Space Mountain is a popular indoor roller coaster attraction found in both Disneyland (located in Anaheim, California) and Disney World (located in Orlando, Florida).

While the general concept and theme of the rides are similar, there are a few key differences between Space Mountain at Disneyland and Space Mountain at Disney World.

Layout and Design

The layout and design of the two Space Mountain attractions differ.

Disneyland’s Space Mountain opened in 1977 and features a more compact design with a single track. The ride takes place in a dome-shaped building and incorporates various twists, turns, and drops.

Disney World’s Space Mountain, which opened in 1975, has a larger and more complex layout. It consists of two separate tracks, Alpha and Omega, which provide slightly different ride experiences. The tracks intertwine and crisscross throughout the attraction, adding an extra layer of excitement.

Queue and Exterior Theming

The exterior theming and queue areas of the two attractions also differ from one another.

Disneyland’s Space Mountain has a futuristic, white, and silver exterior, reflecting its Tomorrowland setting. The queue features a space-age aesthetic, with interactive displays and videos to entertain guests while they wait.

Disney World’s Space Mountain, on the other hand, has a distinctive retro-futuristic design, reminiscent of a 1970s vision of space travel. The exterior features a white, cone-shaped structure with geometric patterns. The queue area immerses guests in a spaceport setting, complete with space travel artifacts and futuristic details.

Ride Experience

While both versions of Space Mountain offer thrilling roller-coaster experiences, there are some subtle differences in the ride itself.

Disneyland’s Space Mountain tends to have more sudden turns and drops due to its compact layout. The darkness and immersive starry sky effects enhance the sense of speed and excitement.

Disney World’s Space Mountain provides a slightly smoother ride experience due to its larger layout and separate tracks. The intertwined tracks create moments of near misses as the trains pass each other, adding an extra thrill to the ride. Additionally, Disney World’s Space Mountain features more advanced lighting effects, including bursts of colored lights and swirling patterns.

It’s worth noting that over the years, both versions of Space Mountain have undergone refurbishments and updates to enhance the overall experience, including improvements in technology and effects.

While there are distinct differences between Space Mountain at Disneyland and Space Mountain at Disney World, both versions offer an exhilarating journey through outer space, combining high-speed thrills with an immersive atmosphere.

Whether you find yourself at Disneyland or Disney World, experiencing Space Mountain is sure to be an unforgettable journey that will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder as you traverse the galaxies in the most magical way possible.

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• The Best Places to Eat With Kids At Disney World
• The BEST Disneyland Water Rides
• The Best Disneyland Rides For Infants

The post Space Mountain Disneyland vs. Disney World: What’s the Difference appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

A visit to Disney World is an exciting adventure for the whole family, and dining is no exception.

With a wide array of restaurants and food options, Disney World offers a culinary journey that will satisfy the taste buds of both kids and adults.

When dining with kids, it’s essential to choose restaurants that not only serve delicious meals but also cater to the needs and preferences of young palates.

Let’s explore some of the best family-friendly dining destinations at Disney World, ensuring that your dining experiences are enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Disney World Family Friendly Restaurants

Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom)

Step into the enchanted world of Beauty and the Beast at the Be Our Guest Restaurant. This immersive dining experience takes place in the Beast’s castle and offers a menu that caters to both adult and children’s tastes. Little ones can indulge in kid-friendly favorites like macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese, while adults can savor French-inspired dishes. Don’t forget to try the “Grey Stuff” for a delightful dessert.

‘Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort)

Located at the Polynesian Village Resort, ‘Ohana offers a family-style dining experience with a Polynesian flair. The all-you-care-to-enjoy feast includes grilled meats, tasty sides, and a delicious bread pudding dessert. Kids will love the interactive atmosphere, character appearances, and the chance to participate in coconut races and hula hoop contests.

Tusker House Restaurant (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

Embark on a flavorful journey at Tusker House Restaurant, located in the heart of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. This buffet-style dining experience features an extensive selection of African and American dishes. Kids will enjoy meeting favorite Disney characters while savoring kid-friendly options like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, and fruit skewers.

We did a character breakfast at the Tusker House. It was a lot of fun! Great service and absolutely delicious food. Character dining is expensive, but it’s one of our

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)

Step back in time and enjoy a unique dining experience at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. Sit in classic cars and watch retro sci-fi clips on the big screen while dining on American comfort food. Kids will love the immersive setting and menu options like burgers, chicken tenders, and milkshakes.

Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)

Join Mickey and his friends for a lively buffet at Chef Mickey’s. Located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this character dining experience allows kids to meet beloved Disney characters while enjoying a delicious meal. The buffet offers a variety of options, including kid-friendly favorites like Mickey-shaped waffles, pancakes, and chicken nuggets.

Garden Grill Restaurant (Epcot)

For a unique dining experience that combines delicious food with a rotating view, head to the Garden Grill Restaurant in Epcot’s Future World. This family-style restaurant revolves slowly, providing views of the Living with the Land attraction. Kids can enjoy dishes like turkey, mac and cheese, and harvest-inspired desserts, all while meeting Chip ‘n’ Dale and other Disney characters.

Fast Food Restaurants Near Disney World

When it comes to fast food options near Disney World, there are several chain restaurants and quick-service dining options available.

Here are some popular fast-food restaurants located in close proximity to the Disney World resort:

McDonald’s

Located on World Center Drive, there is a McDonald’s restaurant that offers familiar fast food favorites such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. It is a convenient option for a quick and affordable meal.

Chick-fil-A

Just outside the Disney World property, on Palm Parkway, you can find a Chick-fil-A restaurant. Known for its chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries, Chick-fil-A provides a tasty and family-friendly fast food experience.

Five Guys

Situated on State Road 535, Five Guys is a popular fast-casual burger chain known for its customizable burgers, hot dogs, and fresh-cut fries. This restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and delicious fast food options for families.

Panda Express

Located on International Drive, Panda Express serves fast and flavorful Chinese-American cuisine. Their menu includes dishes like orange chicken, Beijing beef, and fried rice, providing a quick and satisfying meal option.

Panera Bread

On Daryl Carter Parkway, you can find a Panera Bread restaurant, known for its fresh and wholesome menu. From soups and salads to sandwiches and bakery items, Panera Bread offers a variety of fast-casual options for a quick bite.

Subway

There are multiple Subway locations near Disney World, including one on Vineland Avenue. Subway specializes in made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, and salads, allowing guests to customize their meals to their preferences.

These fast-food restaurants offer convenient and familiar options for a quick meal when visiting Disney World.

All in all, Disney World offers a fantastic array of dining options that cater to the needs and preferences of families with kids.

From immersive themed experiences to character dining and diverse cuisines, there is something for everyone.

These family-friendly restaurants, including Be Our Guest Restaurant, ‘Ohana, Tusker House Restaurant, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, Chef Mickey’s, and Garden Grill Restaurant, ensure that your dining experiences are not only delicious but also filled with magical moments.

