Many people are familiar with thrill rides like Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain and Animal Kingdom’s Expedition Everest.  But not all rides are created equal.

Due to safety concerns, accessibility, and height requirements, certain rides may be off limits or difficult to ride for some guests. So here’s a list of our top attractions the entire family can enjoy!

Jungle Cruise

Jungle Cruise is a Disney classic and fun for everyone (except maybe those with a fear of boats… .).  The peaceful boat ride has plenty of fun things to see (think fake elephants spraying water and pretend campsites overturned by curious gorillas).  Your Skipper (guide, social director, and dance instructor) will have plenty of jokes and entertainment. As far as accessibility, guests may remain in a wheelchair or ECV while on this ride with specific Jungle Cruise boats being designed for them.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority

One way to relax, take a load off, and see part of Magic Kingdom is to take a ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (or PeopleMover, for short).  Located in, you guessed it, Tomorrowland, the PeopleMover is an elevated tram that circles the park, providing fun and unique views of the attractions. It gives some behind the scenes looks into attractions such as Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.

The PeopleMover is an approximately 10-minute ride. It is covered, and parts of it are indoors, so it really is a great way to rest up and get out of the sun.  This ride is constantly in motion and boards at the top of an elevated platform, so guests must be able to navigate the moving sidewalk up to the ride and be able to step onto the moving platform at the top.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Similar to the PeopleMover, Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is more of a tour than a ride. It is covered, so it’s another good way to get out of the sun for a bit, though you will still be outside for the whole experience.

The safari takes place in an open-air vehicle and covers an African savanna over the course of approximately 18 minutes. However, the ride can sometimes take longer because the 34 species of animals living on this 110 acre savanna are not animatronic. These are real life animals, and it is possible they will block the way, giving some GREAT photo opportunities.

The guide is a real life person driving the truck, so feel free to ask questions, no matter how old you are! Guests will need to transfer to a wheelchair if in an ECV before riding this ride, but wheelchairs can be accommodated on the ride vehicles. Because of the rough terrain, it should also be noted that it can get bumpy. Guests with service animals should check with a Cast Member for boarding information.

Na’vi River Journey

Also at Animal Kingdom, inside the land of Pandora, is Na’vi River Journey.  Unlike the other Avatar ride, Flight of Passage, Na’vi Rive Journey is a calm and picturesque (indoor, so think: air conditioning!) boat ride through the forests of Pandora.

The forests of Pandora are filled bioluminescent plants and creatures that provide a breathtaking visual experience.  This is a great way to experience the life of the Na’vi in a more relaxed atmosphere than the intense Flight of Passage. This ride does require transferring from a wheelchair/ECV into the boat.

Toy Story Mania

Heading over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of the more popular FastPasses is actually very family friendly!

Toy Story Mania! is a series of interactive 4D carnival  games. Donning 3D glasses, your car takes you from game to game as you use your spring-loaded shooter to knock down targets, pop balloons, and smash plates! Your score is tallied at the end, so feel free to get competitive!

This ride is fully indoors and air-conditioned! Riders are seated by 2s (or 3, if one is a small child, but be advised that a child sitting in the middle will not have their own shooter).  There is also a lap bar, so lap sitters will be between the adult and the bar. Motion is very mild, though the ride does jerk slightly when rotating between games. Guests in an ECV will need to transfer to a wheelchair for this ride. Due to the nature of the ride, guests with service animals should check with a Cast Member for boarding procedures.

Frozen Ever After

Frozen Ever After, located in the Norway Pavilion of Epcot’s World Showcase, is another indoor and air-conditioned ride for the whole family. The ride takes place after the original film and Frozen Fever, but before Frozen II (no spoilers!).

Guests are invited to Elsa’s ice palace on the anniversary of the day Anna saved Arendelle and can see Kristoff, Sven, Olaf, and even Marshmallow along the way! There are a couple of small drops but nothing too intense, so this ride is safe for even the smallest children. Guests in a wheelchair or ECV will need to transfer for this ride.

So much more!

Those are just a small sample of the most accessible rides at the park, but there are so many more. The My Disney Experience app provides the most up-to-date list of height requirements and accessibility warnings. You can also check with any of the Guest Experience Kiosks or cast members around the parks if you have questions or concerns.

What are some of your favorite family-friendly rides? Let us know in the comments what your family’s go-to rides for everyone are!

 

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