Disney Address & HUGE Stitch Complaint

[robinb]

They have been promoting the heck out of this ride on the Disney Channel. I knew that my scardy-cat 5 year old DD wouldn't like the ride. No Haunted Mansion, no Pirates, no Snow White, no Big Thunder, no Spash Mountain, no Goofy's Barnstormer & no Test Track for my daughter! But, she has been watching the ads and yesterday she asked me if we could go on the ride. We TIVO'd the ad, so we were able to replay it, complete with the harness and she still said she wanted to go. After this thread, I think we'll pass.

 

[lark]

That sounds like a horrible experience. Sounds like she came out of it like a trooper -- the "time out" thing is funny. Maybe it will ultimately have some positives.

It's just a good reminder though that it is incumbent on parents to learn what they can about attractions at any theme park before taking their kids inside them, particularly preschoolers. I guess I can't argue with more explicit warnings, especially on a ride that has a big goofy cartoon character out front. But ultimatley, I don't think anyone wants there to be a park that has only attractions that will be tame for preschoolers. (Well, Legoland in California I guess is a park built exclusively for 3-5 year olds.) In my opinion, at least, it's kind of up to us parents of preschoolers to do our own research -- in that regard, I find the unofficial guide to be a great resource for figuring out which rides might raise a red flag.

 

[DMRick]

I was on it this weekend. I hated it, as did the other people with us. I didn't like having the bars come over my head, making me feel trapped (I was unable to raise the bar, once it came down on my shoulder..and it was very incomfortable), the feeling of having no control, and the wailing of kids was pitiful. I think it's as bad as the old ride..I had thought they were making it more kid friendly, but I think they wasted their money on the makeover.

 

[queenof2princesses]

I am so sorry that you all had to go through this, but really appreciate you posting your experiences. There is no way I will allow my DD"S 4 & 7 to go on. AE was gross and I can imagine this couldn't be much better. It is really a shame since both dd's love stitch! The loud noises, dark, and harnesses should really be considered when making a kid's attraction. Thanks all..

 

[Hippychickali]

The loud noises, dark, and harnesses should really be considered when making a kid's attraction.

I'm not sure why people assume that this was made to be a kid's attraction. I mean, the majority of attractions in MK have character theming but that doesn't make the "kids rides".

Ali

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm not sure why people assume that this was made to be a kid's attraction. I mean, the majority of attractions in MK have character theming but that doesn't make the "kids rides".

Ali

I agree that we should 'do our research' when it comes to attractions for our kids. But I think most people felt it was safe to assume that 'Stitch' was going to be appropriate for the whole family when they lowered the height restrictions and hyped it to such an extent as more family oriented. Stitch is primarily a 'kid' type character. That's why so many would assume that it would be a kid type attraction.

When we were there, we didn't run into a lot of screaming and upset kids. Yes, my own dd, 11, was somewhat uncomfortable with the whole thing. She called it lame and said it was a good thing she had gotten over the whole dark and loud noise thing. (her words, not mine!)

 

[laurabelle]

Why do they have restraints on this attraction?

 

[Belle1962]

If it is like the old AE there is a way out--the restraints do not lock--you can slide out--under the restraints- from your seat (if you're tall it may be uncomfortable and you end up kneeling on the floor) and exit through a door (they do not lock). Of course this will let light in and "disrupt" the experience for others but I do know you can do this. (Of course--you didn't hear it from it me wink wink) IF you think you are going to do this then you have to get a seat at the end of a row (next to an aisle) and next to the doors. The CM's will tell you that you can not exit once the experience starts and if you start moving around the room in the dark they will stop you. This only worked for us because we sat on the end of a row and didn't have to cross over any people to get out. HOWEVER if you're so sure you will need to do this, the attraction probably isn't for you anyway. What we do with my niece now is--everyone else got in the attraction and while they experienced AE we had a Mickey Bar--she could get a Mickey bar and FINISH it before they go out of the attraction--it was her special treat--she got a Mickey bar and they got the attraction.

 

[LibertyBelle]

Why do they have restraints on this attraction?

2 reasons...Beacuse there is complete and total darkness and if the restraints where not there the potiential is there for people to try and leave, which could be very dangerous in a completely dark environment... And because the effects are loaded into the restraints... It is the same as Alien Encounter, and Mission to Mars (both previous rides at this location,neither of these "needed" restraints).