So, embark on a culinary adventure with your family, create lasting memories, and let the joy of good food and Disney magic fill your time at Disney World.

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• Can You Bring Food Into Disneyland? + Best Places to Eat
• Festival of Holidays at California Adventure: A Non-Foodie’s Perspective
• Disneyland Dining on a Budget for Families

The post The Best Places to Eat With Kids At Disney World appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Is Disney World Open On Christmas Day?

The answer is yes! Disney World will be open on December 25th and there are plenty of activities available for visitors. In this blog post, we’ll provide all the information you need to know about what’s open and closed on Christmas at Disney World.

Are all Disney Theme Parks Open On Christmas Day?

First, let’s talk about theme parks. All four Disney World theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom – will be open on Christmas Day from 9 am to 8 pm.

All Disney Parks are open 365 days a year! Including holidays.

Guests can enjoy attractions and shows throughout the parks during those hours.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?

Not all restaurants will be available on Christmas Day, however.

Select quick-service restaurant locations will be open, as well as select table-service restaurants in all four parks.

Guests can make reservations for these restaurants ahead of time to ensure their spot.

Tips for Christmas at Disneyland

Many of the tips for a successful Christmas trip are the same ones we’d recommend for ANY busy time of year at Disneyland – but they are always worth reiterating!

Use Mobile Ordering

Download the Disneyland app to take advantage of mobile ordering at select quick-service restaurants. This will help you avoid long lines and enjoy your time in the parks more!

Take Advantage of Genie+

Disney Genie+ is definitely a necessity during peak season at Disneyland! Unless you really love standing in lines, having a holiday Disney Genie+ strategy can greatly limit the amount of time you spend waiting in line.

Arrive Early

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of your day! This will almost assuredly give you a couple hours of lower crowds. You should definitely rope drop some of the most popular rides as well.

Make Reservations Early

This is important for both park reservations and for restaurant reservations. I suspect that as soon as these disappear, it will be difficult to grab one. They are both available 60 days before Thanksgiving!

Stay Close By

Stay as close as you can to the park! It will make it easier to get to the parks early, take a break midday, and just take advantage of Disney magic for longer. There are quite a few affordable hotels nearby, so grab one while you ca.

Consider Staying On Site

If you are staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, you have the opportunity to enter the parks an hour early each morning of your stay. This is a great way to get some extra rides in before the parks get too busy later in the day.

Additionally, some attractions and shows may be closed for maintenance or refurbishment on December 25th – it’s always a good idea to check the park schedule before you visit.

Plan ahead- the holidays are a popular time for patrons to attend the parks- make reservations accordingly to ensure you can see everything that you want to!

Be prepared for crowds- the park may be more crowded on Christmas.

So there you have it – Disney World is open on Christmas Day! With plenty of attractions and shows available, as well as a few select restaurants throughout the parks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during their holiday visit to Disney World. Enjoy your magical day!

Here are other articles you may enjoy:

• 9 Best Thanksgiving Travel Spots
• How to Get to Disneyland Without a Car
• 20+ Hotels with a Shuttle Close to Disneyland

The post Is Disney World Open On Christmas Day? appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Disney World Character Locator

If you’re anything like us, you want to meet all of the characters during your next trip to Walt Disney World. 

It can be tough knowing where to start when it comes to meeting characters at Disney World. With over 70+ characters to meet, it’s hard to know who is where and when.

We’ve got you covered. Our Ultimate Characters List includes bios and photos of every character currently available for meet and greets in the parks, so you can start planning your trip today!

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

This is a list of characters that we found and generally where you can find them. The best thing you can do is check the Disney World app under characters to find their scheduled appearance times.

Magic Kingdom Characters

Here are the characters that you can find in Magic Kingdom:

• Ariel
• Belle
• Cinderella
• Daisy Duck
• Donald Duck
• Goofy
• Mickey Mouse
• Minnie Mouse
• Peter Pan
• Pinocchio
• Princess Aurora
• Princess Jasmine
• Princess Tiana
• Snow White
• Tinker Bell

Epcot

Alice: World Showcase, UK Gardens. 1:50pm and 2:50pm

Anna: World Showcase, Royal Sommerhus. 9:45am to 6:30pm

Belle: World Showcase, France Promenade. 12:30pm, 2:20pm, 3:20pm

Daisy Duck: World Showcase, International Gateway. 2:10pm, 3:10pm, 4:10pm

Donald Duck: World Showcase, Mexico Promenade. 2:10pm, 2:40pm, 3:10pm, 3:40pm, 4:10pm, 4:40pm

Elsa: World Showcase, Royal Sommerhus. 9:45 am to 6:30pm.

Goofy: World Celebration, Near EPCOT Main Entrance. 2:10pm, 2:40pm, 3:10pm, 3:40pm, 4:10pm.

Joy: World Celebration, ImageWorks. 3:10pm to 5:40pm.

Mary Poppins: World Showcase, United Kingdom Courtyard. 2:20pm, 3:20pm, 4:20pm

Mickey Mouse: World Celebration, Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival. 10:00am to 2:00pm, 3:00pm to 5:30pm.

Minnie Mouse: World Showcase, World Showcase Friendship Ambassador Gazebo. 12:30pm, 1:00pm, 2:10pm, 2:40pm, 3:10pm, 3:40pm, 4:10pm, 4:40pm.

Mulan: World Showcase, China Gardens. 1:00pm, 2:50pm, 3:50pm.

Pluto: World Celebration, Near EPCOT Main Entrance. 12:30pm, 1:40pm, 2:10pm, 2:40pm, 3:10pm, 3:40pm, 4:10pm.

Princess Aurora: World Showcase, France Fragrance Gardens Gazebo. 1:50pm, 2:50pm

Snow White: World Showcase, Germany Wishing Well. 1:00pm, 2:50pm, 3:50pm.

Vanellope von Schweetz: World Celebration, ImageWorks. 10:45am to 2:15pm, 3:25pm to 5:55pm.

Winnie the Pooh: World Celebration, Sighting in Gardens near Imagination. 1:30pm, 2:40pm, 3:10pm, 3:40pm, 4:10pm, 4:40pm, 5:10pm.

Princess Jasmine: World Showcase, Morocco. 12:30pm, 2:20pm, 3:20pm.

Animal Kingdom

Kevin: Discovery Island, Roaming on Discovery Island. 2:15pm, 2:50pm, 3:15pm, 3:50pm, 4:15pm, 4:50pm.

Magic Kingdom Park

Anastasia: Fantasyland, Cinderella Fountain. 2:20pm, 3:30pm, 4:45pm

Belle: Fantasyland, Maurice’s Cottage. 1:00pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm.

Buzz Lightyear: Tomorrowland, Sighting at Rocket Tower Plaza Stage. 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm.

Captain Jack Sparrow: Adventureland, Adventureland Stage. 1:00pm, 3:10pm, 4:00pm, 4:50pm

Chip & Dale: Fantasyland, Storybook Circus. 1:00pm, 2:40pm, 3:25pm, 4:15pm, 5:05pm.

