Kid-Approved: The Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Rides at Magic Kingdom

When planning your perfect day at Magic Kingdom, especially with kids in tow, it’s essential to strike the right balance between thrilling attractions, calm rides, and engaging entertainment. This guide will break down the best rides by thrill level and age group, share tips for maximizing your day, and suggest filler activities and entertainment to keep everyone happy.

In addition, since my kids are ages 3 - 12, I have taken the time to sit down with them and interview them about each park. As a result, I will conclude this blog with a ride guide that matches the type of riders my kids are at the park, which will help you find the best match for your kids.

Magic Kingdom Park is home to an impressive lineup of over 30 rides and attractions, offering a variety of experiences for all ages and thrill levels. Families can enjoy immersive shows and parades throughout the day. Whether you're seeking heart-pounding roller coasters or whimsical slow rides, Magic Kingdom’s extensive attraction list ensures a magical experience for visitors of all ages.

Thrill Level Breakdown: High, Moderate, and Low

High Thrill Rides (Recommended for older kids and thrill-seekers): These attractions are ideal for kids who crave excitement and can handle fast movements and heights.

• Space Mountain: A high-speed indoor roller coaster in the dark, perfect for older kids (min height 44”).

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: A fun, fast-paced outdoor coaster through a Wild West-style mountain, great for older kids (min height 40”).

• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: Famous for its 5-story drop, this water ride offers a thrilling experience (min height 40”).

• TRON Lightcycle/Run: The ride begins with an exhilarating launch that accelerates riders to nearly 60 mph, making it one of the fastest rides in Disney World. Riders lean forward on their Lightcycles, adding to the immersive experience as they zip through dark tunnels and glowing landscapes.

Moderate Thrill Rides (Good for younger kids who want a taste of adventure): These rides offer excitement without being too intense.

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: A smooth roller coaster with a fun mine-cart theme, ideal for younger thrill-seekers (min height 38”).

• The Barnstormer: A great beginner coaster for kids, with gentle twists and turns (min height 35”). The first coaster your child should ever ride.

• Pirates of the Caribbean: While not fast, the boat ride includes dark scenes and a small drop, providing a thrilling but manageable adventure for younger children.

Low Thrill Rides (Perfect for all ages): These calm attractions offer Disney magic without the high-speed thrills, making them ideal for young children or those looking for a relaxing ride.

• Peter Pan’s Flight: Soar over London and Neverland on this classic and gentle flying ride.

• It’s a Small World: A slow boat ride that appeals to all ages with its colorful scenes and catchy tune.

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: A charming ride through the Hundred Acre Wood that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

Best Rides by Age Group at Magic Kingdom Park

Toddlers (Ages 2-4):

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant: A whimsical spinning ride that’s slow-paced and kid-friendly.

• Mad Tea Party: Twirl around in spinning teacups, but it’s easy to control the spin for a milder ride.

• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin: Similar to Dumbo, this ride allows families to control how high they fly on their magic carpet.

• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: A classic merry-go-round that toddlers and preschoolers will love.

Young Kids (Ages 5-7):

• Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid: A colorful and calm ride featuring beloved characters from "The Little Mermaid."

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: Kids can blast targets and compete for points in this interactive ride.

• Jungle Cruise: A slow-paced boat ride with humor and adventure, ideal for young adventurers.

Older Kids (Ages 8 and up):

• Haunted Mansion: A spooky but fun dark ride that older kids will enjoy.

• Tomorrowland Speedway: Kids can drive their own gas-powered car around a track (min height 32” to ride, 54” to drive alone).

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Perfect for kids ready for bigger thrills but not yet into the most intense rides.

Family-Friendly Rides

These attractions are designed to be enjoyable for all ages, ensuring that the whole family can have fun together:

• It’s a Small World: Perfect for families with young kids or those needing a break from thrill rides.

• Pirates of the Caribbean: Slightly adventurous but still great for most ages.

• The Jungle Cruise: The humor and relaxed pace make this a must-do family ride.

• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room: A delightful musical show that offers a break from walking while entertaining all ages.

Filler Activities and Entertainment

Between rides, you’ll want to take breaks or experience other fun options that don’t involve standing in long lines. Here are some activities to enjoy between the big rides:

• Character Meet-and-Greets: Between rides, consider visiting characters like Mickey, Minnie, or the Disney Princesses at various meet-and-greet spots.

• Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station: Let kids cool off and have fun in this splash zone located in Fantasyland.

• Tom Sawyer Island: A hidden gem, perfect for letting kids burn off energy while exploring caves and trails. (will soon be changed to a carsland)

• Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom: This interactive card game leads you on a scavenger hunt throughout the park, perfect for a filler activity between rides.

Entertainment Options

To give your family a break from rides or to close out the day, Magic Kingdom has incredible entertainment options:

• Festival of Fantasy Parade: Running daily, this afternoon parade features all your favorite characters and floats. It’s a great time to relax and take in the magic.

