2 adults and 4 kids under 7, what will they not be able to ride?

[NicoleLarson]

My friend has triplets, she 6, and a 4 year old. Besides height restrictions, which rides will they not be able to ride because they don't have enough adults. For example, 7DMT they all meet the height requirement BUT 2 under 7 can't ride together, right? What else is like this? Dumbo, barnstormer, ariel, Peter pan?

 

[oktxregulators]

Most rides require an adult with a child under the age of 7. I know on Haunted Mansion you can put two children with one adult on the ride as well as Peter Pan.

 

[GWhitten98]

Even without an extra adult in the group they should still be ok if one of the kids is ok riding with a stranger. Our last trip I ended up riding with someone else's child as they were in the same dilemma on 7DMT.. We chatted while in the line together and then DH road with our son and I rode with the other couples son...no issue. They are not going to want o split up a family and definitely don't want to leave a seat empty. I am sure it is like that on most other rides as well.

 

[BrianL]

So, my understanding is that the adult must ride with a child under 7 in the same "ride vehicle" which is defined as an individual unit without coupling. So, for rides that have a train, having an adult sitting behind the children is also acceptable, as long as they are not separated by a coupling. So, 7DMT for example has 4 seats per car, and the adult can ride behind the two kids. On Space Mountain, which has 3 seats per vehicle, you can have 2 kids, then the adult, but not three kids in one vehicle with an adult behind them (2 vehicles make up one train on Space Mountain). Big Thunder Mountain has bench seating that can actually accommodate 3 people if two are children (but also 2 rows per vehicle).

The one ride where this becomes a problem is The Barnstormer, which has only 2 seats per vehicle (each vehicle only had one row, an unusual design). Here it would be impossible to ride all at the same time without additional adults to ride with them.

So, the key is the definition of "ride vehicle." Many people think that you must ride in the same row with a child under 7 but my research seems to show otherwise. I have no first-hand experience with this and your mileage may vary based on the CM. I think you will be fine on 7DMT though.

This is my reference:
http://blog.touringplans.com/2014/0...-vehicles-seating-faq-part-one-magic-kingdom/

On 7DMT (from the above link):
"Note 2: This ride may be problematic for single parents with two small children. While a group of three can all be seated in the same train car, mom/dad cannot be directly next to both kids. Your options are to have the kids sit together and mom sits alone in the row behind, or have mom sit with one child and have the other child sit alone or with a stranger. This may be potentially frightening for a younger child on his first roller coaster. When deciding, questions to ask include: has one of the children already been on the ride, or one that’s similar, and is comfortable with it? Can the children reassure each other if scared? Does the child need to hold hands with or otherwise touch a parent to feel secure? In my family, the solution that worked was to seat mom with the younger or less experienced child in the row directly behind the older child. This way I could place my hands on the head or shoulders of the child in front of me if a comforting touch was required. If your child feels uneasy sitting next to a stranger, ask the load zone cast member to place the child in a row alone."

 

[mikeyg1479]

It all depends on height- 40 inches was a magic number for a lot of the more "actively moving" attractions- my son could finally do Splash Mountain, Test Track, Soaring, Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, Dinosaur, at that height (which he got to just before age 5), which he was not big enough for at age 3. Only big rides I recall he couldn't do were Expedition Everest 44 inches, Mission Space, rock n roller coaster (48 I believe)

 

[KrazeeK120]

It all depends on height- 40 inches was a magic number for a lot of the more "actively moving" attractions- my son could finally do Splash Mountain, Test Track, Soaring, Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Tower of Terror, Dinosaur, at that height (which he got to just before age 5), which he was not big enough for at age 3. Only big rides I recall he couldn't do were Expedition Everest 44 inches, Mission Space, rock n roller coaster (48 I believe)

No, it doesn't "all" depend on height. Children under 7 cannot ride in a car of a ride vehicle alone, as other posters pointed out.

OP - I'm not sure which vehicles have cars that only hold 2 people (one poster pointed out Barnstormer).

