Disney has very few height restrictions on rides, and you've got a “child swap” ticket in your hand, but what do you and your preschooler do while everyone else goes on a ride? You can take them on another ride, check out the nearby shops, or stand in line for a character greeting, but times rarely match up nicely that you always seem to have a few extra minutes to spend. Here’s a list of places at Magic Kingdom and Epcot where you can go with your child to help entertain them.
Waiting at Magic Kingdom - Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain
These rides are close to one another and share some great spots to take the little ones. The first place you can take them is Tom Sawyer Island. You can spend as much or as little time as you want on the island and the ride back is only a few minutes on a motorized raft. The island has so many paths to explore and a great fort for the kids to play in.
Located under the bridge heading towards the railway station in Frontierland it is also a shaded play area with a few tunnels and a small slide. The area is fairly small but it’s a great waiting area for those on the rides nearby when you only have a few moments to wait.
Waiting at Magic Kingdom - Space Mountain, Stitch’s Great Escape, and Tomorrowland Speedway
The best way to entertain your preschooler for shorter periods of time is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. Its constant movement, changing views and relatively short wait times give this ride a quick way to spend time.
Waiting at Epcot - Mission Space and Test Track
My favorite waiting area for these rides is called Space Base. To get to this fun play area, wander through the Mission Space store and you'll end up in kid paradise. An air-conditioned playground for little ones, they will climb and slide as a space explorer while you rest and watch them.
Waiting at Epcot - Soarin
Located beside Soarin’ is the Living with the Land boat voyage. A calm ride through greenhouses and a fish farm captivates their attention as they recognize all their favorite foods growing beside them. Once that is done, take them outside and head along the path for some more visual entertainment. Just along the path, located before you get to the Imagination! area is a fountain with water leaping from pad to pad. Your child will be mesmerized as they try to figure out where the water will shoot out next.
Above all, when waiting for others to go on rides, make sure your little ones have enough rest and something to snack on. The day will be extremely busy, so be sure to take a little time out for all of you so that you can enjoy the rest of your day at Walt Disney World. Stayed tuned for more places to go with your preschooler at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom!
Michelle Browne
Travel Specialist
