Time for some fun with these best toddler friendly rides at Disneyland!
Visiting Disneyland with a toddler is an enchanting experience filled with magical moments, but it can also be overwhelming when trying to find the perfect rides that are both safe and fun for your little one. Disneyland offers a variety of attractions tailored for young children, ensuring that even the tiniest members of the family can enjoy the magic. This blog post will guide you through the best toddler-friendly rides at Disneyland, focusing on safety, accessibility, and entertainment value.
Understanding the Best Toddler Friendly Rides at Disneyland
When planning a Disneyland trip with a toddler, it’s essential to prioritize attractions that are gentle, safe, and engaging for young children. Disneyland has thoughtfully designed many of its rides to cater to families with toddlers, ensuring that even the youngest visitors can enjoy a day filled with joy and wonder.
1. “it’s a small world” – A Classic for All Ages
One of the best toddler-friendly rides at Disneyland is the iconic “it’s a small world.” This gentle boat ride takes you on a global journey through beautifully crafted scenes, featuring dolls dressed in traditional clothing from various countries. The colorful visuals, soothing music, and slow pace make it an ideal choice for toddlers, including babies and toddlers with disabilities.
- Why It’s Great: The ride’s gentle pace and captivating visuals keep toddlers entertained without overwhelming them. It’s a perfect introduction to Disneyland rides for little kids.
- Pro Tip: This ride is indoors and air-conditioned, making it an excellent choice for hot weather days.
2. Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Soaring Fun for Little Ones
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is another top choice for families with toddlers. This classic ride allows children to soar through the air on their very own Dumbo. Toddlers can control the height of their elephant, adding an extra layer of excitement.
- Why It’s Great: The ride is interactive, with the ability to move up and down at your child’s pace. It’s also a great way to introduce toddlers to the feeling of “flying” in a safe and controlled environment.
- Pro Tip: Lines can get long, so consider riding early in the day or during parades when wait times are shorter.
3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – A Gentle Storybook Journey
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a delightful dark ride that takes you through the Hundred Acre Wood. Featuring beloved characters like Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet, this ride is a charming and gentle experience perfect for toddlers.
- Why It’s Great: The ride’s gentle pace and familiar characters make it comforting and enjoyable for toddlers. The colorful and whimsical scenes are sure to captivate young imaginations.
- Pro Tip: This ride is tucked away in Critter Country, so it’s often less crowded, providing a more relaxed experience for families.
4. King Arthur Carrousel – A Timeless Favorite
The King Arthur Carrousel is a beautifully crafted carousel located in Fantasyland. With its stunning horses and enchanting music, this ride is a timeless favorite among young children.
- Why It’s Great: The gentle motion of the carousel is perfect for toddlers who might be experiencing rides for the first time. The beautifully painted horses and charming music create a magical atmosphere that toddlers will love.
- Pro Tip: This ride is especially magical at night when the carousel lights up, creating a truly enchanting experience.
5. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – An Underwater Adventure
The Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage offers an exciting underwater journey that brings the world of Nemo to life. While the concept of being in a submarine might seem intimidating, the experience is designed with young children in mind.
- Why It’s Great: The slow-moving submarine allows toddlers to explore the vibrant underwater world of Finding Nemo in a safe and controlled environment. The visuals are colorful and engaging, keeping toddlers entertained throughout the ride.
- Pro Tip: The submarines are enclosed, making this ride a good option for colder weather days at Disneyland.
6. Alice in Wonderland – A Whimsical Ride Through Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland is a dark ride that takes you on a whimsical journey through some of the most memorable scenes from the classic Disney film. This ride is full of vibrant colors, familiar characters, and gentle movements, making it a great option for toddlers.
- Why It’s Great: The gentle twists and turns, combined with the colorful and imaginative scenes, make this ride both fun and visually stimulating for toddlers. It’s a great way to introduce young children to more adventurous rides in a controlled environment.
- Pro Tip: This ride tends to be less crowded in the mornings, making it an ideal first stop in Fantasyland.
7. Casey Jr. Circus Train – A Miniature Train Adventure
Casey Jr. Circus Train offers a charming ride around Storybook Land, providing a unique perspective of the miniature scenes from classic Disney movies. The train ride is slow and smooth, perfect for toddlers and young children.
