Touring Plans: How to Tour Magic Kingdom with Toddlers
By Julie Elster
Last reviewed: October 2026
Every Disney expert will tell you a good touring plan is essential for making the most of your Disney World vacation. But what exactly is a touring plan? And do I have to follow an exact plan in order to enjoy my vacation? Can I be spontaneous?
What is a Touring Plan?
A touring plan is your itinerary for the parks. I like to have a general idea of my day hour by hour. Keeping it by the hour, instead of, say, 15-minute intervals, gives you room to stop and enjoy things, park your stroller, grab a snack, hit the bathrooms, or whatever!
Do I NEED a Touring Plan?
While it certainly isn't necessary to have a touring plan before you hit the parks, it definitely helps. If you are worried about the lines and the waits at Disney World, having a great touring plan can make all the difference.
What Does a Touring Plan Look Like?
A toddler touring plan at Magic Kingdom covers about three rides an hour from rope drop until lunch. Then you head back to your resort for a nap or a swim, and come back in the late afternoon or evening. My two day plan below starts with Peter Pan's Flight, Winnie the Pooh and it's a small world.
I have put together a basic touring plan for The Magic Kingdom to help you navigate the park and get the most out of your time. These are some of my favorite suggestions that have worked for me and my family. These plans are over 2 days at Magic Kingdom. Grab Lightning Lane rides based on what you and your family like. It is best to arrive at rope drop to make the most of your day!
If you are traveling with older kids as well as a toddler (I feel you.. I have 3 kids and the age gap is 8 years from the oldest to the youngest) you might want to check out the post on rider switch, and then look at our general touring plans so that everyone can enjoy the rides they want.
Day 1 Toddler Touring Plan
1st Hour (Rope Drop)
- Peter Pan's Flight
- Winnie the Pooh
- It's a Small World
Hour 2
- Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Mickey's Philharmagic
- Enchanted Tales with Belle
Hour 3
- Jungle Cruise
- Haunted Mansion**
- Festival of Fantasy Parade
** This ride can be scary for little ones. But you CAN skip the scary intro if you ask a cast member in the line
In my experience (especially with toddlers) this is a great time to take a break for lunch and then a nap back at your resort. My kids like to head back to the hotel to rest and swim. Especially in the extra hot summer months. Everyone can get rested and cool off before heading back to the park for a few more rides and dinner.
As you can see, the afternoons and evenings are open. You can use this time after your rest period to come back to the park and repeat rides that your child loved, or steak out a spot for the fireworks.
Day 2 Toddler Touring Plan
1st Hour (Rope Drop)
- Barnstormer
- Mad Tea Party
- Dumbo
Hour 2
- Tomorrowland Speedway
- Monster's Inc Laugh Floor
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Hour 3
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover
- Repeat rides
- Country Bear Musical Jamboree or Tiki Room
This is a great time to take a break for lunch and then take a break for a nap or swim at your resort before heading back over to the parks in the late afternoon or evening.
This is a plan that I like to use, but you can easily swap out rides for ones that your kids love.
How Do You Plan a Disney Day Around a Toddler's Nap?
Plan your mornings and leave your afternoons open. Arrive at rope drop and do about three hours of rides. Then eat lunch and head back to your resort for a nap or a swim, especially in the hot summer months. After that, come back to repeat favorite rides or grab a spot for the fireworks.
Touring Plans Sound Great, But Can't I Just be Spontaneous?
If you don't think you can get your little ones up and out the door at rope drop, I feel you. I have suggestions for sleep in days as well. And I also suggest planning out your mornings but leaving afternoons open so you can be spontaneous. Kids never cease to change their minds at the very last minute about rides, characters, or anything else they feel like. So having room for spontaneity, or even just to repeat rides the kids love is a must!
If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't worry! When you book with a travel agent they can help you plan your itinerary.
Still Confused or Need Help?
I am happy to help! Contact me.
See you at the parks,
-Julie
P.S. Check out more sample touring plans here!