Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is a massive amusement park that can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned Disney adults. Now imagine taking all of this in as a toddler, or worse as an adult with a toddler. Well, we are here to tell you not only can it be done, but it should also be done. Toddlers really do love Disney and the magic is even more real for them. It is so fun for them and you. However, if you want to survive, read the following tips on enjoying Magic Kingdom with Toddlers.
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Tips for Enjoying Magic Kingdom with Toddlers
Try to go over two days – Money is of course an issue and it can be hard sometimes to swing. We also realize that time is limited and there are a lot of things to see besides Magic Kingdom. All of those things considered, if you can swing 2 days for Magic Kingdom, it is highly advisable. The park is very large and a lot of walking.
Additionally, there is so much to see and do it can be hard to get it all in even without toddlers. Factor in the fact that they may become fatigued and need a break, and you will quickly find that one day means missing a lot. Additionally, wait times make it harder to complete as much so two days makes things that much easier.
Be Flexible – This is a tip for any time toddlers are involved. Toddlers are unpredictable and it only takes one thing to derail things. That being said, if the plan is loose and flexible, you can easily change gears to accommodate the little one and still get into the things you wanted to accomplish.
Weather – This one is on the list for a lot of reasons. First, Florida is hot and there is a lot of sun in the Magic Kingdom, Which means additional fatigue. Be prepared for your little one to get tuckered out pretty easily. Another weather aspect to keep in mind is that Florida weather can turn on a dime. That means one minute it is sunny, and the next you are trapped in a torrential downpour. It is important to prepare for this. This means having ponchos ready and being prepared to sneak inside somewhere to wait out the storm.
Stroller – There are so many reasons to use a stroller in Magic Kingdom. Not only is it a way to transport the kids when they don’t want to walk, but it’s also a nap spot. Beyond that, it’s a place to transport all your gear and purchases you acquire throughout the day. We recommend something lightweight and collapsible to help make it easier to get it on and off the bus.
Another alternative is you can rent a stroller once you arrive at the Magic Kingdom. These will need to be turned in at the end of the day, however, and using the stroller to get out of the park is a useful tool. Just a little something to remember when you are making your decision.
Bathrooms and Baby Care Centers – Sprinkled throughout Magic Kingdom are a plethora of bathrooms and baby care centers. These are important to keep in mind as you plan your day. First, so you can find the bathroom when your toddler waits too long to tell you they have to go. Second, the baby care centers provide a space to stop for a second and get out of the sun.
Snacks – Realize that snacks are going to be inevitable. Your toddler will get hungry throughout the day. You should consider bringing your own but also prepare yourself to buy a few. Kids enjoy all the Disney-themed fun. One important tip is to consider popcorn if your child is old enough. The buckets are cute but also provide a cheap refill. They are one of the better-valued snacks in the park.
Meals – It is important to plan your meals. Determine if you are doing any sit-down meals or will they all be counter service. Check menus ahead of time and make sure there is something for your toddler to eat. Also, try to schedule your sit-downs as either an option early in the day before the kids are overly fatigued or use it as a break so that your kiddo can decompress a bit before heading back into the park. Also if you can mobile order this will save you time and skip the line. More on that in a moment.
Quiet Spots (when overstimulated or taking a nap) – As packed as Magic Kingdom is, there are quite a few quiet spots throughout the park where you can stop and avoid the hustle and bustle. There is one space under the Main Street train station that tends to be uncrowded and quieter. Another option is down one of the Main Street side streets.
Genie Plus – This is a newer option. Genie Plus is a paid service that is similar to what fast pass used to be but for a fee. It allows you to make what is essentially a reservation for the rides. If your toddler is under 3 they are included in Genie plus the purchase of your pass. Not only will this service allow you to get more in during the day, but it will also help you avoid the lines which tend to be a challenge for toddlers.
There’s an app for that – Make sure you take full advantage of the My Disney Experience app. This app provides you with maps and can easily help you find all the things you need. Whether it be a snack or a bathroom, the app makes it easy to find and the app is interactive so it will actually give you turn-by-turn directions to whatever destination you choose. The app also tells you the wait times and allows you to manage your Genie Plus, and a lot of other useful things. It is also great because you can mobile order at most quick-service locations which is helpful because it allows you to skip the line.
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Best Rides at Magic Kingdom with Toddlers
Not every ride in Magic Kingdom is toddler appropriate. Some have height restrictions while others might be too intense. However, there are still lots of rides that toddlers can fully enjoy. Here is a breakdown of the best rides at Magic Kingdom with toddlers and where to find them.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Walt Disney World Railroad (Temporarily Closed)
This steam-powered engine takes passengers on a loop around the park. It allows you to see some of the things that the park has to offer, as well as just some other sites for entertainment purposes only. The train has a couple of stops, so it also can serve as a fast and convenient way to get to the other side of the park. Otherwise, you can just take the full tour all the way around and just enjoy the break.
Another quick tip is that they do not make you get off the train. So you can ride the loop a few times around if you are just trying to rest for a short bit while entertaining the kids.