On many rides, one adult and 2 kids will fit in one vehicle (doombuggy at HM, clamshell at Little Mermaid, ship at Peter Pan). For the rides that there are only 2 allowed per car (7DMT, for example), I would put 2 of the kids together (still in the same car as an adult), which will prevent any of the kids from having to sit with a stranger. You might opt to have 1 adult and 1 kid in a row, followed by 2 kids, followed by the other adult and 1 kid. This way, the kids will have adults on either side of them, and you know you'll have an adult in the same car as them (either in front of or behind them, depending on how the rows end up split).

 

[ghtx]

The one ride where this becomes a problem is The Barnstormer, which has only 2 seats per vehicle (each vehicle only had one row, an unusual design). Here it would be impossible to ride all at the same time without additional adults to ride with them.

I have been on the Barnstormer when it was just me with two of my kids, both younger than 7. My youngest and I sat in one row, and my oldest sat by himself in the row just in front of us. This was about 3-4 years ago. Maybe the rules have changed, or maybe on that day we had a CM who wasn't enforcing the rules, but that was my experience.

 

[BrianL]

I have been on the Barnstormer when it was just me with two of my kids, both younger than 7. My youngest and I sat in one row, and my oldest sat by himself in the row just in front of us. This was about 3-4 years ago. Maybe the rules have changed, or maybe on that day we had a CM who wasn't enforcing the rules, but that was my experience.

That's interesting. Barnstormer is supposedly the one ride where the adult cannot sit in the row behind, because each row is separated by a coupling. I'd be willing to be the CM just didn't catch it. As I mentioned in my post, I think a lot of this will depend on the CMs working the ride at the time because even with the official rules posted on the Internet, enforcement can be hit or miss.

 

[bumbershoot]

That's interesting. Barnstormer is supposedly the one ride where the adult cannot sit in the row behind, because each row is separated by a coupling. I'd be willing to be the CM just didn't catch it. As I mentioned in my post, I think a lot of this will depend on the CMs working the ride at the time because even with the official rules posted on the Internet, enforcement can be hit or miss.

These super-restrictive rules haven't always been in effect. It's possible the trip 3-4 years ago was before this started.

 

[BrianL]

These super-restrictive rules haven't always been in effect. It's possible the trip 3-4 years ago was before this started.

I didn't know that either. Was there something that precipitated the rules? For some reason I find the safety protocols at Disney Parks fascinating.

 

[Mikie]

PPs have given good explanations of the rules and you can find photos of all the ride vehicles here: http://allears.net/tp/gal_ride.htm to help identify which rides may be an issue

ETA: I think one ride where people have reported trouble is Toy Story. I'd call it "one vehicle" with players sitting 2x2 back to back, but I think I've read threads where the CMs won't let under-7s sit together.

 

[BrianL]

PPs have given good explanations of the rules and you can find photos of all the ride vehicles here: http://allears.net/tp/gal_ride.htm to help identify which rides may be an issue

ETA: I think one ride where people have reported trouble is Toy Story. I'd call it "one vehicle" with players sitting 2x2 back to back, but I think I've read threads where the CMs won't let under-7s sit together.

You are correct. I think it's because the adult would be 100% unable to supervise the children at their back. It's basically like not being there at all. Also, unlike Buzz, TSMM cannot seat 3 (it's a bench seat, but has individual lap bars). This is basically the same situation as the Barnstormer.

 

[DisneyKeepsUsYoung]

I've only ridden TSMM once years ago and don't remember it's exact set up. I had plans to ride it alone with my 2 and 4 year old. The 2 year old will not be able to fire at all so I thought he and I could share like on Buzz. Reading this post makes me doubt this now. Will we not be allowed on as a party of 3?

 

[Mikie]

I've only ridden TSMM once years ago and don't remember it's exact set up. I had plans to ride it alone with my 2 and 4 year old. The 2 year old will not be able to fire at all so I thought he and I could share like on Buzz. Reading this post makes me doubt this now. Will we not be allowed on as a party of 3?

