Top 6 Rides and Attractions for Preschoolers at Each Disneyland Theme Park

January 24, 2018

If you’re planning a Disneyland getaway with preschool-aged children, it can be hard trying to guess what rides and attractions may be best suited to your tiny tot. Though each child is different, we have a list of sure-fire and safe attractions that are sure to please your little travelers. Here’s our list of 6 rides and attractions best suited to preschool-aged children at both Disneyland theme parks.

Disneyland:

1. Mickey’s Toontown – An absolute haven for the under 5’s, this area of Disneyland theme park is a perfect starting point for preschoolers. From the crazy architecture to the delightful houses, Toontown is a feast for the senses. Though Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin may be a bit intense for little visitors, that’s not all you’ll find here. Kids can cozy up to their favorite characters as both Minnie and Mickey have meet and greets in their houses. There’s also the Gadget Go Coaster which is a favorite with youngsters and tasty treats at both Daisy’s Diner and Pluto’s Dog House.

2. Dumbo the Flying Elephant – This classic 1955 attraction is still a favorite with families. It goes high enough off the ground to give preschoolers a thrill without giving them a scare. What I love about this attraction is that its a slightly different experience during the day then it is at night, meaning that you could squeeze it in twice during your visit and it would still retain the thrill!

3. Mad Tea Party – This is another iconic Disneyland attraction that is bright, colorful and best of all allows children to go at their own pace. There’s nothing more thrilling than having control of how fast your teacup spins. Be careful though, the faster you go, the greater the impact may be on tiny tummies!

4. King Arthur Carrousel – If the Fantasyland dark rides still seem like they may be a bit too much for your son or daughter, then don’t chance it when this attraction is sure to delight. There’s something so wonderfully simple about this Disneyland merry-go-round but little ones love it and it makes for great photos. This is another attraction that’s fun to ride once during the daytime and again at night.

5. It’s a small world – It has a catchy song, it’s colorful, and its a boat ride. That pretty much ticks all of the boxes as far as preschoolers are concerned. Guests visiting during the holidays are also in for a very special treat with the “it’s a small world” Holiday!

6. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster – This ride is an absolute treat for the Under 5’s. Not only do they get to square off with mom and dad (or brothers and sisters) for a bit of competitive fun but the attraction features some of their favourite Toy Story characters. So grab those laser cannons and be on the lookout for the Evil Emperor Zurg.

Disney California Adventure Park:

1. Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – Perfect when little ones start to grumble about waiting in line as the queues for this attraction tend to be shorter. Kids also love that they get to board a clamshell as well as the feeling (and bubbles) that come with descending beneath the surface of the water as you enter Ariel’s underwater world. There are also lots of friendly faces and familiar songs.

2. Heimlich’s Chew-Chew Train- Just as Mickey’s Toontown should be your first stop for preschoolers at Disneyland, you’ll want to be sure schedule in a fair chunk of time for your preschoolers to enjoy “a bug’s land” at California Adventure. And while you’re there be sure to hop a ride with Heimlich as he crawls through the garden in search of tasty treats. This fun ride is sure to generate a giggle or two.

3. Flick’s Flyers – While your in “a bug’s land” you’ll also want to give this fun ride a whirl. The Flyer’s take you up in the air in hot air balloons made to look like they’ve been created out of everyday objects. Like Dumbo, its got just enough height to be thrilling without being scary and the fun ride buckets mean mom and dad can be close at hand.

4. Princess Dot’s Puddle Park – Kids love to get wet making this the perfect area to cool off in those hot California afternoons. It features playful dancing fountains and half the fun is trying to figure out which one will erupt next. This is an attraction you’ll want to bypass if you don’t have a change of clothes in your park bags as kids will get wet! There are restroom facilities nearby including 2 family restrooms for those quick changes.

5. Toy Story Midway Mania – If your little ones liked Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster, they’ll love Midway Mania. All of the familiar Toy Story friends are here, as you go through a series of scenes designed to test your sharpshooting skills. Again this ride is fun, fast-paced and slightly competitive.

6. Turtle Talk With Crush – The attraction has long been a favorite with the Under 5’s and it’s easy to understand why. Guests get an opportunity to interact with everyone’s favorite Sea Turtle who’s gnarly approach to life always generates a laugh or two. The attraction also features characters from both Finding Nemo and Finding Dory and the show is so lifelike that it will have little ones entranced. Definitely a must-do.

So if you’re planning a Disneyland vacation and you’re travelling with preschool aged children, try to include the rides on this list. Each will bring something truly special to your tiny tot’s Disney days.

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