Walt Disney World for the Age 5 and Under Crowd

If you have traveled to Walt Disney World with children, you have seen the signs, "Children Must Be This Tall To Ride". Whether your child is 5 months or 5 years, there are going to be rides that they physically cannot go on due to height requirements. They may be brave enough, they may be willing enough, but they just aren't tall enough. Or perhaps you are looking to enjoy the day with your 2-year-old, while another member or your party takes your 6-year-old ride cruising. So, you wonder, what is there to do with my small child at Walt Disney World? LOTS! Park by park, here is an in depth review of attractions suited for small ones.

Magic Kingdom:

The Walt Disney World Railroad -- Main Street U.S.A., Mickey's Toontown Fair, and Frontierland
This 1 1/2 mile journey, on a 1928 steam engine, is perfect for a relaxing tour past most of the Magic Kingdom's lands. It takes 20 minutes to circle the park, while making stops along the way at Mickey's Toontown Fair, Frontierland, and Main Street U.S.A. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. You can embark or disembark at any of the previously mentioned stops.

Belle's Fairy Tale Garden -- Fantasyland
This little nook, located beside Cinderella's Castle, is where you will find Belle reading the story of Beauty and the Beast to children, several times a day (check your park guidemap for specific times). Here your children, if you arrive early enough, may even get to have a role in the story, as it is also acted out on stage.

Cinderella's Golden Carrousel -- Fantasyland
This 1917 carrousel, will thrill any rider, young or old.

Dumbo The Flying Elephant -- Fantasyland
If you dare to brave this long and slow moving line, your child will delight in flying thru the air courtesy of a piggyback ride from Dumbo.

"it's a small world" -- Fantasyland
This is a magical, whimsical boat ride through a world of animated dolls, each in their native countries singing in unison this beloved song.

Mickey's PhilharMagic -- Fantasyland
While other 3D shows might be a little too edgy for younger guests, Mickey's PhilharMagic features effects that surprise and delight, making it just right for any age.

Peter Pan's Flight -- Fantasyland
Your little ones will enjoy this 3 minute flight to Never Land, saving Wendy and friends from sinister Captain Hook.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh -- Fanyasyland
A delightful tour, via a "Hunny Pot" car, through Pooh and Friends Hundred Acre Wood.

Pooh's Playful Spot -- Fantasyland
Outdoor play area.

Snow White's Scary Adventures -- Fantasyland
This has been known to scare some small children, as you ride through this story of Snow White, complete with the evil witch.

Barnstormer -- Mickey's Toontown Fair
Minimum age here is 3 years old - It's a pint sized version of a roller coaster, but don't let it's location fool you, it is a very adventuresome ride.

Donald's Boat -- Mickey's Toontown Fair
Uh -oh, Donald's boat, the "Miss Daisy", has sprung many a leak in this fountain-type place of fun. Your children will love getting squirted as they make their way through this whimsical boat.

Mickey and Minnie's Country Homes -- Mickey's Toontown Fair
These two homes are located right next to each other. Feel free to sit on the furniture, pop microwave popcorn or play in the game room.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin -- Adventureland
Aboard your magic carpet and fly over Agrabah.

Jungle Cruise -- Adventureland
A relaxing boat ride though a Southeast Asian jungle, the Nile Valley, and Amazon Rain forest.

Pirates of the Caribbean -- Adventureland
A classic Magic Kingdom ride - Take a boat ride through an array of scenes depicting different aspects of a pirate raid upon a Caribbean village.

The Enchanted Tiki Room - Under New Management -- Adventureland
Under New Management - Enjoy the songs and antics of over 200 birds, flowers, and tiki statues as you watch this nine minute show.

Country Bear Jamboree -- Frontierland
Performed by an array of animatronic Bears, this is an adorable, 17-minute show, which will delight audiences young and old with their down home humor and delightful songs. 

Tom Sawyer Island -- Frontierland
Take the boat over and enjoy some time on this island which has an array of things to do, relaxing and adventurous.

Liberty Belle Riverboat -- Liberty Square
This is a real steamboat which takes you on a relaxing 17-minute ride, on the Rivers of America.

Haunted Mansion -- Liberty Square
Use your discretion, there is no height requirement or age limit on this ride, but it sounds scarier than it is. You may even encounter a hitchhiking ghost aboard your car.

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin -- Tomorrowland
Board your ride vehicle and help Buzz save the toys from Evil Emperor Zurg. Use your laser gun and fire at targets scattered about your 4-1/2 minute journey. See how many points you can rack up in this multi-age attraction pleaser.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority -- Tomorrowland
Sit back and enjoy, this ride is pure relaxation during your hectic day. Board your car and enjoy this ten minute ride through most of Tomorrowland's attractions, and above the crowds as well.

Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress -- Tomorrowland
Audio-Animatronics again at it's best, as you travel through history to view the typical American family and it's lifestyle for each time period.

Tomorrowland Speedway -- Tomorrowland
Youngsters under 52 inches tall can only go on this ride while accompanied by an adult driver. Small ones will have to ride alongside you as you drive around the speedway on these cars that run on a track.

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Epcot:

In Epcot, there are 2 sections, Future World and World Showcase. While in a Future World gift shop, buy a Passport for your child(ren) to have stamped, and a personalized message written, as you visit each country in World Showcase.

