Family vacations to Disney theme parks can take years of planning. That’s why we’ve shared our own planning tips for trips to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland. As a mom of six, one important piece of advice I can share is to check out the Disney ride heights and age requirements before you head to the park. You don’t want to wait hours in line only to discover that your child doesn’t meet the minimum height requirement. It’s so sad and frustrating! That’s why we’ve created this quick guide to height minimums for the whole family.
We know the idea of enjoying thrill rides with your child is exciting.
What’s in this post:
- Disney World Ride Height Requirements
- Magic Kingdom
- Epcot
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Animal Kingdom
- Disneyland Ride Height Requirements
- Disneyland
- California Adventure
What’s NOT in this post:
- Advice for water parks like Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon. We aren’t water park people!
- Tips for rider swap/rider switch service/rider switch pass or the single rider line (sorry!).
Walt Disney World Ride Height Requirements
It’s hard to beat the excitement of stepping into Walt Disney World theme parks. Both magical and steeped with history, the resort is also filled with long lines under the hot, humid Florida skies. You absolutely don’t want to waste any time, if you can help it! We’ve put together this complete guide to Disney World rides and we think it’s a great way to plan ahead (especially if kids are looking forward to a particular ride) and avoid disappointment so that your adventures continue.
Magic Kingdom
The most classic and iconic park at Walt Disney Resort, so many parents cherish their kids’ first rides on Space Mountain and Splash Mountain. Unfortunately, most toddlers won’t be able to get on either of those rides (like one of our little guys — just look at that sad face!). If they meet the height requirements, they may still need a companion.
Review these height requirements to avoid heartbreak and meltdowns before planning your day in the Magic Kingdom. You might find a few surprises on here, so if you want to make sure you have the best Walt Disney World vacation, it’s best to know before you go!
35 inches (89cm) or Taller:
- Goofy’s Barnstormer – Minimum age requirement of 3 years old. Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
38 inches (97cm) or Taller:
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
40 inches (102cm) or Taller:
- Splash Mountain – Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Minimum age requirement of 3 years old. Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
44 inches (113cm) or Taller:
- Space Mountain – Minimum age requirement of 3 years old. Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
52 inches (132cm) or Taller:
- Tomorrowland Speedway – Height requirement is to ride alone. Any child can ride when accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
No Height Requirements (Under 7 Must Be Accompanied by Supervising Companion 14 years or older):
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
- Haunted Mansion
- It’s a Small World
- Jungle Cruise
- Liberty Square Riverboat
- Mad Tea Party
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Epcot
There are so many great things about Epcot, from the rides and scenery to annual events like the Food and Wine Festival. Unlike the Magic Kingdom, though, there isn’t a lot for very small children, so before you and your family head to this park, be sure to get familiar with the ride height requirements.
40 inches (102cm) or Taller:
- Test Track
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Mission: SPACE
Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
No Height Requirements (Under 7 Must Be Accompanied by Supervising Companion (14 years or older):
- Frozen Ever After
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
- Journey Into Imagination With Figment
- Living with the Land
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
- The Seas with Nemo & Friends
- Spaceship Earth
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
You’ll find the most intense rides at Walt Disney World in Hollywood Studios (and the amazing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!). Thrillseekers who want a bigger experience than the Snow White Mine Train will want to hop on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, but even if your tween or teen seems mature enough, you’ll want to make sure they meet the height requirements.
32 inches (81cm) or Taller:
- Alien Swirling Saucers
Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
38 inches (97cm) or Taller:
- Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
- Slinky Dog Dash
Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
40 inches (102cm) or Taller:
- Star Tours
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
48 inches (122cm) or Taller:
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
No Height Requirement
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Any Avatar fans in your group? If so, you’ll love Animal Kingdom. The most natural landscape and park at Walt Disney World, you’ll almost feel like you spent the day in the jungle. While there are some good options for families, the best-known attractions may have height requirements that are too high for younger toddlers.
38 inches (97cm) or Taller:
- Kali River Rapids
Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
40 inches (102cm) or Taller:
- DINOSAUR
Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
44 inches (113cm) or Taller:
- Avatar Flight of Passage
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
48 inches (122cm) or Taller:
- Primeval Whirl
Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
No Height Requirements (Under 7 Must Be Accompanied by Supervising Companion (14 years or older):
- Kilimanjaro Safaris
- Na’vi River Journey
- TriceraTop Spin
- Wildlife Express Train
While your children may not be able to ride everything on their wish list, you’ll still find plenty to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort. Learn about ride height requirements ahead of time and set the expectations to avoid heartbreak and disappointment at the parks. This extra step can go a long way to ensuring your visit is the happiest it can be!