Cinderella: Fantasyland, Princess Fairytale Hall. 9:00am to 10:30pm.

Drizella: Fantasyland, Cinderella Fountain. 2:20pm, 3:30pm, 4:45pm.

Elena: Fantasyland, Princess Fairytale Hall. 9:00am to 10:30pm.

Mickey Mouse: Main Street, U.S.A., Town Square Theater. 9:00am to 10:30pm.

Princess Tiana: Fantasyland, Princess Fairytale Hall. 9:00am to 10:30pm.

Rupunzel: Fantasyland, Princess Fairytale Hall. 9:00am to 10:30pm.

Stitch: Tomorrowland, Sighting at Rocket Tower Plaza Stage. 1:00pm, 2:10pm, 2:40pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm.

Hollywood Studios

Chewbacca: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Sightings Around Batuu. 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Chip & Dale: Hollywood Boulevard, Sighting on Brown Derby Lawn. 1:20pm, 1:45pm, 2:15pm, 2:45pm, 3:15pm, 3:45pm, 4:15pm, 4:45pm.

Daisy Duck: Hollywood Boulevard, Sighting on Front Entrance Balcony. 1:25pm, 1:45pm, 2:15pm, 2:45pm, 3:15pm, 3:45pm, 4:15pm, 4:45pm

Donald Duck: Hollywood Boulevard, Sighting on Front Entrance Balcony. 1:45pm, 2:45pm, 3:15pm, 3:45pm, 4:15pm, 4:45pm.

Doc McStuffins: Animation Courtyard, Animation Courtyard. 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm

Fancy Nancy: Animation Courtyard, Animation Courtyard. 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm.

First Order Stormtrooper: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Sightings Around Batuu. 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Goofy: Sunset Boulevard, Sighting on Tower of Terror Balcony. 2:15pm, 2:45pm, 3:15pm, 3:45pm, 4:15pm, 4:45pm.

James P. Sullivan (Sully): Animation Courtyard, Walt Disney Presents. 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Kylo Ren: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Sightings Around Batuu. 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Mickey Mouse: Commissary Lane, Red Carpet Dreams. 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Minnie Mouse: Commissary Lane, Red Carpet Dreams. 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Olaf: Echo Lake, Celebrity Spotlight. 9:00am to 5:00pm

Pluto: Animation Courtyard, Animation Courtyard. 12:30pm, 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm

Rey: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Sightings Around Batuu. 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Vampirina: Animation Courtyard, Animation Courtyard. 1:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:30pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm.

Vi Moradi: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Sightings Around Batuu. 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Character Dining

Chef Mickey’s

Mickey Mouse

Minnie Mouse

Donald Duck

Goofy

Pluto

Garden Grill Restaurant

Mickey Mouse

Chip & Dale

Pluto

Hollywood & Vine (Breakfast)

Fancy Nancy

Vampirina

Doc McStuffins

Roadster Goofy

Hollywood & Vine (Lunch and Dinner)

Minnie Mouse

Mickey Mouse

Donald Duck

Daisy Duck

Goofy

Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Snow White

Dopey

Grumpy

The Evil Queen

Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

Mickey Mouse

Minnie Mouse

Donald Duck

Daisy Duck

Tusker House Restaurant

Donald Duck

Daisy Duck

Mickey Mouse

Goofy

We hope that this was helpful! Always keep your eyes out – you never know when you might unexpectedly run into your favorite character. Be sure to let us know your experience in the comments below!

The post The Ultimate Disney World Characters List – and Where to Find Them! (2022) appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Many parents and kids are wondering if they can find the loveable PJ Masks characters at Disney World.

With PJ Masks being on Disney Junior, it only makes sense to think you can have fun character encounter with them during your trip.

Unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than that! Here’s what we know.

Are PJ Masks at Disney World?

Unfortunately, there are no official PJ Masks character meet and greets at any of the Disney World parks.

This will likely come as a disappointment, especially since there are other Disney Junior favorites, such as Doc McStuffins, at the park. However, PJ Masks haven’t been spotted anywhere.

It’s possible they may pop up eventually at Disney Junior Live On Stage, as they are often swapping out characters. At this point, though, they haven’t been there.

Did Disney create PJ Masks?

The most likely reason you won’t ever see the PJ Masks crew at Disney World is that Disney actually didn’t create the PJ Masks show, despite having it on Disney Junior.

PJ Masks is based on the French book series, Les Pyjamasque. It was produced with  Frog Box, Entertainment One UK Limited, Walt Disney EMEA Productions Limited and TeamTO.

In 2019, Entertainment One was bought out by Hasbro. Because of this, Disney Junior is owned by Hasbro, even though it still is on Disney World.

Where can you see PJ Masks characters live?

If your child is a die-hard PJ Masks fan, never fear! There are still other potential opportunities to interact with these characters.

• PJ Masks Live
• Sea Life Orlando Aquarium – in 2021, there was a PJ Masks show that debuted for less than a month. While it hasn’t come back yet, it may come back in the future. Be sure to follow Sea Life Orlando Aquarium for updates!
• Leolandia – this “amusement park for kids” is located near Milan. This is obviously not an option for many, but they do have a PJ Mask Land – complete with the characters!

Where can I watch PJ Masks?

PJ Masks can be watched on Disney Junior – either on demand or on live TV. You can also purchase episodes.

Additionally, if you have access to Netflix, seasons 1-4 (as of June 2022) are available to stream.

What Disney Junior characters can you see at Disney World?

Even though you can’t see PJ Masks at Disney World, there are some other Disney Junior characters you can see and enjoy:

• Doc McStuffins
• Princess Sofia
• Mickey Mouse
• Minnie Mouse
• And other fun and surprise guests!

Your best bet for these characters are at Disney Junior Live! performances throughout the day at Disney World.

So, long story short – no, you aren’t like to see PJ Masks at Disney World, but there are still many other wonderful characters there! Let us know your favorite in the comments!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• The Best Disney World Park for Toddlers (From a Toddler Mom)
• The Best Legoland Rides for Toddlers in Florida and California
• 20+ Airplane Snacks for Toddlers + Expert Tips for Success

The post Are PJ Masks at Disney World? appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

It goes without saying that Disney World is a HUGE place to visit – even as an adult. With a toddler, it can feel even bigger and more intimidating.

That doesn’t mean that it isn’t super magical with toddlers (we are big fans of going to Disney with children of all ages) – you just need to set up your expectations a little more.

At the end of the day, there are going to be a lot of rides and attractions that just aren’t suited for your toddler. Knowing where to find fun for them throughout your visit is essential – and while you can find this in every park, some of the parks are a better fit than others.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Our Favorite Disney World Park for Toddlers

In our opinion, the best park for a toddler is Magic Kingdom.

Magic Kingdom is the most popular park in Disney World. It has so many things to do and so many great attractions for kids of all ages.

