As Christians, Any WDW attractions to AVOID?

[DVCLiz]

Well said, Erika. Also, in terms of the Norway ride, my understanding is that the "beasts" in the ride are based on ancient Norwegian mythology, not on modern American fundamentalist beliefs. There are many other instances of the respectful portrayal of an individual country's historic belief system - are all of these off limits to a Christian of the belief system with which you identify? I'm having a hard time understanding why Mother Willow is such a bad guy....

 

[Stitch1962]

Well said, Erika. Also, in terms of the Norway ride, my understanding is that the "beasts" in the ride are based on ancient Norwegian mythology, not on modern American fundamentalist beliefs. There are many other instances of the respectful portrayal of an individual country's historic belief system - are all of these off limits to a Christian of the belief system with which you identify? I'm having a hard time understanding why Mother Willow is such a bad guy....

Mother Willow stems from ancient Native American beliefs. There is nothing wrong with that.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Also, in terms of the Norway ride, my understanding is that the "beasts" in the ride are based on ancient Norwegian mythology, not on modern American fundamentalist beliefs. There are many other instances of the respectful portrayal of an individual country's historic belief system - are all of these off limits to a Christian of the belief system with which you identify? I'm having a hard time understanding why Mother Willow is such a bad guy....

That's why I think the entire World Showcase would have to be avoided for this family. Really all of Epcot entirely. It's a shame because it's a great learning experience for adults and children.

 

[momx2]

I am a born again Christian. I take no offense to any of the rides or shows at WDW. If there is anything I disagree with I use that as a teaching moment. I believe that my children will be worse off in life without seeing things other than just what I believe. Children must be taught that there are different people with different beliefs that must be respected. Besides, my kids know that Soccer Mickey is all make believe anyway! That's what makes WDW so special, the ability to absorb all the make believe and MAGIC for a week or so. I honestly don't think the OP will enjoy her trip if she is worried all week about what to avoid, IMHO.

If you do go, have a great time.

 

[estnh]

Hello Joy Just wanted to let you know that the DIS doesn't discriminate against posters based on religion. Anyone is free to respond to your question regardless of their religious affiliation. If you are uncomfortable reading responses from people outside of your religion then I would suggest finding a different community to post with. We here at the DIS come from all walks of life and I personally take offense to your posting requirements. What would you think if someone requested only white people respond to their thread? Or only African American people can respond? Or only heterosexual people can respond? That is just not allowed here.

Agree TigrLvsPooh. Some of these posts are astounding. Has anyone ever looked in a childs face in the morning as they start up Main Street and got their first glimpse of the Castle?

How can anyone take one of the happiest and most innocent places on the planet and turn it into some sort of fearsome fountain of temptation that must be scouted and categorized as to its moral fiber?

If someone really feels this way, they do not belong in Disney World, nor do I understand why they would even consider going.

 

[ashjohnson80]

I just don't know why someone would spend that much on a vacation and only be able to experience a tidbit of it because they are scared of being offended. The slogan of Disney World is "where magic lives" and if you think that "magic" is a evil thing then why would you want to go to Disney. I am a Christian by the way but I don't see anything offensive at all at any of the parks. It's probably the least offensive place I've ever been in my life.

 

[Stitch1962]

Holy Land is just down the street... of course, they don't have any rides.

 

[crisi]

Not Christian myself, but their are depictions of non-Christian religions and/or magic as well in Mexico (the ride and the "country" itself is a Mayan temple, Japan has a Shinto shrine and China a Buddhist temple (IIRC), that some people may not be comfortable with. All these are well "out in the open" and really can't be avoided. The Kali river rapids is at least named for the Hindu Goddess of Distruction, and the Asia trail is filled with the "ruins" of Hindu temples.

Personally, I find other guests give me more to pause about than what Disney presents to young people (we are fairly liberal people). It isn't uncommon to see young teens walk around in short shorts with "sexy" across the back end (I understand Disney has decided this is inappropriate theme park wear, which is nice in my mind), belly shirts and hip huggers with their boyfriends hand in their back pocket. Nor have I ever been where I haven't heard someone use what I consider "inappropriate in front of small children" language (although I have convinced my own children that Mom yells "Shoot" when she drops something - I myself am not perfect). Disney is a popular destination for couples of all sexual orientations year round, some of whom the phrase "get a room" would apply to (if seeing a same sex couple holding hands will bother you, WDW is never a good choice, regardless of time of year). At the same time, we've seen very conservatively dressed guests that I assume are Amish or Mennonite, as well as conservative Jews and Muslims.

I, too, recommend a good guidebook (the Wiley one is an excellent suggestion) with detailed descriptions of each ride. Each person has an individual comfort level (whether because of Christian beliefs or for other reasons - I know non-Christians with more conservative ideas of what they will expose their kids to than some Christians). I know many Christians who I'd whole heartedly recommend Disney to, and others that are not going to find much that isn't offensive in some manner. The posting requirements you have set out make me believe you are the latter, and that you are not going to find your vacation enjoyable.