• Mickey’s PhilharMagic: A 3D show with all the classic Disney songs that appeals to both kids and adults.

• Happily Ever After Fireworks: Magic Kingdom’s iconic nighttime show is the perfect way to end your day, complete with fireworks, projections, and music that captures the spirit of Disney.

Planning the Perfect Mix of Rides and Activities for Your Day

To get a good balance of high-energy thrills and low-key moments, try this sample schedule:

1. Morning: Start with high-demand rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Peter Pan’s Flight. These tend to have shorter wait times early in the day.

2. Mid-Morning: Mix in calmer rides, like It’s a Small World or The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and take breaks to enjoy shows or a snack.

3. Lunch Break: Have a midday meal at one of the park’s many quick-service restaurants or table-service spots. Use this time to recharge for the afternoon.

4. Afternoon: Use this time to hit a mix of family-friendly rides like Jungle Cruise or interactive experiences like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

5. Midday Break: Consider heading back to your hotel for a rest, especially if you have young kids. If you stay in the park, take in a show like Mickey’s PhilharMagic or explore Tom Sawyer Island.

6. Evening: Return for dinner, and as the crowds die down, experience rides like Big Thunder Mountain or Pirates of the Caribbean before ending with Happily Ever After fireworks.

By mixing high-thrill, low-thrill, and family-friendly rides with breaks and entertainment, you’ll create a day that works for everyone in your group, no matter their age or ride preferences.

Skip the Lines at Magic Kingdom

Skipping the lines at Magic Kingdom is easier with smart use of the Lightning Lanes Multi Pass and Single Pass. With Lighting Lane guests can select return times for popular attractions, allowing them to bypass the regular standby lines for a more efficient experience. Magic Kingdom has a large selection of rides available with Lightning Lane, including high-demand attractions like Big Thunder Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. For individual pay-per-ride Lightning Lanes, must-do attractions like TRON Lightcycle / Run and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are available, offering guests a faster entry for a fee. Early arrival during rope drop or staying late also helps minimize wait times, as does planning ahead with a well-thought-out strategy to maximize Lightning Lane reservations throughout the day. By combining these options, guests can save time and spend more of their day enjoying the magic rather than waiting in line.

My Oldest

He does not like coasters but loves simulators and spinning rides.

Favorite ride: Flight of Passage Avatar

Twin Boy

LOVES Coasters and threw up after Tea Cups. Doesn't like dark rides.

Favorite ride: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Twin Girl

Bravest Rider loves coasters, gives herself pep talks to ride.

Favorite ride: Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

The Littlest

We just hit 32 inches yet - so only family-friendly for her!

Favorite ride: Dumbo the Flying Elephant

The rides with height requirements at Magic Kingdom Park:

Tomorrowland Speedway 32"

The Barnstormer 35"

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train 38"

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 40"

Tiana's Bayou Adventure 40"

Space Mountain 44"

Tron 48"

Top Rides that scared my kids initially...and still do for my oldest

Oldest: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure because of the Drop and TRON is a NO WAY! Never TRON!

Twin Boy: The Little mermaid because it was dark and I could not see if it was scary

but its fine now - but I love EVERYTHING THAT IS A THRILL! all the big drops!

Twin Girl: Seven Dwarfs Mine train because it had so many turns but now I love it!

Toddler: Astro Orbitor, it did not feel dumbo. (I translated her toddler words)

Rides that could cause Motion Sickness at Magic Kingdom Park

• Mad Hat Tea Party

• Astro Orbitor

• Space Mountain

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant

• Buzzlight Year's Space ranger Spin

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Dark Rides at Magic Kingdom Park

• Peter Pan's Flight

• It's a Small World

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

• The Haunted Mansion

• Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Well Hello Magic Kids Ride Rankings

Most Family Friendly

• Dumbo the Flying Elephant

• The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

• Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid

Might be a little scary

• Pirates of the Caribbean

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

• Space Mountain

• Haunted Mansion

I’m Scared

• TRON

Magic Kingdom Ride Superlatives

Best Coaster: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

• runner up Big Thunder Mountain

Best Introductory Big Kid ride: The Barnstormer

Most Family Fun: Mad Hat Tea Cups

Random Kind of Scary Kind of Cool: Haunted Mansion

Every Trip Must Do: Peter Pan's Flight - its a classic

Best Thrill: TRON Lightcycle/run

Magic Kingdom Ride Tips

• For new riders, ALWAYS start with non-scary EASY rides. If you go BIG first, you will lose them for the rest of the trip.

• New coaster riders: Start with Barnstomer - the best intro to coasters

• Dark Rides - Explain these are slow rides or call them indoor shows, you can also show them a video. I also teach my kids to close their eyes if they get scared and take deep breathes.

• Reasons for motion sickness are more than spinny rides. The sharp turns on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and BTM can also throw you off.

• NO PRESSURE - let the kids lead - and teach them how to build courage (self mantras is big for my kids!) rather than forcing them to ride.