You can go on a boat ride with Winnie the Pooh and his friends, you can meet Cinderella and Snow White,  you can even fly through Neverland! There are many wonderful things to do in the Magic Kingdom.

If you have small kids, you can go to Fantasyland, they have many attractions there for children 3 years old and below. It is a very safe place for your kids because there are a lot of parents that accompany their toddlers. Make sure that you take a good camera with you so that you will be able to take some nice pictures of your kids having fun!

Why We Love Magic Kingdom for Toddlers

Some of the reasons we like Magic Kingdom for toddlers:

• There are TONS of rides and attractions they can enjoy
• It’s filled with popular Disney characters
• The whole family can ride on many of the rides together
• Lots of great toddler-friendly meal items

While you can find something for a toddler to do in all the parks, we definitely find that when we are in Magic Kingdom, our toddler is able to participate more than in some of the other parks.

The Best Rides and Attractions in Magic Kingdom for Toddlers

Here are the rides and attractions in Magic Kingdom that you should consider taking your toddler with you:

it’s a small world

This is always the FAVORITE ride for our toddlers when we go (and to be honest, mine, too!). They just get so captivated by the colors, the music, and the boat ride. Our son who is six still remembers how much he loved going on this the first time (that he could remember, at least) when he was two.

It is a longer ride, and it’s a great way to cool down and relax. I always head here when we need to decompress a little for the day!

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

This is a very popular ride because your kids can get to fly high up in the air like Dumbo, the famous elephant from the movie! Your toddlers will surely enjoy it and they will want to go back here again and again! This is one of those rides that we never miss.

There’s also a waiting area where your child can play as you wait for your turn!

Prince Charming Regal Carousel

Is there anything more magical than a carousel? This is one of our favorite rides to take our toddler on while we are in Magic Kingdom. It usually has a shorter wait, and your toddler can pick from an array of colorful horses. The up and down movement and the music make it even more charming.

 Mickey’s Philharmagic

This is a theater ride where 4D effects are used. It is narrated by Donald Duck, and there are appearances from traditional Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie, as well as newer characters like Miguel Coco. Your kids will surely love it because it is a 3D show which looks very fun and colorful!

Our toddler was singing and bouncing along throughout the entire presentation – it definitely kept his attention.

The Jungle Cruise

This is a boat ride through the jungle world of animals, your toddler can see real animals doing their own thing while you enjoy a relaxing boat ride. The jokes told by the captain might go over your toddler’s head, but they will keep the older members of your party laughing.

This was one of our son’s favorite rides last time we went.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

This is a play area where your kids will have so much fun. They can interact with their favorite characters from Winnie the Pooh and also play a lot of games! Your kids will love it!

I took our toddler on this one probably five times in a row one day, and he never tired of it.

Peter Pan’s Flight

Peter Pan’s Flight is a super popular ride. The line is always quite long, but it is pretty fun to fly throughout Peter Pan’s story! If you can stand the wait, it’s definitely one toddlers usually love.

Goofy’s Barnstormer

This is a roller coaster for kids that are only 36 inches tall or taller, your toddler can enjoy this ride together with you! Just make sure that you hold your toddler tight while riding this ride because it can get a little bit scary!

Walt Disney World Railroad

This is a train ride where you can see the whole park from above. Your kids will surely enjoy seeing all the Walt Disney World attractions while riding on the railroad with you! Our toddlers are big train fans, so this is a great ride.

Best Food for Toddlers in Magic Kingdom

• Casey’s Corner
• Popcorn Refills – I know not everyone feels comfortable feeding younger children popcorn. But if you can watch them carefully, the refillable popcorn bucket is so worth getting. The line for popcorn is usually short, and it can help to ward off some of those food-induced tantrums.
• Churros – This is a favorite of almost everyone at Disney World – toddlers included. They can hold and it them pretty easily.
• Pretzels
• Most Quick Service Restaurants serve kids meals. The offerings may vary, but in general, you’ll find some of these options – there’s usually 1-2 sides and a child-friendly drink included. We usually try to pick at least one fruit/vegetable side if it’s offered. We have found that most have an option for a Danimals Yogurt.
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Chicken Tenders
  • Hamburger/Cheeseburger
  • Pasta
  • Pizza
  • Hot Dog or Corn Dug
  • Smuckers Uncrustables
• Pecos Bills has a great kids meal that a lot of children really enjoy – especially if you want something a little different

Runner Up – Animal Kingdom

If we had to pick another park that we loved for toddlers, Animal Kingdom would definitely take the second-place spot. There are many things we LOVE about Animal Kingdom, and honestly, it’s one of Disney World’s most underrated parks.

While there aren’t a TON of rides for toddlers here, there are so many fun walking paths, animal attractions, and even a really large slide and sandpit area. Even when others were going on rides like Avatar: Flight of Passage, the person who stayed behind with our toddler wasn’t left twiddling their thumbs.

Here are a few things we really enjoy in Animal Kingdom:

• TriceraTop Spin – this is basically Dumbo but with Triceratops. Still super fun!
• Na’vi River Journey – This is a slow paced boat right with lots of colors. Our son loved it!
• Kilimanjaro Safari – we love the Safari! This one tends to get long rides pretty quickly, so it might be one to get a Disney Genie+ pass for right away.
• Maharaja Jungle trek
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail – This is a fun path to walk on and find lots of fun animals!
• Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King – this had just reopened the last time we went, and it was a favorite for everyone. Our toddler was captivated the whole time (though I recommend trying to have them sit in the front row if you can manage. The seats don’t have backs, and our son kept kicking the person in front of us).
• Wildlife Express Train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch – Our son really enjoyed the train ride, and there were some fun things to once we got to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Our son loved the “Affection Section”, which was a petting zoo.
• it’s tough to be a bug – I put this one with the caveat that it doest have some scary/surprising parts that not all toddlers will enjoy.
• The Boneyard – this is the slide/giant sand pit. My toddler could have spent the entire day here during our last trip!
• Animals – there are animals all over the park! It definitely feels like part amusement park/part zoo.

We hope that this helps you plan your Disney World trip with your toddler a little more easily! Let us know if you agree with our opinion!

More Travel Articles You May Enjoy:

The post The Best Disney World Park for Toddlers (From a Toddler Mom) appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

If you’re like me, then you love everything about Disney but the thought of waiting in line for hours on end really puts a damper on things. 

It’s no secret that one of the biggest downsides to visiting Disney is having to wait in long lines for your favorite rides and attractions. With the discontinuation of FastPass services over the past few years, many of us have been anxiously awaiting its replacement.

The new Disney Genie Plus service is just that! This new service allows guests to obtain their new fast pass without having to physically go to the location of the ride. Plus, there are so many other great benefits that come with this service!

The question everyone is asking the most is if the Disney Genie Plus service is worth the cost so here is my personal option and everything you need to know. We’ve used it in both Disneyland and Disney World, so hopefully, our experience will be helpful!

