The Best Disney World Park By Age Group 2024

The Best Disney World Park By Age Group 2024

what-to-pack-for-disney-world

The Best Disney World Park By Age Group 2024

This article is your complete guide to the best Disney World park by age group 2024! We all know Disney World is a magical place for all ages, and that’s why we are about to break down the best Disney World park by age group! However, we know that different age groups will appreciate different aspects of the Disney World parks. Deciphering which Disney World Park has the best rides, which parks to visit in Disney World, and more all depends on the age you’re trying to please. That’s exactly why we’re going to help you break it down by category and figure out what is the best Disney World Park for each age group.

We’ve even had plenty of experience visiting with kids and can tell you the best Disney parks for kids in 2024. If you’re looking to book a trip soon, we will cover the best Disney World park for families, toddlers, kids teens, and more!

Planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World? Let our Disney travel experts plan a hassle-free vacation for you with a no-obligation quote. Guests can also opt into our concierge service with any discount Disney World ticket order purchased through our small business which includes custom Disney park plans to save up to three hours each day, dining recommendations, and price monitoring to ensure you get the best deal. Start your magical journey with us today! 

So if you’re ready to learn about the best Disney World park by age group read on!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the absolute best time to visit Disney World be sure to check out our Disney Crowd Calendar! 

 Disney World Crowd Calendar

Best Disney Parks for Kids

Planning a Walt Disney World trip is stressful enough, let alone trying to pick the perfect park for your family. So, we’re gonna make it easy for you, as we’ve had kids in the Park Prodigy family test out all the theme parks in different age groups. We’d like to think we’re experts by now, especially as our Park Prodigy family continues to grow with the magic of the theme parks.

What are the best Disney parks for kids?

  • Best Disney Park for Toddlers – Magic Kingdom
  • Best Disney Park for Kids under 5 – Magic Kingdom
  • Best Disney Park for 6 Year Old – Magic Kingdom & Hollywood Studios Tie
  • Best Disney Park for 7 Year Old – Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom
  • Best Disney Park for 8-9 Year Olds – Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios
  • Best Disney Park for 10 Year Old – Hollywood Studios or EPCOT
  • Best Park for Preteens – Any park other than Magic Kingdom
  • Best Disney Park for Teens – Epcot

If you want a more in-depth analysis of why we chose these parks, you can keep reading! Each section will outline why each park won best Disney park for each age group.

Related post: Ultimate Guide to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Disney World

What is the Best Disney Park for Toddlers in Orlando 2024?

best disney world park by age group

For a short answer, Magic Kingdom is unequivocally the best Disney park for toddlers in 2024. While Disney World offers a plethora of activities that can captivate visitors of all ages, it’s safe to say that Magic Kingdom stands out as the ideal choice for families with toddlers, specifically those who are two and under. This iconic park is a treasure trove of experiences and memories, featuring a wide array of character interactions, shows, and rides that are perfectly suited for little ones.

But what about other age groups? Interestingly, Magic Kingdom is not just the best Disney park for toddlers; it’s also considered by many as the best Disney park for teens. With thrilling rides like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, teenagers will find just as much to love here as their younger siblings.

When it comes to the best ages for Disney World, the magic truly knows no bounds. Whether you’re a toddler enchanted by the sight of Cinderella’s Castle or a teenager eager to conquer every roller coaster, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re planning a trip with preschoolers, you might wonder about Orlando theme parks for 4-year-olds. While Magic Kingdom remains a top choice, other parks like Disney’s Animal Kingdom offer age-appropriate thrills and educational experiences that 4-year-olds will love.

What is the best Disney park for toddlers in 2024?

Magic Kingdom is the best park in Disney World for toddlers for so many reasons. Out of the 40 or so attractions, only 7 of them have height requirements. That means the majority of Magic Kingdom attractions are toddler-safe! Rides such as, “It’s a Small World,” Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin are pleasant for toddlers. And if you’re unsure which rides might be best suited for your young children be sure to reach out to us. The Park Prodigy also includes free Disney park plans for children of all ages with our discount Disney World tickets! 

And we think this park is simply a must-do because let’s face it, most toddlers have a favorite movie or character that they obsess over and Magic Kingdom is the best park you’re going to meet or see them all. With endless cavalcades, meet and greet spots, and character dining opportunities, Magic Kingdom is the perfect Disney park for kids. While many of the dance parties are still not operating, Magic Kingdom is typically the perfect park to shake it with your favorite Disney characters. Which, is something your Disney toddler will love!

