Are you traveling with your kids to Anaheim and wondering about the best Disneyland rides for 7-year-olds? I love taking kids to Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World at this age! It is tailor-made for their age and sense of wonder. This post will give you some tips on how to travel with little kids in the parks, tackling the best rides with additional ideas for lower wait times. It truly can be the “happiest place on Earth” for the whole family with a few tips and tricks!
Jungle Cruise
Head to Adventureland after heading down Main Street USA to experience a Disney classic, Jungle Cruise. To avoid long lines, try this ride early in the day, as it is a popular one in Disneyland (and Magic Kingdom) that all guests can ride. Little ones will enjoy seeing all of the mechanical animals, while older kids and adults will appreciate the goofy humor of the cruise navigator.
Indiana Jones Adventure
If your little one is over 46″ tall, join Indiana Jones on a daring quest through the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. This dark and thrilling ride is filled with surprises, challenges, and the excitement of an archaeological adventure, making it a must-visit for your adventurous 7-year-old. Be prepared to see some snakes along the way!
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Head over to Critter Country to experience the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. This 3.5-minute ride takes guests throughout the Hundred Acre Wood in a beehive! Kids will see some of their favorite characters, including Winnie, Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger, and Christopher Robin.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge is a must-visit for all visitors to Disneyland. It is a completely immersive land, set on the planet Batuu. You can find the land from pathways from Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Critter Country. Here you will find Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Your seven-year-old will love Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run! Guests take over as flight crew in the roles of pilots, engineers, and gunners. You must complete your mission without completely destroying the ship! Kids must be at least 38 inches to ride.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a great time! It is a thrilling ride. Star Wars heroes and villains make appearances. The First Order and the Resistance are at odds, once again, and guests get to go along for the adventure. This is a spectacular ride and super popular.
Consider arriving at this one at the park open or purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane with Disney Genie for quicker access.
Haunted Mansion
For a ghostly good time, step into the Haunted Mansion. Filled with friendly ghosts and eerie effects, this classic ride strikes the perfect balance between spooky and delightful, making it a must-visit for your young thrill-seeker. It’s a good idea to prepare your child a bit for the dark rides. Though it isn’t really a thrill ride, the low light and spooky sounds can frighten young children.
Keep in mind that you can request that a cast member allow you to skip the “stretching room”. The lights-out effect with a scream can scare younger kids, particularly if it is their first time at Haunted Mansion. There is a way to skip this initial feature and bypass the ride vehicle.
Pirates of the Caribbean: A Swashbuckling Voyage
Ahoy, matey! Set sail with Pirates of the Caribbean for a journey on a boat ride through pirate-infested waters. Your young buccaneer will love the animatronic pirates, hidden treasures, and the overall immersive experience of this classic Disneyland ride.
Though there is no minimum height requirement, there are some drops and dark elements. If your seven-year-old is scared by these elements, forewarn them ahead of time. Most young kids and big kids will love Pirates, located in New Orleans Square!
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is one of my favorite rides! It is a great attraction for guests of all ages, taking guests on a super fun adventure. Mickey and Minnie lead the way as they seek out a perfect picnic spot. It’s filled with great moments from many of your favorite Disney characters.
It can be a bit jerky at times, so if you have little ones, be sure to hold on to them. Be sure to add this one to your list of things to do on your Disney vacation.
Big Thunder Railroad
Hold on tight for a ride on Big Thunder Railroad, a runaway mine train through the heart of the Old West. With twists, turns, and a touch of dynamite, this roller coaster is a thrilling escapade for your young adventurer. The height requirement for Big Thunder is 40″ so make sure your little one is tall enough beforehand. This is a great ride for young kids in your group!
Space Mountain
If you have a daring seven-year-old who loves roller coasters, Space Mountain is a must-do. Space Mountain is a thrilling indoor roller coaster taking you on a high-speed journey through the cosmos. With its dark twists and turns, it’s sure to be an exhilarating experience for your little astronaut.
