Disneyland Height Requirements: What to Know Before You Go

Heading to Disneyland? Here’s How to Pick the Best Rides for Your Family!

Disneyland is pure magic, no matter your age. But if you’re bringing little ones along, one thing you’ll want to check before you go is the height requirements for the rides. Nothing puts a dampener on the day like an excited kiddo getting turned away at the entrance.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you figure out which rides are a perfect fit for your crew. We’ll go over height requirements in Disneyland, California Adventure Park, and the importance of height requirements for rides. Plus, I’ll share some handy tips so you can avoid any surprises and make the most of your Disneyland day!

I’ve separated rides by park and then by section for each height restriction. The rides with the highest height restriction are listed first, followed by shorter height restrictions, and finishing with rides and experiences with no height restriction

Disneyland Height Requirements

Before you start mapping out your Disneyland must-do list, it’s good to know which rides have height requirements. That way, you can avoid any surprises and make sure everyone in your group gets their fair share of fun.

Disneyland Attractions with Height Requirements

54 Inches or Taller

Autopia (to ride solo): Got a kid who’s ready to hit the road? At 54 inches, they can drive their own little car through a winding Tomorrowland track without a grown-up.

46 Inches or Taller

Indiana Jones Adventure: Buckle up for a bumpy ride through a cursed temple with fire, giant boulders, and an angry deity. It’s a wild one!

42 Inches or Taller

Matterhorn Bobsleds: Hop into a bobsled and speed through icy caves while dodging the legendary yeti. It’s a Disneyland classic!

40 Inches or Taller

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Take a wild ride on a runaway mine train through the twists and turns of an old mining town. Hold on tight, this one’s got some surprises!

Space Mountain: Blast off into the dark on this high-speed indoor roller coaster. It’s all lights, music, and pure adrenaline.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: A 3D space adventure that drops you right into the Star Wars universe. You never know where you’ll end up!

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: More than just a ride, this one’s a full-on Star Wars experience. You’ll dodge the First Order, sneak through a Star Destroyer, and even come face-to-face with Kylo Ren.

38 Inches or Taller

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Step into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon and take control of the ship. Whether you’re a pilot, gunner, or engineer, your mission depends on teamwork!

Paul preferred the engineer role as he got a bit of motion sickness as the pilot. 6 people to a run and walking through the Millennium Falcon is one of the best parts of the ride.

This ride has a ‘solo-rider’ line for faster boarding but you won’t be with your group for the experience.

35 Inches or Taller

Chip ‘n’ Dale GADGETcoaster: A quick, zippy little coaster that’s perfect for thrill-seeking kids who aren’t quite ready for the big ones.

32 Inches or Taller

Autopia (when with a rider 54 inches or taller): Little ones can still get behind the wheel, as long as they’ve got a taller passenger to ride along.

Disneyland Attractions Without Height Requirements

Good news! There are plenty of rides and experiences at Disneyland that don’t have height restrictions! That means everyone in your group, from toddlers to grandparents, can hop on and enjoy the magic.

Alice in Wonderland: Shrink down and tumble into Wonderland on this whimsical dark ride full of familiar characters and colorful scenes.

Astro Orbitor: Fly your own rocket ship high above Tomorrowland.

Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters: Grab a blaster and help Buzz take down Emperor Zurg in this interactive space mission.

Casey Jr. Circus Train: All aboard this cheerful little train for a scenic ride through miniature Disney storybook scenes.

CenTOONial Park: A fun and playful spot in Toontown, packed with interactive elements for little ones.

Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes: Paddle your way through the Rivers of America in a real canoe. Just be ready to do some actual work!

Disneyland Railroad: Sit back and take a scenic ride around the park on a classic steam-powered train.

Donald’s Boat: Step inside Donald Duck’s wacky houseboat, filled with silly surprises and fun interactive features.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant: Take to the skies on Dumbo and control how high you fly on this Disney classic. Our daughter loved controlling the height of Dumbo as they flew around.

Enchanted Tiki Room: Kick back in a tropical paradise where birds, flowers, and tiki gods put on a lively, musical show.

Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage: Climb aboard a submarine and dive into an underwater adventure with Nemo and friends.

Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition: Test your aim at this Old West-style shooting gallery filled with moving targets.

Goofy’s How-to-Play Yard: Let the little ones burn off some energy in this interactive play area, complete with a sound garden and a clubhouse to explore.

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln: Experience a patriotic tribute to President Lincoln with a lifelike animatronic and a moving historical presentation.

Haunted Mansion: Take a slow-moving tour through a haunted estate filled with 999 happy haunts. Don’t worry, they’re more silly than scary!

It’s a Small World: Cruise through a cheerful world of singing children, colorful sets, and that oh-so-catchy song.

Jungle Cruise: Set sail with a pun-loving skipper for a lighthearted jungle expedition, complete with animatronic animals and unexpected surprises.

King Arthur Carousel: Pick your favorite horse and take a spin on this beautifully detailed, classic carousel.

Mad Tea Party: Spin as fast (or as gently) as you like in these oversized teacups straight out of Wonderland.

Main Street Cinema: Step inside this old-fashioned theater and watch classic Disney cartoons playing on a continuous loop.

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Ride along in a honey pot as you follow Pooh and friends through the Hundred Acre Wood.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: Buckle up for a wild, unpredictable car ride through Mr. Toad’s misadventures.

Mark Twain Riverboat: Take a peaceful ride aboard a classic steam-powered riverboat and soak in the scenic views.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad: Step inside a Mickey Mouse cartoon for a wacky, trackless adventure full of surprises.

Minnie’s House: Walk through Minnie’s adorable home in Toontown, filled with fun, interactive details.

Peter Pan’s Flight: Board a flying pirate ship and soar over London and Neverland in this beloved dark ride. This is one of our favorite rides and usually one of the first we ride as it gets busy. It’s novel because the “track” is above the ship so you get an unobstructed view below.

Pinocchio’s Daring Journey: Follow Pinocchio on a whirlwind adventure filled with bright scenes and classic characters.

Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island: Let the kids run wild exploring hidden caves, rope bridges, and pirate hideouts on this secluded island adventure.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Set sail on a slow-moving boat ride through a world of swashbuckling pirates and hidden treasures. There is lots to absorb visually with so many animatronic figures.

Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin: Spin your way through Toontown as you help Roger Rabbit escape from a tricky situation.

Sailing Ship Columbia: Step aboard a full-scale replica of an 18th-century ship and take in stunning views of the Rivers of America.

Snow White’s Enchanted Wish: Follow Snow White’s journey in this beautifully reimagined dark ride featuring classic scenes and beloved characters.

Storybook Land Canal Boats: Cruise through miniature villages and castles straight out of Disney fairytales.

California Adventure Height Requirements

Right across from Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park has a whole lineup of rides and attractions with some mild and some wild! If you’re planning your day, here’s what you need to know about height requirements so everyone in your group gets in on the fun.

California Adventure Attractions with Height Requirements

48 Inches or Taller

Incredicoaster: Buckle up for a high-speed launch, big drops, and a loop as you help the Incredibles chase down Jack-Jack in this Pixar-themed coaster.

Silly Symphony Swings: Feel the wind in your hair as you soar through the air on this swing ride, inspired by classic Disney animation. Bonus: great views of Pixar Pier!

42 Inches or Taller

Cliff Hanger Traverse Rock Climb: Climb your way to the top in this interactive rock wall challenge that tests your agility and balance.

Goofy’s Sky School: Join Goofy’s “flight school” on this fast-moving, zig-zagging coaster with plenty of surprise drops and sharp turns. This is fast and bumpy.

Grizzly River Run: Get ready to get soaked! This white-water rafting ride sends you spinning and splashing down river rapids through the scenic Grizzly Peak.

Sequoia Smokejumpers Training Tower (12 years old and younger): A fun, multi-level playground where kids can climb, slide, and pretend to train as real-life smokejumpers.