As for sweet treats, Magic Kingdom also is packed full of them. One of the best parts about a Disney vacation is the cupcakes, cookies, and Mickey-themed treats! Dole Whip is also a kid favorite – which is why Magic Kingdom is the best Disney park for toddlers.

Related Page: Walt Disney World Tickets with Free Disney Park Plans

Best Disney Theme Park for Kids Under 5 2024

what are the best disney world parks

When thinking about what is the best theme park for kids in 2024 Magic Kingdom is going to be our top park again for the under-5 age group. Walt Disney World in general is going to be a wonderful vacation for young kids because you will be able to experience the most for what you pay for. Magic Kingdom is also a great park with the best Orlando attractions for families. That just means there are many rides in Magic Kingdom where you won’t have to do rider-swap or have a child sit out because they are too small.

Best Disney rides for 5 year olds-year- or younger

  • Astro Orbiter – Any height
  • The Barnstormer – 35 inches (89 centimeters) or taller
  • Walt Disney World Railroad – Any height
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – Any height
  • Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station – Any height
  • Country Bear Jamboree – Any height
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Any height
  • Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade – Any height
  • The Hall of Presidents – Any height
  • Haunted Mansion – Any height
  • “It’s a small world” – Any height
  • Jungle Cruise – Any height
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Any height
  • Liberty Square Riverboat – Any height
  • Mad Tea Party – Any height
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Any height
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Any height
  • Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – Any height
  • Peter Pan’s Flight – Any height
  • Pirates of the Caribbean – Any height
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – Any height
  • Swiss Family Treehouse – Any height
  • Tomorrowland Speedway –  32 inches (82 centimeters) or taller
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – Any height
  • Tom Sawyer Island – Any height
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid – Any height
  • Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – Any height
  • Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room – Any height

As you can see, Magic Kingdom is the best theme park for kids under 5 seeing as that most of the attractions are safe for little ones to ride.

However, when deciding on what are the best Disney World parks for kids under 5, you cannot rule out Hollywood Studios. This park is home to one show kids at this age will adore; Disney Junior- Live on Stage! Also, your kids can enjoy a dance party and meet some of their favorite Disney characters. Especially if your little one is a Star Wars lover, Galaxy’s Edge is a perfect place to meet Chewbacca or build a lightsaber at Sa’vi’s Workshop!

Related Article: Complete Guide to Visiting EPCOT with Kids

Best Disney Parks For a 6-Year-Old

best-disney-world-park-for-kids

So, you’re wondering what will be the best Disney parks for a 6-year-old? The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think, but the previous paragraph serves as a valuable guide for selecting age-appropriate rides. One crucial factor to consider is your child’s height, as it can significantly influence the range of attractions they can enjoy. Some 6-year-olds may be tall enough to experience all the rides, while others might just miss the height requirements.

When it comes to the best Disney parks for a 6-year-old, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are often the top choices. Magic Kingdom, with its timeless appeal and nostalgic atmosphere, offers a plethora of rides that are suitable for children around this age. From the enchanting “It’s a Small World” to the adventurous “Pirates of the Caribbean,” there’s something for every young explorer.

On the other hand, doing Disney with a 6-year-old at Hollywood Studios provides a different kind of excitement. While the park is known for its thrill rides, it also offers family-friendly attractions that 6-year-olds will adore. Toy Story Land is a particular highlight, featuring the Slinky Dog Dash, which serves as an excellent starter coaster for young thrill-seekers.

Best rides at Disney World for 6-year-olds

  • Pirates of the Caribbean – Magic Kingdom
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Magic Kingdom
  • Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin – Magic Kingdom
  • Toy Story Mania – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  • Slinky Dog Dash – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

And if you’re unsure how to tackle multiple Disney World parks within one day be sure to reach out to us as we would love to help. As discussed The Park Prodigy can help you create custom park plans for your days at Disney free with our discount Disney World tickets! 

