Guide

Best Rides for Kids Under 40 Inches at Disneyland Resort

Discover the best rides under 40 inches at Disneyland and DCA. Your guide to attractions with no height requirement for toddlers and preschoolers.

Making Magic for the Littlest Guests: Your Guide to Disneyland Under 40 Inches

Planning a trip to the 'Happiest Place on Earth' with a toddler or preschooler can feel overwhelming, especially when you start looking at those height requirement signs. However, here is the best-kept secret about the Disneyland Resort: Most of the magic has no height requirement at all.

If your child is under 40 inches, they are in the 'sweet spot' of Disney magic. While they might miss out on Space Mountain or Indiana Jones, they have access to over 50 attractions across Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.

This guide breaks down the best rides under 40 inches at Disneyland and tips for navigating the parks with little ones.

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Disneyland Park: Classic Magic with No Height Requirement

Disneyland Park is the gold standard for families with small children. Fantasyland alone could keep a toddler busy for an entire day. Here are the must-do attractions for those under the 40-inch mark.

The Fantasyland Classics

Almost every ride in Fantasyland is a no height requirement Disneyland attraction.

Peter Pan’s Flight: Soar over London. This is the most popular ride for littles, so head here first thing in the morning.

King Arthur Carrousel: A gentle, beautiful classic that every child loves.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant: A rite of passage for every Disney kid.

‘it’s a small world’: Located nearby in Fantasyland/Mickey’s Toontown area, this 15-minute boat ride is air-conditioned and perfect for a mid-day break.

Alice in Wonderland: A whimsical outdoor/indoor dark ride that is unique to Disneyland California.

Mickey’s Toontown: The Ultimate Toddler Playground

Recently reimagined, Toontown is designed specifically for the under-40-inch crowd.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: This world-class trackless dark ride has no height requirement. It’s colorful, funny, and features state-of-the-art projection mapping.

Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin: A zany taxi ride (Note: You can control the spin, so keep it still if your little one is sensitive).

CenTOONial Park: Not a ride, but an essential play area with water features and a dreaming tree for burning off energy.

Adventureland & New Orleans Square

Pirates of the Caribbean: While there are two small drops and some dark scenes, there is no height requirement.

Jungle Cruise: A hilarious boat tour that is a hit with kids who love animals.

Haunted Mansion: No height requirement, though it may be a bit spooky for sensitive toddlers.

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Disney California Adventure: Big Fun for Small People

While Disney California Adventure (DCA) is known for its thrills like Guardians of the Galaxy and Incredicoaster, it is surprisingly friendly for those under 40 inches.

Pixar Pier & Paradise Gardens Park

Toy Story Midway Mania!: A 4D carnival game ride that is fun for all ages. Since there is no height requirement, even a baby can sit on your lap (though they won't be able to play the game well!).

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: A gentle spinner ride with great views of the pier.

The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure: A slow-moving 'Omnimover' ride that rarely has a long wait.

Avengers Campus & Cars Land

WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure: This is a high-tech interactive ride with no height requirement. Kids can wave their arms to shoot webs just like Spidey.

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree: (32-inch requirement) If your child has hit the 32-inch mark, this whipping tractor ride is often the highlight of the trip. It’s pure, giggling fun.

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters: (32-inch requirement) Dancing cars that move in a choreographed sequence.

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Pro-Tips for Parents of Toddlers at Disneyland

1. Use Rider Switch

If you want to ride a 'big kid' ride like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (40") or Big Thunder Mountain (40"), tell the Cast Member at the entrance you want to do a Rider Switch. One parent waits with the toddler while the other rides, then you swap without waiting in the full line again!

2. Check the Disneyland App

You can filter the map by "Height" to see exactly which rides your child can go on. This prevents the heartbreak of walking all the way to a ride only to find out they are an inch too short.

3. The Baby Care Centers

Located at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland and next to Ghirardelli in DCA, these centers are a godsend. They offer quiet nursing rooms, changing tables, and tiny toilets for potty-training toddlers.

4. Character Sightings

Remember that for a child under 40 inches, meeting Mickey Mouse or Elsa is often more thrilling than any ride. Check the app for character locations and times.

Summary of Rides Under 40 Inches

No matter how tall your little one is, Disneyland Resort is built on the idea that families should be able to experience the magic together. Focus on the 'no height requirement' classics, and you'll find your day is packed with smiles, even without the rollercoasters!

Plan around shorter lines

Pick your park and dates. We watch every major ride and text you the moment a wait gets short.

Get ride alerts · from $5/dayAlerts for at least 3 rides or your money back.

Frequently asked questions

Can babies go on rides with no height requirement?

Yes! Attractions with 'no height requirement' are designed for all ages. Babies can typically sit on a parent's lap or in a carrier on these rides.

What happens if my child is exactly 40 inches?

Cast Members will measure your child at the entrance and sometimes again at the loading platform. They must be able to stand flat-footed and touch the bar to ride. If they are exactly 40 inches, they can ride hits like Big Thunder Mountain and Star Tours!

Are there many rides for toddlers at Disney California Adventure?

Yes! While it has fewer than Disneyland Park, DCA offers Pixar Pier, The Little Mermaid, and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail which are all perfect for kids under 40 inches.

Do I need a ticket for a child under 3?

Children under the age of 3 do not require a park ticket or a theme park reservation to enter Disneyland Resort.