Spaceship Earth -- Future World, Spaceship Earth

A relaxing 14 minute ride which takes your through a time tunnel, through the different periods in history. Your little ones will be in awe once you reach the top and can look down upon the earth.

The Seas with Nemo & Friends -- Future World, The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Take a tour of the underwater inhabitants and scenery of Walt Disney World.

Living with the Land -- Future World, The Land
A 13-minute boat ride through rainforest and green houses, grain fields and a family farm. Here you can see the growing of certain plants and vegetables, in a plant research laboratory, specifically for use in Walt Disney World.

The Circle of Life -- Future World, The Land
A 20 minute film which will go over some things endangering the environment, and what you can do to help.

Honey I Shrunk the Audience -- Future World, Imagination!
This is a 3D movie, some parts may be too intense for small children (beware of mice on the loose). 

Journey Into Imagination with Figment -- Future World, Imagination!
A journey that will engage the imagination and the senses.

Maelstrom -- World Showcase, Norway Pavilion
This is a Viking boat ride which takes you on a tour of Norway, complete with trolls and a lightning storm.

Gran Fiesta Tour Featuring the Three Caballeros -- World Showcase, Mexico Pavilion
A pleasant six minute boat ride through Mexico, complete with a holiday celebration, including fireworks.

The Countries of World Showcase -- World Showcase
Browse through all the wonderful countries represented here. In each country, there are craft tables set up where children can make a mask. Each country gives them the opportunity to add something new until they have the finished product.

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Disney's Hollywood Studios

Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage -- Sunset Boulevard
A wonderful performance, adapted from the Disney movie. Beautiful costumes and wonderful songs will keep your children in awe.

Great Movie Ride -- Hollywood Boulevard
This has some scenes which can be a bit intense, or a bit intriguing to little ones, but all ages are welcome, as your take a tour of some of the greatest movies of all time.

Toy Story Midway Mania! -- Pixar Place
Join your favorite "Toy Story" characters in a 4D midway-style game-playing adventure.

Playhouse Disney - Live On Stage! -- Animation Courtyard
This imaginative, musical live stage show will have your kids singing, dancing, and playing along with their pals from Jim Henson's Bear in the Big Blue House, Rollie Polie Olie, The Book of Pooh, and Stanley.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid -- Animation Courtyard
A 15-minute musical portraying the story of Ariel and her quest for Prince Eric. Complete with some very breathtaking- black light/neon-scenes. Your children will delight in this show.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! -- Echo Lake
Enjoy the 2,000 seat outdoor amphitheater and marvel at all the special effects used to create Indiana Jones. Some lucky audience members even get to participate.

Studios Backlot Tour -- Streets of America
While the Catastrophe Canyon scene can get a bit thrilling, take your strollers right on these trams, and view the backlot of Disney's Hollywood studios.

Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure -- Streets of America
Oversized back yard scenes have your kids feeling as if they have been shrunk and are playing in the backyard. A good place for your kids to let loose on the slides, etc. But accompany very small children, it's easy to get lost in this maze of a playground. In most instances, once a child goes up, you have no idea where they will come down.

Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3D -- Streets of America
Another 3-D movie, but not anywhere near as intense as "Honey I Shrunk the Audience". Kermit, Miss Piggy and Co. put on a good show.

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Disney's Animal Kingdom

The Tree of Life - It's Tough to be a Bug -- Discovery Island
Another of Disney's 3D Movies - This one is full of insects, bugs, and butterflies. If your child will keep the glasses on, you will see them reaching out for all the wonderful stuff flying through the air. There are periods of darkness in this show, so use your discretion.

Kilimanjaro Safaris -- Africa
A wonderful safari ride through the Serengeti. A key on the seat in front of you will help you to pick out all the wonderful animals you will see on your adventure.

Pagani Forest Exploration Trail -- Africa
Self guided walking tour through the habitats of gorillas and other African animals.

Conservation Station -- Rafiki's Planet Watch
Enjoy attractions which offer you animal encounters, a tour of the veterinary clinic, and a 3D audio show - "Song of the Rainforest" among other attractions to see here.

Wildlife Express Train -- Rafiki's Planet Watch
Board a train at the Harambe Train Station and go on a 5-minute trip which takes you past buildings where some of Animal Kingdom's beloved animals are housed at night, as well as past animal care facilities.

Flights of Wonder -- Asia
Another open air theater which features performances by actors portraying more than 20 different bird species.

Maharajah Jungle Trek -- Asia
A self guided tour of the jungle, featuring tigers, waterfalls, and many plants and flowers - all of which you would find in the rainforest.

The Boneyard -- DinoLand U.S.A.
A fossil-fun playground for children of all ages. Slides, dig sites, and a maze will keep your children occupied for quite a while.

Festival of the Lion King -- Camp Minnie-Mickey
An awe inspiring performance featuring Simba, and a cast of performers which will leave you with goose-bumps during this beautiful show. Additional features are wonderful music and gymnastic stunts.

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Always remember, only you know which kinds of rides and 3D movies your child can handle. Some rides may have a height restriction of 40 inches, but that doesn't mean it won't be scary to a child 44 inches tall. In addition, there is always the child swap option for those rides that your children are not tall enough, or brave enough, to go on, but the adults in your party wish to do. Above all, have fun, you're at Disney World after all.

Last Updated: May 9, 2009