Related Page: How to Buy Disney World Tickets

What is the Best Park at Disney World for 7-Year-Old?

best-disney-world-park-for-kids

Disney has great theme parks for 7-year-olds, especially when they start wanting to branch out more with thrills. Many of Disney’s roller coasters aren’t super high thrill and can be handled by guests of all ages. A great park to start for a 7-year-old would be Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom. If your little one is wanting to try bigger rides, but not fully get scared, these two parks would be great.

If you want some great Disney rides for 7-year-olds, try Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Na’vi River Journey would also be a great ride for little explorers. This enchanting boat ride takes you through the bioluminescent forests of Pandora, offering an immersive experience that captivates little explorers. Speaking of Animal Kingdom, it’s worth noting that this park offers some of the best rides at Animal Kingdom for 7-year-olds, including the Kilimanjaro Safaris and TriceraTop Spin, which are both educational and fun.

When it comes to choosing the best Disney parks for a 7-year-old, the options are plentiful. Magic Kingdom continues to be a classic choice with its array of family-friendly rides and iconic castles. Hollywood Studios offers a blend of mild thrills and immersive experiences, making it another excellent option.

However, if you’re looking for a park that combines both adventure and education, Animal Kingdom might just be the best Disney park for a 7-year-old. With its focus on wildlife conservation and a range of rides that are both thrilling and age-appropriate, it offers a unique experience that 7-year-olds will cherish.

What are the best rides for 7-year-olds at Disney World?

  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Hollywood Studios
  • Slinky Dog Dash – Hollywood Studios
  • Avatar Flight of Passage – Animal Kingdom
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris – Animal Kingdom

Related post: What are the Disney World Genie+ Rides?

Best Disney World Park by Age Group – 8 – 9 Year-Olds 

best theme parks in orlando for kids

We think that the best age to take your kids to Disney is between the ages of 6 – 12.  Kids at this age are just about tall enough to ride everything in the parks but are still dazzled by Disney-theming and magic. That is not to say that taking your toddler to Disney won’t be magical.

Any Disney theme park is great for kids between the ages of 8-9, so your trip can be geared toward what interest your child has! If your kid loves animals, dinosaurs, or thrill rides, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the best theme parks in Orlando for kids 2024 from ages 6 to around 9. Kids around this age tend to enjoy sightseeing at their own pace and will be engulfed in their environment. A safari tour will give these kids a sense of exploration. Some rides include Kilimanjaro Safaris and Avatar Flight of Passage. Their minds will be blown!

If your kid is a Star Wars or Toy Story lover, then Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a wonderful park to spend the day in. It is not only one of the best theme parks for kids, but it also has plenty of air-conditioned attractions to escape the Florida heat. But, if your kid likes thrills, Hollywood Studios has the most thrill rides of any park – sure to make an impact on those adrenaline seekers!

Related Page: How to Buy Disney World Tickets

Best Disney Theme Park For 10 Year Old’s 2024

best disney world park by age group

Kids start to become more daring as they get closer to that 10-year-old mark, and we find Hollywood Studios to be the perfect of thrill rides and amazing shows. The attention to detail in the new Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land are unmatched and a great option for families visiting Walt Disney World with older kids. We also find the dining options at Hollywood Studios to be extremely cool and something that kids of any age will enjoy.

Kids around this age usually love to explore, especially topics like space – making EPCOT one of the best theme parks for 10-year-olds. Epcot has a whole neighborhood dedicated to discovery, outer space, and innovation. Rides like Test Track and Mission Space are both rides great for older kids who love to be thrilled with science! World Discovery in EPCOT will be welcoming the brand new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Coaster too. These reasons are why Epcot is one of the best theme parks for kids!

We also find Epcot to be a park that is easily manageable in half of the day with older kids, especially with the new. And as discussed The Park Prodigy can help you create custom park plans for your days at Disney free with our discount Disney World tickets!

Related Page: How to Buy Disney World Tickets

Best Disney World Park By Age Group for Preteens 2024

Animal-kingdom-rides

As we mentioned above, the best theme park for kids over the age of 5 will be geared more toward your kids and families’ interests. Preteens especially will love the cinematic universe of Star Wars, making Hollywood Studios a great pick. Or, for an ultimate experience, head over to Pandora: World of Avatar to ride Flight of Passage. Both of these parks offer exciting thrill rides and a mix of nostalgic fun for your preteen who might enjoy classic Disney magic.

