If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, it’s important to know the height requirements for the various rides across the four theme parks. These requirements are strictly enforced to ensure the safety of all guests. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the height requirements for each ride, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
The height requirements for rides at Disney World vary by attraction, ranging from 32 inches (81 cm) to 48 inches (122 cm). Some popular rides and their requirements include Space Mountain and Expedition Everest at 44 inches (113 cm), and TRON Lightcycle Run and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at 48 inches (122 cm). Always check specific ride requirements before your visit. Disney strictly enforces these rules for safety.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom, the first of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World, offers a variety of rides for all ages. Here are the height requirements for some of the most popular attractions:
- The Barnstormer: 35 inches (89 cm) minimum
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: 40 inches (102 cm) minimum
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: 38 inches (97 cm) minimum
- Space Mountain: 44 inches (113 cm) minimum
- Tomorrowland Speedway: 32 inches (82 cm) minimum
- TRON Lightcycle Run: 48 inches (122 cm) minimum
EPCOT
EPCOT is split into two main sections: Future World and World Showcase. Future World has several rides with height restrictions, including:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind: 42 inches (107 cm) minimum
- Mission: SPACE: 40 inches (102 cm) minimum
- Soarin’: 40 inches (102 cm) minimum
- Test Track: 40 inches (102 cm) minimum
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios offers a mix of thrilling rides and immersive experiences. The following attractions have height requirements:
- Alien Swirling Saucers: 32 inches (81 cm) minimum
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: 38 inches (97 cm) minimum
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: 48 inches (122 cm) minimum
- Slinky Dog Dash: 38 inches (97 cm) minimum
- Star Tours – The Adventure Continues: 40 inches (102 cm) minimum
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: 40 inches (102 cm) minimum
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: 40 inches (102 cm) minimum
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom combines animal encounters with exciting rides. The following attractions have height requirements:
- Avatar Flight of Passage: 44 inches (112 cm) minimum
- DINOSAUR: 40 inches (102 cm) minimum
- Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain: 44 inches (113 cm) minimum
- Kali River Rapids: 38 inches (97 cm) minimum
Height Measurement and Enforcement
Disney World is strict about enforcing height requirements. At each ride, there is a measuring device at the entrance, and cast members will measure any child who looks close to the height requirement. The measurement is done with the child wearing shoes, but high-heeled shoes or overly chunky shoes do not count toward the total height measurement.
What If My Child Doesn’t Meet the Height Requirement?
Disney World offers a Rider Switch service for families with members who don’t meet the height requirements. This service allows one adult to wait with the non-riding guest(s) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction. Once the first group has completed the ride, the waiting adult can then ride the attraction without having to wait in line again.
Conclusion
While height requirements can seem daunting, remember that they are in place for safety reasons. Planning ahead and understanding these requirements can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone in your family. Remember, the majority of attractions at Disney World have no height requirements, making them suitable for guests of all ages and sizes. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of rides without height requirements at Disney World?
Many attractions at Disney World do not have height requirements, making them accessible for guests of all ages. For example, “It’s a Small World,” “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” at the Magic Kingdom; “Spaceship Earth” and “Living with the Land” at EPCOT; “Toy Story Mania!” and “Muppet*Vision 3D” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and “Kilimanjaro Safaris” and “Na’vi River Journey” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are all rides with no height restrictions.
Are there any exceptions to the height requirement rule?
The height requirements at Disney World are generally strict to ensure the safety of all guests. However, Disney does offer a Rider Switch service for families with members who don’t meet the height requirements, allowing one adult to wait with the non-riding guest(s) while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction.
Can I bring my own measuring device to measure my child’s height?
It’s not necessary to bring your own measuring device. Each ride at Disney World has a measuring device at the entrance, and cast members will measure any child who looks close to the height requirement. The measurement is done with the child wearing shoes, but high-heeled shoes or overly chunky shoes do not count toward the total height measurement.
What happens if my child is just a little bit short of the required height?
If a child does not meet the minimum height requirement, they will not be able to ride the attraction. This rule is strictly enforced for the safety of all guests. However, you can take advantage of Disney’s Rider Switch service, which allows an adult to wait with the non-riding guest(s) while the rest of the party enjoys the ride.
