31 Things to Do at Disney World for Toddlers You’ll Love

Enjoy all of the things to do in Disney World for toddlers

If you’re parent traveling to Disney World with very young kids, then you no doubt are interested in knowing all of the various things to do at Disney World for toddlers. So in this article, we’re going to dive deep into all of the rides, shows, activities, and even educational attractions you and your toddler can visit in order to have an awesome Disney vacation!

Things to Do at Disney World for Toddlers

Let’s begin with something every young kid, especially a young girl, will love: the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Dressing Up and Having Fun

1) The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique can be an immensely magical experience for a toddler
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique” by Steven Miller licensed under CC BY 2.0.

This is one way toddlers can be part of the magic. Disney provides children the option to have a princess or prince makeover. The child must be at least three years old to participate.

Now, I suppose technically speaking, a toddler is typically between one and two years old. But, if we expand that range by about one year, then this would be a really awesome experience for a young child in your party. There is one Boutique location in Magic Kingdom, one at Disney Springs, and one at the Grand Floridian resort.

2) The Pirate League

This is also for ages 3 and up. Children and dress up as a pirate, empress or mermaid. Kids can get their face made up, tattoos, and other goodies. This is currently only offered at Magic Kingdom.

3) Face Paint Kiosk

For a more reasonable price, kids can have their face painted. Each park has a kiosk for face painting. Though there is no specific age listed, it would probably be best if the child is around three and can sit still. The best part of face painting is there is no limit to the type of character your child can become.

Attractions

There are several Walt Disney World attractions for toddlers to enjoy and options that allow toddlers to participate in the fun.

4) Splash Pads

Splash pads are my favorite things to do with my toddler. They help keep the toddler entertained while other are riding rides. Epcot has a splash pad by Test Track and Mission: SPACE and one by the Innoventions Pavilion. 

5) Disney Jr. Live on Stage

This show is great for toddlers. It features Mickey and Friends along with other popular Disney Jr. characters. There is dancing and music. Little ones will love this show. This show is at Hollywood Studios and does have specific times so plan accordingly.

6) Winnie the Pooh

This photo was taken by Michael for Countdown to Magic

Winnie the Pooh is a honey pot ride through Hundred Acre Woods. You won’t even mind the wait with the new interactive queue. There are vegetable instruments and other games to keep little ones entertained. Winnie the Pooh is located in Magic Kingdom. 

7) Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

When both of my girls were little, they both loved the opportunity to climb upon a beautiful stallion and ride on the carousel. This ride is located in Magic Kingdom.

8) Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid

This is a clamshell ride. It is a clamshell car that takes you through the Journey of The Little Mermaid. Kids will dance alongside characters from the classic movie and enjoy music from the movie. The queue has a hidden blue crab that helps keep kids entertained during the wait. This ride can be found in Magic Kingdom.

9) The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Similar to Under the Sea: Journal of The Little Mermaid, guests board a clamshell car and journal underwater with Nemo & his Friends as they search the ocean for Nemo. Again, children will laugh and dance along to music from the movie and enjoy their favorite characters from the movie. The Seas with Nemo & Friends is located in Epcot.

10) Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Discover all of the things to do at Disney World for toddlers
Dumbo Flying-2” by Henry Mestre licensed under CC BY 2.0

This classic Dumbo ride is a great option for toddlers. Guests load up in Dumbo cars that go on a flight. The cars can raise or lower at the preference of the parents. Dumbo recently got a face lift and received a fun queue that toddlers will enjoy prior to riding the attraction.

Inside the queue is a play area that kids can run around and play. Parents receive a pager to notify them when it is time to continue through the line. Magic Kingdom is home to this classic attraction.

11) Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station

Magic Kingdom has its own splash pad. It is the ultimate splash pad and gets its own shout out in this list. This is a fun place to allow your child some time to stretch, run, and play. This area is a great way for kids to cool off. The animals and train squirt and spray water at the children. Unlike the other splash pads, this area takes up more space and offer more play options.

12) “it’s a small world”

Another classic is “it’s a small world” boat ride. This ride includes music, vibrant colors, and interesting dancing characters to see as guests travel around the globe. This classic attraction is also located at Magic Kingdom.  Just don’t be surprised when the attraction’s repeating jingle gets stuck in your mind for hours after you get off the ride.  Because it will.

13) Turtle Talk with Crush

Toddlers gather around the tank as they interactive with Crush and other favorite characters from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. Kids enjoy the opportunity to chat and ask questions with Crush and friends. Turtle Talk with Crush is located in SeaBase at Epcot.

14) Fireworks

If your toddler is anything like my girls, then they will love the firework display at Walt Disney World. Disney spares no expense when it comes to dazzling guests with the beautiful light display coupled with classic music and characters. Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom each of fireworks.

Hollywood Studios has two different shows so make sure to check days and times. Animal Kingdom does not have a firework show, but they have a light spectacular that is worth taking your child to see.

