List of playgrounds/play areas in the parks?

[Surgie2]

Within the last couple of weeks I think I remember seeing a post by someone listing playgrounds and play areas in each of the parks that I meant to save. I have not been able to find it using a search.

Can anyone recommend play areas suitable for 5 year olds when we need a break but don't want to leave the parks? Thanks!

 

[TexasKiwiPrincess]

MK has the Splash Mountain play area and Dumbo. AK has the Boneyard in Dino Land. I think Epcot puts in one or two for F&G? But don't have first hand experience on those. DHS removed the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground and I don't think there's anything comparable in that park. That's all I can think off right now. Hopefully others will have additional info.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

The Boneyard at AK is the most substantial of the 'playground' options, in my opinion. It's a really great spot for all ages. Don't miss the sand/dig area across the bridge, it can be easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for.

At MK, Tom Sawyer Island is sort of like a big playground. The fort in the middle is fun. Be warned you'll be chasing him/her all over the place, lots of caves and tunnels. One negative here is they can get out of your sight quickly.

MK also has a very small play area over near Splash Mountain but it's really for smaller kids, wouldn't be fun for a 5 year old.

The playground on the waiting area at Dumbo is fun, and has A/C!

Those are the top ones that come to mind. Hope that helps!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Also just thinking about Epcot, yes at F&G there are a few play areas around. Also none of these are really 'playgrounds' but many of the rides have play/entertainment areas post-ride that would be somewhat fun for a 5 year old. Places like TT, SSE, the Figment ride, etc all have post-ride entertainment areas. Some hold my DS's attention more than others, so YMMV!

When in doubt at Epcot, I go to the dancing fountains by the Pixar short-film theatre (where Captain EO used to be). That's always good for 15-20 minutes!

 

[RachaelA]

The splash mountain one is for kids who aren't tall enough for the ride. Like another poster said it's very small and it's always been full of crawling/barely walking babies or young toddlers when we've gone.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

My kids' favorite is the Boneyard at AK. It is very expansive and great for both younger and older kids. I like that there is only one entrance/exit.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

My kids' favorite is the Boneyard at AK. It is very expansive and great for both younger and older kids. I like that there is only one entrance/exit.

 

[TravelingTotMom]

I mentioned some in a post within the last week or so:

MK has Tom Sawyer Island, a playground under the railroad station by Splash Mountain and an indoor playground at Dumbo. Epcot has the most - play areas after Journey into Imagination and Mission SPACE (enter through the exit), the aquariums after the Seas with Nemo, the hedge maze in the UK pavilion, the actual cars after Test Track, etc. They also have Kidcot stations where he can color at all of the World Showcase pavilions and the miniature trains in Germany. AK has the Boneyard playground, which is awesome, and my son loves taking the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch, where you can brush the goats at the Affection Section. DHS is tough... there's characters and the Disney Jr. Live on Stage, but we can't spend an entire day in that park with him at this age. Next trip we are only going there for lunch at Sci-Fi (his request) and then hopping to another park."

With 5 year olds, your best bets would be:

MK - Tom Sawyer's Island (skip the little playground by Splash Mountain - they will be too big)

EP - ImageWorks (after Journey into Imagination) and the hedge maze tucked back in the UK (they can run around, you can see the tops of your heads, and if you are so inclined, enjoy a nice cold beer from the stand outside Rose & Crown while they get energy out). The kidcot stations are also a great little break while you are going around the World Showcase, as they can sit and color at each one.

AK- The Boneyard - there are slides, areas to climb, etc. Also, after you enter, make sure you cross over the bridge that goes over the park walkway. They have a "dig site" sand pit with shovels and buckets to use. It's not regular fine sand, so you can easily wipe it off, and it's shaded. There are also misting fans on when it's hot. A train ride to Rakiki's Planet Watch is also a nice break, and after a short walk they can go brush the goats at the Affection Section area (probably one of the cleanest petting zoos in the world).

DHS - nowhere really to play there

 

[Surgie2]

I mentioned some in a post within the last week or so:

Thanks - that's the list I remembered but forgot who posted it.