Your one-year-old may not talk very much just yet, but trust us — they definitely have opinions, and they’re going to love these Magic Kingdom rides.
If you’re wondering whether you should bring your one-year-old to Disney World, my answer is a resounding YES. Sure, they may not remember it. But you will, and those memories you make as a parent are just as valuable. And luckily, there are plenty of things to do with a one-year-old at Disney World, particularly in Magic Kingdom Park.
When it comes to theme parks, the most kid-friendly one is Magic Kingdom. This park has the most rides with no height restrictions, making it a perfect destination for parents to ride attractions with their little ones. But which ones are worth your time and most appropriate for your family? Here’s how I’m ranking Magic Kingdom’s rides for one-year-olds, from solidly fun to absolutely incredible for toddlers.
10. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Photo by Laurie Sapp
Strip this ride of its theming, and it’s your typical aerial carousel attraction where riders move around in a circle with a mechanism that allows them to control how high their individual car flies. But simple is good when it comes to one-year-olds, and frankly, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin is just thrilling enough (though you might want to stay in control of your magic carpet’s movement!).
As an added perk, the fun colors along with the slow-paced movement of these flying carpets makes this a solid choice to begin this countdown.
9. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Merry-go-rounds can be found in many places, which is why Magic Kingdom’s version isn’t higher on this list. But Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is one of the most beautiful carousels you’ll encounter. If you feel confident in your baby’s ability to sit up (mostly) unassisted, this is a great attraction to ride together.
If your one-year-old needs more help, don’t worry: Parents can stand next to a horse to ensure kids stay safe, or you can choose to ride together on a bench instead.
8. The PeopleMover
Photo by Marisa Alvarado
The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover is a fan favorite, and for good reason. It’s a relaxing ride throughout various attractions of Tomorrowland, and the elevated track provides great views of the park. The breeze and indoor portions also provide some relief on a hot day.
While there are some fast turns and dark portions, this ride should still be a great choice for a one-year-old. After all, what do little ones love more than soaking in new sights and being on the move?
7. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
As you may expect, many of the attractions on this list will be slow-moving dark rides. That’s because Magic Kingdom’s classic dark rides are perfect for one-year-olds: They’re all typically very tame with colorful theming, catchy (and familiar) songs, and gentle movement. Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid is no different.
The scenes with Ursula might be a bit frightening, but unless your 1-year-old is scared of animatronics in general, this is still a great choice.
6. Peter Pan’s Flight
Photo by Marisa Alvarado
Now, I may get some hate mail for having Peter Pan’s Flight this low on the list, since this classic Magic Kingdom ride is beloved by many visitors. But from the perspective of a one-year-old, it may not pack the same punch.
Sure, flying over the various scenes is a fun experience. But the whole ride is in the dark and the small details of what you’re traveling over may not be noticed by such a young rider. Plus, there’s no nostalgia tied to this ride for one-year-olds – while adults may think it’s a Magic Kingdom staple, toddlers simply don’t know anything about it.
5. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a whimsical ride through the Hundred Acre Wood starring the cute characters of Winnie the Pooh. And everyone’s favorite cuddly bear and his friends are perfect for a one-year-old.
While the storm scene might be a little frightening, the entire attraction is mild enough for the whole family to enjoy and should definitely be on your list when visiting with young ones.
4. Jungle Cruise
Photo by Marisa Alvarado
This popular ride is a fantastic choice for families with a one-year-old. The older guests can enjoy the skippers’ jokes while the babies can take in a relaxing boat ride and see a variety of (fake) animals.
There’s a chance that your child may get antsy, and since there’s no seat restraints, I recommend bringing something to keep them occupied. Otherwise, they may try to stand during the ride and get called out by the Cast Member (I speak from experience!).
3. “it’s a small world”
Okay, I know “it’s a small world” has a bit of a bad rep because of the song that gets stuck in your head. But honestly, it’s a perfect ride for a one-year-old. From the colorful displays to the adorable dolls to that tune you’ll hum all day long, it’s definitely an attraction you should add to your list when visiting with a baby.
As an added bonus, there are no super dark areas or any particularly frightening moments, which is another reason why it’s so high on this list.
2. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Photo by Marisa Alvarado
This ride screams nostalgia. Many of us parents have fond memories of riding Dumbo the Flying Elephant as a kid, so it’s no surprise that we want to share the experience with our own little ones. Plus, it’s just the perfect amount of fun for one-year-olds: It offers them some control over the ride experience and lets them fly high over Storybook Circus.
Just like the Magic Carpets of Aladdin, this ride lets guests control the height of the elephant while gently circling around. And with two identical rides (i.e., double the capacity) and a fun queue that includes a playground, it makes waiting in line with a small kid a not-so-terrible experience.
1. Walt Disney World Railroad
Surprised to find the Walt Disney World Railroad at the top of this list? Well, it’s not just a fun attraction; it’s also a practical one that can transport you to different stops around the park! Walking around with a one-year-old can get tiring, even if you’re pushing them in a stroller. So, why not hop on the train and get a relaxing ride around Magic Kingdom and take in all the amazing sights?
Plus, there’s always something so special about riding a steam-powered train. Little kids in particular tend to be wowed by the Disney World Railroad’s trains, which makes it far more exciting for the whole family.
As you can see, there are plenty of rides to do with a one-year-old. And don’t forget the shows! From the Enchanted Tiki Room to the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, there’s a lot more to see at Magic Kingdom. So don’t put off that Disney World trip until your child is older. There’s plenty of magic to experience at each age!
