Planning a Disneyland day for every age can feel like solving a churro-fueled puzzle. What’s too scary? What’s too boring? What’s actually worth your precious park time?
Here’s our family’s must-do rides by age—Babies, Little Kids, Big Kids, and Disney Adults—plus quick notes so you can decide what fits your crew.
Babies (Lap-sitters + stroller nappers)
Babies can’t ride everything, but they can join the magic. For this age, I focus on gentle movement, bright visuals, and anything that lets them snuggle in while you enjoy the park too.
1. “it’s a small world” (Fantasyland)
Slow boat, colorful rooms, and music that will live in your head forever. Indoors, cool, and great for nursing, feeding, or a mid-day cuddle.
2. The Disneyland Railroad
Take the grand circle tour around the park. Perfect for contact naps, stroller breaks (from certain stations), and giving grown-ups a chance to rest their feet.
3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Critter Country)
Short line, gentle ride, bright colors. Babies love the movement, and parents love that it’s usually not a huge time commitment.
4. King Arthur Carrousel (Fantasyland)
Lap-sitter friendly with a grown-up, and adorable photos. Great “first ride ever” moment.
5. Jungle Cruise (Adventureland)
Calm boat ride with silly jokes. Lots to look at, and usually okay for babies who like a little movement.
6. Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Fantasyland)
If your baby is okay with mild up-and-down, this one is iconic. Snuggly lap ride + castle views = yes, please.
Little Kids (Think preschool–early elementary)
This is the age where the magic is big and the fears can be, too. These rides are fun, not-too-scary, and perfect for building confidence.
1. Peter Pan’s Flight (Fantasyland)
You’re flying over London in a pirate ship. Dark, magical, and short—but absolutely a must-do once.
2. Alice in Wonderland (Fantasyland)
Whimsical, colorful, and just the right amount of “whoa!” for littles who like silly more than spooky.
3. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (Tomorrowland)
Interactive ride where kids get to shoot targets and “beat” the grown-ups. Instant win.
4. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (Tomorrowland)
Climb into a “real” submarine and look out into Nemo’s world. Great for curious kids; skip if anyone is very claustrophobic.
5. Autopia (Tomorrowland)
They get to “drive.” Ask them to take you on a Sunday drive and soak up how proud they are… even if you do most of the steering.
6. Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters or Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree (DCA)
Gentle spins and silly dancing cars/tractors. Big giggle energy with just enough motion to feel like a “big kid” ride.
Big Kids (Tweens & teens)
This is where thrill levels go up and so do the opinions. These rides are the crowd-pleasers for kids who want “real rides” but might still be hesitant about the super intense ones.
1. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Frontierland)
Fast but not terrifying. No huge drops, just fun twists and turns. Great “first real coaster.”
2. Space Mountain (Tomorrowland)
Indoor, in the dark, with fun music. Feels faster because it’s dark, so skip if they hate not seeing what’s coming.
3. Star Tours (Tomorrowland)
3D motion simulator through the Star Wars universe. Rotating scenes means it’s a little different each time.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (DCA)
Drop ride with music and chaos. Huge hit with brave big kids; a hard pass for anyone who hates falling sensations.
5. Radiator Springs Racers (DCA)
Story + scenery + a fun race at the end. It’s thrilling without being terrifying—one of the best “everyone loves this” rides.
6. Incredicoaster (DCA)
Full-on coaster with a launch, drops, and inversions. Great for coaster lovers; maybe a “later in the day when they’re warmed up” ride for hesitant kids.
Disney Adults (The planners, the snack buyers, and the rope-drop warriors)
You deserve your own must-do list. Some of these overlap with big kids, but the “why” is a little different when you’re the one paying for Genie+ and mainlining cold brew.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean (New Orleans Square)
Dark, calm, atmospheric, and long enough to sit down and breathe. The drops are mild; the vibes are elite.
2. Haunted Mansion / Haunted Mansion Holiday
Iconic storytelling, incredible detail, and a chance to cool off. Holiday overlay gets extra bonus points for pure seasonal joy.
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
That sunset ride? Chef’s kiss. Views of the park + fun coaster = perfect grown-up moment.
