Disney Address & HUGE Stitch Complaint

[Hippychickali]

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.

No, I don't think that you have to have the internet to find out about this stuff. I was using the internet site to show that Disney claims to have posted caution signs in the park.

I'm sorry but I can't see Stitch being any scarier than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad that is in the same category.

The point is, parents do have a responsibility to use discretion even if things are marketed to children. I know there are plenty of toys that are advertised and are made for children that I don't think are appropriate. But ultimately, it is up to me to make sure my children stay away from those things. Disney may need to have bigger and better signs. This may indeed be the case. But they are only good if parents read them and use them as they see necessary for their own children.

Ali

 

[Terry S]

This is so interesting.... I have not been on AE (I felt it would be too scary for myself and my kids) or Stictch (haven't been there since it opened). But, I find it really interesting to read a thread with so many replies that says it is scary and that little kids should not ride it because when it first opened and the height requirement was higher, I remember reading several threads that complained that they should lower the height requirement and let the parents decide if they should take thier kids on it. It is so difficult to please everyone. I was there a few weeks before stitch opened so I can't comment on signs, but beyond posting a few warning signs, I am not sure if Disney can do much more. I do appreciate being able to read stuff like this so that I can make an informed decision about riding and also give my kids some information so they can make an informed decision.

I do have one question. One poster commented putting their hands on their shoulders so the harness doesn't come down all the way. Would others reccommend this? Should I tell me kids to sit up real tall as the harness comes down?

Thanks again for all the information!

 

[disney4us2002]

Wow! Okay avoiding the whole controversy of whether it is too scary or some kids are just afraid of everything, how wet do you get when Stitch 'spits' on you? Kelly Ripa described this ride on Live w/Regis and Kelly earlier this week and claimed to get soaked! I hate getting wet on rides and avoid the obvious wet rides like Splash but how wet is Stitch?

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

I'm glad someone else said it so that I didn't have to. I think the ride is supposed to be scary. Are there really no warnings in front of the actual attraction because there sure are online?

Ali

Yes, there are. I was there opening day, November 16th, first thing in the AM. I had read NOTHING on this ride yet before we went, but when we went on it, I KNEW it wasn't a ride for my DD (age 4).

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

Wow! Okay avoiding the whole controversy of whether it is too scary or some kids are just afraid of everything, how wet do you get when Stitch 'spits' on you? Kelly Ripa described this ride on Live w/Regis and Kelly earlier this week and claimed to get soaked! I hate getting wet on rides and avoid the obvious wet rides like Splash but how wet is Stitch?

Not sure where she sat, but I got a slight spray where I was (top row). I too hate getting wet, but I would hardly call that getting wet.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

I do have one question. One poster commented putting their hands on their shoulders so the harness doesn't come down all the way. Would others reccommend this? Should I tell me kids to sit up real tall as the harness comes down?
Thanks again for all the information!

This is exactly what I did, as I was worried about being confined in the harness. The harness is nothing though IMO! I put my hands up to keep it from coming down on me at all. It stops when it feels pressure. But, one warning, when Stitch comes jumping around, it WILL bring it all the way down on you, so be ready for that later in the "show". It is almost over at that point though.

Also, when you don't let the harness come down, you will miss out on what is being said, as the intercom is IN the harness. So, I pretty much didn't hear a lot that was going on.

 

[DizBelle]

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.

Then it sounds like you shouldn't risk terrifying your child by taking them on it until you learn more about it. Just because it is there doesn't mean you need to experience it.

 

[All Aboard]

Our "nearly 7" year old daughter's favorite WDW attractions are: Rock n Roller Coaster, Space Mountain, Splash, Big Thunder, Mission:Space, Dinosaur and Test Track.

Her response after one time in Stitch, "I'm never going in there again!"