 

[Chuck S]

If someones belief system can be offended, shaken, or questioned because of simple exposure to a 15 minute theme park attraction, their faith isn't very strong to begin with.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Some of these posts are astounding. Has anyone ever looked in a childs face in the morning as they start up Main Street and got their first glimpse of the Castle?

How can anyone take one of the happiest and most innocent places on the planet and turn it into some sort of fearsome fountain of temptation that must be scouted and categorized as to its moral fiber?

If someone really feels this way, they do not belong in Disney World, nor do I understand why they would even consider going.

This really sums it up perfectly.

 

[DVCLiz]

momx2 - "Soccer Mickey" LOL!!! I know what you meant...just teasing!!!!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I know lots of "Born Again" Christians and they go to EVERYTHING at Disney. However, you might remember that the Southern Baptist Convention voted to boycott the whole place so maybe it's all or nothing?

I'm Southern Baptist and I still go.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I saw that too and giggled. The dreaded Soccer Mickey!!!!

 

[Gymbomom]

Gymbomom- Of the list you made, are there any attractions that your Mom wouldn't do again? Or has avoided altogether? You mention the Dragon in Norway...that's something I didn't know and exactly what kind of info I'm looking for.



Joy

No, she would never ride Norway, Fantasmic, she does not like Spectromagic after she saw it once. Doesn't like the tiki room because of the tiki gods, POTC doesn't bother her. She mainly does not like spirits, ghosts, goblins, sorcery, etc. She does like Philarmagic, she did not like all things about it, but thought it was neat enough to accept the good with the bad. The things in epcot on evolution does not bother her as she knows all her children know what is right concerning that stuff. Her children range in age from 13 - 33. But, my children are younger and we homeschool, so we always have to discuss this after rides because my dd has never heard any of those things before.
She does not ride Universe of Energy because of Ellen.
She does let my 2 youngest siblings do Tower of Terror, but I would consider on the same lines as Haunted Mansion.
She will not go on Cranium Command and Making of me in Wonders of Life.
My mothers advice has always been, you know right from wrong, and you are already a believer, but be careful with your children seeing and viewing different things as they have not made their decision yet to follow Christ. you would never want to influence them wrongly or make wrong lasting impressions on them.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

She does not ride Universe of Energy because of Ellen.

 

[Aquagirl]

I am a born again Christian. I take no offense to any of the rides or shows at WDW. If there is anything I disagree with I use that as a teaching moment. I believe that my children will be worse off in life without seeing things other than just what I believe. Children must be taught that there are different people with different beliefs that must be respected. Besides, my kids know that Soccer Mickey is all make believe anyway! That's what makes WDW so special, the ability to absorb all the make believe and MAGIC for a week or so. I honestly don't think the OP will enjoy her trip if she is worried all week about what to avoid, IMHO.)

I agree with momx2, you cannot shelter your children from others beliefs. It should be used as a teaching tool so that children understand our differences.

I am sure that your children understand the differnce between real and fantasy, if not discuss it with them.

Fantasmic is Mickey's DREAM it is not real. I

f you feel that you have to avoid everything that is fantasy and a non-christian belief, then maybe you should not go. As other posters have stated you would have to avoid MGM, much of MK, parts of future world in Epcot, some of the countries in Epcot since not all of the countries are christian, attractions at AK, plus there are temples and other statues of idols throughout Asia.

 

[robinb]

My mothers advice has always been, you know right from wrong, and you are already a believer, but be careful with your children seeing and viewing different things as they have not made their decision yet to follow Christ. you would never want to influence them wrongly or make wrong lasting impressions on them.

For some reason I am reminded of mushrooms .

 

[momx2]

OHHH, "Soccer Mickey" Ooops! I've been in bed all week with the flu, what do you expect! I'm lucky to type my own name at this point. Did I say I teach my children???? Oh, my......

 

[bytheblood]

I think my username should tell you my belief. I love WDW and do not see anything offensive about it. While I do agree that there are things that would oppose Christianity, such as evolution, ghosts, sorcerers and dragons, I do not avoid WDW because those are not my beliefs. However, with that being said, I, as a parent, find it to be my responsibilty to teach my child truth and tell her what is real and what is not.

Sure, there are things I disagree with, but it is all make believe. If I feel that something I am going to do will offend my Lord, I will just have to make the choice not to do it.

Best wishes to you in your decisions.

 

[CarolA]

Well reading this I decided I should encourage this line of thinking... If everyone avoids all those things you guys have listed think how short the lines will be for the Episcopalians like me! LOL

(I actually find the idea behind Holy Land just too strange for me to go... I feel like it is turning the life of Jesus into a sideshow, but that is just me.)