40 Inches or Taller

Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!: Team up with Rocket to rescue the Guardians from the Collector’s fortress in this wild, drop-tower thrill ride packed with music and humor.

Jumpin’ Jellyfish: A gentle parachute-style ride that lifts you up, then bounces you back down with a great view of the park.

Radiator Springs Racers: Race through the scenic desert of Radiator Springs in this high-speed adventure straight out of Cars. Part dark ride, part thrill ride, all fun! This is fun as you experience the first film storyline then zoooooom along Radiator Springs in a car race.

Silly Symphony Swings (tandem only): Take a spin through the sky on this whimsical swing ride. If you don’t meet the 48-inch solo requirement, you can ride tandem!

Soarin’ Around the World: Fly over some of the most breathtaking sights on Earth in this hang-gliding-style flight simulator that feels incredibly real. This is visually stimulating and feels lightweight.

32 Inches or Taller

Hoot n’ Holler Log Slides: A fun, kid-friendly log slide with gentle drops and a few splashes to keep things exciting.

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters: Hop into one of Luigi’s dancing roadsters and glide, spin, and twirl to an upbeat Italian tune.

Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree: Hold on tight as your tractor whips and spins around in this rootin’-tootin’ dance party led by Mater himself.

Luigi’s and Mater’s are similar spinny rides and both lots of fun. A life-size Lightning McQueen or Mater interactive car “character” usually parks nearby for guest interaction.

California Adventure Attractions Without Height Requirements

If you’ve got little ones (or just want to take it easy), there are plenty of attractions at Disney California Adventure that don’t have any height restrictions. That means the whole family can enjoy them together!

Animation Academy: Step into the world of Disney animation and learn how to draw your favorite characters with help from a real Disney artist. There is a schedule board at the entrance (this is near Crush’s video interactive exhibit) and we returned at the scheduled time to draw Minnie Mouse.

Games of Pixar Pier: Try your luck at these fun, carnival-style games featuring Pixar characters. Who knows, you might even win a prize!

Golden Zephyr: Take a smooth, gentle spin through the sky in these vintage-style rocket ships as you glide over Paradise Bay.

Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind: Hop into a Memory Orb and twirl around with Joy, Sadness, and the rest of the Inside Out emotions in this colorful, family-friendly ride.

Jessie’s Critter Carousel: Saddle up on one of Jessie’s adorable critters from Toy Story and take a spin on this lively carousel.

Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure: Board a giant clamshell and journey through the story of The Little Mermaid, complete with all the iconic songs and scenes.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic: A 3D musical adventure featuring Donald Duck, classic Disney films, and some of your favorite Disney songs. Make sure to look at the wall behind you at the finale

Monsters Inc. Mike & Sully to the Rescue!: Join Mike and Sulley on a fun ride through Monstropolis as they try to get Boo home safely.

Pixar Pal-A-Round: This massive Ferris wheel offers amazing park views. You can choose between swinging or stationary gondolas for the ride that fits your style.

Red Car Trolley: Hop on a classic red trolley and take a relaxing ride down Buena Vista Street, inspired by the historic Pacific Electric Railway.

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail: Let the little ones burn off energy in this nature-themed play area, filled with rope bridges, rock climbing, and slides.

Sorcerer’s Workshop: Step into an interactive exhibit where you can explore the magic of Disney animation and even create your own animations.

The Bakery Tour: Watch bakers at work and learn all about the art of sourdough bread at this behind-the-scenes tour of Boudin Bakery.

Toy Story Midway Mania!: Compete against friends and family in 3D carnival-style games featuring Toy Story characters. Aim, shoot, and rack up points! This was a family favorite and many repeat visits.

Turtle Talk with Crush: Have a live, interactive conversation with Crush, the laid-back sea turtle from Finding Nemo. He might even answer your questions!

WEB SLINGERS: A Spiderman Adventure: Team up with Spider-Man to take down rogue Spider-Bots in this interactive 3D dark ride. Your own arm movements let you sling webs just like Spidey! This was a long wait with a queue that winds around a lot and Paul didn’t really master the web slinging but there were interesting displays in the wait line.