As for the original poster, I agree with Both sides... I think that Disney is partly responsible as they need to make sure that you are VERY aware of what is going to happen, after all to have a child terrified of everything after riding that is not "the Disney way"... However every child is different and what scares your child will not scare another of the same age. It is like the Haunted Mansion people always ask (worked there for 3 years) "will this scare my child" and the answer always is I don't know it depends on your child. I have seen 5 year olds ride it a bunch of times and 10 year olds leave crying...everyone is not going to like everything. The height requirement was a HUGE issue for Stitch. They did a survey over the course of a few days. They brought Cast members families in as well as picked people at random from the park (all that had smal children) and they had them ride, they did a survey at the end to find out what height and age the ride should be set at based on the reactions of these children... again what scares your child, will not scare other children, ultimatley you have to read the warnings, ask the question (ride first if you have to) and make sure it is suitable for your child.

I hope that she is doing better and that it doesn't have a lasting affect on her. When I was 8 I rode Space Mountain a bunch of times... One time while waiting in line I actually looked up...Boy was I a hysterical mess in the line when I realized that those green flashes of light were the cars speeding by "all the way up there"... I was crying and screaming and yelling at my dad... which of course he didn't understand since we had already ridden a bunch of times and I loved it...

 

[Leota]

The restraints provide some of the effects.

When we were there in late Oct & the ride wasn't officially open yet, I could see the warning signs. If you choose to ignore the signs or to not try the ride first to gage it's suitability for your child, the onus is on you. Parents have the responsibility of making decisions for their kids, not Disney (or any other company)

I scared the heck out of my son on his first trip to WDW - I took him on HM at 3.5 - It wasn't Disney's fault, it was mine.

Now my son is a 16 year old who wonders why every attraction in the MK has to be "kid-friendly". MK is a Family place - families have older kids in them. Older kids like different rides than the little guys. Heck, us adults do too. Why shouldn't there be rides that appeal to older age groups as well. If Disney doesn't, they are losing alot of the 15-30 age group to IOA/Universal.

 

[Gillian]

I think it's good to let Disney know that you were unhappy with this attraction, the way it was promoted, and the lack of warnings around it.

Not everyone who goes to Disney researches it on the internet beforehand. Most won't even read a book. There should be enough information available at the parks. It's up to Disney to let parents know what to expect so they can make an informed decision.

I am pretty sure we will not take our 4 year old on Stitch. The harness is the main problem. In any other dark ride we can put our arms around him or put him on a lap. I think he would be scared being restrained like that.

 

[Hippychickali]

I think it's good to let Disney know that you were unhappy with this attraction, the way it was promoted, and the lack of warnings around it.

Not everyone who goes to Disney researches it on the internet beforehand. Most won't even read a book. There should be enough information available at the parks. It's up to Disney to let parents know what to expect so they can make an informed decision.

Disney does have some responsible but that doesn't take a parent off the hook. I think Disney does a reasonable job of warning parents but they can't possibly tell every parent how their individual child will react. In the case of Stitch, from what I've heard, there are written warnings. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Ali

 

[k_k_100]

Wow! All I wanted to do was share my experience and get an address. I feel that Disney does need to know if a guest has a bad experience – how else will they improve? I did not see the multitude of signs that many have spoken about. When I complained upon exit the CM even admitted that they needed better signs. In our case dd is not afraid of the dark or loud noises. As stated before she does not mind Haunted Mansion, Pirates, she was even fine in Maelstrom.

2 yr. olds generally have not developed the ability to distinguish fantasy from reality while experiencing it. The majority of children are 35 inches when they are 2 years. Disney has promoted this ride as being different from Alien Encounter – THEY have advertised that it is now “kid” friendly. They lowered the height requirement to emphasize this point. Some children will be just fine on this ride (although I believe very few 2- early 3 yr. olds will be). For a child who is 2-3 they actually believe this is really happening to them. It is very different from Haunted Mansion, etc. in the fact that they are not just observing the scary things – they are participating in them. It is much more intense to have a creature breathing, spitting & jumping on you!

As for “escaping” the ride I was afraid to get dd to slide out. I was not sure what would happen next. If you are on a roller coaster you NEVER slide out of the restraint – no matter how frightened you are! It is very dark and not safe to just walk out. In Hindsight I should have tried harder to get the attention of the CM’s during the quieter times. I was just so concerned w/ dd and trying to comfort her. Hindsight is always 20/20.

