Well, we survived our first Disney weekend with 4 kids and while hubby did all the “big kid” rides with the girls, I was stuck with a lot of time on my own with the boys but I’ve gotten pretty good at managing the down time after so many years of doing Disney with a toddler and/or baby and over that time I’ve figured out that the best way to manage the time is to do things that don’t have long lines. I’ve also learned that many of these rides that aren’t very popular with the general crowd are big hits with the under three crowd!
So, when at Disney with a toddler, here are our favorite, least busy attractions at the Magic Kingdom:
It’s a Small World
The bane of most adults’ existence captures Doodle’s heart every time. I can always distract him from daddy and sisters leaving with the draw of a boat ride and the singing and child animatronics keep him entertained so much that it’s always a struggle to get him to get off (luckily the line is almost always non-existent so if necessary we can walk around and get on again immediately!)
Prince Charming Regal Carousel
Who doesn’t love a carousel? The line is rarely long, the ride is gentle for kids of all sizes and Doodle loves picking his own horse.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
While I haven’t done this one with Doodle yet, it was a favorite of Sugarplum’s when she was younger. I love the classical music and introduction to instruments and with the 3-D effects and Donald’s humorous antics, the little ones stay well entertained.
Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station
If it’s a hot Florida day and you aren’t worried about your little ones getting wet, why not send them into the splash pad to stomp around awhile? Doodle loves the train and animals and all the little ones are delighted by the squirting animals.
Country Bear Jamboree
I took Doodle to this show for the first time this trip knowing he would love it (his favorite book is Bears, after all!) and indeed he did. He grinned and giggled through the entire show and there was hardly anyone in there with us!
The Enchanted Tiki Room
I wandered into this show one day with Sugarplum a few years ago and I was as delighted by it as she was! The catchy tunes and various birds throughout the small theatre keep everyone well entertained.
Peoplemover (Tomorrowland Transit Authority)
This was the first ride Sugarplum ever went on and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It takes you through/around each of the attractions in Tomorrowland with sharp curves that can knock little ones over (which Doodle loves!) and a few dark stretches where we like to play “where’s Doodle?” and tickle games.
While Magic Kingdom is where I find myself alone with little ones the most, I have favorites at the other parks when at Disney with a toddler as well.
At Epcot, we like:
Living with the Land
Another boat ride, this slow one rarely has any line and takes you through Disney’s garden where little ones can pick out their favorite fruits and vegetables and learn about how food grows and big people can learn about new methods Disney is researching to increase food growth potential.
Turtle Talk with Crush
We always stop in to this show after doing the Finding Nemo ride. The hilarious interactive show involves Crush (the turtle) interacting with all the kids who sit up front on the carpet while the big people sit in benches behind. Our first visit, the girls didn’t want to sit on the carpet but now they eagerly raise their hands to be chosen (though they never have been, unfortunately).
At Animal Kingdom, we like:
Triceratop Spin
Similar to the Dumbo ride at Magic Kingdom, this dinosaur themed version never has a line and we regularly ride again and again (and again and again) while waiting for the rest of the family to do the other rides.
The Boneyard
If you happen to get bored with Triceratop Spin (or dizzy) head right behind it to the play area with tons of slides, things to climb and soft places to fall.
And at Hollywood Studios, we like:
The Muppets 3-D
This is a childhood favorite of mine and now a favorite of all our little ones.
Which Disney World attractions do your little ones like the most?
