When you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World for your young family, it’s all about spending time together…and less about the thrills and loop-de-loops.
The goal of this list is to provide your family with a number of options that would be exciting and unique for a specific age bracket. These may involve more involved gaming, interactive and educational with an added level of “Disney Magic”.
Attractions and experiences in this article can be changed out and exchanged for like-minded rides, as a Toy Story Mania is similar to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. It’s also important to keep your individual family needs at heart, because every child can be at a different development level – you know your family best.
NUMBER 10 – TOY STORY MANIA
Toy Story Midway Mania is an attraction that brings the family together for a new adaptation of a classic carnival setting that’s run by the characters from Pixar’s Toy Story franchise.
This will allow kids of all ages the chance to play a video game that actually meets your individualized skill-level. Whether you’re a youngster, a teenager or a oldie (like me), you’ll want to keep this attraction top-of-mind when you’re booking your Fastpass+ reservations.
NUMBER 9 -PETER PAN’S FLIGHT
When we think about our childhood, there are only a few movies that come to mind that are as impactful and long-lasting as Peter Pan. The attraction, which premiered at Disneyland and made its way out to the Magic Kingdom, is filled with pixie dust and amazing technology that continues to be “plus-ed” (as Walt wanted).
Kids want to be entertained without being bored, and this is a great way to share a piece of your childhood with the next generation.
Related Article – Fun Facts about Peter Pan’s Flight
NUMBER 8 – IT’S A SMALL WORLD
Kids won’t have the same connection with it’s a small world, as we don’t have the World’s Fair to explain how revolutionary the technology was at the time.
Before you go onto the attraction, take them back to a time of the past and they’ll be able to look for why this staple of Fantasyland has stayed so relevant!
NUMBER 7 – JUNGLE CRUISE
Best part about the Jungle Cruise? The jokes! Remember that you’re looking for something that kids under the age of 10 will enjoy…and they’ll want to laugh at some of the more risque jokes that their parents are giggling along with!
Don’t be afraid to share some of the jokes after you’re off the rivers:)
NUMBER 6 – BARNSTORMER WITH THE GREAT GOOFINI
The Barnstormer is a great introduction to rollercoasters. It has a decent lift hill, fun theming and going on the attraction a couple times will grow your kids confidence before taking them on some of the bigger coasters.
NUMBER 5 – SEVEN DWARFS MINE TRAIN
The Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train by far and away the most “family-friendly” attraction in the Magic Kingdom. It’s exciting for kids of all ages while stepping up the thrill-factor for the older kids. The on-ride photos are also really fun to share!!
NUMBER 4 – BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of our favourite “Disney Mountains” on property! The younger the kid, the closer you should sit to the front. IF you want to have the full thrill factor on BTM…sit at the back. #FunFact
NUMBER 3 – KILIMANJARO SAFARI
Kilimanjaro Safari is a perfect attraction for kids of all ages due to the story of the adventure. You’re going on a two-week safari and you never know what’ll happen…and what animals you’ll be able to see. Keep your eyes peeled for the Giraffes, Zebras, Lions and Cheetahs!
Give your kid the camera and see what they can find:)
NUMBER 2 – SPLASH MOUNTAIN
Splash Mountain is a little more adventurous due to the 60ft drop. Looking back into my first trip to Disneyland, I was scared to go on Splash due to the drop…but I was so wrong. If your kid’s a little scared going into the trip, show them a Youtube video and you should be fine.
NUMBER 1 – THE MONORAIL
Our top recommendation for kids under 10 is taking a ride on the Walt Disney World Monorail
Why? First off, the monorail is classic “Disney”! Secondly, it’s a great way to see the resorts without walking…and get the scope of the Seven Seas Lagoon (including the Magic Kingdom) in about 20 minutes.
So that’s our list. Thoughts? Comments? Did we miss any? Share them in the comments!