Height requirements for Orlando attractions

For families considering which Orlando theme park is best for their young children, height can be more of a consideration than age.

Families with smaller children tend to gravitate towards the Disney theme parks because the rides are more accessible to preschoolers and toddlers. A baby can easily enjoy It's a Small World or even the Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom, and there is plenty of stroller parking.

Once children reach 40 inches in height (at least three years old) they can progress to more adventurous rides, like Big Thunder Mountain or Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom, the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios, Test Track and Soarin' at Epcot.

Riders who are at least 44 inches tall will be able to enjoy more rides. A lot of local kids "graduate" to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure once they have had the chance to experience the Disney theme parks. For families wanting to make a trip to one of Orlando's water parks--Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Wet 'n Wild and Aquatica--it is best to wait until at least one of the kids has reached 44 inches and is allowed on some of the rides outside of the kids areas.

The minimum height needed to ride almost of the attractions at Disney, Universal and SeaWorld is 48 inches, although some of the most intense simulator rides at DisneyQuest and the steepest water slides at Wet 'n Wild require at 51 inch height minimum. The Incredible Hulk Roller Coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure has a 54 inch height requirement, and by the time the kids are old enough and tall enough for that ride, Mom and Dad might just be satisfied to let their kids ride Orlando's wildest rides by themselves.