4. Radiator Springs Racers (DCA)
Feels like stepping into the movie and then getting to race through it. Must-do for both the visuals and the thrill.
5. Soarin’ Around the World (DCA)
Peaceful and stunning. You get to sit, float, and smell the scenery—yes, literally.
6. Any Slow, Nostalgic Classic (Your Choice)
Maybe it’s Storybook Land Canal Boats, maybe it’s the Disneyland Railroad, maybe it’s “it’s a small world.” Pick one that makes your inner child scream “WE’RE AT DISNEYLAND!” and don’t skip it just because you’re the adult now.
How to Use This List to Plan Your Day
- Mix calm + thrill: Follow a big ride (like Space Mountain) with something calmer (like the Railroad) for younger or nervous kids.
- Use “tiers” inside each age group: Start the day with milder rides and build up to the big coasters.
- Let everyone choose one non-negotiable: Have each person pick their #1 must-do and plan the day around making those happen first.
- Remember rider switch: If you’ve got babies or littles who can’t or don’t want to ride, use Rider Switch so adults and big kids still get their thrill time.
You don’t have to ride everything to have an amazing day—you just need the right rides for the ages in your crew. 💛
Social Media Graphic Ideas (for Canva / IG / FB)
Here are plug-and-play concepts you can drop into your Mickey Planning style:
1. Main Cover Graphic – “Our Must-Do Rides by Age”
Layout idea:
- Vertical (1080×1350) for Instagram, can crop to 1080×1080 for FB.
- Top: Big title text:
- Our Must-Do Rides by Age
- Smaller subtitle: Babies, Little Kids, Big Kids & Disney Adults
- Background: Soft, pastel, Disneyland-inspired colors with tiny sparkles and a subtle castle silhouette behind the title.
- Bottom: Four simple icons in a row:
- Baby pacifier or stroller
- Small Mickey ears for little kids
- Lightning bolt or coaster car for big kids
- Coffee cup + Mickey ears for Disney adults
- Add your handle or logo: @MickeyPlanning in a whimsical script.
2. Carousel Slide 1 – Babies
Title:
- “Must-Do Rides for BABIES 👶✨”
Body (short list):
- “it’s a small world” – colorful, calm boat ride
- Disneyland Railroad – contact naps + park views
- Winnie the Pooh – bright and gentle
- King Arthur Carrousel – classic photo moment
Design:
- Soft pastel background (pale yellow or soft cream).
- Simple baby icon (pacifier, bottle, or tiny stroller).
- Use a clean, easy-to-read font for the list and a whimsical script for the title.
3. Carousel Slide 2 – Little Kids
Title:
- “Must-Do Rides for LITTLE KIDS 🧒💫”
Body:
- Peter Pan’s Flight – gentle flying adventure
- Alice in Wonderland – colorful and silly
- Buzz Lightyear – shoot the targets!
- Autopia – they get to “drive”
Design:
- Bright, playful background (soft blue, confetti dots, or starbursts).
- Icon: Cute ride vehicle or cartoon steering wheel.
4. Carousel Slide 3 – Big Kids
Title:
- “Must-Do Rides for BIG KIDS 🎢”
Body:
- Big Thunder Mountain – first “real coaster”
- Space Mountain – dark, fast, fun
- Radiator Springs Racers – story + race
- Guardians or Incredicoaster – for the brave
Design:
- Slightly bolder colors (royal blue, red accents).
- Icon: Coaster car, lightning bolt, or “thrill ride” symbol.
5. Carousel Slide 4 – Disney Adults
Title:
- “Must-Do Rides for DISNEY ADULTS ☕👑”
Body:
- Pirates – long, chill, iconic
- Haunted Mansion – cool, detailed, classic
- Radiator Springs Racers – everyone’s fave
- Soarin’ – peaceful and stunning
Design:
- Slightly more “grown-up” palette (soft gold, navy, muted pink).
- Icon: Coffee cup, Mickey ears, or a little castle.
6. Carousel Slide 5 – Save This for Later
Title:
- “Save This for Your Next Disneyland Trip!”
Body:
- “Planning for babies, kids, teens, and Disney adults?
Pin or save this so you don’t forget your must-do rides!”
Design