I am 100% for rides at Disney that are more adult oriented. I am 100% for parents making their own decisions re. their children and what is appropriate for them. I believe Disney has a responsibility to inform guests that a ride featuring a cute cartoon characater that is promoted as being revised to be appropriate for children might not be good for the very young. Sending a letter to Disney sharing a negative experience just might help them make an already wonderful place even better.

 

[Gillian]

Disney does have some responsible but that doesn't take a parent off the hook. I think Disney does a reasonable job of warning parents but they can't possibly tell every parent how their individual child will react. In the case of Stitch, from what I've heard, there are written warnings. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Ali

That's why I said they need to tell people about the attractions so the parents can make an INFORMED DECISION. Of course parents know their kids best, but if they don't know that the attraction is very dark and everyone has to wear a harness, they might not think it will be a problem.

If the OP didn't see any signs or warnings, then there may not be enough for other people to see either. I haven't been there myself, so I don't know exactly what is there.

The OP should let Disney know that (in their family's opinion) there were not enough warnings to make them think twice about taking a 3 year old on the ride.

 

[Hippychickali]

I believe Disney has a responsibility to inform guests that a ride featuring a cute cartoon characater that is promoted as being revised to be appropriate for children might not be good for the very young. Sending a letter to Disney sharing a negative experience just might help them make an already wonderful place even better.

Well, I certainly hope that others do not have this same experience and that your little one is alright. Stitch is not a good ride for the very young. Disney makes this crystal clear by categorizing it as "Mild but Wild Thrills" on its website instead of "Fun for Little Ones". (Attraction Listing) They also claim on the Stitch's Great Escape! page:

Stitch's Great Escape!™ has long periods of darkness and loud explosions. Please read the posted caution signs before entering the attraction.

I'm not sure what more Disney could do, unless they are lying about their posted caution signs.

Ali

 

[stevenpensacola]

I'm not sure why people assume that this was made to be a kid's attraction. I mean, the majority of attractions in MK have character theming but that doesn't make the "kids rides".

Ali

This is where I have the problem, Disney's been pushing this ride on THE DISNEY CHANNEL, which, last time I checked, is mostly watched by LITTLE KIDS. Of course they're going to want to see Stitch.

Sure they have the warnings, but who really reads those. It's like the warnings on a pack of cigarettes.

 

[beattyfamily]

Unfortuately, I think Disney missed the ball on this attraction and it was a BIG disappointment for my whole family. DH, my 8 year old and I thought it stunk and had no plot or storyline and the ending seemed anti-climatic. My 5 year old HATED it and cried the whole time. I had an idea of what it would be like from reading spoilers on it but my 5 year old didn't and because it was a 'stitch' ride and her older sis was going on it, she begged me to let her go on it so against my better judgement we took her on it. Big mistake. I blame myself for that. I should have gone with my gut instinct.

BUT the ride is a huge disappointment and I really believe if we all (who don't like it) complain enough, maybe they can improve it.

It is NOT appropriate for little ones who don't like total darkness, loud noises, and getting wet! My DD hates all three of those things.

We won't be going on it again unless we hear that they tweek it and changed it for the better. I was SO bummed about it. I was SO excited to go experience it and was SO disappointed. It seems like it was a huge waste of time and money making the changes...IMHO.

 

[Hippychickali]

Sure they have the warnings, but who really reads those. It's like the warnings on a pack of cigarettes.

Yes but is that really Disney's fault. I mean, if you choose to ignore the warnings on Mission: SPACE and get ill, would you blame Disney? This is like people who sue the cigarette company for harming their unborn fetus by smoking because they ignored the warnings.

I heard that the ride stinks too and there is a thread on the Rumours and News board about them closing it down for renovations in the new year. I have no doubt that the reviews are probably right.

Ali

 

[k_k_100]

Ali -
The fact that Disney advertises this ride as "Mild but Wild" is very disturbing. There is nothing Mild about this ride. In no way does it compare to the other rides listed in this catagory.

If Disney expects you to use their web site as the primary guide to their rides they should provide internet access for every one of their guests - or at least let us know we need to check the internet before going on any rides. We did not have internet access for the 2 weeks prior to our trip. The ride was so new when we left on our vacation there was very little written about it.

 

[MelessaG]

I wasn't at all impressed by Stitch for many of the reasons the OP listed and me and my 7 year-old agreed that once was enough when we did it. BUT, my four year-old son begged DH to take him on it again, and would have gladly done it several more times if we had let him. So with kids, it really is "each to his/her own." I'm sorry for the OP's little girl, though. That breaks my heart.