Ranking the Best Disney World Parks for Babies
Although babies won’t remember a trip to Walt Disney World, their parents will fondly remember those precious memories and magical firsts. Disney World in general is very baby-friendly, but some of the theme parks are better for babies than others. Here’s a ranking of the theme parks based on what they offer for babies.
#4: Hollywood Studios
Coming in last place among the four theme parks is Hollywood Studios. While the park is generally great for families, it has less to offer for families with a baby among the travel party. Babies are able to ride attractions that do not have height requirements, which includes Toy Story Mania and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Hollywood Studios. Despite the lack of a height limit, Toy Story Mania does whip around as you transition between games, and the dancing scene with Daisy in Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is likely too jerky for babies who do not yet have enough head control. Shows like Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular or Fantasmic could also startle little ones.
In Hollywood Studios, perhaps some of the better options for babies are the Disney Junior Dance Party; Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage; and character meet and greets with Mickey, Minnie, Olaf, and the Pixar characters in Pixar Place.
#3: Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom only has a few attractions without height requirements, such as TriceraTop Spin, the Wildlife Express Train, and Kilimanjaro Safaris. However, like the rides in Hollywood Studios, the safari may not be a good fit for infants since it tends to be a very rocky ride.
On the plus side, Animal Kingdom has lots of animal viewing areas apart from the safari, such as the Maharajah Jungle Trek, Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail, and Conservation Station. There are also family-friendly shows like Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond! and Festival of the Lion King.
#2: EPCOT
EPCOT has a reputation for being boring for kids, but there’s actually a lot for little ones at this park. Gentle rides like Living with the Land, the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, Journey Into Imagination with Figment, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends are perfect for the whole family. The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion is also home to a 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium with fish, sharks, and more. It is a nice way to explore and stay cool on hot days.
Walking around World Showcase can be a good opportunity for a stroller nap or a way to soothe a fussy baby. Also, the festival booths can be a fun alternative to table service dining and quick service dining. You can easily take a baby around in a stroller from booth to booth.
EPCOT also has several character meet and greets with Mickey and friends, Anna and Elsa, Aurora, Jasmine, Mulan, Snow White, Alice, Vanellope, and Joy throughout the park.
#1: Magic Kingdom
It’s probably no surprise that the Magic Kingdom tops this list! It has more than 15 rides that are safe for babies, such as classics like it’s a small world, Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan’s Flight, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
Besides rides, there are character meet and greets with Mickey and friends, the princesses, and more! Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire stage show in front of Cinderella Castle and the Festival of Fantasy Parade are also baby-friendly. Hands down, the Magic Kingdom has the most to offer for families with babies.
Of course, every baby has a different temperament, and parents know best what their child can handle. Hopefully this list can help provide a few ideas on what you can enjoy in each park with the whole family.