 

[DizBelle]

Wow! Okay avoiding the whole controversy of whether it is too scary or some kids are just afraid of everything, how wet do you get when Stitch 'spits' on you? Kelly Ripa described this ride on Live w/Regis and Kelly earlier this week and claimed to get soaked! I hate getting wet on rides and avoid the obvious wet rides like Splash but how wet is Stitch?

It is just a spray. I was dry before I got back outside.

 

[DizBelle]

For anyone that wants the information, I would say that Stitch is EXACTLY like the old AE attraction was as far as sequence, loudness, and darkness. The only difference is the story line and the alien (it is a cute little stitch now) and instead of terrorizing, he is mischevious. Imagine AE replacing the ugly alien with a cute Stitch. If you don't think your child would be able to handle that, don't take them on the attraction.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Not very wet at all. It's a lot like the effects in the Little Mermaid show or other 3D type shows.


I was there last week and saw several signs. I'm sorry, but if you choose not to read the warning signs, I don't know what else Disney can do. I saw parents dragging terrified kids onto Dinosaur at AK. The little girl behind us on one of our rides was so scared. The whole time in line she cried and begged her mother not to make her ride and the mother seemed to be ignoring her. At the line, the CM asked the mother if she was sure that the child should ride and the mother snapped at the CM.

The poor kid cried through the whole thing and when we unloaded she looked pale and scared. The mom continued to ignore her, at least while we were there. Not a hug or a "see it's not real" or anything. I just wanted to run up and hug the poor little child myself and tell her it was okay and the dinos were gone...

 

[The4OfUs]

One thing to note - there's a difference in scares. Big Thunder Mountain could be a "physical" scare, as you're thundering around the track.

AE is an emotional/psychological scare.

What's worse, the gore of today's horror films, or the suspense of the Hitchcock type? I think that's how I'd compare it.

I went on AE, making fun of it. For some reason, it absolutely terrified me. My husband went on it, terrified even before the ride started. He walked out making fun of it.

THe sensory bits were what got me, and even telling myself it was all an act, I was still completely absolutely in tears terrified, that was my psychological reaction, and I cannot really explain it, as I love scary stuff. But I would not go back on it as AE.

I'm not sure if I'll to it again now or not - my kids are older now, they saw me come out of AE, and they're torn and we'll figure it out when we get there I guess.

I just wanted to point out the different "take" on scares. This one, with all the sensory input like the breathing on the neck, the "blood" dripping down that AE had (although I do not know if that's in Stitch or not, so don't quote me on that one), it all adds up to a completely overwhelming emotional and psychological experience.

This is more "Hitchcock" than "Nightmare on Elm Street", IMO.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

One thing to note - there's a difference in scares. Big Thunder Mountain could be a "physical" scare, as you're thundering around the track.

AE is an emotional/psychological scare.

What's worse, the gore of today's horror films, or the suspense of the Hitchcock type? I think that's how I'd compare it.

I went on AE, making fun of it. For some reason, it absolutely terrified me. My husband went on it, terrified even before the ride started. He walked out making fun of it.

THe sensory bits were what got me, and even telling myself it was all an act, I was still completely absolutely in tears terrified, that was my psychological reaction, and I cannot really explain it, as I love scary stuff. But I would not go back on it as AE.

I'm not sure if I'll to it again now or not - my kids are older now, they saw me come out of AE, and they're torn and we'll figure it out when we get there I guess.

I just wanted to point out the different "take" on scares. This one, with all the sensory input like the breathing on the neck, the "blood" dripping down that AE had (although I do not know if that's in Stitch or not, so don't quote me on that one), it all adds up to a completely overwhelming emotional and psychological experience.

This is more "Hitchcock" than "Nightmare on Elm Street", IMO.

Very well put. Also explains very well why some people (including adults) do not like certain rides. We came off of Star Tours behind a family where the father and small child were laughing and talking about going on again, and we heard the mom say she did not like it and said she'd sit the next ride out.

Personally, I don't like being on rides where things jump out at me. I can't handle most haunted houses ride or walk through, yet the ToT doesn't scare me at all...

