Which Attractions Preschoolers Can Ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney World is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Each of these parks are heavily themed, with smaller areas filling up the park with their own sub theme. These areas have dining, shopping and of course attractions. Many of these attractions have height requirements, for the safety of the guests. Before you begin making your intricate plans for your Disney Vacation, you should figure out how tall each of your children will be during your visit. This determines which rides your child will be able to enjoy during your trip. Today we’re going to look at which rides preschool aged children can ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We’re talking 4-5 year olds. On average children will be around 42 inches at this age. Of course some will be taller and some will be smaller but we’re going to go on the standard 42 inches. For specifics on 44 inches at Disney’s Animal Kingdom click here.
DINOSAUR. DinoLand U.S.A.
DINOSAUR is found in the DinoLand U.S.A. area of Animal Kingdom. This ride has guests being transported back in time, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. With the goal of bringing a dinosaur back to present day. The ride is very dark, and there are several dinosaurs that lung out a you during the ride. Children 42 inches and taller CAN ride this ride, but it does not mean they should. If your child gets frightened easily then this is not for them.
Kali River Rapids. Asia.
This water raft ride is a blast. Guests sit in a large circular raft and are taken high up only to be sent back down some rapids. The ride isn’t all that fast, but guests have a chance of getting wet. Because guests are all seated next to each other and see each other’s faces, kids will feel very safe and comfortable on this ride.
Na’Vi River Journey. Pandora-The World of Avatar.
This ride is one of the most popular at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Partly because there’s no height requirement and because it’s one of the newer rides. This attraction takes guests through the land of Avatar at night. The whole ride is lit up with glowing creatures and landscaping. It’s a very relaxing ride and youngsters love it.
Kilimanjaro Safari. Africa.
This attraction takes guests into Animal Kingdom’s savanna, giving guests a beautiful view of many of the animals that live in the park. Guests will drive by giraffes, elephants, zebras and lions. It’s a fun, educational ride that gives guests a chance to see these majestic animals with their very own eyes. There’s no height requirement for this ride but it’s not recommended for pregnant guests.
Wildlife Express Train. Rafiki’s Planet Watch.
This train takes guests to and from Rafiki’s Planet Watch, an area of the park that hosts a petting zoo and an animal hospital. It’s not really a ride but it’s on the list of attractions on the Walt Disney World website.
TriceraTop Spin. DinoLand U.S.A.
TriceraTop Spin is Animal Kingdom’s version of Dumbo’s Flying Elephant or Aladdin’s Magic Carpet. Guests can load onto a Triceratop and be lifted into the air and descend when using the levers found inside the ride. This ride has no height requirement.
The Boneyard. DinoLand U.S.A.
The Boneyard isn’t a ride but it is the ultimate destination for preschoolers during your visit to the Animal Kingdom. The Boneyard is a HUGE outdoor playground. With massive tube slides that are several stories tall, a digging area where kids can find dinosaur bones. There’s also a smaller area for toddlers to play. There’s several caves to explore as well. This is a must stop destination for preschoolers.
This may not seem like a lot of rides that your child can enjoy during a visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but there are several aspects of the park to enjoy beyond the attractions. There’s four stage shows: Festival of the Lion King, Finding Nemo The Musical (currently closed for refurb), Disney’s KiteTails and Feathered Friends in Flight . You’ll also want to make time to wander the two treks that give guests a close up look at more of the Animal Kingdom animals. You may want to bring your stroller along for these treks because they can be awfully far for younger visitors.
For more tips on visiting Disney World’s Animal Kingdom take a look at these previous posts:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom with Preschoolers
The Best Restaurants for Kids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Where to Grab Breakfast at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
A Detailed Look at Animal Kingdom’s Pandora Area
The Cheapest Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