Based on what @BrianL is saying and the photo of the ride vehicle, I am pretty sure you cannot ride as 3.

 

[BrianL]

Based on what @BrianL is saying and the photo of the ride vehicle, I am pretty sure you cannot ride as 3.

I am pretty sure that is correct. TSMM has individual seats and I don't think a child can ride in an adult's lap due to the lap bar. TSMM actually has some rather rough motion when it whips around the corners, unlike Buzz which moves at Haunted Mansion speeds and the spin is rather slow.

EDIT: Actually, I'm going to revise that statement. Per this link (the HS version of the MK one I posted above):

http://blog.touringplans.com/2014/1...n-vehicles-seating-disneys-hollywood-studios/

Toy Story Midway Mania

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3. The ride is designed for two people per vehicle – there are two game controllers. Cast members will usually allow two adults plus a small child, or one adult plus two small children, to ride in one vehicle. Larger adults can be seated in their own vehicle; this is rarely necessary.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 2-3
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: Individual lap bar for each guest
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) into ride vehicle
• Height requirement: None

Stated above, they will let one adult and two small children ride. I haven't seen this in practice and have a hard time envisioning it because of the individual lap bars. If it were one lap-bar running across the entire vehicle, it'd make more sense. Still that guide is pretty reputable and seems to know its stuff. Your mileage may vary on this.

 

[HopperFan]

So, my understanding is that the adult must ride with a child under 7 in the same "ride vehicle" which is defined as an individual unit without coupling. So, for rides that have a train, having an adult sitting behind the children is also acceptable, as long as they are not separated by a coupling. So, 7DMT for example has 4 seats per car, and the adult can ride behind the two kids. On Space Mountain, which has 3 seats per vehicle, you can have 2 kids, then the adult, but not three kids in one vehicle with an adult behind them (2 vehicles make up one train on Space Mountain). Big Thunder Mountain has bench seating that can actually accommodate 3 people if two are children (but also 2 rows per vehicle).

The one ride where this becomes a problem is The Barnstormer, which has only 2 seats per vehicle (each vehicle only had one row, an unusual design). Here it would be impossible to ride all at the same time without additional adults to ride with them.

So, the key is the definition of "ride vehicle." Many people think that you must ride in the same row with a child under 7 but my research seems to show otherwise. I have no first-hand experience with this and your mileage may vary based on the CM. I think you will be fine on 7DMT though.

Have seen it many times, two kids can not sit together on 7DMT unless they are both 7 or over, or one is 14 or over. I've seen them refuse to board families who can't make it work or argue and the train leaves without them. It is often enough I think it's the rule (and verified by other posters), so if folks do get to split then it was a CM not following the rule or not able to judge ages. Do not plan on this one.

No, it doesn't "all" depend on height. Children under 7 cannot ride in a car of a ride vehicle alone, as other posters pointed out.

OP - I'm not sure which vehicles have cars that only hold 2 people (one poster pointed out Barnstormer).

On many rides, one adult and 2 kids will fit in one vehicle (doombuggy at HM, clamshell at Little Mermaid, ship at Peter Pan). For the rides that there are only 2 allowed per car (7DMT, for example), I would put 2 of the kids together (still in the same car as an adult), which will prevent any of the kids from having to sit with a stranger. You might opt to have 1 adult and 1 kid in a row, followed by 2 kids, followed by the other adult and 1 kid. This way, the kids will have adults on either side of them, and you know you'll have an adult in the same car as them (either in front of or behind them, depending on how the rows end up split).

Absolutely correct. There are two sets of rules that must be met.
- First and foremost they must be of the proper height to enter the line.
- Second, children under 7 must sit with someone 14 or older.

I am pretty sure that is correct. TSMM has individual seats and I don't think a child can ride in an adult's lap due to the lap bar. TSMM actually has some rather rough motion when it whips around the corners, unlike Buzz which moves at Haunted Mansion speeds and the spin is rather slow.