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

You might want to get Disney Genie+ If…

😊 Disney Genie + is great for…People who are taking advantage of park hopping

😊 Busy days at the park

😊 Families who enjoy the rides available the Disney Genie+ (keep reading to find out what those are

😊 Families who don’t want to wait in long lines (especially those using the Rider Switch).

😊 You only have a couple days in the park (or even just one)

You might want to skip it if…

😞 The park isn’t busy

😞 You don’t mind waiting in lines

😞 If you just want to spend extra money on skipping the lines for more premium rides (this can work well on low crowd days where many of the other rides have shorter wait times).

😞 Your favorite rides aren’t included

😞 You have lots of days in the park and don’t have to rush

What is Disney Genie Plus?

The Disney Genie Plus service is a great way for guests to get their new fast pass while saving time and energy. This service allows guests to obtain a new fast pass by using the Disneyland app, from anywhere on property! You can use this amazing feature from your hotel room, while waiting in line for another ride, or even while you’re eating.s

How Much does Disney Genie Plus Cost?

Disney Genie+ costs $20 per day, per person. This can add a significant cost to a trip cost for those who have large parties.

You also need to keep in mind that in addition to this cost, there are individual lightning lane rides. I’ve seen these range in price from $7 up to $20. This can also add a substantial cost to your trip, especially if you are booking for multiple people.

For instance, on our recent Disney trip, we paid for four members of our party to go on Radiator Springs. It was $7 – so $28. The line was over 120 minutes long, so it felt worth it.

However, for everyone to go on The Rise of the Resistance ride, it would have been over $100, which is a lot more! Instead, we did some strategic planning to get a shorter wait time for that ride (maybe I’ll share that another time).

You can purchase it when you buy your tickets or when you get to the park. When we went to Disneyland, we added it directly to our vacation package that we booked through Get Away Today, which was convenient.

How is Genie+ different from the MaxPass?

There are a few differences:

• MaxPass cost $20 per day, per person, while Genie+ is $15 (plus tax)
• You can only get one attraction per day with Genie+
• MaxPass had 22 rides on it, while Genie+ has under 20
• While MaxPass included premium rides, such as Radiator Springs Riders, Genie+ requires you may extra for some of those top ticket rides.

In addition to there no longer being a MaxPass, Disneyland has also done away with the paper FastPass system, which was free to anyone who wanted to use it. Now, if you want to skip the lines, you’ll have to pay.

How is Genie+ different from the FastPass+ System?

I will admit that I never went to Disney World when they had a FastPass+ system in place, but from what I understand, here are the differences:

• FastPass+ was just included with your Disney reservation, and it wasn’t an additional fee
• You can’t book ride reservations ahead of time like you could with the FastPass+ system (which has it’s pros and cons – but definitely benefits those who book last minute trips)
• Genie+ offers more flexibility – you don’t have to plan your trip months in advance, and it does give you more options for riding.
• There is no limit to the number of Lightning Lane passes you can redeem during your trip (one per ride). With FastPass+, each guest was limited to just three selections per day.

How Do I Sign Up for Disney Genie Plus?

If you are interested in signing up for Disney’s Genie Plus service, it’s pretty simple:

• When you book your tickets, you can add it directly to your tickets, and it will be available in the app
• If you wait until your trip….
  • All you have to do is download the Disneyland app
  • Login with your account information
  • Click on the Genie Plus feature and enter your credit card information

Is there a difference between Disneyland and Disney World’s service?

They mostly work the same, but for some reason, I felt like Disney World’s just worked better.

One of the biggest differences is when you can book your rides:

• At Disney World, you can book your first ride at 7 AM. While it requires an early wake up time, if you don’t make it to the park as soon as it opens, you have an opportunity to get a good start to your Disney Genie+ Day
• At Disneyland, you can’t book your first ride until you have checked into the park (and everyone in your party who wants to ride together have to check in). You can go off site and book rides after the initial check-in, but you can’t book the first one until you are physically in the park.

The other big difference is that at Disney World, they include non-ride attractions in the LIghtning Pass options. At Disneyland, it just includes rides.

What are the Lightning Lane Rides?

Here is a list of all the different rides available through Disney Genie+. If I put at *, that means you have to pay extra in order to ride it.

Disney World Lightning Lane Rides

Hollywood Studios

• *Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
• *Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
• Alien Swirling Saucers
• Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
• Disney Junior Play & Dance!
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
• See Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
• Slinky Dog Dash
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Toy Story Mania!

Magic Kingdom

• *Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• *Space Mountain
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Haunted Mansion
• “it’s a small world”
• Jungle Cruise
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• See Mickey at Town Square Theater
• See Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
• See Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
• Splash Mountain
• The Barnstormer
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

Epcot

• *Frozen Ever After
• *Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• Living with the Land
• Mission: SPACE – Green
• Mission: SPACE – Orange
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Turtle Talk with Crush

Animal Kingdom

• Avatar Flight of Passage
• Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King
• DINOSAUR
• Feathered Friends in Flight!
• It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
• Kali River Rapids
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Naʻvi River Journey
• The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Disneyland Lightning Lane Rides

Disneyland

• *Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (this was $20 per person each day we were there)
• Autopia
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Haunted Mansion
• Indiana Jones^TM Adventure
• “it’s a small world”
• Matterhorn Bobsleds
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
• Space Mountain
• Splash Mountain
• Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

California Adventure

• *Radiator Springs Races (this was $7 per person when we were there)
• *WEB SLINGERS: A Spiderman Adventure (this was $7 per person. We waited in line two times for it because the wait wasn’t very long, and we could all wait in it together since our toddler could ride it. SUPER fun ride).
• Goofy’s Sky School
• Grizzly River Run
• Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
• Incredicoaster
• Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Toy Story Midway Mania!

What are the pros of Disney Genie Plus?

There are a lot of great benefits to using Disney Genie+:

• It is great for anyone who wants to enjoy more time on rides without having to waste time waiting in line.
• You can use this amazing feature from your hotel room (if you’ve already checked in for the day) while waiting in line for another ride, or even while you’re eating.
• It is great for park hopping – you can check availabilty for other parks and book rides for later in the day, even if you aren’t physically in the park
• It includes some fun features, such as audio experiences and filters for photos to entertain you while you are in the line

What are the cons of Disney Genie Plus?

While Disney Genie Plus does have many great benefits, there are also some cons that you need to be aware of.

• The first thing you should know about is that while using this service, your phone needs to be on and in range of the Disneyland app at all times. If your phone dies and you can’t charge it, you won’t be able to get on the rides (it’s always helpful to have more than one member of your party logged in with access to all the tickes!)
• You can only use one Lightning Lane passes at a time (with the exception of the Individual Lightning lane passes)
• You can only get one Lightning Lane pass per ride
• It can be a little tricky to figure out the best strategy for getting the Lightning Pass you want. This is the strategy we used, but I felt like it worked best at Disney World.
• Because SO many people are opting in to purchase the Lightning Lane
• Sometimes, the more popular rides “sell out” of passes quickly, you might miss out on a favorite ride. Or, they might have wait times pushed out to later in the day pretty quickly, so you have to wait to take advantage of your passes until later in the day.

