A popular planning question that always seems to be making the rounds usually goes something like “Will my kid like (insert ride here)?” While this question can’t truly be answered since it’s so subjective, I thought I’d share a quick rundown of the right coast coasters for your planning pleasure from family friendly to fast and furious.

1. The Barnstormer

Located in Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus, this coaster is a great starting point for the littles (or even grown-ups who are timid in the ride department). With a fairly low speed and tame hills, this one is family friendly for sure. As an added bonus, although I’d definitely categorize this as a kiddie coaster, the cars are large enough for adult guests to ride with a child or even another adult.

Walt Disney World Coasters

2. Primeval Whirl

Bearing a striking resemblance to carnival favorite, the Crazy Mouse, this coaster is another fairly tame option in that the entire ride can be seen prior to boarding therefore eliminating any surprises. This Animal Kingdom offering in Dinoland, however, isn’t for everyone. This is a rare ride for us simply because the ride is very jerky. This one has definitely left me with a bruise or two over the years, so just be aware and prepare to brace yourself on the turns.

3. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Walt Disney World’s newest offering in Fantasyland features a thrill rating similar to that of classic favorite Thunder Mountain. The draw here is the beautiful theming of the ride, especially in the mine. I was initially super excited about the swaying mine carts, but I don’t feel it really makes much of an impact on the ride. I rate this one a little higher than Thunder Mountain in kid-friendliness purely for the integration of Snow White and the dwarfs.

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Get Park Wise: Be aware of your knees! If you’re plus-sized or tall, this one could pinch a bit. Being both, my knees get squished from the front of the cart and the sides of the lap bar. The ride is so short, though, that it’s easy to grin and bear it.

4. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Thunder Mountain, back in Frontierland, was the first “big coaster” my littles rode after earning their ears on the Barnstormer. Oddly enough, my boy won’t ride it anymore, but I guess it’s a kid’s prerogative to change his mind, as well. Nothing too fancy, just hills and a few sharp turns with the fun of a runaway mine train. Definitely one you can try out the kids’ coaster legs on without too much trauma.

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5. Expedition Everest

With it’s gorgeous peak towering in the back of Animal Kingdom, Everest definitely earns points for being the coaster with the best atmosphere, at least in my opinion. With an amazing standby queue, the wait is almost as fun as the coaster itself. Now, I know she gets some flack for her broken yeti, but even so, Everest is still one of the top tickets in the Florida parks.

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Get Park Wise: After hitting the standby queue (which you should do at least once), hit the single rider line for a few rounds. We can usually grab five or six rides in under an hour.

6. Space Mountain

Another classic found on both coasts, Tomorrowland’s Space Mountain gets its thrills from the unknown. Mostly in the dark, this thriller offers some great drops and a stomach full of butterflies! My niece got on this one at five not knowing what she was getting into. She survived but didn’t ride it again until she was in double digits, so tread carefully.

7. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

My favorite Walt Disney World coaster is by far Hollywood Studios’ twisting, turning Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. It’s awesome 0-60 blast off and inversions make this one a thriller for sure. In general, I’d say this is your least kid-friendly option in the parks, but I see plenty of little ones in line, so if you have a little thrill seeker, go for it! Haven’t gotten the boy on this one yet. The niece gave it a go at age seven and waited three years to ride again and now loves it.

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Get Park Wise: As with most of the more thrilling rides, all coasters do have a height requirement, so be sure to make yourself aware to avoid any disappointed riders.

Do your littles like coasters? Anything you haven’t talked yourself into trying?

 

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Jessica Ma'ilo
Jessica is a special education teacher by day and blogger and Fairy Godmother Travel agent by evening. When not supervising play dates or sleepovers, she can be found creating, sewing or singing. She loves hitting the Disney Parks, and she and her family escape to the World and Land as often as they can. She can be contacted at [email protected], and you can also check out her family blog, Magic, Memories, Mayhem.