- Why It’s Great: The open-air carriages allow toddlers to enjoy the fresh air while taking in the sights of Storybook Land. The train’s gentle motion is soothing, making it a favorite for both toddlers and parents.
- Pro Tip: This ride is also a good option for toddlers in strollers, as there are nearby stroller parking areas for convenience.
8. Jungle Cruise – A Wild Adventure for All Ages
The Jungle Cruise is an adventurous boat ride that takes you through a lush, tropical jungle filled with animatronic animals and humorous skippers. While it might seem more suited for older children, toddlers often enjoy the sights and sounds of this ride.
- Why It’s Great: The slow boat ride through the jungle is safe for toddlers, and the playful animatronics keep them engaged. The ride is shaded, providing relief from the sun on hot days.
- Pro Tip: The humor of the skippers might go over the heads of toddlers, but the animals and scenery will capture their attention.
9. Storybook Land Canal Boats – A Storybook Adventure
The Storybook Land Canal Boats take you on a peaceful boat ride through miniature versions of scenes from classic Disney films. The gentle ride is perfect for toddlers, allowing them to take in the sights and sounds of these beloved stories.
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- Why It’s Great: The calm and scenic nature of this ride makes it ideal for toddlers who might be tired or need a break from more stimulating attractions. The miniature scenes are detailed and enchanting, captivating the imaginations of young children.
- Pro Tip: This ride is outdoors, so it’s best enjoyed during mild weather days.
10. Mad Tea Party – A Twirling Good Time
The Mad Tea Party, also known as the teacup ride, is a classic Disneyland attraction that allows families to spin in colorful teacups. While the ride can be intense for some, it’s easy to control the spinning, making it suitable for toddlers.
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- Why It’s Great: The bright colors and playful atmosphere make this ride appealing to toddlers. Parents can control the speed of the spinning, ensuring the ride stays gentle for younger children.
- Pro Tip: If your toddler is prone to motion sickness, it’s best to avoid excessive spinning or skip this ride altogether.
11. Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island – An Adventure Playground
Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island isn’t a ride, but rather an exploration area where toddlers can roam, climb, and discover. This area is perfect for letting toddlers stretch their legs and enjoy some free playtime.
- Why It’s Great: The island offers a variety of play areas, caves, and bridges that are perfect for young adventurers. It’s a great way to burn off energy while still enjoying the Disneyland atmosphere.
- Pro Tip: The island is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the park, providing a more relaxed environment for families with toddlers.
12. The Disneyland Railroad – A Scenic Train Ride Around the Park
The Disneyland Railroad is a must-do for families with toddlers. This train ride circles the entire park, offering scenic views and a chance to relax.
- Why It’s Great: The train is a great way to rest while still enjoying a ride. It’s also a good option for toddlers in strollers, as there are stops throughout the park where you can hop on and off.
- Pro Tip: The railroad is perfect for colder weather, as the covered cars provide shelter from the elements.
Tips for Enjoying the Best Toddler Friendly Rides at Disneyland
When visiting Disneyland with a toddler, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Use Rider Switch: If you have older children who want to experience more thrilling rides, take advantage of Disneyland’s Rider Switch program. This allows one parent to wait with the toddler while the other rides, then switch without waiting in line again.
- Stay Hydrated: Disneyland can get hot, especially during the summer. Keep your toddler hydrated and take advantage of indoor rides and attractions to cool down.
- Stroller Rentals: If you don’t want to bring your own stroller, Disneyland offers rentals. Strollers are a lifesaver for navigating the park with toddlers, especially when they need a nap.
- Plan for Breaks: Disneyland can be overwhelming for toddlers, so plan for breaks throughout the day. Use these moments to relax, have a snack, or simply enjoy some downtime away from the crowds.
Conclusion
Visiting Disneyland with a toddler is a magical experience filled with unforgettable memories. By focusing on the best toddler-friendly rides at Disneyland, you can ensure a day of fun and adventure that’s safe and enjoyable for your little one. Whether it’s a gentle boat ride, a whimsical dark ride, or a peaceful train journey, Disneyland offers a variety of attractions that cater to the youngest visitors. With a little planning and preparation, these best toddler friendly rides at Disneyland will be a magical experience for the entire family.
Know other attractions we should add to these best toddler friendly rides at Disneyland? Please share with us in the comments section.
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