How do I maximize my time with Disney Genie Plus?

The first thing that you should know about this new service is that it isn’t intended to be used for every attraction.

It’s designed to help you get on some of the more popular rides more quickly, so you can have more time for other activities that may not have as long of wait times.

You can still use the old standby system of going to the attraction and waiting in line. We did this for quite a few rides.

I discuss my main strategy in this post, but I think the best overall strategy is:

• Get to the park early and book the most popular lightning lane rides
• Try and get in line for the Lightning Lane rides that cost money so you can avoid that cost. We did find that these rides seemed to open around 9 AM, so it might be worth hanging around those areas so you can jump in line as soon as they open.
• Since ride wait times are lower in the morning, try and take advantage of those rides that aren’t on the Disney Genie+ (or rides that are but you know you want to ride more than once).

I debated whether or not we should buy the Disney Genie+ until we got to the parks to see how busy they were. In the end, I was glad we had it for all three days, especially when we did park hopping. Had I waited until partway through the day, we wouldn’t have gotten nearly as much value.

Can You use Disney Genie+ with Rider Switch?  

Yes, you can! Each person who wants to ride the ride DOES need to have a valid Lightning Lane pass, but you just have to let them know that you wanted to take advantage of the Rider Switch option.

At Disney world when we went, they would let you bring one person along with you on the Rider Switch.

At Disneyland, they let you have up to three people scanned to come back later (so two in addition to the person sitting behind).

They just can three tickets, so it doesn’t have to be anyone specific. For instance

What happens if a ride breaks down?

If a ride closes down that you have a Lightning Lane Pass for, it turns into a magical pass that allows you to go to the front of the line for one of many rides – quite a few of which aren’t even a Lightning Lane option.

For instance, Forrest had a lightning lane pass for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and it closed down. Since it was later at night, it just didn’t open back up. But he got a pass and took the boys to the front of the line for the Alice in Wonderland ride, which was a fun end to the trip.

Can you cancel a Lightning Lane pass?

Yep! You can cancel a Lightning Lane pass so long as it hasn’t expired.

Can You use Disney Genie+ if you have a toddler that does not need a fastpass?

Yes! Because our son is two, we didn’t have to buy a Disney ticket for him. However, if it was a ride that he was tall enough for, he was able to go on with the rest of us.

Do I have to use Disney Genie+?

You do not! This is a 100% optional feature.

How are the Lightning Lane Lines?

Honestly, some of them were really short and some of them were really long. I also found that many of the attendants weren’t even paying attention when you scanned in. I suspect some people took advantage of this and went into the ride without a pass (just at Disneyland. When we went to Disney World, they had two checkpoints for your pass).

How does Disney Genie+ Work with Park Hopping?

One of the best parts of Disney Genie+ is that you can use it with Park Hopping.

The main thing to keep in mind that is you want to make sure you have enough time to get to and from each ride. When we used it on both days, we spent the first part of the day at Disneyland and the second half at California Adventure.

Is Disney Genie Plus Worth the cost?

The question everyone is asking the most is if the Disney Genie Plus service is worth the cost so here’s my personal opinion

I definitely think it can be. We used it at both Disneyland and Disney World, and we found it worth it because:

• Standby longs WERE pretty long for a lot of the rides
• We were traveling with our younger children (including a toddler) – waiting in line can be a lot harder! Because we could use rider switch, it also made it so someone didn’t have to wait off the ride and entertain our toddler by themselves for very long.
• It was hot, and the less time. Ihad. tostand in line, the better.

I think if you have several days to spend at the park where you don’t have to rush, then it might be worth it to not buy it until you get to the park.

If you don’t mind standing in the lines for most of the rides but would like to skip the lines for the premium Lightning Lane rides, it might be worth it to skip the pass and just buy those few rides.

While there are certain parts of Disney Genie+ I would change, it does make for a more enjoyable trip. There is a good amount of flexibility with it, and it can make your trip run a little more smoothly.

What do you think about The Disney Genie+ option? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments!

More Disney Posts You Might Enjoy:

• The Top 6 Best Baby Carriers for Disney World
• 15+ BEST Family Friendly Disneyland Hotels with Bunk Beds
• The Best Age for Disneyland: The Ultimate Guide to Help You Decide
• The Best Rides for Toddlers at Disney World + Disneyland

The post Disney Genie+ at Disneyland and Disney World: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

We all know that the weather in Florida can be unpredictable at times. Chances are, there WILL be rain in the forecast – and if you forgot your ponchos at home, you might find yourself scrambling to find one in desperation.

Fortunately, rain ponchos can be purchased in the parks and at resorts. While we recommend checking out our guide to the best rain ponchos for Disney World and purchasing them before we go – we know how easy it is to forget items like this! Here are some of the locations you can look for rain ponchos at.

Resort Gift Shops

You can most certainly find ponchos available at all the resort gift shops (unless they are out of stock).

We stayed at the Pop Century resort, and they kept them behind the counter. I suspect they are items that might be shoplifted easily, so it makes sense for them to be there. They sold adult and child-sized ponchos – adorned with Mickey Mouse.

Park Gift Shops

Pretty much any gift shop in the Disney World Parks are going to have ponchos (unless, again, they have run out).

If you are having trouble finding a gift shop, just open the Disney World app and search “poncho” and you should be able to find a location near you that typically has them in stock.

You can also go to the Disney Parks website and search for ponchos or gift shops there.

How much do Disney World ponchos cost?

As with everything at Disney World, you are going to pay a premium price for the ponchos. While the prices may vary depending on where you buy them and time of year, they are usually between $9-12.

Keep in mind that even if they cost you a pretty penny, they are reusable and high-quality, so you know you’ll be able to use them over and over again.

Find them Offsite

If you aren’t in a rush to get a poncho but you arrived on your trip without one, one of the best things you could do is just head over to a local Walmart or Target. They almost always have ponchos in stock, and there are some locations. The Dollar Tree might also have some in stock, but because they are so inexpensive, they tend to be grabbed up quickly.

You might want to consider buying multiples of them and keep them in your car and/or large bag, so it’s easy for other members of your group to grab one too without having to look around the house or hotel room for theirs.

Keep in mind that if it’s raining, you might have a hard time finding them. Make an effort to pick some up BEFORE the rain begins!

Have fun and stay dry! And please share your experiences with buying Disney World ponchos with us in the comments below.

More Articles You Might Enjoy:

• 6+ BEST Toddler Shoes for Disney World and Disneyland Vacations
• Disney Bags: Loungefly Backpacks
• Myth versus Fact: Can you wear Flip Flops to Disneyland and Disney World?

The post Where Can You Buy Rain Ponchos at Disney World? Your Complete Guide appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

When I first heard about the release of Disney Genie, I was cautiously optimistic.

I went to Disney World last year for the first time, and ar the time, FastPlus+ was suspended.

