An expert guide to the best Disney World rides for young kids, for the ages that can’t quite handle the thrill rides just yet.
After the first few years of taking a baby and a young toddler to Disney World, I realized I had entered the next generation of Disney rides: the ones that provide a bit more of a thrill, without ever being scary. My three-year-old still enjoys the slow journey of “it’s a small world,” but also was craving a bit more of an adrenaline-pumping experience.
The Best Disney World Rides for Young Kids
However, for younger ages, there’s a balance that needs to be struck. The younger kids who begin to want to experience thrills, but certainly have their limit of what actually counts as a fun thrill versus a thrill that leaves them crying.
For those looking for that balance, these are some of the best Disney World rides for young kids that can’t quite handle the more intense attractions.
Jungle Cruise
If you’re looking for thrills that involve the wonders of the world versus G-force, the Jungle Cruise is the place to be. The iconic boat ride takes you on a journey through the jungle, aboard a ship captained by a skipper with no lack of punny jokes at their disposal.
For younger kids, they’ll be able to take in the thrill of seeing a variety of animals (of the animatronic kind), without the high speed or scares that may prove to be too much for them.
The Barnstormer
Photo by Laurie Sapp
So, if you have a kid who is a hard no on roller coasters, this obviously won’t be the one for you. However, if you have a kid who wants to dip their toe into a thrill ride without it being a big thrill, The Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom may be just the thing. For our daughter, this was the first ride moving at the speed of a fast walk.
It’s super short, with just about 30 seconds of fast movement and drops, with a track that allows riders to see exactly where they’re going. While nervous to head onto it at first, one ride left our daughter asking to go on again…and again.
Frozen Ever After
Photo by Cliff Wang
EPCOT doesn’t have a ton of options for younger riders that aren’t ready for the thrills of Test Track, Mission: SPACE, or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. However, a major exception to that is Frozen Ever After.
For fans of Frozen, this is a must-do, a slow-moving boat ride featuring the characters and music of the film. It also offers some movement that’s a touch more adrenaline-pumping than “It’s a small world.” After meeting with Elsa, you’ll be sent backwards, before turning and heading down a small, manageable drop. This is no Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, but it will give a perfectly easy-to-handle thrill for younger riders.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Just like Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure offers a fun ride for younger kids to enjoy. The trackless ride takes riders down to Remy-size, where you’ll travel through Paris and the kitchen of Gusteau’s. While the ride features a few jumpworthy moments, it’s a tame enough attraction that you shouldn’t have to worry about it being too much for younger riders.
Like Frozen Ever After, the line for Remy’s can get long, so just make sure to consider using a Lightning Lane option for one or the other as you start your day!
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Photo by Danny Shuster
If your kid likes Jungle Cruise, they’ll love getting to see the very real animals aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris! A very tame, educational ride, the truck takes riders through the savanna where they’ll encounter animals like giraffes, lions, hippos, elephants, and more.
While the ride guarantees a different kind of thrill (seeing a giraffe up close is pretty cool), you won’t need to worry about any scares or too much adrenaline pumping for younger riders. Instead, just expect some bumpy roads along the way!
Slinky Dog Dash
Photo by Marisa Alvarado
If you have a little one who’s ready for a real coaster (but not a scary coaster), Slinky Dog Dash is the perfect next step. A slight step up from The Barnstormer, this family-friendly ride in Toy Story Land offers smooth curves, gentle drops, and a launch that feels exciting without ever crossing into “too intense.”
Kids love that they’re riding aboard Slinky himself, and the open, colorful track makes every twist predictable rather than surprising. It’s a great bridge between toddler rides and the bigger thrills they’ll graduate to later.
Toy Story Mania!
Located right by Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania! is pure, high-energy fun and perfect for kids who want something more engaging than a passive dark ride. The fast-paced, 3D midway games let young riders blast targets, compete for high scores, and laugh at the silly Toy Story-themed challenges. There’s no speed, no drops, and no scares, but the buzzy, interactive action will absolutely scratch that itch for something more exciting.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Photo by Marisa Alvarado
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is one of Disney’s best family attractions because it manages to feel whimsical, surprising, and “big” without ever being overwhelming. The trackless ride system creates smooth motion and fun, unexpected transitions, but everything stays squarely in kid-friendly territory.
Younger riders love the bright, cartoonish style, while parents appreciate that there are no big drops or dark, scary scenes. It’s a joyful pick for little ones who want something more dynamic than a slow boat ride, but who definitely aren’t ready for Space Mountain.
