The Best of Walt Disney World for Preschoolers

Welcome back to Part 2 of my blog series – The Best of Walt Disney World! In case you missed it, over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing with you the top picks in attractions for various groups of travelers visiting the Walt Disney World theme parks. Last time we discussed favorites for babies, and next up are the adorable preschoolers. When checking out the list, keep in mind each attraction that made the cut scored at least four stars by the preschoolers surveyed. Come on, everybody, here we go!

The Best of Magic Kingdom for Preschoolers

 

Astro Orbiter

Location: Tomorrowland
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Spinning
4 Stars

Ride high in your own spinning rocket while enjoying views of Tomorrowland. You control how high you go with a lever inside your rocket. More Details

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Location: Tomorrowland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Spinning, Dark, Slow
4 ½ Stars

Climb aboard and take aim as you help Buzz Lightyear save the universe from the evil Emperor Zurg. Ride along on this slow-moving attraction where you control the spinning as you shoot your laser and score points. More Details

Dumbo The Flying Elephant

Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Spinning, Slow
4 ½ Stars

A Disney classic and a rite of passage for every child. Soar high over Fantasyland in your own Dumbo The Flying Elephant. You control the height with a lever inside your ride vehicle. This attraction offers a unique circus-themed play area for little ones to enjoy while waiting their turn to ride. More Details

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4 ½ Stars

Join Belle for a captivating interactive story time where children in the audience are selected to take part in the retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in an elaborately themed attraction. More Details

“it’s a small world”

Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow, Dark
4 ½ Stars

Sail away on this joyful cruise past child-like dolls wearing their nation’s authentic clothing while singing one of the most well-known songs of all time. This attraction is a perfect first ride for preschoolers! More Details

Mad Tea Party

Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Spinning
4 ½ Stars

A classic spinning teacup ride where spinning the center wheel in your cup increases your speed. More Details

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4 ½ Stars

Lose yourself in this enchanting 3D musical masterpiece featuring favorite Disney characters and songs from animated classics. More Details

Peter Pan’s Flight

Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Small Drops, Slow, Dark
4 ½ Stars

A true Disney classic. Climb aboard a magical pirate ship and fly high over London with Peter Pan on your way to Never Land. Unique to this attraction, your pirate ship is suspended in the air from a guide rail to allow for a more authentic flying sensation. The ride is not particularly high, but you will want to hold on tight to your little one if they tend to be squirmy. More Details

Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Spinning, Slow
4 ½ Stars

A traditional merry-go-round made even better with that special Disney touch; especially beautiful at night. More Details

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Drops, Fast
Height Restriction: 38″ or taller to ride
4 ½ Stars

Climb aboard your mine train and get ready for an adorable roller coaster ride filled with small thrills and beautiful details as you adventure along with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. More Details

The Barnstormer

Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Small Drops, Fast
Height Restriction: 35″ or taller to ride
4 ½ Stars

Join the Great Goofini for a ride on a mini roller coaster beginner riders are sure to enjoy. More Details

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Location: Adventureland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Spinning, Slow
4 ½ Stars

Take a ride on a high-flying magic carpet where you control the height and tilt. Be sure to watch out for those spitting camels or you and your preschooler might get wet! More Details

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Small Drops, Slow, Dark
4 ½ Stars

Take an adorable and colorful ride in a “hunny” pot through Hundred Acre Wood where you can watch the antics of Winnie the Pooh and his friends Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo. More Details

Tom Sawyer Island

Location: Frontierland
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Experience
4 ½ Stars

Journey across the Rivers of America by raft to explore an island filled with adventure. This place is a young child’s paradise with places to run, play, and inspect. More Details

Tomorrowland Speedway

Location: Tomorrowland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow, Loud
Height Restriction: 32″ or taller to ride, 54″ or taller to drive alone
4 ½ Stars

Drive (on a guide rail) your own gas-powered car on a winding track through Tomorrowland. More Details

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Location: Tomorrowland
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Slow, Dark
4 ½ Stars

Take a relaxing ride on this smooth tram of the future that provides fantastic views of Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle; especially beautiful at night. Keep in mind there are a couple of completely dark moments on this attraction, but nothing scary. Some preschoolers find this a perfect place to catch a quick nap! More Details

Under The Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

Location: Fantasyland
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow, Dark
4 ½ Stars

Climb aboard your own giant clam shell as you journey under the seas with Ariel and the gang. Brimming with colorful scenery and treasured music, this attraction is sure to be a hit with your little one. Keep in mind a large Ursula character does make an appearance which could scare more sensitive little ones. More Details

Walt Disney World Railroad

Location: Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, Fantasyland
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Slow
4 ½ Stars

Enjoy beautiful views while riding the rails on a vintage steam-powered train during a 1.5-mile full loop around Magic Kingdom. A great place for toddlers to get some rest! More Details

The Best of Epcot for Preschoolers

 

Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival

Location: Future World
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4 ½ Stars

Enjoy this lively and entertaining 3D experience that includes three animated Disney short films. More Details

Frozen Ever After

Location: World Showcase Norway Pavilion
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Small Drops, Slow, Dark
4 ½ Stars

Set sail on an adventure through the fictional land of Arendelle complete with your favorite Frozen characters and songs from the animated blockbuster hit. More Details