If this is your child’s first time on a dark ride, be sure to prepare them ahead of time. It can be a great idea to watch some point-of-view videos before your trip to prepare them for thrill rides. The height requirement is 40″, so make sure your child is tall enough to ride it.
Keep in mind that if your child is too short for the ride or decides she is too nervous, you can take advantage of the rider switch option. Check with a cast member to see how this operates for roller coasters in Disneyland and California Adventure Park.
You can also take advantage of the single-rider line if you have big kids who don’t mind riding alone. It’s a great way to experience your favorite rides with short lines.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
The Matterhorn Bobsleds is a classic thrill ride at Disneyland. Guests have to be at least 42″ tall to ride. Kids and adults climb to the top of the mountain and then descend into an icy world. You have to avoid the Abominable Snowman with a quick escape! This is another classic Disneyland ride, so if your child enjoys thrills, add it to the list!
Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
You and your child have to experience Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride in Fantasyland. It is a crazy attraction in an English manor. Mr. Toad takes you on a wild ride, through his home and onto the streets of London. It’s only a two-minute ride, but it’s an intense journey!
It’s a Small World
Embark on a boat ride around the world in It’s a Small World. With its iconic song and vibrant displays of diverse cultures, this timeless attraction promises a heartwarming and visually stunning experience for your little one. This is a classic ride without a height restriction, so it makes it a perfect choice for kids of all ages. The question is will you be able to get the song out of your head for the rest of your Disneyland trip?
Peter Pan’s Flight: Soar to Neverland
Take flight with Peter Pan’s Flight and soar from London to Neverland. This gentle dark ride, one of the Disney classics, captures the magic of Peter Pan’s world. It is a delightful adventure for your 7-year-old to experience the joy of flying with a boy who never grows up. In my opinion, this is one of the best Disneyland rides, so don’t miss it! Even my big kids still request a turn on it each time we visit.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Dumbo is a requirement at Disneyland! Let your little one take control of their own flying elephant. This classic attraction allows kids to control the ride’s height, providing a whimsical and interactive experience that’s perfect for their age. Be sure to capture some photos of your little one on this one. It’s timeless!
Star Tours: A Galactic Journey
Blast off to a galaxy far, far away with Star Tours. This 3D simulator ride takes you on a thrilling journey through the Star Wars universe, complete with iconic characters and intense space battles that will leave your young Padawan in awe. If you or your child is prone to motion sickness, this one does include screens, so proceed with caution. Still, it’s one of our family favorites!
Mad Tea Party
You can’t go to Disneyland without a ride on Mad Tea Party! Spin and twirl on this iconic Disneyland teacup ride. With its whimsical cups and vibrant decor, this classic attraction offers a lighthearted and colorful experience that your 7-year-old will adore.
Disneyland Railroad
Sometimes, you need a break. Take a scenic tour of Disneyland aboard the Disneyland Railroad. This relaxing train ride provides a unique perspective of the park, allowing your young explorer to rest while enjoying the picturesque views of different themed lands.
Toy Story Midway Mania
My seven-year-old loves this ride! Step into the Toy Story universe with Toy Story Midway Mania, an interactive 3D ride and carnival game experience. Your little one can compete in various virtual midway games alongside Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and other beloved Toy Story characters. We always have some friendly competition on this on
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Kids love joining Buzz Lightyear in the battle against the evil Emperor Zurg on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. This interactive dark ride allows your young space ranger to shoot targets and rack up points, adding an extra layer of excitement to their Disneyland adventure. You can find this great ride in Tomorrowland.
With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to navigate the enchanting world of Disneyland with your 7-year-old. From high-flying adventures to immersive storytelling, these rides are sure to create magical memories that will last a lifetime. So, buckle up and get ready for a day filled with joy, laughter, and the pure magic that only Disneyland can offer.
Be sure to sign up for my free packing list for Disney World (and Disneyland!) Next up, we will do a great guide for navigating California Adventure with seven-year-olds.
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