Main Street Vehicles
This is a little-known Magic Kingdom fact that even many park regulars don’t know about. If you are at the park early in the morning, you can actually ride in the vehicles that drive up and down Main Street.
Tomorrowland
Astro Orbiter
This one will be for the more adventurous toddler. It is for all heights and all ages, however, it does glide through the sky at about 30 feet in the air. So if your little one is not a fan of heights, you may want to sit this one out.
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Everyone’s favorite space ranger, Buzz Lightyear, is battling Zurg to defend the galaxy and you need to help. This interactive ride allows you to join the fight as you blast Zurg and his minions in a car that you can control. This one is fun for kids of all ages as well as adults.
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor is a stand-up comedy show that runs for about 20 minutes. It is fun and also interactive as the “monsters” do talk to the audience. This one is also a great break because it is air-conditioned and allows you to sit and rest while enjoying some world-class entertainment.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
This fast-moving train of the future is a fun ride that takes you around the top of Tomorrowland as well as through some of its major attractions. This is a fun little ride and usually doesn’t have a crazy long wait. One warning is that there are a few very dark sections of the ride. Our toddlers didn’t have any issues with it, but it is best to be aware.
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
This animatronic show takes you through time and demonstrates all of the ways that technology has impacted us. The room itself moves from station to station and tells the story. It is another show that runs for about 20 minutes and is air-conditioned. It is a good place to get out of the heat or to weather a passing shower.
Fantasyland
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
This ride is a typical carnival ride where the elephants go up and down as they travel in a circle. The rider does get to control the elephant for most of the ride. This is one that most kids enjoy.
Playground while you wait (notified when it’s your turn to ride)
This is one of the only rides at Disney that you can get out of line and play in the special playground area while you wait. As you play, the line continues to move and they notify you when it is your turn to get on the ride.
Enchanted Tales with Belle (Temporarily Unavailable)
This is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, filled with magic and an all-star cast. The cast could even be you! This is an interactive event where children and some of their parents are pulled from the audience to play some of the parts of this classic. The best part is at the end, the kids even get to meet Belle.
“It’s a small world”
Although the song will inevitably be stuck in your head for the rest of the day, “It’s a small world” is a great ride for toddlers. It is a decent-length boat ride where you are surrounded by lots of stunning visual elements that will keep the kids occupied. The detailed work throughout the ride is exquisite and can be appreciated by all.
Mad Tea Party
This ride is for all ages but maybe a little intense for some kids. It is a Disney twist on the carnival ride known as the tea cups. There is a lot of spinning so even if your kid is ok, we would not recommend this one on a full stomach.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
This ride is a 4d movie that immerses you in a world of magic and wonders through the music of some of Disney’s classic animated films. The sights and sounds (and in some cases smells or touches) are a lot of fun and will have your kids laughing and entertained. This is another indoor show that can get you out of the heat for a bit.
Peter Pan’s Flight
This ride takes you on a flying pirate ship through London to Never Never Land ad home again as they recount the tale of Peter Pan. The ride is slow-moving and can be a lot of fun.
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
This is a classic carousel ride on a very large scale. There are lots of horses, and all of the decoration is inspired by Disney’s Cinderella.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
This ride is a bit on the short side but takes you through many of the stories from Hundred Acre Wood. Whether it be bouncing with Tigger or dealing with “Windsday,” it is a fun ride the kids will love. Be warned though, beware of Heffalumps and Woozles.
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
This is another story-based ride that takes you through the tale of the Little Mermaid through a series of animatronic scenes. You get to take in all your favorite parts of the film and go “under the sea” for a huge concert.
Walt Disney World Railroad (Temporarily Closed)
There is a train stop in Fantasyland for the Walt Disney World Railroad. You can disembark here or hop back on if you so desire.
Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station
This circus-themed water feature is one of only a handful of water-type options at the Magic Kingdom. It is fun for kids of all ages and a great way to cool off on those sweltering Florida summer days.
Liberty Square
Country Bear Jamboree
Country Bear Jamboree is a fun-filled show that features animatronic singing bears that are sure to entertain.
Haunted Mansion
Nestled in the back corner of Liberty Square looms the foreboding structure that is the Haunted Mansion. While this may be a little intense for some children, it’s all good fun. The ride is full of fun parlor tricks that will still have you wondering how they did it and your “ghost host” is very hospitable. Just be aware, beware of hitchhiking ghosts!
Liberty Square Riverboat
This is a nice slow-moving ferry ride around Liberty Square. There are lots of things to see while just taking some time to relax and catch your breath. If you are lucky you may even get to see some of your favorite Disney characters along the way, so keep your cameras ready.
The Hall of Presidents
This educational theater show takes you through a brief history of the United States through the voices of our many presidents over the life of the country. All of the Presidents are fully animatronic and are indeed a sight to behold. Additionally, the space is indoor and air-conditioned so it’s another good place to cool off and recover before you head out on your next adventure.
Adventureland
A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas
This is an interactive experience that runs throughout the day. You join Captain Jack Sparrow and complete missions, fight off some villains, and ultimately find some treasure for yourself. It is a fun experience for the whole family.
