6 and 4 years old- fine for Haunted Mansion with some prep?

[nessz79]

I guess I'm always confused by these posts - if child is afraid, why bother? My DD5.5 has been to WDW 7 times and we have never gone to HM. She isn't naturally afraid of much, but the whole concept of ghosts and hauntings is very confusing to her, so we don't visit HM and we won't until kids are much older. Not saying this is the case with OP, but it`s kind of selfish, IMHO, to become annoyed or angry with young children because they get frightened of certain rides or attractions.

Good luck to OP, Tiger

Thanks. I posted to look for opinions on people's experiences with sensitive children and the HM. I personally would never force my children on a ride they didn't want to ride. Like I said, I don't want my kids to have nightmares, which could happen if he wasn't ready. He has a very active imagination.

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks. I posted to look for opinions on people's experiences with sensitive children and the HM. I personally would never force my children on a ride they didn't want to ride. Like I said, I don't want my kids to have nightmares, which could happen if he wasn't ready. He has a very active imagination.

I am sorry if I misunderstood, but if he has an active imagination and is sensitive, I'm thinking it wouldn't be a good idea at all. This is my nieces who are 8 & 10, and we still haven't brought them to WDW for this reason.

I wish you luck, Tiger

 

[bjscheel]

I've never been on it, but DH took DD10 on it while DD7 and I sat in the rocking chairs. DD10 didn't think it was a very good idea afterwards! She has no desire to repeat the experience. I'm not sure she was actually scared, or just found it unenjoyable.

 

[LuvBaloo]

We've taken DD on it at 4, 5, and 6. She's never been scared of the actual ride portion, but does NOT like the elevator to get on the ride. She needs to be held for that so she feels safe, then the rest is okay.
At 4 we went when it had the Nightmare before Christmas overlay, and she really loved it. She had never seen the movie, but ended up buying a Sally doll, and we rode HM repeatedly that trip.

 

[srwarden1928]

I went on Haunted Mansion at six (almost) many years ago. There was no prep to do, as my parents were first time WDW visitors. (The place had only been open about four months.) I loved it. It was a favorite. So was Snow White, which lots of people mention as scary. Both are dont miss rides to me.

 

[ktlm]

Well...I can tell you that I was sensitive about scary things as a kid, and at around 7 years old I had to be evacuated from the stretching room through the chicken exit. Back then the CMs wore these top hats and big vampire capes and I was about as scared to follow the guy through the dark to the exit as I was of the ride. I don't think the ride would have bothered me nearly as much as that first room. I don't think I had nightmares though. My Dad pushed me to try it. I would say if he wants to try it let him go (especially if he has watched it on youtube and thinks he can handle it), but if he is resisting, don't push.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

I cannot wait to ride HM when we get there in May. My kids are 12, 9, 7, and 4. We are all going on the HM. It's something I keep talking about, and they know I am super excited to go on it. So they are not associating it with something that they may not like. My kids pretty much like creepy stuff though. I really don't think that is a ride that would give kids nightmares. It seems to be more fun than scary. My 7 yr old is the only one of my kids that gets scared easily, and I would never force her to go on, but I will try to bribe her if I have to. I would never do it with a rollercoaster or a Haunted House on Halloween, I'd only do that if I know that they will be fine. And I think they will. Good Luck and Happy Haunting.

 

[nessz79]

I am sorry if I misunderstood, but if he has an active imagination and is sensitive, I'm thinking it wouldn't be a good idea at all. This is my nieces who are 8 & 10, and we still haven't brought them to WDW for this reason.

I wish you luck, Tiger

Wow, I wouldn't not bring my children to WDW for that reason. We've been 3 times to the Magic Kingdom and there is so much more. My oldest is the sensitive one and we've done all kinds of rides that he has loved. He loves Splash Mountain, BTMRR, Buzz Lightyear, and other things that I originally thought he wouldn't like. But kids can surprise you!

 

[nessz79]

We've taken DD on it at 4, 5, and 6. She's never been scared of the actual ride portion, but does NOT like the elevator to get on the ride. She needs to be held for that so she feels safe, then the rest is okay.
At 4 we went when it had the Nightmare before Christmas overlay, and she really loved it. She had never seen the movie, but ended up buying a Sally doll, and we rode HM repeatedly that trip.

Thank you- I think if he decided to ride HM, we would have Daddy hold him and I would hold the 4 year old. I personally don't love the stretching room due to mild claustrophobia. Maybe holding the kids would distract me and also make them feel better.