World slowly drives them crazy (wait, is it just me?) or that dark rides are not scary at all. Take advantage that it’s your baby’s first time experiencing the magic and slow down to enjoy every minute!
Looking for even more tips? Be sure to check out Babies in Walt Disney World tips!
Ready to book your own Disney Adventure? I’m a Disney fanatic who wants to help you have the most memorable time! I’m here to help!
