12 Best Things to Do for Kids at Disney World

Any links in this post to a merchant may contain an affiliate link, which means that if you click on that link and then buy something, I may earn a commission from it.  However, all opinions in this link are 100% mine and 100% honest.  If I didn't believe in a particular product, I wouldn't recommend it to you.

Disney World was created for kids of all ages to have fun. But, what rides will your children like best? To help you plan a Disney World trip that your kids will be talking about for years, here are the 10 best things to do for kids at Disney World. 

1.  Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

First on my list of the best things to do for kids at Disney World is Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the Magic Kingdom.

This is an innovative ride that is unlike anything else you have ever seen. It is a fun roller coaster with lots of twists and turns that will tickle your belly and cause your kids to squeal with delight.

This is a very popular ride and a must-do for almost any age. It is my son’s all-time favorite ride at Disney World.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is not scary, but it might make small kids a little nervous the first time they ride it.

Be sure to look for the witch at the end of the ride for an added surprise!

2.  Flight of Passage

The next ride on this list is another of Disney’s creative rides: Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom. This one is awesome and will blow your mind. 

Kids will love the thrill of flying on the back of a banshee as it weaves its way through the lush forest of Pandora. This is one that your kids will be begging to ride again as soon as they get off of it! It is a lot of fun!  

3.  Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is another roller coaster, but it is bigger and faster than Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It also has bigger hills and is longer. It is definitely the wildest ride in the wilderness!  

Kids will love the speed of this one. They will also enjoy spotting the various set pieces throughout the ride. My son likes going under the T-Rex bones towards the end of the ride.  

You will find Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom in Frontierland.

4.  Rise of the Resistance

Next on my list of the best things to do for kids in Disney World is Rise of the Resistance. This Star Wars themed ride is located in Star Wars land in Hollywood Studios.

This is the most immersive ride in all of Disney World. Any child who likes Star Wars even a little bit will love this ride!

It really makes you feel like you are right in the midst of an action-packed scene of one of the Star Wars movies.

5. Tom Sawyer Island

Tom Sawyer Island, located in the Magic Kingdom, is a good place for kids to run and play. This is an excellent spot to head to if your kids just need a break from all the crowds and waiting in lines.

It has everything from an old fashion fort to suspension bridges, trails, and even a water wheel.

There are also lots of caves to explore around the island, but these can be a little scary if you are afraid of the dark or have problems with small spaces.

My son enjoys shooting at the Big Thunder Mountain trains with the play guns which are mounted on the upper level of Fort Langhorn.

Another fun part of the Tom Sawyer Island experience is riding the raft to and from the island, which is the only way to get there.

6.  Fantasmic!

At Hollywood Studios, the nightly fireworks show is called Fantasmic! It combines lasers, fireworks, projections on water screens, and characters to tell the classic story of good vs. evil.

For the best views, sit in the lower section but not on the first few rows, unless you want to get sprayed with water.

My son thinks this is the best fireworks show at Disney World. He insists on seeing it on every trip.

7.  Toy Story Mania

If your kids like video games, then they will love Toy Story Mania. It is a 3-D ride that makes you feel like you are in a video game.

During the ride, you board a car with another rider and go for a crazy spin while competing in a series of carnival style games. Your car keeps score throughout the ride. This is a great opportunity for a friendly competition with your kids!

This entry on my list of the best things to do for kids at Disney World is a family favorite in our house. We always ride this one multiple times each trip.

It is located in Hollywood Studios in Toy Story Land.

8.  Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Buzz Lighyear’s Space Ranger Spin is another ride that makes you feel like you just stepped into a video game. 

In this ride, you shoot at Z targets, and get points for each one that you hit. You can spin your car 360 degrees to get a better aim at the targets.

This one is another big hit in our house. We all love competing to see who can get the highest score.

You will find this fun ride in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom.

9.  Test Track

Next on my list of the best things to do for kids at Disney World is Test Track. You will find it in Epcot. 

On this ride, you design your own car and then see how it does in performance tests. After going through the various tests, you take a spin around the building in your test car. 

This is the fastest ride in all of Disney World. It is a lot of fun. Your kids will love this one!

10.  Festival of the Lion King

Another show on my list of the best things to do for kids in Disney World is Festival of the Lion King. You will find it in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom.

The theater is divided into four sections:  elephants, giraffes, warthogs, and lions. Each section participates in the show by making their animal sound at various points. Kids always have fun with this!

The show revolves around the classic songs of the Lion King movie. The best parts of the show are the tumble monkeys, who are really funny and the fire and knife dancer.

11. Slinky Dog Dash

Little thrill seekers will love Slinky Dog Dash. This junior roller coaster is in Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios.

It goes fast enough to thrill your older kids but without all the big drops that might scare the younger ones. It is a great introductory coaster for your little ones.

12. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

Another favorite ride for kids who love Star Wars is Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run. This is the one and only opportunity you have to actually fly in the Millennium Falcon!

As you board, you will be assigned to be either a pilot, gunner, or navigator on your mission. Everyone in the cockpit will have a job to do. All of you must work together to accomplish the mission.

You will find it in Star Wars Land in Hollywood Studios.

Bonus Must-do:  Alien Swirling Saucers

Alien Swirling Saucers is one of the rides in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios. Kids love this ride because it whips you from side to side as it spins you around. I don’t know what they love more: the movement or watching their parents reactions.

My son laughs nonstop on this ride. I’m sure your kids will be laughing constantly too!  

Conclusion 

Disney World was designed and created with kids in mind. But some things are more appealing to them than others. This list of the best things to do for kids in Disney World will have your kids begging to go back again and again.

For more things to do, see my lists of the best things to do in the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot’s New Neighborhoods, Epcot’s World Showcase, and for Star Wars fans. And check out my post on hidden Mickeys for beginners for more fun stuff to do.

For help planning your Disney World trip, see my step-by-step guide, the best resources, and quick tips.  Not sure what age you should take your kids to Disney World? Check out the post on the perfect age. To book your trip, visit Disney’s website.

Happy travels!

P.S. Are you planning a trip to Disney World and not sure what you need to do or when? Do you feel completely overwhelmed by it all? My Disney World Trip Planning Checklist can help! It will guide you through every step of the planning process! And it’s FREE! Grab yours in the box below!