Going to Disney World with little ones can be a definite challenge.

The days are long, schedules aren’t what you’re used to at home, and there’s so much to do that it can be a challenge to decide what to prioritize! So where do you start once you get to the parks? We reached out to our readers and asked “What’s your #1 must-do in each park for families with small children?” Today, we’re sharing their answers so that YOU can be prepared!

Magic Kingdom

Let’s start out in Magic Kingdom, where the most popular answer from our readers honestly surprised us — “it’s a small world!” The slow-moving boat ride is a Disney classic with a catchy song, but our readers noted that their kiddos enjoyed the different languages and the colorful scenes. And with no height requirement, it’s easily accessible for all members of your party!

The other popular choice from Magic Kingdom was another classic, Dumbo the Flying Elephant. The OG spinner ride is a popular choice, not just for the views and the fact that you get to control your elephant yourself, but because the queue has a pretty spectacular playground. If you’re waiting with kiddos, they can let off some steam running around the indoor play area instead of standing impatiently in a boring queue.

Honestly, the playground-inside-the-queue feature is pretty ingenious, and we really wish Disney would add it to more family-friendly attractions in the parks!

EPCOT

Over at EPCOT, there were fewer rides chosen for the kids, and more activities and attractions. The first one mentioned was the ever-popular EPCOT festival scavenger hunts! These change with each festival and it’ll usually cost you about $10 to play, but you can pick up a game board and stickers at a variety of gift shops and search the World Showcase for hidden characters. It’s like a Disney-themed game of hide-and-seek, plus you get a prize at the end!

Another popular choice? The Seas pavilion! This indoor area is home to a giant aquarium with a variety of marine species, from dolphins to fish to manatees. You can hop on The Seas with Nemo and Friends to get to the rest of the exhibits, or you can head straight in the back door if you’re not keen to wait for the ride. Also inside, you’ll find Turtle Talk with Crush, where kids can ask Crush from Finding Nemo all kinds of questions about living in the ocean. There’s a lot to do in here, and your little ones could be entertained for hours!

And finally, we have to mention the Kidcot stops all around the World Showcase. In each country, children can stop by a designated table and learn something about that country’s culture from a Cast Member. This scavenger hunt of sorts usually comes with some fun take-home souvenirs and it’s educational as well.

It’s definitely one of the more unique activities in Disney World, and it’s highly recommended for elementary-age children.

Hollywood Studios

For a park with such big thrill rides, Hollywood Studios also has a surprising number of attractions for your tikes. For starters, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is a great choice for your Anna and Elsa fanatics. Hilarious historians (with jokes for the parents too!) retell the story of Frozen, with plenty of song breaks in between. Let your child belt it out to their heart’s content!

One of the more obvious answers to the question of what you should do with your small child is to visit the Disney Junior Play and Dance Party! The show has popular characters from Disney Junior series, and it gives kids the chance to get up and dance out some of that extra energy.

And finally, you can’t go to Hollywood Studios without a visit to Toy Story Land! The relatively new land (was built back in 2018) has three rides, a quick service restaurant, a table service restaurant coming soon, a gift shop, and some pretty awesome theming.

If you or your kids are fans of the movies, it’s a must-see!

Animal Kingdom

Over at Animal Kingdom, there’s a special area made just for kids to play — The Boneyard in DinoLand U.S.A. This playground has slides, things for them to climb on, and even a dig area where they can play archaeologist. Another great way for them to run off some steam!

If you’ve got some little animal lovers in your family, don’t miss the park’s flagship attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris. During this 20-minute ride, you’ll be able to see LIVE animals and learn some fun facts about them from your safari guide. They’ve got all the favorites, from elephants and giraffes to hippos and even goats!

One attraction that’s great for all ages (and especially lovers of musical theater) is Festival of the Lion King. This 30-minute indoor theater show features songs from the hit movie, performed by expert singers. While they belt out the tunes, you’ll also be able to watch skilled gymnasts, fire spinners, and aerialists take the stage. It’s truly spectacular!

Even if you don’t have kids, we highly recommend this show. It’s something that everyone should do at least once in Disney World.

Bonus Tips

But that’s not all! Our readers also had some bonus tips to share about taking kids to the parks. They recommended spending time at character meet and greets, especially if your little one has a Disney hero that they REALLY want to see. Those can be some of the best memories from your trip…and the best photos!

Also, make sure to take note of where the Baby Care Centers are in each park. They’re stocked with essentials for families, and they have designated spaces that are quiet and calm if you need to get away from it all. They can be a valuable resource for parents of small children especially.

And perhaps the most important tip? SLOW DOWN. Disney World is a fast-paced place, and when you’re traveling with small children, it’s easy for them to get overwhelmed and worn out. Take lots of breaks, be patient, and don’t worry if you don’t get to everything on the list.

Stay tuned to DFB for more tips on navigating Disney World during your next vacation. We’ve got all the advice for families, adults, and even large groups traveling to the parks.

10 Disney World Tips That Really ARE As Good As People Say — Click Here!

Have you ever been to Disney World with small kids? Tell us in the comments!