Disney’s Animal Kingdom with Toddlers and Preschoolers
When going to a theme park with the whole family, there’s no better option than Disney Parks and Resorts. Many rides and attractions can be experienced by everyone, including infants and expectant mothers. There’s plenty of child-friendly food, and of course, what kid doesn’t have a favorite Disney character?
As a mother of two preschoolers (born 15 months apart), I know that theme parks with small children can be a challenge. Yes, Disney World is an ideal family destination, but it’s already pretty confusing with multiple theme parks, conflicting show schedules, and so many different types of experiences from which to choose. Adding in small children, with the extra packing and planning involved, can make a day at Disney feel absolutely overwhelming…
…But it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of extra research, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge necessary for a smooth day at the theme parks.
Speaking of theme parks, which one will your family visit? While there are pros and cons to each, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a great choice for those with particularly small kids. Animal Kingdom offers a wide variety of appropriate attractions, shows, and experiences. Of course, the animal exhibits are also a huge plus for kids of this age.
To make your visit to Animal Kingdom as easy as possible, we’ve compiled a guide to the park’s toddler-sized and toddler-friendly attractions!
As this article explores attractions available to toddlers and small preschoolers, we’re only going to discuss those with a height restrictions of under 40”. Attractions with height restrictions of 40” or over include:
-Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain (44”) -Dinosaur (40’)
-Avatar Flight of Passage (44”)
While these experiences are incredible and may be appropriate for others in your party, you won’t be able to bring small children aboard these rides. You CAN however, use a feature called “Rider Switch.” Using this service allows a part of your party to experience an attraction while the rest stay with the children. After the first part of your party waits in line and exits the building, the second part will be allowed to ride without waiting in the full queue. Please check with a Cast Member at the front of the attraction before riding to determine the appropriate procedures and waiting areas.
Please note that some experiences may not be available due to the COVID-19 crisis or other attraction maintenance issues.
Below you will find all toddler-sized/friendly attractions at Animal Kingdom. They have been organized by the area in which they are found inside the park.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island Trails and Animal Exhibits:
This area holds multiple animal trails and exhibits, friendly for any age. I’ve even taken a huge double stroller through many of the trails and exhibit areas without a problem. With a few exceptions for animal care or exhibit maintenance, these areas are open during park hours.
Height Restrictions: None
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Good For: Everyone
Possible Concerns: If you choose to park your stroller, realize that some of the trails can include long walks.
It’s Tough to be A Bug:
This is a 4-D show featuring Flik and other characters from A Bug’s Life. Audience members are “shrunk” to become “honorary insects”. While this show has happy, bright, fun moments, it can also get very dark and scary. There is a scene featuring spiders dropping from the ceiling, lots of fog, and “stingers” prodding the audience’s backs. Use extreme caution before taking a small child to this attraction.
Height Restrictions: None
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Good For: Adults, Older Kids, Younger Kids with Parental Discretion
Possible Concerns: Darkness, Loud Sounds, Scary Themes
Pandora – The World of Avatar
Na’vi River Journey:
A slow-moving boat ride through a bioluminescent forest, this ride is truly beautiful. A combination of screen effects, animatronics, and 3-D set pieces blend together for an immersive visit to the planet of Pandora.
Height Restrictions: None
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Good For: Everyone
Possible Concerns: The ride can be very dark, which can be intimidating for some young kids.
Africa
Kilamanjaro Safaris:
The signature attraction of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this open-air, 18-minute safari offers a guided tour of free roaming, live animals. Every safari is different as you never know what kind of animals you will see. The vehicles are considered to be “off-road,” so the ride can be a bit bumpy. Otherwise, children love seeing all the different animals during this unique experience.
Height Restrictions: None
Expectant Mothers: Not recommended (It is considered too bumpy to be safe.)
Good for: Everyone
Possible Concerns: As stated, the ride itself is 18 minutes long, and there is often a considerable wait. Potty-training children may find this time commitment difficult.
Gorilla Falls Exploration Trails:
Along this animal trail, Guests can find hippos, meerkats, and of course, gorillas. Disney educators are stationed along the trail to answer questions and offer information about these beautiful animals.
Height Restriction: None
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Good For: Everyone
Possible Concerns: Lots of walking if you’re not using a stroller.
Festival of the Lion King:
This Broadway-style show uses acrobatics, fire dancing, and puppetry to portray Simba’s journey. It’s a breathtaking spectacle with colorful costumes and lots of dancing! It’s recommended to arrive 30 minutes prior to showtime to get the best available seat.