 

[rileyroosmom]

I think everyone is missing the point of the OPs post. Disney has rides for everyone, thrill rides and kid rides. I believe when Disney promotes a new ride starring Stitch, a character who has a highly successful kid friendly movie out, people assume it will be kid friendly. Disney lowered the height requirement, so why wouldn't you believe it's for kids. I think the mistake here are the signs aren't specific enough. I think they should state that the rider will be restrained (I think that is what terrified the OPs child) and that there will be long periods of darkness (40 seconds of sitting in the dark is a LONG time!) The poster isn't blaming Disney, she just wants to make them aware of her experience. From what I gather, there hasn't been one person who has anything positive to say about this ride. We were there at Thanksgiving and chose not to ride it. I did speak to many who did and they only had negative things to say about it. Sounds like Disney needs to rethink this ride.

 

[stevenpensacola]

I believe when Disney promotes a new ride starring Stitch, a character who has a highly successful kid friendly movie out, people assume it will be kid friendly. Disney lowered the height requirement, so why wouldn't you believe it's for kids.

Very well put rileyroosmom.

I think that's what we're all trying to say.

 

[Hippychickali]

I would like to reiterate what another poster has already said. Disney lowered the height restriction because the public asked them too. Originially the restriction was left the same as AE.

Ali

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I think everyone is missing the point of the OPs post. Disney has rides for everyone, thrill rides and kid rides. I believe when Disney promotes a new ride starring Stitch, a character who has a highly successful kid friendly movie out, people assume it will be kid friendly. Disney lowered the height requirement, so why wouldn't you believe it's for kids. I think the mistake here are the signs aren't specific enough. I think they should state that the rider will be restrained (I think that is what terrified the OPs child) and that there will be long periods of darkness (40 seconds of sitting in the dark is a LONG time!) The poster isn't blaming Disney, she just wants to make them aware of her experience. From what I gather, there hasn't been one person who has anything positive to say about this ride. We were there at Thanksgiving and chose not to ride it. I did speak to many who did and they only had negative things to say about it. Sounds like Disney needs to rethink this ride.

There is a sign that mentions the darkness and loud noises. I may have even gotten in it in one of my photos from my trip last week. I'm not sure offhand if it mentions the restraints...

 

[NotUrsula]

I always just *loved* the campiness of AE; it was one of my favorite experiences because it made me laugh out loud all the way through.
Without "XS", it won't be campy anymore, so I'm not anticipating liking it nearly as much.

I do know that the seat configuration upsets a LOT of people. I believe that there should be a tester seat mounted outside of the ride in the line area, with instructions on why it is needed and how to make sure the harness does not become too tight.

It might also be a good idea to impose a surprise blackout in the pre-show room for a few seconds; the CM could then point out that if that darkness was a problem, it would be a good idea to bail before entering the final stage of the show.

 

[roadtripper]

Just went to Stitch last weekend--
What a lame attraction. Cheesy effects, cheap humor of farting or burping or something, and not a single redeeming quality. I know I'm going to have to bring my DD10 so she can see for herself, but it is literally the WORST attraction I have ever experienced at any theme park. Not a ride, either, for those who are interested-- unless the Tiki Birds is also a ride...

 

[Lives4Disney]

I am sorry for the OP's little girl. What a bummer. I can totally understand your experience. We did Stitch first thing when we arrived at the MK. What a DUMB ride. It would be scarey for most liitle kids, I think. I spent most of my time trying to reassure my brave 4 year old. It is dark, dumb, and basically pretty pointless. My kids got panicky when it was totally dark and the shoulder harnesses were bouncing down on us. I actually was pushed farther down in my seat (very slouchy) and uncomfortable and a bit claustrophobic for the rest of the "ride". It isn't a ride at all, by the way. It was awful. I wouldn't waste my time again. You have to do it once, I guess, just to see what others are talking about. It is a Disney disappointment.

Stitch is a kids' movie and they should have made the "ride" more kids friendly.

Just my opinion.