Restaurants

There are several restaurants that are great for toddlers when you take a vacation to Walt Disney World. Character dining at Disney World is the perfect way to add magic to the trip for toddlers. My girls loved going to the restaurants, and it is a great way to see characters if you do not want to take the time to stop at the character Meet ‘n’ Greets.

15) Cinderella’s Royal Table

Cinderella’s Royal Table” by HarshLight licensed under CC BY 2.0

One iconic restaurant that is located in Magic Kingdom is Cinderella’s Castle. Here families will meet different princesses and other Disney characters. One suggestion is to first go to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to dress your child as a prince or princess and then make reservations to eat inside the castle. It is a great way to add some extra magic to a trip. There is a photo op with Cinderella.

16) Akerhaus Royal Banquet Hall

This is an alternative option to the cost of Cinderella’s Royal Table. Akerhaus Royal Banquet Hall is located in Norway at Epcot. Here guests will visit with different Disney princesses. There is a photo op will Belle.

17) Hollywood & Vine

This restaurant at Hollywood Studios offers a dining option with Disney Junior. characters. The characters come to the table and take pictures with your children. There is music, dancing, and great food. This option is only offered during breakfast and lunch.

18) Chef Mickey’s

This buffet meal offers a chance for families to meet Mickey and Pals. Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald Duck come to the table and visit each family for autographs and pictures. Between visits, there is music and dancing. This restaurant is located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort which makes it a good option if you are in Orlando, but not Disney and still, want some Disney magic. You do not need a park ticket to visit this restaurant.

19) Tusker House Restaurant

This is another Mickey and Pals restaurant at Animal Kingdom. Here families will be able to meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Daisy. Here, too, the characters come to each table to visit with families.

20) ‘Ohana

This is one of our favorite restaurants. Only the breakfast offers the meet ‘n’ greet option. Here guests will visit with Lilo and Stitch along with other characters. The characters come to each table to visit with families. ‘Ohana is at the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and does not require the purchase of admission to a park.

21) Mickey’s Backyard BBQ

This restaurant is a communal buffet style restaurant with hot dogs and burgers. The best part of the meal is that Mickey and Pals come out and dance with the kids during this hoedown. This restaurant is at the campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and does not require an admission into the parks.

Character Meet ‘N’ Greet

This photo was taken by Michael for Countdown to Magic

One main reason we take our children to Walt Disney World is for them to meet their favorite characters. Meet ‘N’ Greets give guests the opportunity to meet favorite characters, take pictures, and get autographs.

22) Princess Hall

Located at Magic Kingdom, this meet ‘n’ greet is with Cinderella and Elena. Guests will see both princesses, get hugs, take pictures, and have their autographs for memories.

23) Tinker Bell

Tinker Bell invites little ones to explore Pixie Hollow at her meet ‘n’ greet at Town Square Theatre at Magic Kingdom. Guests can meet Tinker Bell, get pictures, and autographs with her at Pixie Hollow.

24) Disney Junior Pals

Meet Disney Junior Pals at Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios. Guests can take pictures and get autographs.

25) Mickey Mouse

Guests can meet Mickey Mouse who talks and interacts with them at Town Square Theatre at Magic Kingdom. This Mickey Mouse talks and moves his eyes. It is a great experience for kids who cannot wait to meet Mickey Mouse.

26) Mickey Mouse and Pals

If you children want to meet Mickey Mouse, Daisy, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck then take them to the Mickey Mouse and Pals meet ‘n’ greets. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom offer spots where you can meet Mickey Mouse and Pals.

Magic Kingdom has Pete’s Silly Sideshow where the characters are dressed as circus stars. Epcot has a character spot, and Animal Kingdom has the characters dressed for exploration at the Adventurers Outpost.

Animal Interactions

One way to bring magic to your little ones while on vacation is visiting all the animal interaction centers around the parks.

27) SeaBase

SeaBase located at Epcot offers guests views of manatees, dolphins, and other aquatic animals in their aquariums. Kids are welcome to touch, learn, and play about the big blue ocean world.

28) Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge is another option to allow your child to discover African animals. The lodge has viewing areas that can be accessed day and night.

29.) Rafiki’s Planet Watch

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is an interesting place to explore for all kids of any age. There is Affection Section where guests can explore and interact with goats, sheep, pigs, and other animals. There is the conservation station where children learn about care for the animals along with outdoor discovery trails.

30) Maharajah Jungle Trek

These walking trails provide children with close-up views of Asian animals such as tigers, gibbons, birds, different deer species, and other animals.

31) Kilimanjaro Safari

This open vehicle attraction allows close-up visit with animals of Africa. There are crocodiles, hippopotamus, lions, giraffes, and other interesting creatures that sometimes come right up to the vehicles for views to the magnificent beasts.

There is so much to do and explore while on vacation at Walt Disney World. Though there are height requirements for some attractions, there are still plenty of activities for toddlers and younger children to experience. Walt Disney World is a magical place for all to enjoy.

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