Gran Fiesta Tour

Location: World Showcase Mexico Pavilion
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Slow, Dark
4 ½ Stars

Float along on this relaxing and colorful cruise while enjoying the sights of Mexico with Donald Duck, Jose, and Panchito—the Three Caballeros. This attraction is reminiscent of “it’s a small world” and is sure to be a hit with your little one! More Details

Soarin’

Location: Future World
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Small Drops, Slow, Dark
Height Restriction: 40″ or taller to ride
4 ½ Stars

Fly high above the globe taking in beautiful landscapes from around the world in this hang-gliding simulator ride. More Details

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Location: Future World
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow, Dark
4 ½ Stars

Take a ride in a clam-mobile as you explore the ocean looking for Nemo with your favorite characters from Finding Nemo. Keep in mind the sharks make an appearance. More Details

Turtle Talk with Crush

Location: Future World
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4 ½ Stars

Adults and kids alike will be entranced by this interactive marvel where young dudes and dudettes can have a hilarious improvised conversation with the sweetest turtle around, Crush. More Details

The Best of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Preschoolers

 

Beauty and the Beast – Live On Stage

Location: Sunset Boulevard
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4 ½ Stars

Watch this enchanting retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast filled with delightful music and dancing that even the tiniest of guests are sure to enjoy! More Details

Disney Junior – Live on Stage

Location: Animation Courtyard
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4 ½ Stars

This show was created with preschoolers in mind! Little ones can share in the fun with some of their favorite Disney Junior Characters from Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in this lively musical show. More Details

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Location: Echo Lake
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4 ½ Stars

A retelling of Frozen by the royal historians of Arendelle complete with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, songs, stories, sing-alongs, and even snow. More Details

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

Location: Echo Lake
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Experience
4 ½ Stars

Kids ages 4 – 12 years old volunteer to train as a Jedi and then try to defeat the Dark Side. More Details

Toy Story Midway Mania!

Location: Pixar Place
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Spinning
4 ½ Stars

Climb aboard and try your hand at simulated 3D midway games with the Toy Story gang. Lots of colors, sounds, and friendly characters to keep your preschooler entertained. More Details

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Location: Animation Courtyard
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4 ½ Stars

Watch this captivating show filled with vibrant puppets, special effects, live performers, and musical favorites from The Little Mermaid. Keep in mind a larger-than-life Ursula makes an appearance. More Details

The Best of Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Preschoolers

 

Festival of the Lion King

Location: Africa
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4 ½ Stars

This 30-minute extravaganza combines puppetry, acrobatics, and music to tell the moving story of The Lion King. Full-size characters and audience participation should be a hit with little ones. More Details

Finding Nemo – The Musical

Location: Dinoland U.S.A.
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Entertainment
4 ½ Stars

This Broadway-caliber production is an impressive combination of music, puppets, lighting, colors, and special effects that together tell the story of Nemo. When taking your toddler, keep in mind that the show is long, with a running time of 35 minutes. More Details

Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Location: Africa
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Experience
4 Stars

A tranquil pathway where you observe animals such as gorillas and meerkat. More Details

Kali River Rapids

Location: Africa
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Small Drops, Spinning, Water
Height Restriction: 38″ or taller to ride
4 ½ Stars

Climb aboard your raft for an incredibly wet and wild ride down the river and through the lush jungle. More Details

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Location: Africa
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Slow, Bumpy
4 ½ Stars

The park’s best-known attraction, and it will not disappoint. Climb aboard an open-air safari vehicle for an 18-minute journey through the savanna where you can spot exotic creatures like hippos, elephants, giraffes, and lions in gorgeous natural settings. These animals are the real deal; no Audio-Animatronics here. More Details

Na’vi River Journey

Location: Pandora – The World of Avatar
FastPass+: Yes
Thrill: Dark, Slow
4 ½ Stars

Enjoy a gentle, dark boat ride along a mysterious river through the rainforest of Pandora. The soothing music and bioluminescent glowing plants will surely enchant your little one. More Details

The Boneyard

Location: Dinoland U.S.A.
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Experience
4 ½ Stars

Let young adventurers take some time to explore this combination dig site and playground, where children can climb, slide, and dig for fossils. More Details

TriceraTop Spin

Location: Dinoland U.S.A.
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Spinning, Slow
4 ½ Stars

Take a spin on a flying dinosaur where you control the height and tilt with levers inside your own Triceratops. Reminiscent of Dumbo The Flying Elephant; little ones love this attraction. More Details

Wilderness Explorers

Location: Discovery Island
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Experience
4 ½ Stars

Travel around the park earning Wildlife Explorer Badges (stickers) just like Russell from Up. More Details

Wildlife Express Train

Location: Africa
FastPass+: No
Thrill: Slow
4 Stars

Climb aboard the train for a relaxing 1.2 mile one-way ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which has exhibits and a petting zoo. More Details

Well, there you have it folks. I hope you’ve enjoyed Part 2 of The Best of Walt Disney World series. Look for Part 3 – The Best of Walt Disney World for Grade School Kids coming soon!

Other Posts In This Series:

• The Best of Walt Disney World For Babies

Have you traveled to Walt Disney World with a preschooler? Do you agree with this list? Have any additions or subtractions? Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!