Importance of Height Requirements for Attractions

Disneyland is all about fun and adventure, but safety is always the top priority. While it’s easy to get caught up in the magic, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes planning that goes into making sure every guest has a safe and enjoyable experience. That’s where height requirements come in!

Prioritizing Guest Safety

Height requirements aren’t just random numbers, they’re carefully set to make sure riders can safely fit in the seats and restraints. Every ride is designed with specific engineering standards, and these height limits help ensure that guests are positioned securely and protected from any unnecessary risks.

Catering to Different Age Groups

Disneyland is for everyone, from toddlers to thrill-seekers. That’s why there’s a mix of rides where some have height restrictions and plenty without so that every member of the family can find something they love. Many attractions are labeled as “Any Height,” meaning even the tiniest visitors can join in on the fun without worry.

Mitigating Potential Risks

Each Disneyland attraction is a carefully designed experience, with sights, sounds, and movements all working together. Making sure guests meet the height requirements helps keep everything running smoothly and safely, so everyone can enjoy the magic without interruptions.

Upholding Disney’s Legacy

Disney has always been known for creating incredible guest experiences, and that includes a commitment to safety. Height requirements are just one of the many ways Disneyland ensures that every ride is both fun and secure, giving families peace of mind while they make magical memories together.

Overcoming Disappointment When You Can’t Ride

Disneyland is full of magic, but sometimes height requirements can bring a little disappointment especially for younger kids who aren’t quite tall enough for certain rides. The good news? There are plenty of ways to keep the fun going and make sure everyone has a magical experience!

Plan Ahead

A little planning can go a long way in avoiding unexpected letdowns. Checking height requirements before your trip can help you set expectations and plan an itinerary that works for everyone. The official Disneyland website has the most up-to-date ride requirements, so it’s a great resource while mapping out your day.

Enjoy More Activities for the Whole Family

If a ride is off-limits, no worries; Disneyland has tons of experiences that don’t have height requirements! Stick to “Any Height” attractions so everyone in your group can participate, or enjoy live shows, character meet-and-greets, parades, and interactive experiences. Sometimes those moments can be just as special (if not more!) than a big thrill ride.

Return Visits

Not being tall enough for a ride this time doesn’t mean never just not yet! If your little one is close to hitting that height requirement, use it as something to look forward to on a future trip. Disneyland is always evolving, so every visit brings new experiences, new memories, and maybe even a long-awaited first ride on something they’ve been waiting for!

Disneyland Overview

Located in sunny Southern California, Disneyland Resort is more than just one theme park: it’s a whole world of fun! The resort is home to two incredible parks, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, plus the Downtown Disney District, a lively shopping and dining area. Whether you’re here for the rides, entertainment, or just a little Disney magic, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Disneyland Park

This is where it all began! Opened in 1955 by Walt Disney himself, Disneyland Park is packed with classic attractions, beloved characters, and that signature Disney magic… think the original Magic Kingdom. The park is divided into different themed lands, each offering its own adventure. From the nostalgic charm of Main Street, U.S.A., to the fairytale wonder of Fantasyland, and the thrilling jungle expeditions in Adventureland. Whether you’re soaring through space, sailing with pirates, or meeting Mickey Mouse, Disneyland is the perfect mix of nostalgia and new experiences.

Disney California Adventure Park

Right next door, Disney California Adventure Park brings the magic of Disney storytelling together with the spirit of California. Stroll down Buena Vista Street, designed to look like Hollywood in its golden age, or take a ride on Pixar Pier, where your favorite Pixar characters come to life. From high-speed thrills to immersive shows and amazing food, this park celebrates adventure, imagination, and the California dream.

Downtown Disney

Even if you’re not visiting the parks, you can still soak up the Disney magic at Downtown Disney which is Disneyland’s version of Disney Springs. This shopping and dining district is filled with unique stores, delicious restaurants, and live entertainment. Whether you’re grabbing a bite, picking up souvenirs, or just enjoying the lively atmosphere, Downtown Disney is the perfect way to end a Disney day or start the day!