For a list of all attraction requirements and accommodations, please see the Walt Disney World Ride Restrictions.
Disneyland Ride Height Requirements
When choosing a Disney vacation, there are a lot of families who feel that Disneyland Resort is a better option because it’s smaller and easier to navigate. We love the fact that you don’t need to use shuttle buses to get around and the Downtown Disney District is a short walk from the parks. As a result, families with smaller kids might choose Disneyland over Walt Disney World Resort.
It’s a logical but often overlooked step. Always be sure to check out the Disney ride heights and age requirements ahead of time to avoid any disappointed little ones! Nothing is more heartbreaking (or common) than tears at a Disney park!
Disneyland Park
There are so many classic rides at Disneyland and you might be surprised by the ride height requirements. Many smaller children won’t be able to ride Space Mountain, for example. It might seem like a tame, kid-friendly ride but Disney wants to make sure your child is safe. Don’t count on the ride operators or a Disney cast member being guilted into letting you ride, either. They strictly follow the rules and they are used to people getting upset over this.
While you’ll love the old standbys, everyone is excited about the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attractions at Disney parks. They’ve put a lot of work into these areas, from recreating food and drinks from the film franchise to replicating the impressive landscape. While they’ve done a great job of keeping it family-friendly, if your little one is looking forward to riding the Millennium Falcon ride, you’ll want to make sure they are tall enough.
32 inches (81cm) or Taller:
- Autopia
*Must be accompanied by another rider 54 inches (137cm) or taller.
35 inches (89cm) or Taller:
- Gadget’s Go Coaster
*Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
38 inches (97cm) or Taller:
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
*Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
40 inches (102cm) or Taller:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Star Tours
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
*Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
42 inches (107cm) or Taller:
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
*Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
46 inches (117cm) or Taller:
- Indiana Jones Adventure
*Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
54 inches (137cm) or Taller to Ride Alone:
- Autopia
Disney California Adventure Park
As you may have noticed, it’s not just about ride height at Disneyland. Some attractions require kids to have a companion if they are under a certain age. The same is definitely true of the more daring attractions are at California Adventure. For that reason, it’s especially important to make sure your child is tall enough for the Guardians of the Galaxy (formerly Tower of Terror) and Incredicoaster rides before they get too excited!
Also, it’s worth noting that some of the Disney ride heights and age requirements may not make real sense to you. We were surprised by the relatively minimal height requirements for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (Tower of Terror). We are not ride engineers, though, and our limited knowledge of operations should not override those of the professionals. It’s best to just follow the rules.
32 inches (81cm) or Taller:
- Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree
- Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters
*Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
40 inches (102cm) or Taller:
- Jumpin’ Jellyfish
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (formerly Tower of Terror!)
- Radiator Springs Racers
- Silly Symphony Swings (tandem swings only)
- Soarin’ Around The World
*Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
42 inches (107cm) or Taller:
- Goofy’s Sky School
- Grizzly River Run
- Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (rock wall and zip line only)
*Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
48 inches (122cm) or Taller:
- Incredicoaster
- Silly Symphony Swings (ride in single swing)
*Children under 7 must be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (14 years or older).
Knowing ahead of time can help you set expectations for your children. It’s better to let them know what they can and cannot ride prior to your visit. You can check the ride height requirements at Disneyland Resort and California Adventure together so that they understand the process. Have a positive attitude about any disappointments because how you act will set the tone for your trip.
Stay Safe and Keep Perspective
We’ve noticed on message boards and comments that some parents have tried modifying their children’s shoes in order to make them tall enough for rides. Please, please, please don’t do that. Not only are you sending a terrible message to your child, but you’re also potentially putting them in danger. Is a ride on Space Mountain really worth them getting injured (or worse)? Absolutely not. Teach your child to respect safety regulations and wait until they’ve grown enough to get on. Don’t try to beat a system that’s designed to protect them. These rules are in place for safety reasons. It’s that simple.
Carefully review the ride height requirements, get an accurate measurement of your child, and then plan accordingly. If someone in your group can’t get on a certain ride, remember that it’s not the end of the world. Just keep walking! You won’t have to go very far before you find something you can all enjoy. Have a great time!
For a list of all attraction requirements and accommodations, please see the Disneyland Ride Restrictions.