EDIT: Actually, I'm going to revise that statement. Per this link (the HS version of the MK one I posted above):

http://blog.touringplans.com/2014/1...n-vehicles-seating-disneys-hollywood-studios/

Toy Story Midway Mania

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3. The ride is designed for two people per vehicle – there are two game controllers. Cast members will usually allow two adults plus a small child, or one adult plus two small children, to ride in one vehicle. Larger adults can be seated in their own vehicle; this is rarely necessary.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 2-3
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: Individual lap bar for each guest
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) into ride vehicle
• Height requirement: None

Stated above, they will let one adult and two small children ride. I haven't seen this in practice and have a hard time envisioning it because of the individual lap bars. If it were one lap-bar running across the entire vehicle, it's make more sense. Still that guide is pretty reputable and seems to know its stuff. Your mileage may vary on this.

TSMM is bench seating. An adult and two young children can sit together but there are only two guns. As a parent I would sit in the middle and let the kids each have a gun. The duel lap bars are to hold the guns as well as keep you in the car.

 

[linzbear]

I am pretty sure that is correct. TSMM has individual seats and I don't think a child can ride in an adult's lap due to the lap bar. TSMM actually has some rather rough motion when it whips around the corners, unlike Buzz which moves at Haunted Mansion speeds and the spin is rather slow.

EDIT: Actually, I'm going to revise that statement. Per this link (the HS version of the MK one I posted above):

http://blog.touringplans.com/2014/1...n-vehicles-seating-disneys-hollywood-studios/

Toy Story Midway Mania

• Seating capacity per row: 2-3. The ride is designed for two people per vehicle – there are two game controllers. Cast members will usually allow two adults plus a small child, or one adult plus two small children, to ride in one vehicle. Larger adults can be seated in their own vehicle; this is rarely necessary.
• Seating capacity per vehicle: 2-3
• Seating surface: Hard bench with back
• Safety restraints: Individual lap bar for each guest
• Boarding procedure: Small step up (less than 12″) into ride vehicle
• Height requirement: None

Stated above, they will let one adult and two small children ride. I haven't seen this in practice and have a hard time envisioning it because of the individual lap bars. If it were one lap-bar running across the entire vehicle, it'd make more sense. Still that guide is pretty reputable and seems to know its stuff. Your mileage may vary on this.

I've done it on more than one occasion. It's not comfortable, and the person holding the toddler doesn't get to play much, but it works.

 

[BrianL]

Have seen it many times, two kids can not sit together on 7DMT unless they are both 7 or over, or one is 14 or over. I've seen them refuse to board families who can't make it work or argue and the train leaves without them. It is often enough I think it's the rule (and verified by other posters), so if folks do get to split then it was a CM not following the rule or not able to judge ages. Do not plan on this one.




Absolutely correct. There are two sets of rules that must be met.
- First and foremost they must be of the proper height to enter the line.
- Second, children under 7 must sit with someone 14 or older.




TSMM is bench seating. An adult and two young children can sit together but there are only two guns. As a parent I would sit in the middle and let the kids each have a gun. The duel lap bars are to hold the guns as well as keep you in the car.

To clarify, on TSMM, it does have a bench, but it does have two individual lap bars. That's where the confusion lies. If it is okay to have a 3rd person, what do they use as a restraint? Is one child on an adult's lap? It seems to be the case that it's okay, it just seems like the ride isn't set up for it.

On 7DMT, I think that the rule is that an adult can sit behind, but CMs are not enforcing it that way. That's why I say your mileage may vary. It would be awful if a family got turned away because of a mis-construed rule though. I think it is the minute detail of these rules that makes me so interested in them. I don't even have kids.

 

[BrianL]

I've done it on more than one occasion. It's not comfortable, and the person holding the toddler doesn't get to play much, but it works.

So, does the child ride in your lap? I'm just curious as to how the lap bar works.

 

[Mikie]

So, does the child ride in your lap? I'm just curious as to how the lap bar works.

Instead of "dine with an Imagineer", you need a "dine with a. . . ride designer?. . . safety guru?" Just putting it out there - I see a good upsell opportunity here