Disneyland Height Requirements: FAQs

Figuring out Disneyland’s height requirements can bring up some questions, and you’re not alone! Two of the most common ones are: Are height requirements strictly enforced? and How does Rider Switch work? Let’s break it down.

Are Disneyland Height Requirements Enforced?

Yes, 100%! Disneyland takes guest safety seriously, so height requirements are strictly enforced at every ride. Cast Members at each attraction will measure guests to make sure they meet the requirement. Yes, even with shoes on! While it might be disappointing if someone in your group isn’t quite tall enough for a ride, these rules are there to keep everyone safe so the magic can continue for all guests.

How Do I Use Rider Switch?

If you’re visiting with little ones who don’t meet a ride’s height requirement, Rider Switch (also called Child Swap) is a great way to make sure everyone gets a turn without waiting in line twice. Here’s how it works:

1. Let a Cast Member know When you arrive at an attraction with a height requirement, tell a Cast Member you’d like to use Rider Switch. They’ll walk you through the process.
2. Split into two groups The first group (those meeting the height requirement) will ride while the second group stays back with the non-rider(s).
3. Swap and ride! Once the first group finishes, the second group can ride without waiting in the regular line. The Rider Switch pass allows them to enter through a shorter queue.

This service is a game-changer for families with younger kids or anyone who can’t ride for other reasons. It helps make sure no one has to miss out on the fun!

Booking Your Trip to Disneyland

Planning a Disneyland trip can feel overwhelming, but with a little preparation, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. From choosing the right dates to deciding where to stay, here are a few key things to consider when booking your visit.

Picking the Best Time to Visit

Disneyland is a magical destination year-round, but some times are busier than others. If you’re hoping for lighter crowds, weekdays during the school year (especially in January, February, and September) tend to be less crowded. If seasonal events like Oogie Boogie Bash or the Disneyland Christmas celebrations are on your must-do list, you’ll want to plan around those dates.

Where to Stay

You’ll have two main options when it comes to accommodations: Disneyland Resort Hotels or off-property hotels. Staying at a Disneyland hotel keeps you right in the magic with perks like Early Park Entry and close proximity to the parks. However, there are also plenty of Good Neighbor Hotels nearby, many within walking distance, that offer great amenities at a lower price point.

Buying Tickets & Park Reservations

Disneyland uses a theme park reservation system, so you’ll need both valid tickets and a reservation for each park day. It’s best to book tickets and secure reservations early, especially during peak seasons when availability can fill up quickly.

Why Work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner?

While you can book everything on your own, working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner can take the stress out of the process. These Disney travel professionals can help you navigate ticket options, hotel choices, Genie+ strategies, and more, all at no extra cost. Plus, they stay up to date on discounts and promotions that could save you money.

By planning ahead and using the right resources, you can make your Disneyland trip as smooth and magical as possible!

Final Thoughts: Disneyland Height Requirements

From little ones taking their first spin on Dumbo the Flying Elephant to thrill-seekers racing through the dark on Space Mountain, Disneyland is a place where adventure knows no age or height!

While height requirements might seem like just another detail to keep track of, they’re actually a key part of making sure your visit is both safe and magical. By planning ahead, knowing which rides are the best fit for your group, and using tools like Rider Switch, you can make sure everyone has an unforgettable experience no matter how tall they are.

So, celebrate every ride, every milestone, and every shared Disney moment. Whether it’s a first visit, a long-awaited return, or a special trip with loved ones, Disneyland is all about making memories that last a lifetime. Happy planning, and may your next Disney adventure be filled with magic, laughter, and just the right amount of pixie dust!

About the Author

My name is Sommer and I am a retired international tour guide and former Disney cast member, having traversed the globe from Europe to Africa, to North and South America, and finishing my career in Australia and New Zealand. My Australian husband and my American self are based in Minnesota, USA to raise our family and are sharing our travel wonders with the world.

Starting October 2025, I will be an independent travel agent and can book your flights, accommodation, tours and more to your gateway of wonder! Click here for more.