What Rides Can Infants Ride at Disney World
Planning a trip to Disney World with a baby can feel like a big task. But don’t worry! There are lots of fun rides and things to see that even the littlest visitors can enjoy. Let’s explore the magic of Disney World through the eyes of your infant.
Quick Answer
Infants can ride many gentle attractions at Disney World, including “it’s a small world,” “Dumbo the Flying Elephant,” “The Seas with Nemo & Friends,” and “Kilimanjaro Safaris.” Most slow-moving boat rides, carousels, and dark rides without height restrictions are perfect for babies.
Magic Kingdom: A World of Wonder for Little Ones
Magic Kingdom is often the first park families think of when planning a Disney trip. It’s filled with fairy tale charm and classic rides that are great for babies.
Fantasyland: Where Dreams Come True
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant: This ride is a hit with babies. It’s gentle, colorful, and gives you a nice view of the park. Your little one will love feeling like they’re flying high in the sky.
- it’s a small world: This boat ride is perfect for infants. The slow pace, cheerful music, and bright colors keep babies interested. It’s also air-conditioned, giving you a break from the Florida heat.
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Join Pooh Bear on a sweet journey through the Hundred Acre Wood. The ride is smooth, and the scenes are full of familiar characters your baby might recognize.
- Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid: Dive into Ariel’s world on this gentle ride. The underwater scenes and catchy songs will captivate your little one.
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel: This classic carousel is a great choice for babies. You can hold them safely while enjoying the ride together.
Tomorrowland: A Peek into the Future
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover: This relaxing ride gives you a tour of Tomorrowland. It’s perfect when your baby needs a calm moment.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: While older kids and adults can shoot at targets, babies will enjoy the bright colors and moving scenes.
Adventureland: Exotic Journeys for Tiny Explorers
- Jungle Cruise: This boat ride is full of silly jokes and animatronic animals. Babies often enjoy the movement of the boat and the guide’s animated storytelling.
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin: Similar to Dumbo, this ride lets you soar on a magic carpet. The gentle up-and-down motion is usually very soothing for infants.
Animal Kingdom: Wild Adventures for Your Little Cub
Animal Kingdom offers unique experiences that can be exciting for babies, especially those who love animals.
- Kilimanjaro Safaris: This ride takes you through a savanna filled with real animals. While it can be a bit bumpy, many babies enjoy the movement and the chance to see elephants, giraffes, and lions.
- Na’vi River Journey: Float through a glowing forest on this calm boat ride. The beautiful lights and soft music often mesmerize infants.
- TriceraTop Spin: This dinosaur-themed ride is similar to Dumbo. It’s colorful and fun, perfect for little prehistoric fans.
Hollywood Studios: Lights, Camera, Baby!
While Hollywood Studios has fewer infant-friendly rides, there are still some great options:
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: This newer ride is smooth and filled with bright, cartoon-like scenes that babies find fascinating.
- Toy Story Mania: Even though it’s a shooting game, the ride itself is gentle. Babies often enjoy the 3D glasses and colorful Toy Story theming.
Epcot: A World of Discovery for Your Little Explorer
Epcot offers a mix of gentle rides and cultural experiences that can be great for infants:
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends: This slow-moving ride takes you “under the sea” with characters from Finding Nemo. The soothing motion and colorful fish scenes are perfect for babies.
- Frozen Ever After: Join Anna and Elsa on this boat ride through Arendelle. While there’s a small drop, it’s generally very mild and enjoyable for little ones.
- Living with the Land: This relaxing boat tour shows off different ecosystems and farming methods. The changing scenery keeps babies interested.
- Journey into Imagination with Figment: This playful ride explores the senses with fun songs and silly scenes that often make babies giggle.
Tips for a Magical Trip with Your Infant
Taking a baby to Disney World can be a wonderful experience, but it does require some extra planning. Here are some tips to make your trip smoother:
- Use Baby Care Centers: Each park has a special area just for baby care. These centers have private rooms for nursing, changing tables, and places to feed your baby. They’re quiet and clean, perfect for when your little one needs a break from the excitement.
- Rent a Stroller: If you don’t want to bring your own, you can rent strollers at the parks. They’re comfy and give your baby a place to nap while you explore.
- Try Rider Switch: For rides that babies can’t go on, Disney offers a service called Rider Switch. One adult can wait with the baby while others ride, then switch without waiting in line again. It’s a great way for parents to enjoy thrill rides too.
- Pack Smart: Bring plenty of diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes. Don’t forget snacks and drinks for your baby, as well as sun protection like hats and sunscreen.
- Take Breaks: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but babies need downtime. Plan for regular breaks, whether it’s a quiet lunch, a stroll in a less crowded area, or a trip back to your hotel for a nap.
- Use FastPass+: While not all rides offer FastPass+, using it for the ones that do can reduce wait times. This is especially helpful with an infant who might get fussy in long lines.
A Disney Tale: Our First Trip with Baby
I’ll never forget our first Disney trip with our 6-month-old son, Jack. We were nervous about how he’d handle the crowds and excitement, but Disney’s magic worked its wonders on him too.
On our first day, we headed straight to “it’s a small world.” As our boat glided through the ride, Jack’s eyes grew wide with wonder. He cooed and reached out, trying to touch the colorful dolls. By the end, he was bobbing along to the music, a huge grin on his face.
Later, during the “Festival of Fantasy” parade, Minnie Mouse waved directly at Jack. His laughter was so infectious that everyone around us started chuckling too. It was a moment of pure joy that made all the planning worthwhile.
We found that using a baby carrier made navigating the parks much easier, especially in crowded areas. The Baby Care Centers were a lifesaver, offering a quiet retreat when Jack needed a break or a diaper change.
One of our best decisions was taking advantage of the Rider Switch service. It allowed my husband and I to enjoy some of the more thrilling rides while ensuring Jack was always with one of us.
By the end of our trip, we had countless magical moments to cherish. Seeing Disney through Jack’s eyes gave us a whole new appreciation for the parks. It truly is a place where even the tiniest visitors can experience the magic.
Wrapping Up Your Magical Journey
Disney World truly has something for everyone, even the tiniest travelers. With a bit of planning and the right expectations, you can create unforgettable memories with your infant. Remember, it’s not about doing everything – it’s about savoring the magical moments together.
From gentle rides like “it’s a small world” to the wonder of seeing real animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris, your baby will be surrounded by new sights, sounds, and experiences. Don’t forget to capture these precious moments – they grow up so fast!
So pack your diaper bag, put on those mouse ears, and get ready for a magical adventure with your little one. The joy on their face as they experience the wonder of Disney for the first time will be a memory you’ll treasure forever.
Next Steps for Your Disney Adventure
- Start planning your trip early to get the best deals on tickets and accommodations.
- Make a list of infant-friendly rides you want to try, but be flexible with your plans.
- Consider staying at a Disney resort for easy access to the parks and midday breaks.
- Don’t forget to schedule some downtime in your itinerary for rest and relaxation.
- Most importantly, get ready to make magical memories with your little one at the happiest place on Earth!
Have a magical time at Disney World with your infant! Remember, every smile, giggle, and wide-eyed look of wonder is what makes the trip truly special. Enjoy the magic through your baby’s eyes!
Jessica Winter is a passionate parenting blogger with two years of experience guiding new and seasoned parents through the joys and challenges of raising babies. Her insightful posts blend personal anecdotes with expert advice to offer a warm and practical perspective on modern parenting.