Disneyland Paris is a dream destination for families, and it offers plenty of rides and attractions that are perfect for young children. Whether you’re exploring Disneyland Park or Walt Disney Studios Park, there are numerous options to keep the little ones entertained and filled with joy. Here’s an expanded list of 20 rides and attractions across both parks that are ideal for small kids.
Top 20 Rides and Attractions for Small Kids at Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Park
- It’s a Small World
- Location: Fantasyland
- Why It’s Great: A timeless classic, this gentle boat ride takes you through a colorful world where dolls sing the iconic “It’s a Small World” tune. It’s visually delightful and perfect for all ages.
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Location: Fantasyland
- Why It’s Great: Fly over London and into Neverland aboard a magical pirate ship. The ride’s gentle pace and enchanting scenes make it a must-ride for families.
- Le Carrousel de Lancelot
- Location: Fantasyland
- Why It’s Great: This beautifully decorated carousel features knights, horses, and chariots. It’s a charming ride that little ones can enjoy with their parents.
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Location: Fantasyland
- Why It’s Great: Soar high above Fantasyland on your very own Dumbo. This aerial ride is gentle and allows children to control how high or low they fly.
- Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
- Location: Discoveryland
- Why It’s Great: Team up with Buzz Lightyear in this interactive shooting game where kids can help defeat Emperor Zurg. The ride is engaging and fun, making it a favorite for young Toy Story fans.
- Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups
- Location: Fantasyland
- Why It’s Great: Spin around in giant teacups inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The spinning motion is gentle, and families can control the speed, making it suitable for young children.
- Les Voyages de Pinocchio
- Location: Fantasyland
- Why It’s Great: A dark ride that brings the story of Pinocchio to life with vibrant scenes and gentle motion. It’s perfect for kids who love Disney tales.
- Casey Jr. – Le Petit Train du Cirque
- Location: Fantasyland
- Why It’s Great: Hop aboard this delightful train ride that offers great views of Fantasyland. It’s gentle and whimsical, ideal for younger children.
- Le Pays des Contes de Fées
- Location: Fantasyland
- Why It’s Great: This boat ride takes you through miniature scenes from Disney fairy tales. It’s a slow-paced, storybook experience that kids will adore.
- La Tanière du Dragon
- Location: Fantasyland
- Why It’s Great: Explore the lair of a large animatronic dragon beneath Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. While it might be a little spooky, it’s generally awe-inspiring for young adventurers.
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains)
- Location: Fantasyland
- Why It’s Great: Another classic dark ride, this one tells the tale of Snow White. The ride is gentle, though some scenes might be a bit dark for very young children.
- Alice’s Curious Labyrinth
- Location: Fantasyland
- Why It’s Great: Navigate through a whimsical maze filled with characters from Alice in Wonderland. It’s an interactive and engaging attraction that’s perfect for small children.
- Main Street Vehicles
- Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
- Why It’s Great: Take a ride down Main Street in a vintage vehicle. It’s a gentle and charming way for kids to experience the park’s atmosphere.
- Molly Brown Riverboat
- Location: Frontierland
- Why It’s Great: A relaxing boat ride around the Rivers of the Far West. It’s a peaceful break for both kids and adults, offering scenic views.
- Adventure Isle
- Location: Adventureland
- Why It’s Great: A large adventure playground with caves, bridges, and pirate ships. It’s a great spot for kids to explore and let their imaginations run wild.
- Pirate Galleon (La Cabane des Robinson)
- Location: Adventureland
- Why It’s Great: A pirate ship playground perfect for climbing and exploring. It’s a fun, hands-on experience for young adventurers.
- Les Mystères du Nautilus
- Location: Discoveryland
- Why It’s Great: A walk-through attraction inside Captain Nemo’s submarine. It’s an immersive experience that captivates the imagination.
- Phantom Manor
- Location: Frontierland
- Why It’s Great: While it might be a little spooky, older children often enjoy the fun frights and eerie atmosphere of this haunted house ride.
- Horse-Drawn Streetcars
- Location: Main Street, U.S.A.
- Why It’s Great: Enjoy a leisurely ride down Main Street in a horse-drawn streetcar. It’s a gentle, relaxing experience for kids.
- Paddling with Keelboats (Le Pays des Merveilles)
- Location: Frontierland
- Why It’s Great: A gentle boat ride that offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. It’s perfect for a relaxing break in your day.
Walt Disney Studios Park
- Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin
- Location: Worlds of Pixar
- Why It’s Great: This fun ride features Slinky Dog from Toy Story as he spins around chasing his tail. The motion is gentle, making it a great choice for small kids.