Pirates of the Caribbean
This is a fun-filled ride that inspired the very popular film franchise. Take a trip through a land full of scurvy pirates and scallawags. There is singing, dancing, and a little bit of cannon fire. And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Captain Jack Sparrow as he can be seen throughout the ride. By the end, you may agree that “it’s a pirate’s life for me!”
Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
This South Seas musical experience features animatronic singing birds, tiki gods, and a whole lot of fun. It runs for about 10 minutes and is a nice place to sit and relax out of the hot sun.
Jungle Cruise
This tour through the many jungle rivers around the world is a fan favorite. You embark with your skipper, travel through various rivers, and take in all sorts of funny sites. Sprinkle in about a thousand “Dad Jokes” and puns and you have yourself a great ride. Another fun thing is that each skipper has a different set of jokes so you can ride numerous times and still get slight variations on the fun.
Swiss Family Treehouse
This walkthrough adventure takes you high up into the Treehouse of Swiss Family Robinson. There are lots of things to see as well as areas that have been set up to reflect what life would be like if you had to live there. One call out, there are a lot of steps so you may have to help your toddler along the way.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
This is a similar ride to the Dumbo ride, The carpets go up and down in a circle and you can raise and lower them with a joystick. This is a fun, leisurely ride. Just keep your eyes peeled for the spitting camel so you don’t end up wet.
Frontierland
Tom Sawyer Island
Hop on a log raft and float back in time to the times of Mark Twain’s famous tale of Tom Sawyer. This laid-back adventure disembarks on an island for you to explore. When you are done with your adventure, head back to the dock and catch a short ride back to Frontierland.
Walt Disney World Railroad (Temporarily Closed)
Frontier Land is another stop along the way of the Walt Disney World Railroad. This stop tends to be a little less crowded so it is easier to get on.
Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade (cost extra)
This is an old-school-style shooting gallery with tin cans and the like. Each area you hit causes different reactions. It’s a fun little diversion. It does however cost extra.
Parades, Shows, and Fireworks at Magic Kingdom with Toddlers
Let the Magic Begin Welcome Show
Known by many as the “rope drop” show, this show is the opening ceremony for the Magic Kingdom. It is a short but entertaining show with all of your favorite characters. It takes place on the castle stage. If you are only there for the show you will be able to get a good spot if you get there early as most guests line up near the ropes to rush to a specific ride or attraction once the park officially opens.
Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire Show
This is another show on the castle stage. It takes place a few times throughout the day and is hosted by Mickey and his friends, as well as a few special guests. It is a great way to break up the day and see some of the characters.
Festival of the Fantasy Parade
This Parade runs down Mainstreet daily and features all of your favorite characters. Make sure to get there early to get a good spot. Parade times can be found in the park maps or in the My Disney Experience App. Also as a side note, if you are lucky and arrive at the park early in the day, you could be selected for a very special treat. Every day a family is chosen to be Grand Marshall in the parade. They get a special behind-the-scenes experience, a certificate, and special Mickey ears.
Enchantment Castle Show and Fireworks
This end-of-the-night experience is a projection and fireworks show that is sure to dazzle. It does take place once it is dark so it can be later in the day and the fireworks portion can be pretty loud, so be aware when taking your toddler.
Meeting Characters at Magic Kingdom with Toddlers
Meet Mickey Mouse
What is a trip to Disney without seeing the classic icon, Mickey Mouse? There are numerous places you can meet Mickey, however, one of the best we have found is located at the Town Hall in Magic Kingdom. This location usually allows you to take a few extra minutes to spend time with him, instead of being rushed through.
Other meet and greets
If your toddler loves (or is brave enough) to meet the characters, there are character meet and greets sprinkled throughout the park. Locations for meet and greets can be found on the map or in the My Disney Experience app. Many of the characters have Disney Photopass Photographers at them so you can get some great pictures.
Character Dining
If your child likes the characters but might not like the idea of doing a meet and greet or if they just love the characters in general, there are several locations in Magic Kingdom that offer Character Dining options. Along with your meal, there are a handful of characters that travel from table to table and perform fun little experiences as well as pose for pictures. Some of the Magic Kingdom restaurants that offer character dining include, Cinderella’s Royal Table and Crystal Palace.
Be Our Guest restaurant also offers a character experience as the Beast does walk through the dining room throughout dinner service and guests can grab pictures from their tables as he passes through. It is highly recommended that you get dining reservations for these locations in advance as walk-ups may not be available.
Currently, character dining in Magic Kingdom is suspended but will hopefully return soon.
Final Thoughts Tips on Enjoying Magic Kingdom with Toddlers
Magic Kingdom is obviously fun for all ages and that includes the toddlers in your group. It is important to realize though that with a toddler there may need to be some minor adjustments to your normal plans. We know firsthand how fun a trip like this can be and we highly recommend it. So grab the kids, grab the stroller, and have a great time!
If you plan on flying or driving we have helpful tips for you!
