What's the Perfect Age for a Walt Disney World Vacation?
A question that I’m asked often is, “What’s the perfect age for a Walt Disney World vacation?” There are varying opinions on the topic. If you poll 12 people you could very well get 12 different answers. I think it comes may come down to your vacation travel style. Is a mid-day break for naps an opportunity for the adults to relax and regroup too? Or, do you prefer to experience as much of Walt Disney World as possible in one trip? If you are in this 2nd group, get out your measuring tape to determine if now is a good time for your trip!
Many Walt Disney World attractions have no height requirement at all, but some “headliner” attraction do.
Here is a list of all current Walt Disney World theme park’s height requirements by park.
Magic Kingdom
The Barnstormer – 35 inches or taller
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40 inches or taller
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – 38 inches or taller
Space Mountain – 44 inches or taller
Splash Mountain – 40 inches or taller
Tomorrowland Speedway – 32 inches or taller
Epcot
Mission: SPACE – 40 inches or taller
Soarin’ Around the World – 40 inches or taller
Test Track – 40 inches or taller
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Alien Swirling Saucers – 32 inches or taller
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – 38 inches or taller
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – 48 inches or taller
Slinky Dog Dash – 38 inches or taller
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue – 40 inches or taller
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – 40 inches or taller
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40 inches or taller
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Avatar Flight of Passage – Guests must be 44 inches or taller
DINOSAUR – Guests must be 40 inches or taller
Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – 44 inches or taller
Kali River Rapids – 38 inches or taller
Here is the same list sorted by height requirement: 32 inches or taller
Tomorrowland Speedway – 32 inches or taller
Alien Swirling Saucers – 32 inches or taller
38 inches or taller
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – 38 inches or taller
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – 38 inches or taller
Slinky Dog Dash – 38 inches or taller
Kali River Rapids – 38 inches or taller
40 inches or taller
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – 40 inches or taller
Splash Mountain – 40 inches or taller
Mission: SPACE – 40 inches or taller
Soarin’ Around the World – 40 inches or taller
Test Track – 40 inches or taller
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue – 40 inches or taller
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – 40 inches or taller
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40 inches or taller
DINOSAUR – Guests must be 40 inches or taller
44 inches or taller
Avatar Flight of Passage – Guests must be 44 inches or taller
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – 44 inches or taller
Space Mountain – 44 inches or taller
In practice at the parks:
Even it you measure your short ones at home you may be asked to stand next to the measuring station to verify you meet the height requirement. For some attractions there is a second spot where you may be pulled aside to measure as a double check. And, there may also be indicators on the ride vehicles themselves to help cast members confirm one more time that guests are tall enough to ride the attraction.
Have questions? I'm here to help!
Holly Poast, CTA is an agent/independent contractor with Magical Moments Vacations specializing in Disney Destinations (land and sea), the Caribbean, select European destinations, and Alaska. Ready to plan your next adventure? Contact Holly for inspiration and complimentary concierge-style vacation planning services! Ready to get started? Schedule time to chat here: https://calendly.com/hollypoast/30min