Walt Disney World Resort

Height requirements

Most rides at Walt Disney World_® Resort are open to all guests. A few thrill rides have height limits to make sure guests fit safely in the ride vehicle. Checking how tall your kids need to be before your trip helps you plan for rider swap, Lightning Lane passes, and park days.

What to expect with Disney height requirements

If your child is close to a height limit, Cast Members will measure them at the ride entrance. They must stand straight, feet flat on the ground. A Cast Member will check if their head touches the height marker.

Most rides have a second checkpoint inside the queue near the load area. Even if they pass at first, Cast Members may measure them again before boarding. If there is any doubt, a second Cast Member verifies the measurement.

If your child does not meet the required height, for their safety, they will not be able to ride. Disney Parks have strict rules to protect their guests. Cast Members cannot make exceptions. If needed, a Cast Member will guide you to the nearest exit.

Lightning Lane passes and ride heights

Lightning Lane passes help you skip long lines at popular rides. Before you book these passes, check ride heights. If your child is not tall enough, you cannot use that pass.

Lightning Lane has two types of passes: Multi Pass and Single Pass.

Lightning Lane Single Pass lets you skip lines on the most popular rides. Each theme park has one or two of these attractions. Each has a height restriction. Check your kids’ heights before buying each Single Pass. Disney does not refund passes you can’t use.

Lightning Lane Multi Pass covers many rides per park. Some have height restrictions, while others do not.

For the Multi Pass, you can choose three rides at first. Make sure your child is tall enough for each ride you pick. After you use the first pass, you can book another ride. Keep height limits in mind each time.

If you have children of different heights, plan which Lightning Lane passes each child will need based on their height and the ride requirements.

Tell your Good Story Vacations travel advisor your kids’ heights before your trip. They can help you plan which Lightning Lane passes make sense for each child and set expectations for which attractions everyone can enjoy together.

Make the most of Rider Switch

Rider Switch helps when some of your group isn’t tall enough to ride. If someone meets the height requirement while others do not, you can take turns.

One adult waits with the non-rider while the rest of the group rides. After they finish, the waiting adult can ride next without waiting in the standard queue. They can also bring one person from the first group.

You can use Rider Switch with standby or Lightning Lane lines. If using a Lightning Lane pass, all riders will need reservations. If you joined the Virtual Queue, all riders will need to have a boarding group.

To use Rider Switch:

1. Talk to a Cast Member at the entrance. Your entire group should go to the ride entrance together. Tell a Cast Member you want to use Rider Switch.
2. Split into two groups. Party A rides first while Party B waits outside the queue. Party B can include up to two guests who will ride next.
3. Scan your tickets. A Cast Member will scan the MagicBands or tickets of Party B and let them know where to return. While waiting, Party B can relax, grab a snack, or explore nearby. If unsure of what to do, ask a Cast Member. You can also talk to a Guest Experience team member under the blue umbrellas.
4. Party B rides. Once Party A finishes, Party B returns to the entrance the Cast Member provided. A Cast Member will scan their MagicBands or tickets again. Then, they can enter the ride without waiting in the standby line. If only one person from Party B is riding, they can bring one guest from Party A to ride again.

Even if your child is tall enough, consider whether the ride experience fits them. Some rides are dark and have sudden speed changes and drops. Talk to a travel advisor before your trip or ask a Cast Member at the ride entrance if you have questions.

Prepare before your trip

Wondering how tall do you have to be for Disney rides? Height requirements Disney World enforces vary, so check your child’s height before your trip. Follow these steps for an accurate measurement:

1. Have them wear their park shoes. Shoes add a little height, so measure them in what they will wear at the Disney theme parks. Remember to try water shoes too if they will wear them at the Disney water parks.
2. Use a flat surface. Have them stand against a door frame or wall.
3. Stand tall and straight. Feet flat, heels against the wall, head forward.
4. Mark the height. Place a book on their head, mark the spot, and measure.
5. Compare with the Disney height requirements chart. Celebrate the attractions they can ride! If they are close, expect a careful check at the parks. In this case, prepare them for the possibility that they may not be able to ride.

Guests under age 14 must be with someone 14 or older to enter a theme park or water park. For rides, children under age 7 must ride with someone 14 or older.

A Good Story Vacations travel advisor can help you plan the best experience for your family. Tell them the ages of your kids at the time of travel and their heights. Your advisor can guide you on which rides are a good fit and build park days around what everyone can ride together. With a little planning, you can make the day smoother for you and your kids.

Height requirements for Disney World rides

Use the height charts below to see which rides your child can enjoy. Some attractions may include Rider Switch even if not marked. Ask a Cast Member to confirm current availability.

FAQ

Walt Disney World height requirements vary by attraction. Most rides have no height restrictions. Those with a minimum height require guests to be at least 32 to 48 inches tall. It's not always how <em>tall</em> to ride at Disney Parks. Sometimes restrictions make sure you are shorter than a set height. Some water attractions require guests to be 60 or 48 inches tall or less. Jump to the <a href="#walt-disney-world-resort-attractions">Walt Disney World height chart</a> for all rides.

Some <em>Walt Disney World</em> attractions have height limits. Most thrill rides have a minimum height. Some water park attractions have a maximum height. View a list of how tall to ride all rides at <a href="#walt-disney-world-resort-attractions">Disney World Resort attractions</a>.

Guests must be 42 inches tall or more to ride <em>Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind</em> at <em>EPCOT</em>.

Guests must be 38 inches tall or more to ride <em>Slinky Dog Dash</em> at <em>Disney’s Hollywood Studios</em>.

Guests must be 44 inches tall or more to ride <em>Space Mountain</em> at <em>Magic Kingdom</em> Park.

<em>Splash Mountain</em> closed at <em>Walt Disney World</em> Resort in 2023 to make way for <em>Tiana’s Bayou Adventure</em>. Guests must be 40 inches tall or more to ride <em>Tiana’s Bayou Adventure</em> at <em>Magic Kingdom</em> Park.

<em>Haunted Mansion</em>® at <em>Magic Kingdom</em> Park has no height limit. Guests of any height can ride. View a list of <a href="#magic-kingdom-park">Magic Kingdom height requirements</a> for guests of any height.

Guests must be 35 inches tall or more to ride <em>The Barnstormer</em> at <em>Magic Kingdom</em> Park. This junior coaster is a great first ride for younger kids ready for small thrills.