There’s nothing quite like experiencing Disney World with a toddler. From their wide-eyed wonder at meeting Mickey to their squeals on Dumbo, these are the core memories we live for. But let’s be honest—Disney with toddlers can also feel like an Olympic sport.
After doing this with six kids (including multiple toddlers at once!) and over 15 years of Disney trips, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, here’s everything you need to know to make your trip smoother, more magical, and toddler-approved.
Start With a Smart Schedule
Your Disney days don’t have to be packed to be memorable—in fact, with toddlers, less is more. Our best strategy looks like this:
- Be at the parks at opening (rope drop) to beat the heat and crowds
- Leave around noon for a nap or pool break
- Head back in the evening for a few more rides and fireworks (if everyone’s up for it)
This simple shift helps prevent meltdowns and makes your trip feel longer—you get two fresh chunks of park time instead of one exhausting stretch.
Avoiding the midday heat and overstimulation really does wonders for the toddler mood. Pool breaks or naps help recharge everyone—and somehow it makes each park day feel like two.
Toddler-Friendly Rides at Every Park
Yes, toddlers can ride a surprising number of attractions! Here’s our list of best rides for toddlers—no height requirements needed.
However, if you ask Jack… the best ride of all is the Skyliner. And no, that’s not really a ride, but this Disney transportation option between resorts and parks feels like pure magic to toddlers. It’s worth working into your itinerary even just for the fun factor!
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom is toddler central—almost everything here is made with little ones in mind. Our favorites:
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- It’s a Small World
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Jungle Cruise
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Under the Sea – Little Mermaid
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- PeopleMover
- Walt Disney World Railroad
Pro Tip: Mickey’s PhilharMagic is also toddler-friendly, and a great way to get a break from the heat.
EPCOT
While EPCOT has fewer rides, it’s surprisingly toddler-friendly—and often less crowded than other parks.
- Frozen Ever After
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Gran Fiesta Tour
- Journey Into Imagination with Figment
- Spaceship Earth
- Turtle Talk with Crush
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – This 4D ride is adorable and toddler-approved (no height requirement)
Bonus Tips:
- Grab a jambon beurre baguette in France (our favorite toddler-friendly snack), or try the maple popcorn in Canada for a fun treat!
- Don’t skip the aquarium inside The Seas pavilion—it’s a peaceful place to explore with little ones.
- Kidcot Coloring Stations throughout World Showcase are a great way for toddlers to stay engaged while older siblings explore.
Hollywood Studios
This park isn’t as toddler-heavy, but there are still a few winners:
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Toy Story Mania
- Alien Swirling Saucers (32″ height min)
- Disney Junior Dance Party – This now features live characters, not puppets, which made it even more fun for our little ones!
- Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Bonus for bigger toddlers: Jack was tall enough (38”) to ride Smuggler’s Run in Galaxy’s Edge and could have ridden Slinky Dog Dash too. If you’ve got a brave, taller toddler, these might be fun options with parent supervision.
And don’t skip the shows! Beauty and the Beast and Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy are fantastic for all ages.
Animal Kingdom
This might just be our favorite toddler park—and here’s why:
- TriceraTop Spin
- Na’vi River Journey
- Kilimanjaro Safaris (Pro Tip: We go on Kilimanjaro Safaris at the end of the day when crowds are low—everyone else goes there first!)
- The Boneyard playground (digging for dino bones is a hit!)
- Feathered Friends in Flight
- Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail
- Rafiki’s Planet Watch – Ride the Wildlife Express Train, brush goats, watch the animal care team, and collect Wilderness Explorer stickers (free and fun!)
The Nitty Gritty of Disney World with Toddlers
Now that you’ve got the basic schedule and the ride lineup, let’s dive into the nitty gritty of doing Disney World with toddlers.
The Stroller Mistake We’ll Never Make Again
When Camden and Owen were toddlers, we brought our own double stroller. Rookie mistake. Halfway through the trip—no joke—it literally cracked in half from the heat, wear and tear, and sheer mileage. Lesson learned.
Now, we always rent a stroller, and we’ve tried it all:
- Renting in the parks is super convenient. You don’t have to lug anything onto buses or monorails—just return it as you leave.
- When we want a stroller for the entire trip, we love Kingdom Strollers. They deliver to your resort, and their strollers are clean, comfy, and easy to maneuver.
Bonus: rental strollers usually come with large sunshades and rain covers (and space for all the snacks).
Character Dining = Worth It
Character dining is one of our favorite ways to meet characters without long lines or overstimulation. On our most recent trip, we did Chef Mickey’s for dinner, and our little ones got so much time with the characters—we didn’t feel rushed at all. Plus, everyone was fed and happy, and we could sit down and take a breath.
Take Advantage of the Shows
Shows are perfect for toddlers. They’re indoors, air-conditioned, and provide a much-needed break from walking and stimulation. Some of our go-to’s:
- Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo at Animal Kingdom
- Frozen Sing-Along at Hollywood Studios
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom
We use shows as built-in quiet time—toddlers get entertainment and we get to rest our feet.
Flight Tips with Toddlers (Straight from Experience)
Flying to Orlando? Here are the toddler travel tips we swear by (and used again on our most recent trip):
Before you fly:
Talk to your toddler about what to expect. We watch YouTube videos about airports and planes so they know what’s coming and what’s expected behavior.
What to pack:
- More snacks than you think you’ll need
- Downloaded shows/games/movies
- Window clings (underrated distractions)
- Refillable water bottles
- Wipes
- Change of clothes
- Melissa & Doug mess-free activity books
Extra Magic: Real-Mom Tips
- Use Rider Switch: So adults and older kids can take turns riding while someone stays with the toddler.
- Mark your stroller: With a ribbon or tag—stroller parking is chaos.
- Bring comfort items: Blankie, stuffed animal, or whatever helps your toddler nap in the stroller.
- Use mobile ordering: Fewer lines, less waiting, fewer toddler meltdowns.
Disney with toddlers isn’t always easy—but it is incredibly special. With a little strategy, a lot of snacks, and plenty of flexibility, you can turn what could be a chaotic trip into a magical, memory-making adventure.
Just remember: take it slow, plan your breaks, and lean into the wonder of seeing it all through their eyes. You’ve got this—and trust me, it’s worth every nap-time negotiation.
Emily is an editor for Global Munchkins, the ultimate guide to family travel, fun, and bonding—founded by her sister, a well-loved influencer who knows how to sprinkle a little magic into everything. With years of collaboration under their belts, Emily adds her own dash of humor and heart to every article, because who knows you better than your sister?
