Taking your little one on their first Walt Disney World adventure? It’s a magical milestone, but let’s be real – it requires a bit of planning. Navigating the parks with a baby in tow is a whole different ballgame, and choosing the right rides is key to ensuring everyone has a fantastic time. From gentle boat rides perfect for naps to high-flying adventures best saved for older siblings, let’s explore the must-do (and must-avoid) attractions for your tiny traveler!
We take our babies to Disney before they can fully immerse themselves in the magic. Why? Because even if they don’t remember the trip, the memories we create will last a lifetime!
Our youngest daughter experienced her first Disney trip at 14 months old, and our son marked his first birthday at Disney World. He even joined us for trips to Disneyland and Disney World while in utero, but who’s keeping track?
What we’ve learned over the years from visiting theme parks with babies and toddlers is that even if some rides have no height requirement, it doesn’t mean your baby should be on them. Here’s why:
▪️Frozen Ever After – It’s themed after Anna and Elsa, what can go wrong? This attraction features a dark setting, including the queue area, has a roaring snow monster, and includes a segment where the ride moves backwards downhill.
▪️Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – Don’t get me wrong, I adore this ride but maybe not so much for littles. It’s dark, it’s very loud, and you get whirled around, so hold on tight to those babies.
▪️Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway – This one I do not recommend for anyone under toddler age unless you have a baby in an infant carrier. Some older kids get scared of the tornado scene, so take that into consideration as well. This ride features dark sections, is quite noisy, and can jostle even adults in their seats, so make sure to hold on to those little ones tightly!
▪️N’avi River Journey – This one isn’t too bad. For children who are frightened of the dark or “creepy crawlies,” it might be best to avoid this. My daughter was afraid of it until she reached the age of six.
▪️Pirates of the Caribbean – This dark ride features cannons firing and includes a very tiny drop.
▪️Toy story Mania – just hold onto those babies tight when the ride spins.
▪️The Haunted Mansion – The ride is dimly lit with ghosts and flashes of lightning, yet my youngest was eager to see everything. 😆 Meanwhile, his older sister only started to enjoy it about two years ago, as she previously found it too spooky.
With that being said, you know your kiddos best, so use your judgement. We recently took our one-year-old on several rides, ensuring that he was secure in our arms on each ride. The rider switch feature is the best invention for families who cannot all ride together on certain attractions. If you’re traveling with a little one, make sure you utilize that feature, especially if you aren’t sure if your kiddo will enjoy the ride.
Our little guy took every ride like a champ (I was nervous of course). We had a blast exploring the classic attractions with our one-year-old, proving that even the simplest rides can create cherished memories. So, pack those diapers, rent that stroller, and embark on your own unforgettable Disney adventure with your little one! The magic awaits, and it’s even more special when shared with the ones you love most.❤️
Passports and Park Maps 