Height Restriction: None
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Good For: Everyone
Possible Concerns: The music can be very loud.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch:
Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a removed area of the park where guests can get a closer look at animal care and husbandry practices. There’s also a petting zoo and outdoor discovery trail focused on conservation education. To access this area of the park, Guests must take the Wildlife Express Train. While most kids love train rides, you need to be aware that some strollers will not be allowed to board. Strollers can only ride the train if they are able to fold and even then some larger strollers may not fit into the allotted space. If you need to park your stroller before boarding, it will be a 5-10 minute walk from the final train station to the exhibit building (Conservation Station) and petting zoo.
Height Restriction: None
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Good For: Everyone traveling without a stroller (or with an umbrella stroller)
Possible Concerns: Only small, folding strollers are allowed on the Wildlife Express. If you need your stroller for child comfort or storage purposes, this attraction may not be for you.
Animation Experience at Conservation Station:
Also at Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a special presentation known as the Animation Experience. In this show, Cast Members lead Guests in a drawing exercise to create beloved Disney characters (the animal ones, of course). While this interactive presentation can be fascinating for adults and older children, it can be very boring for preschoolers.
Height Restrictions: None
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Good For: Older kids and adults
Possible Concerns: I’d expect preschoolers and toddlers to be very bored during this presentation.
Asia
Kali River Rapids:
This is a fast-moving water ride with a significant drop. YOU WILL GET WET! There aren’t any characters or animals on this ride, so there’s not as much to entertain small children. However, if your kid is a budding daredevil with a love of water – this ride might be a good fit.
Height Restriction: 38”
Expectant Mothers: Not Recommended
Good For: Thrill-loving Preschoolers and Everyone else
Possible Concerns: There is a large possibility you will get SOAKED on this ride. Additionally, kids should be prepared for unpredictable, fast movement.
Maharajah Jungle Trek:
As the name implies, this is another walking trail through various animal exhibits. Animals featured on this trail include tigers, Komodo dragons, and a variety of birds. While strollers are allowed to traverse the trail, they can get difficult to navigate through the aviary portion – particularly if you’re using a double stroller.
Height Restriction: None
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Good For: Everyone
Possible Concerns: Double strollers may be difficult to navigate. There’s lots of walking for small legs.
Dinoland USA
TriceraTop Spin:
With a similar system to the “Dumbo” attraction at Magic Kingdom, Guests board their own “flying” dinosaur for delightful, carnival-inspired ride. Movement may included up, down, forward, and backward. Those sitting in the backseat can control the up and down motion of their dinosaur!
Height Restriction: None
Good for: Everyone
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Possible Concerns: If your child doesn’t like height, make sure to sit in the back. That way they (and you) can control your triceratops’ movement.
The Boneyard:
This dinosaur dig playground is filled with fossils and other treasures for kids to explore. Throughout the area, families can find caves, slides, and rope bridges. Kids can also participate in an “excavation” to dig up triceratops and tyrannosaurus rex skeletons. At the dig site, there’s also a shaded sitting area for parents.
Height Restriction: None
Good for: Small children and families
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Possible Concerns: When my children were very small, this playground was too intense for them. The caves were too dark, and the dinosaur skeletons were too big and scary. Follow your own child’s cues to see if they are ready for this detailed play area!
Finding Nemo – The Musical:
Another Broadway-style musical production, this 40-minute show uses puppets, vibrant set pieces, and special effects to tell the story of Marlin, Nemo, Dory, and their friends. Featuring 14 original songs created especially for the Animal Kingdom production, this is truly a unique theme park experience.
Height Restriction: None
Good For: Everyone
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Possible Concerns: The music and sound effects can be loud.
Multiple Locations
Wilderness Explorers:
Throughout the park, toddlers and preschoolers can take part in the Wilderness Explorers program. Kids can earn up to 25 “badges” (stickers) by completing nature- themed challenges during their visit.
Height Restriction: None
Good for: Older toddlers, preschoolers, and kids
Expectant Mothers: Allowed
Possible Concerns: If your child is too young, they may not understand the lessons enough to complete the challenges.
As you can see, there’s a LOT to see and do at this park – even for the little ones.
Besides attractions, there’s one more thing you need to know about Walt Disney World before visiting with small kids – Baby Care. Each of the four theme parks has a special Baby Care center with large, padded changing tables, a nursing area, and other comforts. You can find Animal Kingdom’s Baby Care in Discovery Island, just before the Africa bridge.
With the right preparation, a day at Animal Kingdom CAN be a fun and relaxing experience for the whole family. Take your time, and don’t stress about seeing every attraction. There’s simply too much to see in one day! Prioritize your “must-do” list, keep an eye on show times, and take breaks when you need them!
