National Roller Coaster Day is Aug. 16 and we’re celebrating with a special look at our best beginner roller coaster rides for kids at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts!
As many of you know, there’s a seemingly never ending list of family-friendly rides and attractions at Disney Parks to create lasting memories for younger kids and their parents. And for Coaster Day, we’ve pulled together a list of the top 5 coasters for kids under 40 inches who are hoping to have their first-time roller coaster experience at Disney – all promising excitement for everyone in our parks.
1. The Barnstormer at Magic Kingdom Park
Height Requirement: 35 Inches
Starting at Walt Disney World, The Barnstormer Featuring the Great Goofini offers a fun open-air environment where kids and aspiring pilots of all ages can soar over the bright big-top tents of Storybook Circus! With small drops and a happy, colorful atmosphere, this junior roller coaster can be a great first-time option for preschoolers and beginners.
2. Chip ‘n’ Dale’s GADGETcoaster at Disneyland Park
Height Requirement: 35 Inches
Similarly, across the country at Disneyland Park you’ll find another bright, open-air roller coaster that can be great for smaller kids, but this time it’s with Chip ‘n’ Dale! In this zany ride, you’ll zip around Mickey’s Toontown in an acorn built by the inventor mouse, Gadget Hackwrench, from the Disney animated series “Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers.” Check out our POV video above to ride it virtually!
@disneyparks POV: Slinky Dog’s view 🎢 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #HollywoodStudios #ToyStoryLand #SlinkyDogDash #Coaster #POV ♬ original sound – Disney Parks
3. Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Height Requirement: 38 Inches
Back at Walt Disney World, head to Toy Story Land and you’ll see Slinky Dog’s springy coils dashing across Andy’s backyard. This roller coaster is more of a thrill ride, so you’ll notice the height requirement has increased a couple of inches. If a ride on the wild side sounds more like your child, you’ll want to add this to your list! Our POV video above will give you a good idea of speed and drop sizes.
4. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park
Height Requirement: 38
Another great first roller coaster option at Walt Disney World is the the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park. On this thrill ride, you’ll spend some time racing outdoors, along with indoor moments of excitement and whimsy as you travel into a dark mine shaft with glittering jewels and the Seven Dwarfs. Thanks to their whistling and singing the mood is kept light and happy!
5. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park & Magic Kingdom Park
Height Requirement: 40
At both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, your family can take on Big Thunder Mountain! Aboard this train, you’ll swing and sway around the tracks at high speeds. The height requirement on this one is the highest on our list today, it’s also listed as a dark and loud attraction, so you’ll want to make sure your child is up for the big adventure! If this coaster sounds like a good fit, play our ride-along video from Magic Kingdom Park above and get little-known facts while you explore virtually.
We hope this list has been helpful in deciding the best first roller coaster experience for your kids at Disney parks! If you’re looking for more top picks for teens and adults, be sure to stay tuned for our list of 10 Best Disney Parks Roller Coasters for Thrill Seekers. And to kids of all ages, we’re wishing you a very happy National Roller Coaster Day!