If you are a foodie family, we recommend EPCOT as one of the best theme parks for preteens 2024. Any EPCOT festival is a foodie’s dream and has plenty of different options for those who like to sample or who are picky. There is a great mix of thrill rides, as well as, classic Disney movie rides like Frozen Ever After.

We even think that Disney Springs is a great place to bring your older kids, with the dining, shows, and shopping – teens and preteens might be drawn to the shopping district.

Related post: What are the Best Disney Springs Restaurants?

Best Theme Park in Orlando for Adults 2024

best theme parks for adults

Alright, so we talked about the best Disney World park by age group. Now it’s time to talk about which part of Disney World is the best for the kids at heart. That is, which Disney theme park is best for adults? This falls under the same concept we’ve set before, it honestly depends on what you want out of your Disney vacation. But, we can vouch that EPCOT is the best Disney World theme park for adults for many different reasons.

First, Epcot has the same amount of rides as the Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, but it doesn’t feel like the main focus of the park. While many adults love riding Disney attractions, they also attract children. Which, if you’re looking for an adults-only trip, you might want to steer clear of little ones. Epcot also is an “edutainment” park – which means it is all about education and entertainment. Throughout the showcase, you can find mini museums, art exhibits, and plenty of educational stops for those who love to learn.

Lastly, the biggest reason we think Epcot is the best theme park for adults is the drinks, food, and entertainment. For our 21 and up readers, EPCOT is known for its drinks around the world. Adults will not only be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages, but they also get to try different foods from around the world. Let’s also not forget about the festivals EPCOT brings, where you can enjoy more foods and drinks that’ll make your stomach happy.

Of course, if you’re looking for the best Disney park for roller coasters or the best Disney theme park for Disney nostalgia, Epcot might not be the best choice.

Related post: Complete Guide to Disney for Adults

Which Disney Park Should I Go to?

which disney park is best for toddlers

It’s truly hard to compare Orlando theme parks, especially when we’re just talking about Disney World (because there are so many opinions when figuring out the best age to visit Universal Studios and other Orlando theme parks as well). There is no exact science to choosing Disney World parks by age. So when deciding on which Disney World park is best for kids, as long as you’ve got them smiling, there’s no wrong answer.

For instance, the debate over the best age to visit Universal Studios often intersects with discussions about what age is best for Disney World. While there’s no definitive formula for selecting Disney World parks based on age, the goal remains the same: to create unforgettable memories and keep those young faces smiling. In that sense, you can’t go wrong with any of the parks when determining the best theme parks at Disney World for kids. When pondering what age is best for Disney World, it’s essential to remember that the magic of Disney transcends age. Whether you’re a toddler meeting Mickey for the first time or a teenager eager to conquer Space Mountain, Disney World has something for everyone.

If you have any additional questions or need additional help planning your days at Walt Disney World be sure to reach out to us. We would love to help you plan your next Walt Disney World Vacation and all guests who book with The Park Prodigy will receive custom park plans for their days in the parks!

We also have an entire guide on the best Orlando theme parks by age group, which includes parks like Legoland and Universal Studios to help you decide!

Related post: Complete Guide to Disney World Payment Plans

Best Disney World Park 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Disney park is most kid-friendly?

A: The most kid-friendly Disney park is Magic Kingdom in Disney World. Magic Kingdom is the perfect park for little ones, as it has the most attractions without a height requirement. Magic Kingdom is also the Disney theme park with the massive Cinderella castle, which adds so much magic for little ones.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World? Let our Disney travel experts plan a hassle-free vacation for you with a no-obligation quote, or call us at 321-966-4300. Every family who books their Disney World vacation package through The Park Prodigy will receive a dedicated planner who manages every Disney vacation aspect. This includes help with Disney dining reservations, navigating the Disneg Genie+ system, personalized park plans based on your children’s ages and height restrictions, and price monitoring to ensure you always get the best deal! Let our team of travel experts take all of the pressure off of planning your next Disney World vacation! 

Disney World Deals and Discounts 

Don’t forget to join our Disney community to learn about any additional deals and promotions on discounted Disney World tickets. All community members are always guaranteed to save vs. buying their tickets directly. Plus, you can opt into our concierge service, which includes custom Disney park plans to save up to three hours each day, dining recommendations, and price monitoring to ensure you always get the best Disney World deal!

Don’t forget to check out our wonderful friends over at Theme Park Today, as well!