I’ve been more of a Disneyland girl, so I’m pretty family with their FastPass and MaxPass systems – and the value that comes with them (especially for someone like me who doesn’t enjoy being in lines).

So when I learned that the Disney Genie+ Sysmte would be available during our trip this year, I was excited to use it.

This post isn’t a review of it – I’ll try and do that soon – but I did discover quickly that you need a strategy. We almost completely wasted our first day with the Genie+ because of the first ride choice I picked – and we didn’t get on some of the rides we’d hoped to do.

Honestly, this strategy might be just common sense for most of you, but for those who are feeling a little overwhelmed at how to make this pass work, I think it should be helpful.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Step One:

The morning of your trip, if you haven’t previously purchased Genie+, wake up at 6:30 and purchase the Genie+ upgrade

Open your app at 6:57 AM and navigate to the tip board for Disney Genie+. Start pulling down on the screen to refresh over and over again until you see that the options are available.

As quickly as you can, find your first ride of the day. I strongly recommend picking a ride that tends to have longer waits and higher demand. These rides will fill up quickly, and if you aren’t fast enough, you’ll find yourself looking at a 4:30 call-back time. And you don’t want your first pick of the day to be midday.

If you got on right at seven, you’ll probably have a pretty early call-back time. Make note of the time.

Step Two:

Check and see when it says you can pick your next ride. It will likely be during your first ride window.

Step Three:

If your ride timelines up with your pick time, wait until your pick time approaches. At that time, pick the next ride! With this, I would pick a ride that is in higher demand and has a wait time later in the day.

Step Four:

Right after you pick the ride, go into your first ride and scan your band. After you’ve scanned your band at both check points, go into your tip board. Because you redeemed another ride, even though you have another ride booked, it will now allow you to choose another ride!

So now, choose another ride – you could pick one that is later in the day or one that’s a little closer if there’s one you want. It’s up to you!

Example:

You might have chosen Smugglers Run and got a time for 9:15-10:15. Let’s say you can pick your next ride at 9:34

Go over to the ride around 9:30. But don’t get in the line! Wait until your clock is 9:34 – at this point, go into the app and pick another high value ride such as Slinky Dog Run. These rides go quickly, and this is the ideal time to pick a ride that might have a time later in the day.

Your call-back time for that ride is 4:30 PM. It says you can’t pick another ride for hours. Sad! But don’t worry, now you can go on your first ride, and when you scan in, you now see that you can pick another ride!

You pick a ride that has availability at 10:30, and you are able to go on it pretty quickly and pick another ride.

I hope that this makes sense and helps you get the most out of your Disney Genie+ experience. I would LOVE to hear your Disney Genie+ strategy!

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• 6+ BEST Toddler Shoes for Disney World and Disneyland Vacations
• The Best Rides for Toddlers at Disney World + Disneyland

The post Our Disney Genie+ Strategy: How to Get the Most Rides appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Going to Disneyland with a toddler and other young children is a different experience than when you go as a teenager or with other adults. It can be SO magical – but it’s important to manage your expectations a little bit.

As my mom put it, you have to realize the trip isn’t just about you. It’s about making sure everyone has a good time – your toddler included.

Fortunately, Disneyland was built with families in mind. I love this quote that is underneath the Walt Disney statue in the center of Disneyland:

I think most of all, what I want Disneyland to be is a happy place . . . where parents and children can have fun, together.

And I really believe that’s what Disney World and Disneyland are! However, there are rides your toddler won’t be able to go on (or won’t want to!)

So, if you are about to head to the parks with your toddler, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the best rides for Toddlers at Disney World and Disneyland.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Factors to Keep in Mind

Sound level

Some children are more sensitive to loud noises than others. For instance, our five-year-old hates anything loud, but noises don’t even faze our two-year-old.

Some rides might not be scary, but they might be really loud, making it unpleasant. Some of the older rides that may seem harmless can be really loud! I do think noise-canceling earmuffs can be a good investment.

Drops

Disneyland is a land of drops! Many rides have small drops. I don’t think most of the rides on this list will have scary drops, but if your child is nervous about them at all, a small drop can result in big drama.

Dark Rides

Many rides are quite dark (not content-wise, but they are literally lacking light). If your child is afraid of the dark, sticking to the brightly lit rides can be a better idea.

Long lines

My kids actually do quite well when it comes to lines, but there are some rides with lines that I can’t even tolerate! It’s a good idea to learn about what rides tend to have the longest lines so you can plan those toward the earlier hours of your day or during times when rides might not be as busy – especially if it’s a must-ride for your kiddos.

Rides with Height Restrictions

First, let’s talk about the rides with height requirements of 40″ or taller.

It’s a good idea to know about these beforehand so you don’t hype up a ride, only to tell your kid they can’t ride them!

Many of these don’t even make my list of best rides for kids, but it’s good to be aware!

Disney world

• The Barnstormer – 36”
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40”
• Seven Dwarves Mine Train – 38”
• Space Mountain – 44”
• Splash Mountain – 40”
• Tomorrow Speedway – 32”
• Mission: Space – 40”
• Test Track – 40”
• Alien Swirling Saucers – 32”
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – 38”
• Rock ‘n Roller coaster – 48”
• Slinky Dog Dash – 38”
• Star Tours – 40”
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – 40”
• Twilight Zone – 40”
• Avatar Flight of Passage – 44”
• DINOSAUR – 40”
• Expedition Everest – 44”
• Kali River Rapids – 40”
• Primeval Whirl – 48”

Disneyland/California Adventure

• Indiana Jones – 46″
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40″
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – 40″
• Autotopia – 54″ to drive alone (32″ to ride at all)
• Space Mountain – 40″
• Splash Mountain – 40″
• Star Tours – 40″
• Grizzly River Run – 42″
• Soarin’ Over The World – 40″
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40″
• Mission: Breakout! – 40″
• California Screamin’ 48″
• Goofy’s Sky School – 40″
• Silly Symphony Swings – 40″
• Radiator Springs Racers – 40″

Best Rides for Toddlers

There are a ton of rides for people under 40″, but to be honest, some of them are totally lame or scary. Our kids have been absolutely TERRIFIED of some of the “kiddie” rides, such as the Pinocchio’s Daring Adventure, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. They thought they were too loud, dark, and scary. So we avoided anything like that after the first few rides. Similar rides to those would be Alice in Wonderland and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

You know your toddler best, though, so try and be aware of how you think they’ll respond.

Here are some rides and attractions that I think just about all toddlers enjoy at Disney World and Disneyland.

Also, you will see I don’t mention the live shows that they have in the various parks. If YOU think your child can sit through a 60-minute show, then, by all means, take them to these. But if your kids are like mine as toddlers, that’s a lot to ask – regardless of how engaging the show is!

In general, we tend to avoid rides with water, big drops, or lots of darkness/loud noises with toddlers, but again, you know your child best.

I have divided each list by park in Disneyland and Disney World.

Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – dark and loud at times, though every toddler I’ve gone on this with has loved it
• Journey of the Little Mermaid
• magic carpets of Aladdin
• Casey Jr. Circus Train
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – one of my personal favorites!
• Jungle Cruise
• Mad Tea Party
• The Many Adventures of Winnine the Pooh – this one can be surprisingly scary for some kids, but it’s overall a very fun ride for youngsters
• Peter Pan’s Flight – typically has long lines all day long. Jump on this first if you don’t want to miss it!
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel
• Pirate’s of the Carribbean – this one is dark, has drops, and it can be a little scary, but it’s a ride the whole family can go on. My toddlers have typically done well on it.
• Tom Sawyer’s Island – not really a ride but great for exploring
• Swiss Family Robinson
• Walt Disney World Railroad
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress

Animal Kingdom

• Na’via River Journey
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Flying Dino
• it’s dough to be a bug – this is a fun show, though it does get a little bit intense at times
• Maharajah Jungle Trek
• TriceraTop Spin
• Wildlife Express Train
• Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail

Epcot

• Meet and Greet Anna and Elsa
• Beauty and the Beast Sing Along
• Frozen Ever After
• The Seas with Nemo and Friends
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – this can have a deceptively long line

Hollywood Studios

• Alien Swirling saucers
• For the First Time in Forever Sing a long
• Muppet Vision 3D
• Toy Story Mania
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid
• Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway 

Disneyland

• Disneyland Railroad
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
• Jungle Cruise
• Tarzan’s Tree House
• The Many Adventure’s of Winnie the Pooh
• Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
• Goofy’s Playhouse
• Donald’s Boat
• Chip ‘n Dales Treehouse
• Minnie’s House
• Mickey’s House
• it’s a small world
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Storybrook Land Canal Boats
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Casey Jr. Circus Train
• King Arthur Carousel
• Mad Tea Party
• Buzz Lightyear Astroblasters
• Disneyland Monorail
• Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage – I hate this one and often feel chlostrophobic…but most kids love it 🙂

California Adventure

• Monster’s Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue
• Turtle Talk with Crush
• Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (32″)
• Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters (32″)
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
• Web Slingers: A Spider–Man Adventure
• Golden Zephyr
• The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
• Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind
• Toy Story Midway Mania!
• Pixar Pal-A-Round
• Jessie’s Critter Carousel

Shows and Entertainment

There are so many family-friendly shows and parades around the parks. They certainly know how to put on a good show!

One time, we happened to be walking around in California Adventure when their Pixar Parade started. I think it was around 5:00? This is a must-see. The streets weren’t crowded at all – our oldest was right up to the street and interacted a lot with the performers. They had characters from many Pixar movies that we love, and it was so fun to watch the kids. I think this is a great one that is not crowded.

I absolutely love the Disneyland parades. They are 100% worth staying late to watch. This one you really have to get there early to get a good seat. We showed up an hour early, and we could hardly see! It’s really magical, though, and I highly recommend seeing it one night.

Afterward, you can see the nightly fireworks, which are incredible. I do recommend getting some ear protection for your children, though. Our kids love these, but they don’t love the sound. There are some restaurants in California Adventure where you can get priority seating at this show if you eat there, so that’s something to consider, too, with younger kids since it can be hard to get a good seat.

I have never seen the World of Color in California Adventure, but I have heard it’s pretty amazing for all ages.

There are a lot of other types of entertainment in both parks. Here are a few we enjoyed or that we’ve heard are good for children:

Character Breakfast

I wasn’t sure if we wanted to do a character breakfast, but I’m so glad we splurged on it. It was one of the coolest experiences, and Jack LOVED it. We got an early reservation at 7:45 AM for the Surf’s Up! Mickey’s breakfast, but I was so glad we did. We got there before a lot of people, so our kids got more attention. You should have seen Jack’s face light up when the characters came to our table.

The breakfast was amazing, too! I couldn’t get enough of it. The banana’s foster french toast was to die for, and they had everything you could think of. I highly recommend doing one of these breakfasts. It’s a great way for the kids to see LOTS of characters at once, and then you don’t have to spend as much time in long lines in the park to see them!

Enchanted Tiki Room

This is a delightful animatronic show that takes place in an air-conditioned building. It’s great for all ages, and I think children can really enjoy it – especially if you grab a Dole Whip beforehand!

Hyperion Theater: 

This is where they have Broadway shows, such as Frozen. Definitely a must-watch for all ages, and it’s a great place to cool off!

Finding Characters

Children love seeing the characters. I think one of the best ways to see them (especially princesses) is by doing a character breakfast, as you can avoid long lines. However, you can definitely see them throughout the park.

We found that California Adventure had more characters just wandering around, and they often had fewer lines there. The Disney characters are dressed up in more “Hollywood” clothes, so classic characters are better to look for in Disneyland.

We found that the best time to get short lines was right after the character goes on break. It’s kind of annoying when you get there, and the character is going for a break, but if you wait for a few minutes for them to come back, you can get right to the front of the line.

I think the Disneyland app is an awesome app to download because it tells you where certain characters will be during the day. There always seem to be several characters right at the entrance of Disneyland.

There is a Princess area in Disneyland that is great if your child really wants to see the princesses. These lines can get REALLY long, but I recommend waiting in them if it’s important to your child!

Toon Town:

This is a great place for children in Disneyland, though it felt pretty crowded. I remember going here as a child with my mom because everyone else was going on Indiana Jones, and I loved it! They have all sorts of fun houses (like Minnie, Mickey’s, Chip and Dale’s Treehouse, etc.) as well as a few rides.

Main Street

Disneyland Main Street has a lot of fun things on it. You can see characters, get yummy treats like ice cream, and even get your child’s silhouette! They have a cinema that shows old Disney cartoons, which is a fun way to relax with tired or hot kids. There is a street trolley you can ride on to Fantasy land, and there is also a carriage! I recommend spending some time here.

Downtown Disney and Disney Springs

There’s a lot of yummy food!- I love Downtown Disney. It has shopping, restaurants, etc. Some of it might be a bit boring for kids, but a lego place is pretty cool.

Disney Experience App

It is free, so you need to download it! It gives you wait times, tells you how to get to places where you can find certain foods (we used that a lot!), tells you if a ride is closed (even just temporarily), first aid and height restrictions, and much more. If you get the photo pass, it is easier to add pictures throughout the day to your photo pass. It’s free, so you need to download it!

Rider Switch

Even if you spend most of the time wanting to go on rides with your children, I recommend making sure you can go on some “big kid” rides. Disneyland has a great Rider Switch program in place, where, if you have children that can’t go on ride, you are given a voucher (for Fast Pass rides) to go to the front of the line and ride again. With the non-Fast Pass rides, you are able to ask for a Rider Switch and do the same.

More Posts You Might Enjoy:

• The Best Age for Disneyland: The Ultimate Guide to Help You Decide
• Multigenerational Family Vacation to Disney – Tips for Success!
• First Time in Disney World: 5 Mistakes To Avoid Making

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