- Ratatouille: The Adventure
- Location: Worlds of Pixar
- Why It’s Great: Although it might be a bit intense for some, this 4D dark ride is a favorite among families. It shrinks you down to the size of a rat and takes you on an exciting chase through Gusteau’s restaurant.
- Cars Quatre Roues Rallye
- Location: Worlds of Pixar
- Why It’s Great: A fun, spinning ride themed around the Cars franchise. It’s gentle enough for young children, with a bit of excitement as the cars spin around.
- Flying Carpets Over Agrabah
- Location: Toon Studio
- Why It’s Great: Soar over Agrabah on a magical flying carpet. The ride is gentle and allows kids to control the height of their carpet, much like the Dumbo ride.
- Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop
- Location: Worlds of Pixar
- Why It’s Great: While this ride involves a gentle drop, it’s not too intense and offers a fun, airborne experience for children.
- Animagique Theatre
- Location: Production Courtyard
- Why It’s Great: This theatre features live shows with beloved Disney characters, perfect for young kids who enjoy musicals and performances.
- Art of Disney Animation
- Location: Toon Studio
- Why It’s Great: A fascinating look into the world of Disney animation. It’s interactive and educational, offering a chance for kids to learn how their favorite characters come to life.
- Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic
- Location: Toon Studio
- Why It’s Great: A gentle tram ride that takes you behind the scenes of movie-making magic. It’s a great way for kids to see some of their favorite movie moments in a new light.
- Playhouse Disney Live!
- Location: Production Courtyard
- Why It’s Great: A live show featuring characters from popular Disney Junior shows. It’s engaging and fun, perfect for small children.
5 Rides That Could Be Scary for Small Kids
While these rides are popular, they might be a bit too intense or frightening for younger children.
1. Pirates of the Caribbean
- Location: Adventureland, Disneyland Park
- What Might Scare Kids: Dark scenes, skeletons, and a few small drops can be intimidating for young children, even though the ride is a classic.
2. Ratatouille: The Adventure
- Location: Worlds of Pixar, Walt Disney Studios Park
- What Might Scare Kids: This 4D dark ride features sudden movements, large-scale visuals, and scenes that might be overwhelming for some children.
3. Phantom Manor
- Location: Frontierland, Disneyland Park
- What Might Scare Kids: This haunted house ride is full of ghosts, dark scenes, and a spooky storyline, making it better suited for older children.
4. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Location: Production Courtyard, Walt Disney Studios Park
- What Might Scare Kids: The ride’s intense drops and eerie atmosphere can be terrifying for young children, even if they meet the height requirement.
5. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
- Location: Discoveryland, Disneyland Park
- What Might Scare Kids: This 3D motion simulator ride features space battles and intense movements that could be too much for younger children.
Rides Not Appropriate for Small Kids
These attractions are either too intense or have height restrictions that make them unsuitable for younger children.
1. Space Mountain: Hyperspace Mountain
- Location: Discoveryland, Disneyland Park
- Why It’s Not Appropriate: This high-speed roller coaster features loops, darkness, and intense G-forces. It’s definitely not suitable for small children.
2. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril
- Location: Adventureland, Disneyland Park
- Why It’s Not Appropriate: With its fast speeds, inversions, and rough ride, this coaster is too intense for young kids.
3. Avengers Assemble: Flight Force
- Location: Avengers Campus, Walt Disney Studios Park
- Why It’s Not Appropriate: This fast-paced roller coaster includes high speeds, inversions, and is very loud, making it unsuitable for young children.
4. Crush’s Coaster
- Location: Worlds of Pixar, Walt Disney Studios Park
- Why It’s Not Appropriate: Although it’s themed around Finding Nemo, this spinning coaster is quite intense and takes place mostly in the dark, which can be frightening for small kids.
5. RC Racer
- Location: Worlds of Pixar, Walt Disney Studios Park
- Why It’s Not Appropriate: This ride’s steep inclines and rapid back-and-forth motion make it too intense for most young children.
Conclusion
Disneyland Paris offers a wonderful variety of attractions that cater to all ages, including the youngest visitors. By choosing rides that are gentle and magical, you can ensure your little ones have a fantastic time without any unnecessary scares. Remember to take breaks, enjoy the atmosphere, and don’t be afraid to revisit their favorite rides multiple times! Whether it’s a flight with Peter Pan or a spin with Buzz Lightyear, there’s plenty of magic to be found for small children at Disneyland Paris.
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